Legal volunteer roles

Hackney Migrant Centre (HMC) is seeking to recruit a Vice-Chair to support our work and ensure financial and organisational stability as we implement our newly developed Strategic Plan for 2025-2028. 

HMC was established in 2007 to provide advice and support to migrants to help them overcome problems with their immigration status and in accessing services. We welcome all migrants, of any immigration status or nationality. As the environment facing migrants has become ever more challenging, we have expanded the scope of our work. Our staff team has increased from one part-time worker in 2007 to a team of eight people, some part-time, and we now have a budget just under £450,000 a year.

We provide legal advice and casework support on immigration, housing and welfare, working with visitors to resolve the problems forcing them into destitution and homelessness, such as insecure immigration status and lack of access the public funds. We also, in partnership with local organisations and a team of volunteers, provide wellbeing support and regular community building sessions, including advice and support on accessing a GP and dealing with charges for hospital care. 

This is an opportunity for someone with previous Board experience to support the Chair to coordinate and lead the Board of Trustees and make an important contribution to the work of this well-respected local charity at a crucial time in its development. We welcome applications from people from a range of backgrounds and experience who would be happy to take up this exciting challenge. We are particularly keen to recruit trustees from the Global Majority, those with lived experience of migration and/or the UK’s hostile immigration environment.

The role of Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair of the trustee board supports the Chair in fulfilling their responsibilities and provides leadership to the board in the Chair’s absence. This is a developmental role for someone who is interested in transitioning into the Chair role in future, and who can provide additional capacity, insight, and leadership to the organisation as it navigates an increasingly challenging environment for migrants and the voluntary sector.

The Vice-Chair has the general responsibilities of a trustee to ensure the financial sustainability of HMC and that it is carrying out its work for the public benefit in line with its charitable objects. Decisions affecting the running of HMC and its finances will be taken by the board as a whole, either at the board meeting or if urgent via email. The Vice-Chair does not have individual decision-making responsibility or power (but does have a deciding vote at board meetings).

The specific duties of the Vice-Chair include the following:
Trustee meetings
• Support the Chair to agree the agenda (with the secretary and in consultation with the CEO) of trustee board meetings, sub-committees and other meetings where relevant.
• Attend and contribute to all trustee meetings and chair meetings in the absence of the Chair.
• Support the Chair in ensuring that key decisions are discussed and agreed, and that all trustees can participate fully. • Assist with the follow-up of actions and implementation of decisions as agreed with the Chair.
• Support the development and induction of new trustees, and help identify training and support needs.

Communication with staff
• Work closely with the Chair and be available as an additional point of contact for the CEO and staff, particularly when the Chair is unavailable.
• Support the Chair in providing supervision and pastoral support to the CEO, contributing to wellbeing check-ins and performance appraisal processes where appropriate.
• Contribute to the development and oversight of key organisational priorities, including equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), fundraising, and sustainability.
• Attend staff recruitment or disciplinary panels as needed.

Public role and organisational development
• Support the Chair in representing HMC externally at public events and meetings, and deputise where necessary.
• Assist in the preparation of public communications, statements, and events.
• Act as a signatory for bank accounts and contracts when appropriate, particularly when the Chair is unavailable.

Succession and transition
• The Vice-Chair will be supported to become familiar with the full breadth of the Chair’s responsibilities over time. • They may take on specific duties or projects in agreement with the Chair and board, as part of their development.
• In the event the Chair steps down, the Vice-Chair may act as interim Chair and will be encouraged to apply for the role if appropriate.

The specific duties attached to the Vice-Chair’s role may change and/or be taken on by another trustee by agreement of the board as a whole.

Being a Trustee of Hackney Migrant Centre
The trustees of Hackney Migrant Centre play a vital role in the organisation. They are responsible for ensuring that that its services are maintained and developed for the benefit of its visitors, in line with HMC’s ethos and objectives. HMC staff are responsible for the day-to day running of HMC’s services but trustees work closely with staff in discussing and deciding on policy issues, staffing developments and campaigning, overseeing finance and fundraising to ensure that the organisation is sustainable and in monitoring the impact of HMC’s services. Our trustees are recruited according to our Trustee Recruitment Policy. We welcome trustees from a variety of backgrounds to ensure that a broad range of skills and experience are represented. Trustees are encouraged to gain first-hand experience of the work of HMC but regular volunteering is not a requirement.

For more information, please refer to the Recruitment Pack 

Join Our Board – Shape Futures, Change Lives

Could your skills or lived experience help reduce homelessness and support young people across Leicestershire?

If so, now is the time to step up.

YMCA Leicestershire is seeking new Trustees to join our dynamic Board as we drive forward our ambitious 2022–2027 Strategy. We’re tackling youth homelessness, expanding trauma-informed housing, and creating spaces where young people can belong, contribute and thrive.

We’re looking for passionate individuals who share our values of Community, Compassion and Empowerment, and who want to make a real difference.

We’re especially interested in hearing from people with (current) experience in:

• Legal
• Social Care
• Housing Development
• Or those with lived experience of homelessness

We’re also actively seeking applications from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) individuals to better reflect the communities we serve.

Why join us?

• Help address one of the biggest social issues of our time: youth homelessness.
• Shape services that support over 100 young people in supported accommodation.
• Be part of a charity with deep local roots and national influence.
• Gain leadership experience in a high-impact, values-driven organisation.

You don’t need previous board experience — just the right mindset, commitment, and relevant knowledge. Personal or professional experience of leadership and community development is desirable.

Sound like you?

If you would like the opportunity to have an informal conservation with the CEO, please email Gemma Winters, Executive Assistant to CEO.

Together, we can create lasting change - for more information please visit our website.

The New Normal are seeking a Chair of our Board of Trustees! The primary responsibilities are providing leadership, strategic direction and governance oversight for the charity. They ensure that the board functions effectively, that the organization remains true to its mission, and that it meets its legal and ethical obligations. 

We are looking for a driven and diligent person to support TNN in it's mission to provide free-to-access peer support for a diverse range of grief experiences, communities and identities. 

Applicants should have the capacity to provide around 4-6 hours per month on a flexible basis, with some months quieter/busier than others.

We are seeking someone who has strong leadership, facilitation and decision-making skills, excellent communication and public-speaking, understanding of financial management, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, and a passion for the Charity's mission and long-term success. You should have experience serving on a Board of Trustees (preferably as Chair), in ​governance, strategic planning, and the non-profit sector.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and pathways. This is a voluntary role and responsibilities are listed in below Job Description.

[Due to the nature of the role and the work we do, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a DBS check and meet the statutory conditions for serving as a Trustee (attached). Persons will be shortlisted and appointed based solely on character, skills, qualifications and experience.]

Are you passionate about justice and advocacy? Do you believe survivors of narcissistic abuse deserve better legal protection and recognition?

Join us at RISE Scotland, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of narcissistic abuse. We are working to change outdated laws that fail to protect victims of psychological, emotional, and coercive abuse. Our goal is to bring legal reform and awareness to a form of abuse that is too often misunderstood and dismissed.

What We Need:
We're seeking committed volunteer petition signers to help amplify our cause. You can help by:

• Signing our petitions calling for legislative change

• Sharing petitions on social media, in communities, and with your network

• Spreading awareness about the urgent need for legal recognition of narcissistic abuse

Why It Matters:
Narcissistic abuse is often invisible to the courts—but devastating to survivors. The current legal system doesn’t adequately address emotional manipulation, gaslighting, coercive control, or psychological abuse. Together, we can raise our voices and push for the change survivors so desperately need.

No experience necessary—just a voice and a willingness to use it.
Even a few minutes of your time can make a lasting impact.

��️ Sign. Share. Support.
Help us turn petitions into policy. Survivors are counting on us.

Become a Trustee at York Childcare

York Childcare is on the lookout for passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing high-quality early years education and care, we play a vital role in supporting families and children across York.

We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience or expertise in the following areas:

Human Resources (HR)

Finance and Accounting

Early Years and Childcare

Out of School Clubs

Legal Services

Marketing and Promotion

What’s involved?

Trustees meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month for a couple of hours, either online or in person. It’s a manageable commitment with a meaningful impact.

Becoming a trustee is a great way to give back to your community, share your knowledge, and be part of something that makes a real difference to children and families in York.

Interested?

We’d love to hear from you!

Hive is a community arts charity in Shipley, Bradford. We deliver arts and crafts courses, workshops and projects from our centre in Shipley and across Bradford District. We believe that creativity contributes to good health and wellbeing and helps to bring communities together.

We're seeking new Trustees to join our board to oversee our vision and leadership and our legal and financial responsibilities.

Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the charity carries out its activities for the public benefit, in line with its charitable objectives and powers.

The Trustees take collective responsibility and have a legal duty to:

• comply with the charity’s governing document and the law
• act in the charity’s best interests
• manage the charity’s resources responsibly
• act with reasonable care and skill
• ensure the charity is accountable.

In particular we are currently looking for people with experience or skills in HR, finances, safeguarding and governance, but you do not need any special qualifications or previous experience of being a Trustee.

All Hive Trustees should:

• be committed to Hive’s charitable objectives:
  • the advancement of education for the public by the provision of vocational and other training courses; and
  • the provision of facilities for recreation and leisure time activities for people who have need of them by reasons of age, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances with a view to improving the conditions in life of such persons.​
• be passionate about creativity and the creative arts
• have a positive, non-judgemental attitude to working with people of any ethnic background, culture or religion, gender, family status, sexual identity or who may have a disability.
• approach challenges and problems positively and creatively
• have good independent judgement
• be willing to speak their mind openly but sensitively, and to listen to others
• show empathy towards others
• demonstrate strategic vision
• understand the need for, and be committed to, confidentiality and safeguarding
• work well as part of a focused team, and be prepared to adopt collective decisions
• be willing and able to devote sufficient time and effort to the role
• be enthusiastic and reliable
• follow Nolan’s seven principles of public life:
  • selflessness
  • integrity
  • objectivity
  • accountability
  • openness
  • honesty
  • leadership.

Trauma Foundation South West (TFSW) help refugees and people seeking asylum who have suffered trauma, oppression and war, and those working with them. We are seeking a finance professional to join our Board.

What will you be doing?

Our Trustees work collaboratively to meet our legal responsibilities to govern the charity, including:

• Defining TFSW’s long-term direction and furthering its charitable purposes.
• Ensuring it is effectively and properly run with legal and other obligations met and being accountable to those with an interest or ‘stake’ in the charity.

We use board meetings to agree and oversee our strategic priorities, monitor risks, ensure sound financial management and confirm the charity’s assets are being used appropriately. All TFSW Trustees additionally bring individual skills and experience that are much valued. 

As well as different skillsets, there are three defined roles on the board: Chair, Finance Lead and Fundraising Lead, and three Trustees chair the sub-committees (they may be the same people who undertake the defined roles).

As the Finance Lead, you will oversee the charity's finances to ensure regulatory and legal responsibilities are met and comply with charity accounting practice and returns.

This is a voluntary role, but we can pay Trustees’ expenses. The time commitment for all Trustees is approximately 22 hours per year (under 2 hours per month).

What are we looking for?

Essential requirements for all Trustees are:

• Enthusiasm for contributing to TFSW’s purpose and able to commit the required time.
• Able, or willing to learn, to carry out the responsibilities of being a Trustee.
• Commitment to TFSW’s values, clients and to working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• A specific skillset that enhances the Board’s overall skills. In this case we are seeking Finance experience, ideally with financial or accountancy qualifications. We value and respect qualifications from outside the UK.

We have a committed and supportive board with a diverse skillset and are currently recruiting to meet areas where we need to enhance our overall skillset. In addition, we strive to be a board more representative of the diversity of the communities we serve and as such we warmly and actively welcome those with lived experience of the asylum or refugee resettlement process to apply. To be more representative of gender and ethnic diversity more broadly, we would also welcome applicants from the Global Majority and male applicants.

We are an extremely supportive team and, as you will see reflected in our person specification, your commitment and capability are more important than a long list of experiences and qualifications. You do not have to have experience of being on a board; we can support you with training in your responsibilities. If you have any learning differences or styles that will require adjustments during this learning process, we will be happy to discuss and support your needs.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Trauma Foundation South West with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. 

To apply please submit your CV/LinkedIn Profile, along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join TFSW, the skills and experience you will bring to the board and what you would hope to get out of the role. If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to speak with you. We will also be holding an information session for potential candidates as a chance to hear more about TFSW and what it’s like to be on the board. Please let us know if you’d be interested in joining the session.

•  2 Vacancies (1 non-clinical, and 1 clinical to work as an advisor for the first year)

Calling All Future Trustees – Help Us Save Lives

Magpas Air Ambulance is calling on passionate, skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. With your support, we can continue saving lives. For over 50 years, Magpas Air Ambulance has been at the frontline of emergency medical response, dispatching to over 2,000 life-threatening incidents every year. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, we work in close partnership with the NHS to deliver the highest standard of pre-hospital emergency care when every second counts.

We serve the communities of Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, and across the East of England—supporting a population of over 10 million. Dispatched by both the East of England and East Midlands Ambulance Service Trusts, we are proud to be a vital part of our region’s emergency response network.

Join Our Board

To complement the expertise of our current board and broaden its diversity and skills, we’re seeking committed individuals to join us as Trustees. We’re especially interested in hearing from candidates with experience in:

• Legal practice
• Environmental sustainability
• Fundraising and income generation

We welcome applications from both non-clinical and clinical professionals.

• Non-clinical trustee: We currently have a vacancy for a non-clinical trustee who will also take on the role of Company Secretary.
• Clinical trustee: We’re also recruiting for a future clinical trustee. This role will begin with a one-year advisory period (shadowing a current trustee), transitioning into a full trustee role upon their retirement. Candidates must be registered medical practitioners with board-level experience and strong governance knowledge.

What Trustees Do

Trustees are responsible for the charity’s governance, strategic direction, financial stewardship, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. You will work closely with our CEO and Executive Leadership Team, playing a key role in shaping the future of Magpas Air Ambulance.

We provide a full induction and training, plus one-to-one support where needed.

Commitment

This is a voluntary role. Trustees are expected to commit to:

• Attending 1 in-person meeting per month
• Joining one of our subcommittees (virtual):
  • Audit & Risk
  • Nomination & Corporate Governance
  • Workforce & Remuneration
• Attending an annual board development/planning session
• Representing the charity at public events and supporting promotional, fundraising, and training activities

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking individuals from a broad range of backgrounds. If you have strategic insight, commitment, and a desire to make a tangible impact in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

We actively encourage applications from diverse candidates and underrepresented groups. Magpas Air Ambulance is committed to equality of opportunity and proudly supports the Armed Forces Covenant—we warmly welcome applications from service personnel and veterans.

Ready to Make a Difference?

This is an exciting time to join Magpas Air Ambulance and help us continue saving lives for the next 50 years.

• Closing date: 25th July 2025
• Interview date: 8th September 2025

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

To learn more and apply, visit our website.

If you’d like to discuss the role further, please contact us to book an appointment with our CEO.

Please note: If you haven’t heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, unfortunately, your application has not been shortlisted. We reserve the right to close this advert early, so apply as soon as possible.

No agencies or media sales, please.

The Finance Trustee will engage in all aspects of our governance, with a particular focus on financial strategy and governance.They will use their sound financial skills & experience to support the Board’s understanding & interpretation & to ensure legislative compliance.  

• To support the Board to oversee & to ensure appropriate presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements.
• To ensure appropriate presentation of accounts and records, ensuring that financial resources are spent in accordance with the charity’s policies, good governance, legal & regulatory requirements.
• Liaising, where applicable, with the Chair/ other appropriate members of staff and supporting on financial matters
• Supporting the Board to monitor the financial viability of the charity.
• Creating, in conjunction with relevant trustees and staff, sound financial processes and procedures for the control of the charity’s assets.
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
• Reviewing the annual accounts and, where applicable, liaising with the charity’s external auditor to ensure the accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP.
• Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained and ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.

Join Us and Help create jobs and opportunities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities

Yes2Ventures is seeking new Trustees to join our dynamic and values-led Board — including a Treasurer who can help guide our financial sustainability and growth.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people with experience in:
- Charity finance, accounting, or investment (for the Treasurer role)
- Community development, health and wellbeing
- Enterprise and social business
- HR, governance or legal expertise
- Experience of disability, neurodivergence, or mental health (lived or professional)

We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, especially those from groups currently underrepresented in governance roles. You don’t need to have been a trustee before — if you’re committed to our mission and willing to learn, we’ll support you.

Who we are:
Yes2Ventures creates meaningful opportunities for people who are distant from the labour market, through the development of enterprises that have a mission to train and support such people.

Time commitment: Approx. 1 board meeting per month, plus optional subgroups and occasional events. Meetings are held in Sheffield.

Next steps:
We’re running a friendly and informal recruitment process:
- Read the Trustee Role Description below.
- Drop us a short expression of interest (this could be an email, short form or voice note). If you have a CV please attach it. Tell us about what you do and why you want to be involved. We will send you a short application form to complete to help us track applications.
- We’ll invite shortlisted candidates for an informal chat. Then to meet in person with the head of development and/or a trustee.

Over the last twelve months, Divided Culture Co. has overhauled it's business model to place it in a competitive and strategic position, with a very strong future ahead. With the launch of a Creative Engagement programme, the onboarding of three associate artists and the transition over to a registered charity - 2025 is a highly exciting year to join.

We are looking for a broad range of experiences to form our Board of Trustees. From artistic to financial, we're particularly interested in hearing from a range of individuals, that represent the diversity of the communities that we serve.

We would like to receive enquiries from leaders with the following expertise:

- Chief Executive/Executive Director experience.

- Charity/VCSE management experience.

- Commercial producing experience.

- Finance and accountancy.

- Legal & HR.

The role is expected to consist of no more than four meetings a year, plus a range of benefits including reasonable expenses for costs incurred.

Closing date: Friday 30th May 2025 at 11:59pm.

The role of Volunteer Clerk

The Clerk attends board meetings, provides effective administrative support to the Council, ensures the Council is properly constituted, and manages information and document control effectively in accordance with legal requirements. This is a flexible role which for the most part can fit around the existing commitments of a volunteer.

Why we want you

A court sentencing can be a very stressful time for families. Pact’s new Side by Side service provides wraparound support for families, starting at the court, progressing to the prison, and then supporting post-release.

As a Side by Side Court Volunteer, you will spend most of your time (ideally one shift a week) based at Maidstone or Canterbury Court.  Here you will provide much needed practical and emotional support to families and friends who are experiencing a loved one going through the court process. Your presence and support will ensure families have the strength needed for their loved ones and that they have access to information and advice as required.

Additionally, you may be asked to support families on their first visit in the instance their loved one is sentenced to one of our partner sites (HMP Elmley or HMP Rochester) or make the appropriate introductions if you are unable to attend.

The vision of this project is that families are supported by Pact team members at all stages, so the consistency of support (either by yourself or via a successful and warm handover of information) is crucial.

What you will be doing

· Engaging with families in Maidstone or Canterbury Court, particularly those with loved ones transitioning to HMP Elmley or Rochester (either on remand or sentenced) 

· Providing advice and support on what to expect when a loved one is in prison, particularly in the first few days, and how to navigate prison systems (such as booking visits, contact etc.)

· Referring on to other support services (such as benefits, financial aid, etc.)

· Supporting the family’s transition over to Pact’s Family Services teams at HMP Elmley & Rochester, who will provide additional support for both them and their loved one

· Developing good, working relationships with staff at the court (clerks, ushers, list-callers, and other professionals) to promote Pact's service to them

· Ensure there are sufficient materials about Pact's service available and visible, throughout the court

· Adhere to policies and practices relevant to this role: Confidentiality, Health & Safety, Child Protection and Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, Court and Prison security rules, etc.

· Report any incidents and concerns related to Health and Safety or Safeguarding to a member of the Pact staff team

The skills you need

· Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude

· Ability to deal calmly and sensitively with individuals and families in a court environment

· Ability to work independently and alone within the courts, with the confidence to approach families and friends

· Ability to work well as part of a small team

· Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

· Punctual, organised and able to use your own initiative

· Good understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality

What's in it for you

· Feel connected to those you are helping in your local community

· Develop skills and enhance your experience for future volunteering / employment opportunities

· Develop experience and knowledge of the Criminal Justice System

· Full training and induction provided with regular ongoing support

· Out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our expenses policy

Disclaimers

· This role is subject to the completion of Pact's mandatory training and checks which our staff will be on hand to support you through.

· As this role may require occasional travel to HMP Elmley and HMP Rochester, a vehicle is required.

Training

Online Safeguarding, Professional Boundaries, Equality and Diversity, Data Security, and Health and Safety training is required for this role, in addition to virtual and/or in-person induction training related to the role. We anticipate the initial virtual training will take between 10-12 hours to complete in total, of which most can be completed in your own time. You will also have access to a range of other training opportunities throughout the year.

Checks

· 3 years of employment history or other activities (e.g., studying, travelling)

· Enhanced DBS check (Disclosure & Barring Service)

Because of the recruitment process, which can take several weeks, Pact expects you will commit to volunteering with us for a minimum of 1 shift a week (3-4 hours) for at least 6 months from when you start.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.