Legal volunteer roles in essex, east of england

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Content Writer
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in writing, critical analysis, and reserach.

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail.

• Ability to write clear, engaging, and well-researched articles for various audiences.

• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple writing assignments.

• Passion for contributing to social impact and supporting charitable initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Content Creation:

  • Write a minimum of 2 written articles per month for the charity’s blog, Intersections, newsletter, or other communication channels.

  • Research and produce content on topics that align with the charity’s mission and goals.

  • Produce a minimum of 1 Access Series article per month.

  • Ensure that all written materials are on-brand, consistent in tone, and relevant to the target audience.

• SEO & Optimization:

  • Apply SEO best practices to all written content to maximize reach and engagement.

  • Optimize articles for readability, clarity, and search engine visibility.

• Editing & Proofreading:

  • Review and revise your own content, as well as provide feedback on content produced by others.

  • Ensure all content is grammatically correct, coherent, and polished before publication.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure a consistent upload schedule.

  • Contribute and attend all meetings for the Content Creation Team and directions from the Director of Content Creation.

  • Meet all given deadlines on time and consistently.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in content writing, storytelling, and digital marketing.

• Opportunities to build your research portfolio with real-world projects that align with a meaningful cause.

• Certification of participation at the end of the volunteership.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

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:

• Operations Management: Develop and implement streamlined processes and systems that support the day-to-day management and long-term growth of SUNSHINE.

• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with leadership to create and execute both short-term and long-term operational strategies that drive our mission.

• Team Coordination & HR: Oversee recruitment, team building, and HR functions, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• Resource & Project Management: Ensure optimal allocation of resources, monitor project timelines, and drive the execution of key initiatives.

• Risk & Compliance Oversight: Identify operational risks and establish robust controls to ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory standards.

• 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:

• 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.

• Strategic & Analytical Insight: A knack for designing effective strategies and a keen eye for continuous improvement.

• Passion for Community: A deep commitment to social impact and the belief that every operational decision can drive transformative change.

• Collaborative Nature: Exceptional communication and teamwork skills to work seamlessly with the Founder, CEO, and our passionate team.

• 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:

• Shape Our Future: Influence crucial operational decisions that lay the groundwork for a sustainable and impactful charity.

• Drive Innovation: Be at the forefront of implementing creative solutions that enhance efficiency and elevate our mission.

• Grow Professionally: Expand your operational and leadership skills in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

• 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.

Founded in 1997, the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants provides a place for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum to rebuild their life with support and community. From classes to casework to financial assistance, the Centre has a wide offering available for our community of over 200 people. Our approach is compassionate and human and the support we offer is long term - on average people stay with us around four years.

The current Board brings a wide range of charity and public body experience including strategy and fundraising and we are looking for skills to both enhance and complement these strengths.

The Centre has a dedicated and talented staff team led by our CEO, Andy Ruiz Palma, who joined in 2000 as an English teacher. In addition to this staff resource we have around 40 volunteers who provide direct support through activities. We also have in place accountancy support to the executive and a dedicated fundraising team.

We are looking for people who can demonstrate a strong empathy with our client group and who understand how to work with organisations rooted in a local community. You will bring excellent people and communication skills and demonstrate good team-working.

You will demonstrate this through your experience working with marginalised communities (either in a frontline operational role, a policymaking role, or on the Board of another organisation) or personal lived experience as a member of a marginalised community.

We are open to applications from people looking for their first Trustee role or who may not have considered being a Trustee before and will provide mentoring to help trustees find their feet.

We are looking to recruit 2- 3 new trustees and have a strong preference for any of the following or a combination of these skills:

• Finance/Accountancy qualification – we have an excellent Treasurer Trustee and are looking for a deputy
• HR
• Fundraising
• IT/Data management
• Lived Experience as a refugee or migrant

HOPE not hate Charitable Trust’s vision is a world without hate and we achieve this by supporting initiatives challenging far-right hate and building hopeful alternatives for communities. We are a fundraising and grant making Trust.

We are keen to hear from candidates who share our passion and vision; who can reflect the diversity of the communities we work with; and who can apply their skills and expertise to help us reach our goals.

About us

HOPE not hate Charitable Trust, which was formerly known as Searchlight Educational Trust, was created in 1992 and over the years has raised over £20m to pursue its mission. In 2022, it changed its remit from being a conventional Charity, employing staff and running programmes, to become a fundraising and grant making Trust. HnHCT primarily supports the work of HOPE not hate Ltd, but it can also make grants to other organisations which meets our charitable objectives.

The Trustees meet four times a year to review the fundraising targets and ensure the grant made to HOPE not hate Ltd is being spent effectively and within our charitable objectives. One of these meetings is a joint away day with the Directors of HOPE not hate Limited, where the two bodies and the Senior Leadership Team of HnH Ltd discuss the state of hate in the UK and priorities for the forthcoming year.

If you’re passionate about challenging the far right and building hope in communities, and would like to use your expertise to help us do both, we would welcome you to apply to become a Trustee.

Trustee role description

The role of a Trustee is to ensure that HOPE not hate Charitable Trust delivers on our mission, vision and values.

Duties:

· Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

· Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. its memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

· Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public

· Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

· Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

· Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

· Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

· Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

· Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Person specification

· A commitment to the organisation

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

· Strategic vision

· Good, independent judgement

· An ability to think creatively

· A willingness to speak their mind

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

· An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Roles we are seeking to fill

As well as being passionate about our cause and committed to our mission and values, at this time, we are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who can bring one or more of the following:

· Financial management skills to the board, helping to guide and support the charity’s operational finances.

· Experience in fundraising and networking

· Charity leadership including governance

· Experience in and/or and understanding of the communities susceptible to far right hate 

It is not essential to have sat on a board before. In fact, we actively encourage those who are passionate about our work and will bring new perspectives.

We welcome applicants from all communities, backgrounds and geographies in order that we reflect the diverse nature of the people we serve and who support us.

If you are interested in discussing the role further, please get in touch and we’ll arrange an informal chat with a member of our team to find out more.

The Role of an HNHCT Trustee

This is a voluntary role requiring attendance at four board meetings and one in-person away day per year.

While meetings are currently virtual, we hope that in the future we will be able to meet in person at least twice a year in London.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

We are seeking to recruit a Vice Chair and four Trustees to join us to help us achieve our ambitious goals for a fairer and more effective criminal justice system.

The Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA) is a network of 200+ organisations and academics working towards a fair and effective criminal justice system. Working with our members, the CJA brings together a broad and diverse range of expertise across the sector, championing and elevating the voices of those directly impacted by the criminal justice system. 

We are in an exciting time of growth and development as we continue our ambitious and much-needed work, focusing on systemic change, constructive criminal justice journalism, race equity and lived experience leadership. 

The CJA is committed to achieving greater diversity in its trustees and staff, particularly as there are issues affecting individuals from non-majority backgrounds across the criminal justice system. We actively encourage applications from minority ethnic communities and people with protected characteristics. We also welcome applications from younger people and from first-time trustees.

This is a voluntary role without remuneration. However, travel expenses as well as other reasonable and necessary costs incurred (including childcare), as part of official Trustee business, will be reimbursed. We will also provide suitable training and mentorship for first-time Trustees.

For more information about the role, please see CJA Trustee Appointment Brief.  

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. 

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field. While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

About the Role

The ePDP Programme Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP) and managing the ePDP Liaison. This position ensures the successful delivery of the ePDP, aligning it with organisational goals and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. The Programme Manager will work closely with senior leadership, Heads of Department (HoDs), and the ePDP Liaison to design, implement, and refine the programme, ensuring it meets the needs of participants and the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Oversight of the ePDP

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the ePDP, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

• Collaborate with the Director: HRBP, Legal, IT & ePDP to define programme goals, KPIs, and success metrics.

• Continuously evaluate and refine the programme to address emerging needs and industry trends.

2. Team Leadership & Management

• Manage and mentor the ePDP Liaison, providing guidance and support to ensure effective programme execution.

• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture, encouraging innovation and accountability.

3. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Heads of Department (HoDs) and external partners to ensure programme relevance and impact.

• Act as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders, providing regular updates on programme progress and outcomes.

4. Programme Design & Implementation

• Oversee the design and delivery of ePDP content, ensuring it meets the developmental needs of participants.

• Coordinate with internal and external facilitators to deliver high-quality training sessions, workshops, and resources.

• Ensure the integration of feedback from participants and stakeholders to enhance programme effectiveness.

5. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track participant progress and programme impact.

• Analyse data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

• Prepare comprehensive reports for senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

6. Communication & Advocacy

• Promote the ePDP across the organisation, ensuring high visibility and engagement.

• Develop communication strategies to highlight success stories and programme benefits.

Required Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align the ePDP with organisational goals and adapt to changing priorities.

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven experience in leading and mentoring teams to achieve results.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional relationship-building skills to engage and influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.

• Project Management: Strong organisational skills to manage complex programmes, budgets, and timelines.

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate programme vision and outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

• 5+ years of experience in programme management, learning and development, or a related field.

• Experience in designing and implementing professional development programmes.

Overview

The Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes (TASO) is an affiliate What Works Centre, and part of the UK Government’s What Works Movement. Our vision is to eliminate equality gaps in higher education (HE). Our mission is to improve lives through evidence-informed practice.

TASO was set up in 2019 and became an independent charity in April 2021. Our work focuses on the generation, synthesis and dissemination of high-quality evidence about effective practice in widening participation and student outcomes. We primarily focus on developing and disseminating causal evidence. 

We are now looking to appoint new Trustees to take TASO forward into its next phase of development and ensure we are an effective and impactful organisation. This is a great time to join us on our journey, offering the opportunity to contribute to shaping and developing an organisation that has the potential to transform lives.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people who are values-led with wide-ranging experiences across different sectors who can bring a different way of thinking. Above all, our Trustees will be passionate about what TASO is striving to achieve.

We are looking for a number of new people with the following professional experience to join our Board:

• Finance and accountancy
• Risk
• People
• Charity and/or company law

We expect the time commitment to be a day a month. This will include quarterly meetings, occasional considered input into working groups and attendance at sector events.

We are looking for one, or more, of our new trustees to sit on our finance and risk committee. 

You do not necessarily need to have any experience of being a trustee; TASO will give you a full induction and support to help you develop into this role.

We are committed to diversifying the Board and welcome applications from people whose identities are currently under-represented on the Board: LGBTQ+ people, disabled people and Black, Asian and minority ethnic people.

For a confidential discussion about the opportunity please contact: Omar Khan CEO of TASO

For more information on the role please visit the TASO website

How to apply 

To apply, please visit the TASO website

Deadline for applications: 9am Thursday 22nd May

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Join Us in Shaping the Future as Treasurer of Vision Care for Homeless People!

Are you passionate about ensuring everyone has access to essential eye care services, regardless of their circumstances?

Are you a finance professional eager to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness?

If so, we invite you to consider becoming Treasurer of VCHP, where we're dedicated to providing vital eye care to those in need.

About Us:

At VCHP, we believe that everyone deserves the right to clear vision and eye health. Since 2003, we've been on a mission to provide comprehensive eye care services to individuals experiencing homelessness across the UK. From eye exams to prescription glasses, we're committed to ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to their vision. Now, as we look to the future, we're seeking a finance professional to join our board and help to ensure the charity’s financial viability.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, who is skilled at bringing financial information alive to non-finance specialists.

We're particularly interested in candidates who are willing to play an active role and who possess one or more of the following skills and experiences:

• Essential: Charity finance or sound commercial experience: To ensure we operate under sound financial principles.
• Strategic thinker: Able to balance risk and opportunity.
• Clear communicator: Able to bring financial information alive to non-finance specialists
• Hands on: Willingness to play an active role in forecasting, setting budgets and liaising with auditors
• Lived Experience of Homelessness or Experience as a Service User: To offer first-hand insights into the needs and challenges of our service users.
• Charity Law and Compliance: To ensure that we operate in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Policy Development: To develop robust policies and be prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the board.
• Digital Skills: Able to adopt and adapt to new IT and finance software.

By adding a new treasurer with these specific skills to our board, we aim to enhance our capacity to fulfil our mission and  serve our community more effectively. Have a look at the full role description, which outlines essential skills and responsibilities.

Why Join Us?

• Make an Impact: As Treasurer and a Trustee, you'll make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve and contribute to positive change in our community.
• Professional Development: Joining our board offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, including leadership development, networking, and learning from experienced colleagues.
• Be Part of Something Meaningful: Join a dedicated team of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference and creating a brighter future for VCHP and those we support.

If you're ready to embark on this rewarding journey and help shape the future of VCHP, we'd love to hear from you!

How to Apply

To apply, kindly detail your alignment with the desired skills and experiences and articulate your motivation for seeking the role of trustee at VCHP within a concise response of no more than 2 pages. Please accompany this with your CV, if you have one, sending both documents to Anna Campbell.

If you want to learn more or have questions before applying, please contact Anna, who will be happy to assist you.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload, or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact Anna who will be happy to advise on this.

Closing date for applications: 7th May 2025.

Interview dates: June/July 2024.

While this role can be carried out remotely, please note that there will be one annual face-to-face meeting

Join Our Founding Board of Trustees at SUNSHINE

Are you a visionary leader ready to steer transformative change? As we launch SUNSHINE—a soon-to-be registered charity committed to combating loneliness and forging genuine human connections—we invite experienced, passionate individuals to become our inaugural Board of Trustees. Your strategic guidance will be essential in shaping our future and ensuring we launch with the highest standards of governance and impact.

About SUNSHINE

At SUNSHINE, we believe that every person deserves to feel connected and valued. Our grassroots initiative is designed to spark joy, foster community, and provide innovative solutions for social isolation. As we prepare for official registration and set our mission in motion, your leadership will play a critical role in defining our direction and legacy.

Your Role as a Trustee

As a founding member of our Board of Trustees, you'll be at the helm of SUNSHINE's strategic evolution. Your insights and expertise will ensure we build a robust framework for success, guiding us through the essential stages of registration, compliance, and sustainable growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Define SUNSHINE’s vision, mission, and long-term strategy as we transition from start-up to impactful charity.

• Governance & Accountability: Establish and uphold the highest standards of ethical practice, legal compliance, and financial oversight.

• Risk & Opportunity Management: Identify potential challenges and opportunities, ensuring the charity's resilience and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

• Resource Development: Oversee funding strategies and resource management, laying the financial groundwork that supports our mission and future growth.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with key partners, sponsors, and the community to drive collective impact.

• Charity Set-Up: Guide and lead on the formal processes including registration with the Charity Commission, HMRC account set‐up, and the development of robust operational policies.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking dedicated trustees with:

• Proven Leadership: Demonstrated expertise in governance, strategic planning, or financial stewardship within charitable or non-profit settings.

• Vision and Passion: A genuine commitment to community well-being and a passion for creating systems that empower and connect individuals.

• Innovative Thinking: The ability to adapt to the dynamic nature of a start-up charity, balancing bold ideas with meticulous attention to detail.

• Collaborative Spirit: A willingness to work closely with a diverse team and an openness to new perspectives that drive collective success.

• Commitment to Excellence: An eagerness to shape policies, uphold accountability, and be instrumental in building a sustainable and far-reaching organisation.

Why Join SUNSHINE’s Board of Trustees?

Becoming a trustee with SUNSHINE is more than a role—it’s a chance to craft a legacy. By lending your expertise at this pivotal stage, you will:

• Shape the Future: Directly influence the strategic direction and governance of a charity dedicated to changing lives.

• Build a Legacy: Contribute to a foundational framework that ensures our long-term success and impact on community well-being.

• Drive Innovation: Help steer a dynamic start-up environment where every decision you make contributes to groundbreaking community solutions.

• Experience Deep Fulfillment: Enjoy the profound satisfaction of making a lasting difference while collaborating with like-minded leaders committed to social change.

Step Into Leadership with SUNSHINE

If you’re ready to bring your wealth of experience and passion for impactful change to an organisation poised to transform communities, we invite you to join our inaugural Board of Trustees. Help us lay the cornerstone for a future where every individual shines with the light of connection and empowerment.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—where visionary leadership creates brighter tomorrows.

Join Our Ground-Breaking Adventure with SUNSHINE!

Are you fueled by passion, creativity, and a desire to make a real difference? We’re a brand new start-up—soon to be officially registered as a charity—and we’re building something extraordinary from the ground up. SUNSHINE is on the hunt for visionary volunteers ready to help us create a future where genuine connection lights up every life.

About Us

At SUNSHINE, we believe that human connection sparks transformation. We’re at the very beginning of our journey, tackling loneliness and social isolation with innovative, community-based projects. As we set the stage for our registration as a charity, every idea and every effort counts in charting a path to a more connected, joyful world.

Your Role on Our Charity Start-Up Committee

Step into a pivotal position as a Committee Member on our Charity Start-Up Committee of SUNSHINE. Help us shape our vision and lay the essential groundwork for a charity that will change lives. Your expertise will guide us through every challenge as we build our operations from scratch.

Key areas where you’ll make your mark:

• Strategic Visioning: Craft and refine our mission, vision, and operational strategy.

• Networking & Advocacy: Forge partnerships, rally stakeholders, and broaden our impact.

• Fundraising & Financial Planning: Drive creative fundraising strategies and oversee financial sustainability.

• Governance & Compliance: Ensure we establish ethical, legal, and best-practice frameworks as we prepare for official registration.

• Risk & Innovation Management: Help us navigate uncertainties and pioneer new ways of working.

• Charity Set-Up: Play a hands-on role in registering with the Charity Commission, setting up necessary HMRC accounts, and managing other key start-up tasks.

What We’re Looking For

We need dynamic changemakers who are excited about being part of a revolutionary journey from day one. If you have a passion for community, connection, and innovation—and expertise in areas like governance, fundraising, marketing, project management, finance, HR, or other relevant fields—then you’re exactly who we need.

• Visionary Outlook: Embrace the flexible, evolving nature of a start-up environment.

• Team Spirit: Collaborate with a dedicated, compassionate team determined to make a difference.

• Problem-Solving Attitude: Bring fresh ideas and an entrepreneurial mindset to overcome challenges as they arise.

Why Become a Founding Volunteer at SUNSHINE?

This isn’t just volunteering; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be at the heart of a movement. By joining us, you’re not only supporting a transformative cause—you’re helping to build a legacy of kindness and empowerment.

• Be a Pioneer: Directly influence the birth and growth of a charity designed to tackle isolation.

• Grow with Us: Develop leadership skills, build lasting connections, and thrive in a collaborative environment.

• Make an Impact: Experience the deep fulfillment that comes with creating brighter days for individuals and communities.

• Shape History: Help lay the cornerstone for a future where everyone truly belongs.

Step Into the SUNSHINE!

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute your skills to a start-up that’s set to redefine community connection, we’d love to have you on board. Let’s create a legacy of warmth, empowerment, and connection that transforms lives—starting now.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—where your journey to illuminate others begins!

Job description - Trustee

We are a successful and professionally run charitable preschool at the heart of Walthamstow with a strong ethos and excellent reputation. We’re here to make sure everyone has access to high quality and affordable early years education and childcare.

The Board

The Board can have up to nine members and may include a Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer. The role of the Board is to make sure Shernhall Preschool acts within the law and within the best interests of residents (we currently have 5 members).

We’re keen to recruit people with experience of any of the following:

• Professional experience of working in education/teaching

• Professional expertise within Human Resources

• Financial management experience.

The Board must act as a group, not as individuals and takes decisions collectively.

· Ensure that Shernhall Preschool complies with its governing document (its Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,

· Keep up-to-date with the Charity Commission’s Regulatory Framework,

· Contribute actively to the Board by giving firm strategic direction to Shernhall Preschool, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets

· Ensure the financial stability of Shernhall Preschool,

· Ensure the organisation’s accounts are a true and fair representation of the organisation’s finances,

· Ensure Shernhall Preschool applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be,

· Make decisions for the benefit of the organisation, exercising independent judgement and declaring any interests, exercising reasonable skill, care and diligence in carrying out activities,

· Safeguard the good name and values of Shernhall Preschool,

· Adhere to Shernhall Preschool’s Code of Conduct.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the trustee has particular expertise.

To apply

Please send the completed application form outlining why you’re interested in our organisation and what you would bring to the Board along with a CV to our Manager, Lilijana Markaj.

Deadline: Tuesday 29th April 2025

Ofsted Registration: 153685

Registered Charity No: 1123684

Company Number: 6420566