Legal support volunteer volunteer roles in willesden, greater london
Do you believe in a future where no animal suffers for science?
Do you have spare time you can volunteer to make a difference to the lives of animals and humans?
If so, we would love you to consider being one of our new trustees.
At Replacing Animal Research, we’ve been working for over half a century to replace the use of animals in research. We have significantly contributed to the development, and uptake, of non-animal methods by:
- Empowering scientists with our educational opportunities.
- Funding exciting research aimed at replacing animals and improving human healthcare.
- Collaborating with policymakers to ensure more rigorous policy on the use of animals in science.
Our mission is to ensure scientists use non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing. It’s a better future for animals and humans. For us to achieve this, we need to ensure that Replacing Animal Research is a resilient organisation with sufficient skills, support, and income to continue its work in the long term. Our trustees are critical to the future of the organisation.
We are currently seeking more trustees to strengthen our board by providing strategic and governance support. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with an interest or experience in scientific and medical research and testing and the development of non-animal methods. We’d also be interested in hearing from anyone passionate about eliminating animal use in research. We encourage applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race. We are looking for trustees who can demonstrate:
A commitment to our purpose and aims and the strategic vision to support the Replacing Animal Research's future development.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the charity. (Please see below for more details on the time commitment).
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
- Sound, independent judgement and the ability to challenge constructively.
- The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and make decisions for the good of the charity.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A full induction is provided for new trustees as well as ongoing CPD opportunities and support. The role of trustee requires an annual time commitment of around 8 working days which works out around 5 hours per month. This includes:
- Preparation for and attendance at 6 general board meetings, which are held remotely.
- Preparation for and attendance at sub-committee meetings as appropriate.
- Between meetings, trustees may be asked to contribute to discussions via email or ad hoc telephone conferences on specific issues.
- Trustees may be asked to sit on or contribute to other project groups or activities from time to time.
- Attendance at 1 or 2 in-person board away days.
For more detailed information on being a trustee for Replacing Animal Research please take a look at our Trustee Role Description.
To apply for this opportunity please do so via Charity Job and submit your CV and a supporting cover letter. Please detail why you are interested in the role and how you can fulfil the role requirements and be an ambassador for Replacing Animal Research. Please ensure you read our Trustee Role Description and refer to this in your application.
Thank you for your interest in working with Replacing Animal Research and we look forward to hearing from you.
Benefits
The role of trustee is voluntary but travel and subsistence expenses are covered as required.
Notes
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in the week of 23/06/2025 and successful candidates will be invited to attend the next Replacing Animal Research board meeting as an observer on 17/07/2025. Full details will be given to candidates nearer the time.
We’re a charity working tirelessly to build a world where no animal suffers for science.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Introduction
Do you care about the future of the countryside in North and East Yorkshire? Do you have skills and experience in in policy development in or for Local Authorities that you could bring to our work? CPRE North and East Yorkshire are looking for a Trustee and Local Authority Communications Lead to contribute to our important work protecting our beautiful local countryside and green spaces.
Who we are
CPRE campaigns nationally and locally for positive solutions which safeguard the long-term future of our precious countryside which is facing multiple threats. At national level, the charity produces in-depth research and sound arguments to press government, Parliament and other decision-makers to support our countryside, be it national landscapes or simply much loved local green spaces, through policies which ensure:
- The right development in the right place
- Active support to improve biodiversity and
- Countryside protection from climate change impacts and contribution to climate change solutions.
Here in North and East Yorkshire, the largest of the CPRE regions (6,900 square miles!), we have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to help shape development in ways that enrich the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.
The role
Our small but energetic team of volunteer Trustees enable people to protect the countryside they love and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live. But with your support we can do even more!
In joining us as a Trustee on the Board you’ll have a general role in developing the charity in line with our strategy and, together with other Trustees, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and other legal and governance regulations. However additionally as our Lead for Local Authority Communications you will use your particular knowledge of policy development in this arena to inform and guide the Trustee Board on Local Authority campaigning and coordinate and drive forward related activities to meet agreed aims.
+Trustees initially serve a three-year term and may serve up to six years in total.
What we need and what’s in it for you
You don’t need to have prior Trustee experience but we are looking for applicants with manager/senior level experience in policy development in Local Authorities and/or as policy advisor to Local Authorities. By volunteering with us you’ll be using what you know to help find positive solutions for the major issues facing the countryside and the environment as well as being part of a group of people who share your passion for the countryside. Our friendly team will provide you with initial training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership. Further information on role responsibilities and our skill requirements are provided in the supplementary documents available on our application website, CPRENEY.
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!
Lead the Way: Become Our Volunteer Chief Operating Officer at SUNSHINE!
Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for orchestrating impactful change? SUNSHINE—a soon-to-be registered charity dedicated to combating loneliness and building stronger communities—is seeking a visionary Volunteer Chief Operating Officer to join our journey. In this role, you will work closely with our Founder and CEO to set up, streamline, and manage operations, laying a robust foundation for a transformative organization.
About SUNSHINE
At SUNSHINE, our mission is to illuminate lives by forging genuine connections and building vibrant communities. As a grassroots initiative in its early days, we are preparing to officially register as a charity. We strive to spark joy, connect isolated individuals, and foster an environment where everyone feels they belong. Your operational expertise will be key in transforming this ambitious vision into lasting impact.
Your Role as Chief Operating Officer
As our Volunteer COO, you will serve as the operational catalyst behind SUNSHINE. Your mission will be to ensure our internal processes and teams are aligned with our values and ready for growth. Working hand in hand with the Founder and CEO, you’ll be responsible for creating an efficient, agile, and sustainable operational framework.
Key Areas of Impact:
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Operations Management: Develop and implement streamlined processes and systems that support the day-to-day management and long-term growth of SUNSHINE.
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Strategic Planning: Collaborate with leadership to create and execute both short-term and long-term operational strategies that drive our mission.
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Team Coordination & HR: Oversee recruitment, team building, and HR functions, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
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Resource & Project Management: Ensure optimal allocation of resources, monitor project timelines, and drive the execution of key initiatives.
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Risk & Compliance Oversight: Identify operational risks and establish robust controls to ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory standards.
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Innovation & Efficiency: Constantly seek and implement innovative solutions to enhance workflows, improve processes, and boost overall efficiency.
What We’re Looking For
We’re searching for a proactive leader who embodies operational excellence and a passion for community impact. The ideal candidate will have:
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Proven Operational Experience: A background in operations management, strategic planning, or project leadership, with a preference for experience in start-ups or non-profit environments.
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Strategic & Analytical Insight: A knack for designing effective strategies and a keen eye for continuous improvement.
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Passion for Community: A deep commitment to social impact and the belief that every operational decision can drive transformative change.
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Collaborative Nature: Exceptional communication and teamwork skills to work seamlessly with the Founder, CEO, and our passionate team.
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Adaptability & Resilience: The ability to thrive in a dynamic, evolving start-up setting, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
Why Join SUNSHINE as Our Chief Operating Officer?
Taking on the role of Volunteer COO means more than managing operations—it’s about steering the future of a movement dedicated to connection and community well-being. By joining our leadership team, you’ll:
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Shape Our Future: Influence crucial operational decisions that lay the groundwork for a sustainable and impactful charity.
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Drive Innovation: Be at the forefront of implementing creative solutions that enhance efficiency and elevate our mission.
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Grow Professionally: Expand your operational and leadership skills in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
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Experience Deep Fulfillment: Enjoy the satisfaction of directly contributing to a cause that transforms lives and fosters lasting community bonds.
Ready to Lead the Charge?
If you’re excited to shape an organisation at its very inception and use your operational expertise to create sustainable social change, we want you on our team. Join SUNSHINE as our Volunteer Chief Operating Officer and help us build the foundation for a brighter, more connected future.
Welcome to SUNSHINE—where every strategic move lights up lives and communities.
SUNSHINE is London based dedicated to bringing people together, fostering connections, enhancing wellbeing and transforming lives.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Play a key role in shaping the future of student leadership and organisational culture by joining NUS as an HR Committee Member.
We’re looking for three passionate individuals to help guide our approach to people, policies, and workplace culture. Whether your background is in HR, workforce development, or you bring a fresh perspective and lived experience, your input will help us build a supportive, inclusive environment for our staff and volunteers.
As an HR Committee Member, you’ll contribute to vital areas such as staff strategy, diversity and inclusion, policy development, and organisational culture. You’ll work alongside values-driven colleagues committed to making a real difference across the student movement.
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
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Financial oversight, audit, or risk management
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Human resources, recruitment, or EDI expertise
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Legal, strategic, or governance experience
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Communications, campaigning, or public affairs knowledge
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Experience in the charity, education, or membership sectors
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A collaborative and values-led mindset
We are committed to equality of opportunity and especially encourage applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in committee roles and the wider voluntary sector.
Why volunteer with us?
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Help shape the student movement and the future of education
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Influence decisions affecting millions of students
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Work with experienced, passionate, and supportive colleagues
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Develop your leadership and governance skills
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Make a meaningful contribution to social change
You’ll receive a full induction, ongoing support, and all reasonable expenses covered—including travel and accommodation when needed.
To apply, please send your CV (or a link to your LinkedIn profile) and a short covering letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and what you would bring to the role.
Apply by Thursday 12 June 2025, 12 noon.
If you’d like an informal chat about the roles before applying, we’d love to hear from you.
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!
We are looking for volunteers interested in working with young asylum seekers and refugees to support our weekly youth club in Croydon, ‘Merhaba’. Merhaba Youth Club is a safe space where 18-25 year old refugees and asylum seekers living in contingency accommodation can come to socialise with their peers, develop friendships, build a better understanding of their rights and entitlements, gain new skills and access 1:1 support.
The club runs on Tuesdays, 2.30-5.30pm, and we ask that you come to Merhaba at least three times each month and attend the whole session. The role involves supporting staff to set up and deliver activities – including 1:1 English and games – as well as administrative support.
To work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support.
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 My Black Dog, we provide free, anonymous and judgement-free peer support for those struggling with their mental health. Our volunteers have been there, they’ve faced their own challenges and truly understand what it’s like. Through real conversations, we offer empathy, hope, and a safe space to be heard. No stigma, no pressure, just people who get it, ready to listen. We are now looking for someone with experience of fundraising to join our Trustee team.
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!
IvybridgeLink the charity for the BridgeLink Community Centre is looking for trustees with a passion for social justice, a concern for under represented groups and the willingness to support our staff in developing activities and services for our diverse local community. Useful previous experience would be: fundraising, governance and compliance, community work, education, human resources, IT, buildings management, food and catering.
JOB DESCRIPTION FOR CHARITY TRUSTEES
Overall Purpose
The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity Ivybridgelink, supporting its values and developing the organisation's aime and objectives.
Main Responsibilities
- To ensure that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector continually striving for best practice in governance.
- To uphold the aims and objectives of the charity IvybridgeLink:
- To promote learning and educational achievement
- To encourage pathways into employment
- To support healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing
- To offer opportunities for recreation / leisure activities
- To build a positive sense of community
- To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.
- To follow non-discriminatory and non-judgemental practice, and adhere to the confidentiality policies and procedures.
- To ensure the charity complies with regulatory requirements, as laid out in the governing document.
Main Duties
- 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 meet the needs of local residents.
- Overseeing sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objectives, and investment activities meet accepted standards.
- Overseeing recruitment processes following safer recruitment procedures.
- Monitoring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources.
- To follow the IvybridgeLink confidentiality policy and maintain absolute confidentiality regarding all information shared or received.
- An understanding and commitment to equalities issues in relations to working in the community.
- Support the centre’s management team to deliver projects and run events
Accountable to:
As the board are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity,they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including: service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. Close attention must be given to the governing document to ascertain the type of organisational structure and the range of interested parties.
Please let us know why you would like to be a trustee and what you feel you could offer.
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!
Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.
All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around.
One of the greatest challenges for many older people is access to suitable transport. As we age, our mobility decreases and sometimes we can lose confidence in our ability to leave the house independently.
Our network of volunteer drivers provide a vital lifeline to many older people to help them get out and about and keep them connected with their local community.
We are able to provide transport to and from Link Age Southwark social groups. This role is all about providing an unhurried door-to-door service on either a regular or one-off basis.
This role requires:
- owning a car with a full and clean driving license and suitable insurance cover (most insurance companies are charity friendly - we can help verify your car use if required)
- ensuring the vehicle you are driving is safe and legal
- sufficient fitness to drive - please inform us if there are any issues that may affect your driving ability
- patience and understanding towards the needs of older people, particularly those with mobility issues
- attendance at a volunteer induction and other relevant training opportunities
- completion of a full Disclosure Barring Service and character reference check
- a commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health and safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality & diversity
Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.
We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.
Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around.
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!
Join Manor Gardens Welfare Trust (MGWT) as a Trustee and play a pivotal role in empowering communities to thrive. Help us deliver innovative, culturally competent services tackling inequalities and improving lives across Islington and beyond.
MGWT has been at the heart of community support since 1913, continuously evolving to meet contemporary challenges. Our dynamic hub in Upper Holloway supports over 2,600 people annually, promoting health, wellbeing, and social inclusion among diverse, underserved communities. Our services include multilingual advocacy, mental health support and therapy services, youth service provision as well as chairing Islington's award-winning Food Partnership working for a sustainable food system in the borough.
Although MGWT is a local charity, we have a notable track record of innovation and wider impact. We pioneered the first LGBTQ+ youth group in Europe and launched the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Our groundbreaking work continues to inform practices and policies at both local and national levels.
We are particularly seeking trustees with skills in fundraising (including expertise in securing grants from trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, statutory funding, legacies, and major gifts), Human Resources, and communications. Knowledge, experience, and a thorough understanding of the charity sector are essential, alongside a demonstrable commitment to our values. Previous board experience is desirable but not essential. We particularly welcome candidates with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address, including socioeconomic inequality, mental health, and the asylum process.
Trustees commit roughly 6 hours monthly, guiding strategic direction, ensuring effective governance, promoting equality and inclusion, and serving as ambassadors for MGWT’s vital work.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re looking for a new honorary treasurer who will work closely with the chair of the business management and finance committee to advise the trustee board on all aspects of business management and finance matters related to the work of Girlguiding Scotland.
The honorary treasurer will contribute to the delivery of Girlguiding Scotland’s strategy as a member of Girlguiding Scotland’s trustee board and the business management and finance committee.
As honorary treasurer you will have oversight of the finance function, provide guidance on matters of finance and investments to the trustees, and work closely with the finance manager and with the chair of the business management and finance committee (BM&F committee).
As a trustee you will be an active member of the Girlguiding Scotland trustee board which is chaired by the chief commissioner. The board focuses on the strategic direction and current performance of Girlguiding Scotland ensuring we continue to develop in response to member needs.
The key skills and attributes that we’re looking for in an honorary treasurer:
- Experience of setting and monitoring investment strategies and supervising the performance of a significant investment portfolio.
- Experience of reporting to board level, audit and knowledge of charity SORP (FRS102).
- Experience of preparing budgets and forecasting, management accounting and statutory financial reporting.
- Ability to work and join meetings remotely using a variety of technology and the ability to access papers and information online (instructions and support will be given).
- Eligibility to become a trustee in Scotland.
The following would be an advantage:
- CA, CIMA, ACCA, ACA or other similar qualification.
- Experience of working with volunteers.
- Ability to think of the bigger picture for the benefit of members and potential members across Scotland.
- Approachable, open minded and flexible, with the ability to work with others.
- Excited to be part of shaping the future and responding to challenges.
- Capacity to be proactive and involved in building relationships with key volunteers and staff to facilitate the work between meetings.
We’re for all girls and we want Girlguiding Scotland to be a safe and welcoming space for every person that wants to join us. Our volunteers should be as diverse as the girls that we support and inspire, which is why we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. In particular, we would welcome applications from people with disabilities and individuals from ethnic minority groups.
Headhunting Global Talent and Leaders for Non-Profits, NGOs, BCorps, & Corporate organisations who make a positive impact on the planet.
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!
Merton Mencap is a leading local charity in the London borough of Merton. Formed over 70 years ago, we support children, young people and adults with a learning disability and autism and their families by providing a range of services and activities. Our teams of staff and volunteers are hugely dedicated to providing the highest quality support for local people.
The charity is led by its Executive Committee comprising 8 trustees and the Chief Executive, who meet 6 times a year to ensure the organisation is carrying out its charitable aims.
We have an exciting volunteer vacancy of Treasurer, who will also be a trustee. The Treasurer works alongside the Finance Manager and Chief Executive to provide mentorship, expert accounting advice and guidance, and chairs our Finance Committee.
All our volunteers receive the charity's mandatory training and support from our team.
Supporting children, young people and adults with a learning disability and/or autism and their parents and carers to live full and rewarding lives


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 exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking to recruit 2 new trustees. We are looking to diversify the experience and expertise of our Board, and we believe that there are people out there who have knowledge, skills and passion in different areas that will help SWWB. Areas for organisational development include:
· Embedding lived experience expertise into the design, delivery and evaluation of our work
· Developing our campaigning and strategic work
· Building up our social media and comms presence
· Stepping up our fundraising game
If you think you can help with any of these things (or something else), and you are interested in being a trustee, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Board of Trustees.
Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.
The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a day a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work.
If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.
Please see the job pack attached for full details and apply via the portal by 31st July 2025.
We exist to give unemployed women the clothing, coaching and confidence they need to succeed at interview and get the job.




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!
Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you!
STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for our new Co-Chair of Trustees. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation and be able to commit to at least 2 years in the role.
We are in particular looking for applicants who:
- Have lived experience
- Have HR experience
- Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
- Have charitable fundraising experience.
Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged.
Role Description
To provide strategic oversight of:
- STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law;
- STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
- Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives;
- The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
- Monitoring and reporting of financial information;
- STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
- Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.
Also to:
- Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
- Attend and prepare for board meetings
- Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
- Approve accounts
- Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
- Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.
Specific responsibilities of the Co- Chair
- Ensure the proper management of board meetings, including setting agendas in consultation with the Director, chairing meetings, facilitating discussions and decision;
- Oversee the administration and coordination of any sub-committees;
- Monitor implementation of board and sub-committee decisions;
- Take "Chair’s action" between meetings, where an immediate decision is required;
- Serve as line-manager to the Director, and conduct regular planned supervision and appraisal;
- Represent Board as required to the public or external parties such as funders and government; and
- Keep other officers fully informed so that they can deputise if necessary
- Working alongside and in collaboration with the other STAR trustee co-chair, sharing responsibilities and ensuring excellent communicative shared working.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
- A commitment to STAR’s values
- An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
- Integrity and good independent judgement
- Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
- Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
- Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.
Desirable
Five years experience in one or more of:
- Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
- Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
- Charitable fundraising;
- Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
- Organisational development, growth or change;
- Human resources;
- Financial management/accountancy;
- IT;
- Negotiations;
- Marketing and public relations;
- Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
- Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
- Campaigning;
- Social Media/ Communications
About Student Action for Refugees
STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive.
Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by:
- empowering young people to be changemakers;
- providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects;
- challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK;
- Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation
We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.
Here are just some of our highlights from last year:
- 37 STAR university student society groups, across 28 towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders.
- 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
- 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events.
- 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
- 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of university staff.
- 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
- 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.
If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.
Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025
Interviews: Rolling
Who They Are
This organisation welcomes refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants who have been displaced from their countries of origin. Leaving home due to war, persecution, or incarceration demands remarkable courage and resilience. For many, arriving in London is just the beginning of a long and complex journey toward achieving settled status and a decent quality of life.
Rooted in the local community, the Centre provides practical support, advocacy, and a sense of belonging to those navigating displacement and rebuilding their lives in a new country.
The Role: Trustee
The Centre is seeking 2–3 new trustees to join its Board and help guide the next chapter of its work. The current Board brings a broad range of expertise, including charity governance, public service leadership, strategy, and fundraising. The organisation is looking for individuals whose skills will enhance and complement the strengths of the existing trustees.
The Centre is led by CEO Andy Ruiz Palma, who first joined the team in 2000 as an English teacher. He now oversees a dedicated staff team and a committed group of around 40 volunteers who deliver services directly to clients. Additional support is provided by professional fundraising and accountancy teams.
What They Are Looking For
New trustees should bring:
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A strong empathy with the Centre’s client group and mission
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An understanding of how to support community-rooted organisations
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Excellent communication and team-working skills
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Relevant experience working with marginalised communities, whether in a frontline, policy, or governance context
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Or personal lived experience as a refugee, asylum seeker, or member of a marginalised community
The Centre welcomes applicants who may be new to trustee roles, and offers mentoring and support to help them succeed. The organisation is especially keen to hear from candidates with skills or experience in one or more of the following areas:
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Finance/Accountancy (to act as deputy to the current Treasurer Trustee)
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Human Resources (HR)
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Fundraising
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IT and Data Management
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Lived Experience as a refugee or migrant
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a compassionate and community-driven organisation supporting displaced people in London.