Legal volunteer roles in leeds, greater london

Closing Date:

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The Role:

We are currently seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board as Treasurer. It’s a voluntary role that requires a committed individual with financial expertise to take a collaborative approach, supporting our Trustees, our Head of Finance and Governance, and our management team to oversee the financial affairs of our charity and ensure that they are legal, constitutional, and within accepted accounting practice.

Our Organisation:

Greener and Cleaner delivers locally but thinks, and influences, nationally. Our vision is greener, healthier, better connected communities across the UK. We seek to achieve this through normalising 360-degree sustainable living, bringing the community together to make changes that can deliver a big impact. We have a non-judgemental peer-to-peer approach, so that all elements of the community feel empowered to take action in how they live, work, and play and in how they use their voice to push for change.

Treasurer Role:

The primary role is to ensure alongside other Trustees that they accept ultimate responsibility for the affairs of G&C and ensure that it is solvent, well run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for which it has been set up. As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls, and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements, as produced by the finance team or others where appropriate, to the Board of Trustees
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place. 
• Liaising with any paid staff about financial matters, as appropriate.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management. 
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems. 
• Drawing any major financial concerns to the attention of the trustee and the management team.
• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity. 
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy and that investments and assets are maximised.
• Leading on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors. 
• Overseeing the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating, and reporting corporate risk. 
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies – for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Supporting other Trustees in understanding the charity’s financial position and decision making.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the charity and its ethical fundraising policy.
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.

The Person We’re Looking For:

• A finance professional with a firm understanding of charity finance and some experience of fundraising and pension schemes.
• Knowledge of charity fundraising, bid writing, and/or other income generation and/or securing funding through creation or leveraging of partnerships and networks (at a national or local level).
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity and the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
• Clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors.

In addition, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all Trustees.

Responsibilities of All Trustees:

• Demonstrating a commitment to G&C’s objectives
• Contributing to setting the strategic goals and monitoring performance by active participation in Board discussions and decision-making
• Actively assisting the charity to build their connections and partnerships for the purposes of most effectively delivering their goals and fundraising
• Ensuring that G&C complies with its governing documents, the law, and all other relevant documentation
• Helping to identify risks and ensuring appropriate controls are in place
• Helping the Board to make sound decisions by making available their own personal knowledge and experience
• Assisting the Chair to appoint and appraise the performance of the Senior Leadership Team members
• Sharing relevant skills and expertise with the Senior Leadership Team members
• Making all reasonable efforts to attend Board meetings, away days, development meetings, publicity events, and other such public functions as requested by the Chair
• Ensuring the charity’s focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion remains at the heart of its strategy and delivery

Trustee Person Specification:

In addition to the Treasurer role specific above, our Trustees will ideally also demonstrate the following:

• A commitment to the objectives and activities of G&C
• A willingness to devote time and effort to G&C beyond attending board meetings
• Have strategic vision, an ability to think creatively, and an appropriate level of financial literacy
• Understanding of and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of their position
• Have good independent judgement
• Be willing to effectively act as part of a team
• Adhere to the Nolan Principles of public office: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
• A willingness to allow the Employee/s to make reasonable decisions and to act within the limits prescribed by the Board

To Apply:

To see the full job advertisement with details on how to apply, and to learn more about the role and our organisation, please see the attached supporting documents.

About the role: Advocacy Placement Volunteering You will be providing remote (office based/virtual) advocacy support for people impacted by hoarding behaviour (PwHB) who may be facing a variety of situations including legal, financial, psychological and discriminatory abuse/neglect. You will be working with trained colleagues to alleviate housing, benefits, mental health and other problems experienced by HUK's participants. HoardingUK (HUK) works to bring services together to improve person-centred, cost effective and time managed support.

The role: • Volunteer at HUK a minimum of one half-day (4 hours) each week. • Provide timely support to those using the service . • Maintain a caseload of up to three clients at each advice session. • Comply with HUK's case-management procedures, training programme and other relevant policies and procedures. • Work collaboratively to create an action plan with participants and professionals. • Assist in facilitating phone, correspondence, emails to statutory services and others. • Signpost to relevant external services based on participant need. • Keep accurate records. • Promote choice and control.

Who should apply

: • Trainees/professionals with interest/experience in mental health, housing, social care, legal frameworks, etc. • Passionate people committed to standing for rights. • People with lived experience of mental health and/or hoarding behaviour. • The ability to work sensitively and professionally with people who may be facing a variety of situations including discriminatory abuse and systemic neglect. • A commitment to values of HoardingUK Training on hoarding behaviour, advocacy and other relevant areas will be provided.

. 

Trustee

Royal Trinity Hospice

Clapham, London SW4

Trinity, the UK’s oldest hospice, was founded in 1891, and we have been an innovator and a leader in the hospice sector ever since.

Today, we provide expert specialist palliative and end of life care to over 2,500 patients each year from our state-of-the-art inpatient unit and in the community across seven central & south London boroughs.

In August 2019, the Care Quality Commission rated our care as Outstanding, and the impact of our new clinical model of care introduced in 2022 was recognised with a national Palliative and End of Life Care Award in 2025.

We are renowned for our patient-centred care and have an optimal nurse-to-patient ratio. This allows us to focus on high-quality nursing standards, giving clinicians the time and space to deliver the patient care that inspired them to join the profession.

We are an ambitious and forward-looking organisation with a clear strategic vision, with the goal of reaching even more people in our community who would benefit from our care.

We are working to do this within the context of the national hospice funding crisis and have a creative and robust financial plan to continue expanding our offer to beneficiaries.

This is an exciting time to be joining our organisation. We are looking for two trustees to join our Board, who will bring financial expertise, particularly in investments and fundraising, with the view that one individual will become the new Honorary Treasurer.

By joining the Board of Trinity, you’ll be joining a dedicated team with a shared ambition to provide the best quality care for our patients, helping them to make the best of every moment.

Potential Trustees should be able to demonstrate they have the following:

• Commitment to the charity and its vision and charitable objectives • Strategic vision suitable to support the charitable objectives

• Ability to make independent judgements and think creatively

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship

• Ability to work effectively in a team

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort, including 10 meetings a year (4 Board; 4 sub-committee meetings; 2 Board Away Days)

• Willingness to attend fundraising and awareness raising events on behalf of the charity at least three times a year.

Our meetings:

• Our Board meetings are held four-times per year on Tuesday evenings, 17.00-19.00, in person at the hospice

• We run two whole-day Board Away Days each year to provide additional time for strategic discussion and trustee development

• We have four Committees which all meet four-times per year, with meetings on Tuesday afternoons and evenings, and Wednesday evenings 

For an informal chat or visit please contact Alexandra Letellier (Executive Office Manager) 

Closing date for applications: Sunday 12 October 2025

Interview and stakeholder panel: Thursday 30 October 2025

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you want to use your skills to help ensure a local charity is financially strong, transparent, and forward-thinking?

Home-Start Barnet, Brent and Harrow is seeking a new Treasurer to join our committed Board of Trustees. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and sustainability of a growing, values-led organisation that supports hundreds of families each year.

You don’t need to be a qualified accountant – just someone with good financial awareness, an eye for detail, and a desire to help shape our future.

What You’ll Do

As Treasurer, you’ll play a key role in the charity’s success by:

• Overseeing our finances – ensuring we are financially healthy and legally compliant

• Working with our CEO and Accountant – to review budgets, financial plans and monthly reports

• Supporting the board – by explaining financial information in an accessible way and guiding strategic decisions

• Chairing our Finance Subcommittee – held once every 12 weeks

• Ensuring good financial governance – making sure systems are in place for managing our income and spending

• Helping plan for sustainability – offering insight into full-cost recovery, funding gaps and long-term planning

Who We’re Looking For

We’re open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds – you may be a retired finance professional, someone in a leadership or strategic role, or looking for a first trustee position with a cause that matters to you.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Financial literacy and confidence with numbers

• Experience managing budgets, interpreting accounts or overseeing finances

• Strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative style

• An interest in supporting families and giving children the best start in life

Previous experience as a trustee is helpful but not essential.

The Bromley Experts by Experience Treasurer will help the board of trustees carry out their financial responsibilities, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chair of Trustees and staff team in establishing strong foundations for this Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation with a view to a financially sustainable future. You will also be supporting us in developing our future approach to financial management, making the most of financial modelling, and supporting clear reporting to funders, partners and stakeholders.

The Treasurer will play a vital role, working with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chair of Trustees and staff team to help the organisation ensure sound financial records, develop income streams, and build impact reports. As part of a new, expanded board of trustees at Bromley Experts by Experience, you will provide effective financial oversight, supporting the CEO and senior staff members in developing our vision and strategy to ensure a financially sustainable future.

IMPORTANT: As a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation, our governing articles require that our staff, trustees and volunteers bring with them lived experience of disability (self-identified or otherwise). See how we define this below.

Responsibilities of the Treasurer:

• Present financial reports to the board in a format that helps fellow trustees understand X by X Bromley’s financial position.
• Advise the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities.
• Work with professional advisors and staff, as needed to oversee the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts.
• Ensure X by X Bromley activities benefit its members and beneficiaries.
• Ensure the board fulfils their duties and responsibilities for effective charity governance in line with Bromley Experts by Experience’s policies and the requirements of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
• Support and advocate for X by X Bromley’s mission, vision and values.

What we ask of you:

• The Treasurer should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months.
• The Treasurer is required to attend scheduled meetings with some ad hoc meetings where necessary.
• It is anticipated that the time commitment will be an approximate average of 2.5 hours per week. This will mainly comprise of:
  • Board meeting attendance (plus preparation thereof) every 8 weeks,
  • AGM attendance (plus preparation of papers and accounts),
  • Supporting our annual Disability Pride event.
  • Regular scheduled meetings with senior staff.
• As we are a very small charity, there could be occasions when extra time will be required (e.g. during the planning of new projects or dealing with any particular difficulties that arise), or where additional support would be appreciated (e.g. attending events, meeting members at project days).

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• A belief that Disabled People can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability.
• A qualified accountant with not-for-profit awareness and knowledge. An understanding of very small charities and/or DDPOs would be advantageous.
• Competent IT skills, including working knowledge of QuickBooks and Excel.
• Ability to communicate and explain financial information accessibly.
• Strong analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating professional and independent judgement.
• A genuine interest in local communities and people.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, communicating in a way that is accessible to you.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, the Treasurer role, and the financial aspects of running a charity.
• An effective team worker, contributing an independent perspective.
• Possess and demonstrate integrity, objectivity, accountability, and honesty.
• Commitment to Bromley Experts by Experience’s aims, objectives and values.

The Treasurer must be legally eligible to stand as a registered Company Director and Charity Trustee. Having had previous experience as a trustee of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

The Treasurer will require a DBS Check to be completed.

What we mean by lived experience of disability:

As we follow the Social Model of Disability, our definition of Disabled person includes anyone who is being discriminated against or disabled by barriers in society, including:

• People with physical impairment
• People with visual impairment
• Deaf people
• People with hearing impairment
• People who are neurodivergent
• People with learning difficulties/disabilities
• People who experience mental health conditions/mental distress
• People with long-term health conditions

We recognise that a lot of these impairments are invisible and many people have more than one impairment.

Location: UK-based only (remote-friendly with occasional in-person meetings)
Time commitment: 1 hour per month (formal board meeting + occasional ad-hoc correspondence)
Term: 3 years (renewable, typical practice)
Remuneration: Voluntary, pro bono role; reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed

How to apply: Send a CV and a short statement explaining why you would like to join AWB and what skills/experience you bring. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal conversation.

About Activists Without Borders

Activists Without Borders (AWB) is a UK-based campaigning charity that supports frontline activists and raises awareness of human rights, climate justice and environmental protection through advocacy, campaigning and film. We amplify the voices of those at risk and build public support for changemaking action.

Role purpose

This is a non-executive, pro bono role for someone who shares our values and vision. The trustee role is not intended to be the sole public face of AWB, although trustees may support the board at events and represent the charity where relevant.

As a trustee you will share collective legal responsibility for AWB’s governance and strategic direction, ensuring the organisation is well run, financially secure and legally compliant.

Key responsibilities

• Attend and participate in one scheduled board meeting per month (approx. 1 hour).
• Contribute to strategic planning, oversight of charity activity and risk management.
• Ensure AWB complies with its governing document, charity law and other legal requirements.
• Support fundraising, stakeholder relationships and public advocacy where appropriate.
• Act as an ambassador for AWB, supporting outreach and trustee-led networking.
• Declare any conflicts of interest and act collectively in the charity’s best interests.

Person specification - essential

• UK-based, with ability to attend monthly meetings (online, occasional in-person).
• Passion for human rights and environmental protection.
• Commitment to AWB’s mission and values.
• Experience in one or more of: governance, strategy, fundraising, campaigning, communications, legal, finance, safeguarding, or operations.
• Good communicator, collaborative, and able to exercise independent judgement.
• Willingness to act as an ambassador for AWB.

Person specification - desirable

• Prior trustee or board experience (not essential).
• Experience of working with grassroots activists, campaigning networks or in human rights / environmental fields.
• Knowledge of UK charity governance best practice.

What we offer

• An opportunity to shape strategic direction of an action-focused campaigning charity.
• Induction and onboarding support, access to governance resources and trustee training.
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses.
• A supportive board that values diverse perspectives.

Equal opportunities

AWB is an equal opportunities organisation. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from under-represented groups. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Mind in Havering, Barking & Dagenham is looking to recruit a number of people to join its Board of Trustees and provide positive leadership and direction. As a Trustee, you will be part of a team responsible for the strategic and financial management of the charity, ensuring that our core purpose is carried out and help promote our positive vision:

 “We will not give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect.”

About Mind in Havering, Barking & Dagenham

Established over 50 years ago, we are a local mental health charity based in Havering. We provide services to people living in Havering and Barking & Dagenham who are experiencing mental health problems. We also campaign for better services, deliver training and raise awareness of mental health. We are affiliated to national Mind, but we are an independent charity and raise our own funds.

What we are looking for

We welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds. We want to broaden the diversity of our Board to create a group that truly represents the communities that we serve across both Boroughs. We are particularly interested in applications from individuals who have skills and expertise in one of the following areas:

• Hands on support for our events
• Digital marketing
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Health Inequalities and NHS
• Barking & Dagenham Borough
• GDPR
• Safeguarding
• Clinical/public sector commissioning
• Legal

The competencies we are seeking include

• Interest in or lived experience of mental health problems.
• Leadership skills, strategic thinking and strong networking abilities.
• The ability to analyse complex information, to think creatively and to generate solutions.
• An ability to work effectively and constructively as a member of a team.
• Time management skills to handle multiple priorities.
• Previous Board and/or Trustee experience is desirable but is not essential.
• You must be willing to participate in Board meetings every two months and join one of our four, active sub-committees.

How to apply for the role

Please take a moment to explore our website, where you can submit your application and hear directly from one of our current Trustees as they share their experience in the role.

Role Profile

Job Title: Community Engagement Volunteer – Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care Service

Place of Work: Office & Community based

Hours of Work: Minimum of 8 hours per month

Reporting to: Partnerships & Inclusion Lead

Screening: Enhanced DBS check & Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) – Level 2 (?)

We accept applications from people with a wide range of skills & experiences. Existing knowledge & previous experience are not essential and a full training program will be provided as part of the role. The victims of crime that face our service are of a wide range of people and we are searching for a wide range of volunteers to suite the needs of our service users.

Purpose of the role

To support and work alongside our Partnerships & Inclusion Manager on face-to-face- visits at conferences and events in the community. You will provide direct support to victims of crime in the local community and complete satisfaction surveys for the service, and sign post them on to other local services based on their individual needs..

Activities

· To Support the Partnerships & Inclusion Manager, and other case workers at events. This doesn’t necessarily have to mean you will take a lead at these events but you will be there for face-to-face support for the service users. This could include general chat, making hot drinks, and delivering leaflets, and sign posting to local services.

· You will engage with the public and promote the service to victims of crime, sometimes on occasion where the crime is historic. You will support the Partnerships & Inclusion Manager with running sessions within the community.

· You may come into contact with service users on the tail-end of their journey and will sign post them to any additional services which may help their needs. This could include regular check-ins and follow-ups to see if the service users have used the services available to them.

· Engage with local Universities to spread awareness of the service, common crimes more broadly, and be a part of the overall prevention of crime.

· You will gain a general understanding of the service and the types of crime local to Norfolk & Suffolk. This could include data analysis, crime prevention tactics, and sharing and communicating this information to the general public, service users, and team members as a whole.

· You will be a part of a group that provides initial support to service users and play a front-facing part of the service.

· You will listen to the needs of service users and link them up with relevant support available within the community.

· You will work in partnership with other services and charities to understand what is on offer for Victims of Crime.

· You will support and fill in for practitioners at events which could include for some of our volunteers the opportunity to deliver talks at places such as schools. This includes all other Catch22 policies and legal obligations such as adherence to GDPR.

· You will collect survey responses but also liaise with Partnerships & Inclusion Manager and other team members to respond to the survey if required.

· Ensure that our service users are kept safe and adhere to Catch22’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

Skills & Qualities

· Has an interest and enthusiasm for the Criminal Justice System and a want to care for those that have been a victim of crime.

· Any skills which may be of use to the role such as an ability to analyse and present data.

· Time management skills.

· Excellent communication skills.

· Ability to relate to people from all walks of life.

· Good Administrative & organisational skills.

· Excellent listening skills.

· Ability to collaborate and work independently when needed.

· Understand the confidentiality of individuals.

· Be approachable, friendly and welcoming.

· A non-judgmental and empathetic manner.

· Ability for basic IT systems such as Microsoft Word.

Entry Requirements:

To volunteer for NSVCS, you must be over 18 and of good character. You will have a caring nature and non-judgmental attitude.

The ability to work from our office and willingness to travel to support community engagement across Norfolk and/or Suffolk.

Our Commitment to You:

NSVCS will provide volunteers with suitable training to enable you to fulfill your role in the community.

We also commit to training volunteers more broadly to help them develop their communication skills, admin skills, and grow your understanding of the impact of crime on victims.  We commit to continuing your training through out your volunteering career and encourage our volunteers to learn more about specialist issues, and to keep up-to-date with developments in policy & practice.

A reimbursement of travel in line with our Volunteers Policy.

How to Apply:

Please see role profile on how to apply for this voluntary position. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working to secure funding that will see us through our first year, and the role of the Social Media and Communications Co-ordinator will play a key role in this.

If you are well versed in social media, have experience or a passion for communicating with wide audiences across pretty much all social media platforms, this is a role for you.

Living Reasons, at the core of what we want to achieve, doesn't just value experience from employment but from personal experience and based on you as a person, everything else comes from the relationships built and trust given to each other and we want to learn from you, just as much as you will learn from us.

You will work with the volunteers and trustees to create engaging content that focuses on the current needs of the charity and in the first 3-6 months will be very much focused and 2 areas - fundraising and communicating the charity message and gaining support for the charity as we establish ourselves. We want to do things differently, so there are no boundaries other than legal requirements and ensuring we stick to the charity values, which, as you will see, are very much about making change and doing things differently.

Living Reasons – What we are planning, who we are and where we are now:

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

If you think you would enjoy this role, please apply, we want to hear from you!

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK
Time Commitment: Approx. 2 – 4 hours per month

About Us
Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire, raise awareness for important causes, and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.

We are currently recruiting our initial trustee board to help launch and register the charity.

Role Overview
We are seeking a General Trustee to join our board, support strategic decision-making, and help ensure effective governance. This is a key role in shaping the charity’s early operations, supporting registration, and contributing to the delivery of our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend quarterly trustee meetings (in person or virtually) and participate in board decision-making

• Support governance, strategy, and operational planning for the CIO

• Contribute ideas, experience, and skills to help the charity grow

• Assist with compliance, reporting, and adherence to charity law and CIO regulations

• Support trustee recruitment, induction, and development as needed

Person Specification & Requirements

• Interest in charity governance, mental health, and expedition-led projects

• Willingness to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

• Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities

• Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board

• UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

• Approx. 2 - 4 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

• Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to help shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch

• Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance

• Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects

• Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects

• Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with refugee status and those seeking asylum in south west London? Consider joining our team at Refugee Action Kingston. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our values. We are a small, friendly team, driven by a passion to create positive and lasting change in our community.

Overview

Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) is an active and forward-looking charity based in Kingston Upon Thames. We help refugees and people seeking asylum to access essential services, including immigration and welfare advice, English classes, counselling and support into employment, volunteering and training.

We are a small charity that has significant impact: last year we assisted over 2000 individuals.  RAK won the Best in Supporting Young People award and was Highly Commended at the Kingston Borough Business Awards (KBBA) in 2025. 

The charity is seeking to recruit a volunteer chair of trustees, and would suit someone who has management experience in public or voluntary sector organisations. The chair will work closely with the CEO to help guide our next chapter of growth, providing governance and strategic direction inline with RAKs mission and values. Our board of trustees bring a wide range of expertise to the charity and work together, along with staff and volunteer input, to make decisions that inform its direction and achieve the best outcome for clients.  Your contribution will make a huge impact in shaping the future of those seeking sanctuary in our community, and we're excited to welcome someone passionate to the board. 

Key Responsibilities

The chair should lead or contribute to:  

• Regular trustee board meetings and key activities, including recruitment of trustees.

• Development and implementation of RAK's strategic plan.

• Governance of the charity to ensure it meets legal and regulatory requirements.

• Monitoring operational performance and implementation of a continuous improvement programme.

• Oversight of financial performance and fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability.

• Promotion of relationships with key stakeholders, including funding bodies, suppliers, and contractors.

• Regular meetings with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly when issues arise.

• Act as a spokesperson for RAK as needed.

Desirable

• Good understanding of issues and challenges faced by refugees and people seeking asylum in Kingston.

• Leadership qualities, including critical thinking and decision making.

• Experience of financial management and fundraising.

• Operational management experience gained in the commercial or voluntary sector.

• Experience of the principles and practices of governance in a commercial or voluntary organisation.

• Experience of being a trustee.

• Ability to use time and resources efficiently and responsibly to maximise the impact of our services for clients.

Core beliefs

• Commitment to promoting social justice and equity for all individuals, regardless of religion, culture, or background.

• Valuing and respecting diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, and fostering teamwork through inclusivity.

Please note that this is a voluntary role with reasonable volunteer expenses covered. The chair role requires a significant commitment of time and effort.

We seek individuals who are dedicated to contributing meaningfully and who are open to learning in areas where they may lack experience.Further information about RAK is on our website.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a personal statement of no more than 300 words that outlines your interest in becoming the chair of trustees.

Please note: RAK may hold interviews as and when volunteer chair of trustees applications are received. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK
Time Commitment: Approx. 2–6 hours per month, including quarterly trustee meetings, occasional sub-committee meetings, and fulfilling trustee responsibilities. Time may vary slightly depending on organisational needs, but remains manageable alongside other personal and professional commitments.

About Us
Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire communities, raise awareness for important causes—including mental health—and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.

We are currently recruiting our initial board of trustees to help launch and register the charity.

Role Overview
We are seeking a Chair / Trustee to lead our board, provide strategic direction, and ensure effective governance. The Chair will guide the charity through registration and early operations while supporting the delivery of its mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the trustee board and ensure effective governance

• Chair board meetings and oversee decision-making

• Support trustee recruitment, induction, and development

• Act as a primary contact for stakeholders and regulators

• Oversee compliance with charity law and CIO regulations

• Assist with reporting to the Charity Commission

• Help guide the charity through its registration and initial set-up

Person Specification & Requirements

• Strong leadership, organisational, and strategic skills

• Familiarity with charity governance and trustee responsibilities (training can be provided)

• Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities

• Ability to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

• Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board

• UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

• 2–6 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

• Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch

• Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance

• Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects

• Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects

• Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team

As a member of the Board, you will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation, developing its aims, objectives and goals in accordance with company guidelines, legal and regulatory guidelines, you will help to protect the wealth and assets of the organisation.

Responsibilities:

Ensuring that the organisation complies with internal policy and legislation.

Making sure that the organisation pursues defined goals in line with its stated objectives.

Monitoring the financial position and ensuring that the organisation operates within its means and that there are clear lines of accountability for financial management

Ensuring that the resources of the organisation are used only to pursue legitimate objectives. Contributing to the Board's role of providing strategic direction and supporting the development of policies, goals and targets.

Maintaining the good name of the organisation. Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation. Participating in working groups as necessary.

Attending seminars and networking events when required.

Leading discussions and providing guidance on new initiatives, particularly in areas where the member has specific skills, knowledge or expertise.

Maintaining confidentiality about any sensitive or confidential information Regularly attending and taking a full part in meetings.

Skills and qualifications:

Commitment to the goals and aims of the organisation.

Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time. Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties. Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans.

Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions. Proven experience working as a member of successful teams.

Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have professional backgrounds in Policy Skills, HR, Finance, Housing and Governance but welcome applications from anyone with the passion and commitment to our cause.

Meetings are held either in a Central London venue or over Microsoft teams, on weekday evenings once a quarter.

The AGM is held in October and we usually have one strategy day a year in the spring.

To express an interest in the role and to be considered, please submit the following:

• A detailed and up-to-date CV.
• A supporting statement that addresses the criteria in the skills and experience section and also outlines your motivation for applying.

Role Description

 Title: Trustee

 Overall:

 Be committed to the organisation and its work, to act with integrity and selflessness, and to be open, honest and accountable at all times.  To understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.  Be willing to devote the necessary time and efforts to duties as a trustee and as a member of the organisation.

Duties & Tasks:

· To ensure that the organisation complies with and functions within the legal and financial requirements of its constitution, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and any other relevant legislation and regulations.

· To ensure that the organisation pursues objects as defined by its constitution and within aims, policies and procedures agreed by the Board of Trustees.

· With the other trustees to formulate and review the strategic aims and direction of the organisation.

· To promote the organisation and act always in its best interests.  To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation and always strive to achieve best practice and the highest standards.

Formulating strategic aims

· Consider the organisation as a whole and its members, in the context of both national and local policies, priorities and political influences.

· Reflect the organisation’s vision and principles, strategy and policies at all times and particularly when developing the strategic and annual plan.

· Contribute specific strategic skills, interests and/or contacts

· Contribute to plans to positively promote the organisation to individuals, organisations and a wider audience e.g. potential members. 

· Support the organisation in all its activities in conjunction with the Chief Executive.

Ensuring policies and practices are in keeping with aims and objectives.

· Ensure that the organisation applies its resources in furtherance of its objects and manages its funds properly.

· Follow the organisations policies and procedures at all times, particularly when exercising the functions of the Board of Trustees.

· Contribute actively to and regularly attend meetings of the Board.

Ensuring best practice and highest standards.

· Be an active member of the Board of Trustees in exercising its responsibilities and functions.

· Support and maintain good relations with all staff; members, volunteers and other Board of Trustees.

· Take part in training sessions provided for the benefit of the Board Trustees.

· Fulfilling such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Board of Trustees.

· Use your best judgment, knowledge, skills and experience to help the organisation and Board of Trustees to make sound decisions and be effective.

· To maintain a strategic view of the organisation and role as a trustee to support the Chief Executive in delivering the business plan and strategy.

· Should the trustee also take on an additional volunteer role for the organisation, to be clear on how the two roles are separate.

· To direct enquiries regarding advice, support or advocacy required into the staff team who can ensure that the person is directed to or referred into the appropriate service. 

· To not raise complaints on behalf of the Coalition without the express agreement of both the Co-Chair’s and the Chief Executive.