Local development officer volunteer roles in barkingside, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join Manor Gardens Welfare Trust (MGWT) as a Trustee and play a pivotal role in empowering communities to thrive. Help us deliver innovative, culturally competent services tackling inequalities and improving lives across Islington and beyond.
MGWT has been at the heart of community support since 1913, continuously evolving to meet contemporary challenges. Our dynamic hub in Upper Holloway supports over 2,600 people annually, promoting health, wellbeing, and social inclusion among diverse, underserved communities. Our services include multilingual advocacy, mental health support and therapy services, youth service provision as well as chairing Islington's award-winning Food Partnership working for a sustainable food system in the borough.
Although MGWT is a local charity, we have a notable track record of innovation and wider impact. We pioneered the first LGBTQ+ youth group in Europe and launched the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Our groundbreaking work continues to inform practices and policies at both local and national levels.
We are particularly seeking trustees with skills in fundraising (including expertise in securing grants from trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, statutory funding, legacies, and major gifts), Human Resources, and communications. Knowledge, experience, and a thorough understanding of the charity sector are essential, alongside a demonstrable commitment to our values. Previous board experience is desirable but not essential. We particularly welcome candidates with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address, including socioeconomic inequality, mental health, and the asylum process.
Trustees commit roughly 6 hours monthly, guiding strategic direction, ensuring effective governance, promoting equality and inclusion, and serving as ambassadors for MGWT’s vital work.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join Population Matters as our next Chair
Population Matters is at a pivotal moment: with a bold new five‑year strategy launched in February 2025, we’re poised to amplify our impact on the critical interplay between human numbers, consumption and planetary health. As our current Chair reaches their two‑term limit, we seek a visionary leader to partner with our dynamic CEO and skilled Board in realising our mission: a world where people live fairly and sustainably with nature and one another.
About Population Matters
Vision: A world in which our human population lives fairly and sustainably with nature and each other.
Mission: To address the negative consequences of ever more people using ever more of the planet’s resources—and to inspire and engage others in finding, sharing and promoting solutions as swiftly as possible.
Values: Evidence‑based learning • Local and global partnerships • Openness and commitment to truth • Promotion of women’s choices
The Chair role
As Chair, you will ensure the Board’s effectiveness in shaping and delivering strategy, upholding exemplary governance and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. You will:
Lead and inspire an international, growing charity.
- Chair Board meetings, guide decision‑making and oversee high‑quality Board papers.
- Appoint, support and appraise the CEO, ensuring robust performance and development.
- Review Board composition and sub‑committees, nurturing Trustee talent and diversity.
- Act as an ambassador for Population Matters, engaging funders, regulators and strategic partners.
We are looking for someone:
- with the gravitas and personality to lead and inspire a growing, internationalizing charity.
- with an affinity with Population Matters, its strategy and its goals.
- with strong interpersonal and relationship skills, inside PM and externally.
- with good communication skills and experience with public presentation and negotiations.
- familiar with the demographics and politics around human population.
- familiar with the international development and nature protection debates.
Other attributes:
- Experience at a senior, strategic level within an organisation of similar size.
- Previous Trustee or Non‑Executive Board Director experience (essential).
- Financial literacy and understanding of charitable sector finance.
- Proven ability to build external collaborations and foster strong internal teams.
- Experience working with charity regulators, significant funders and institutional or political leaders.
Time commitment
As well as the time commitments for all Trustees (one day per month), the Chair role will require an additional 0.5 – 1 day per month to support and collaborate with the Chief Executive.
Location: Board meetings held in London SE1, with some meetings online.
If you would like to receive an Information Pack with full details, including how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills at Harris Hill, via the apply button. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at the above address with suitable times to talk.
Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 23rd June.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Croydon Almshouses is seeking new trustees from all backgrounds who are passionate about giving their time to a dynamic Croydon charity that works to reduce the impact of poverty on people’s lives, so they can live with more dignity and independence. We welcome applications from all, and are currently seeking trustees with experience and/ or professional qualifications in:
· Finance
· Communications
· Working with older people
· Property Surveyor (MRICS or FRICS)
About Croydon Almshouses:
Croydon Almshouses is the oldest charity in Croydon, and we are proud of our heritage. For over 550 years we have been supporting people who experience the impact of poverty. Since 1447 we have offered almshouses, and for the last 40 years have also awarded grants to Croydon’s voluntary sector and individuals.
At the heart of who we are, is our belief and commitment to ‘community’. Our Croydon Almshouses community is made up of our residents, staff, and trustees. We are also part of our local Waddon community, and the wider Croydon community. In some ways, most importantly, we recognise that we all belong to several communities which connect us with our backgrounds, our interests, our challenges.
About the Role:
You will be joining a committed and progressive Board of Trustees which is tasked with offering robust governance oversight to the charity, which is currently embarking on its ambitious 2024-2028 Strategy: “Do more, Do Better”.
To learn more about Croydon Almshouses, the specifics of the role, and the time commitment, please click the attached role description pack.
Timeline:
Closing date for applications: Monday 7th July, 9am
Interview date: w/c 14th July, TBC early June
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.
To apply, please send your CV and a personal statement of not more than one side of A4 outlining how your experience fits the role description. If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact MacLaine, whose email is located in the 'How to Apply' section of the role pack, to arrange.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Healthwatch Haringey is the independent ‘people’s champion’ for health and social
care in the London Borough of Haringey.
We actively seek out the views of the public and patients on all matters relating to
health and social care, e.g. their experience in hospital, interim care, at the GP or
dentist, and collate those together to produce impact statements and reports.
With this evidence we seek to campaign for and change for the better the way
health and social care services are designed, delivered, and improved.
We have a statutory role, as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, are a
member of the London Borough of Haringey Health and Wellbeing Board and have
excellent relations with Commissioners across the borough. We also have a great
staff team who work hard to achieve the aims of Healthwatch Haringey.
While you might not have a background in health or social care, we are looking
for someone who has the transferrable skills to play a leading part in the future of
Healthwatch Haringey.
You will ensure Healthwatch Haringey is well governed with robust policies and
procedures in place, continue to establish and build constructive relationships with
Healthwatch Haringey’s key stakeholders and represent the organisation externally
whenever appropriate as one of its leading ambassadors.
As well as line managing the Healthwatch Haringey Manager, you will be responsible
for the strategic development of the organisation, the setting of priorities and the
delivery of statutory and contractual obligations.
We welcome applications from anyone who lives or works or is registered with a
GP in the London Borough of Haringey or North Central London ICS area (includes
London Boroughs of Haringey, Barnet, Enfield, Camden, and Islington). We absolutely
welcome and encourage applications from ALL sections of the community including
those from minority ethnic communities, disabled people, every gender, every age
group (over 18), and all socio-economic groups. You would be representing all
Haringey residents, but it is essential to make sure every voice is heard.
Please see the Person Specification in the recruitment pack on page 10 for more details and how to apply on
page 12.
We look forward to receiving your application. Thank you.
We translate the insights and needs of people into actions to improve public services, leading to reduced inequalities and improved outcomes.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Help children as Trustee of an innovative, enterprising Tees Valley Charity that is increasingly supporting children in care through fostering and a planned residential provision. Join an agency that transforms children's lives.
What will you be doing?
You will join us at an exciting time as we pursue growth of fostering and residential services, as well as growth of our early help offer.
You will work across the Charity and the subsidiary fostering company (which we will amalgamate back into the parent Charity).
You will have a particular focus on helping the fostering agency drive growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver excellent care for children and support for foster parents. You will provide support and challenge to the management team.
You’ll contribute 2 to 6 hours a month. The Charity board meets every 8 weeks (shifting to quarterly after September) and the fostering board meets every 8 weeks.
You’ll join a Charity that’s brought £millions of investment into Tees Valley and that helps over 1000 local people a year. We’ve been runners up at the national Charity Governance Awards and ‘community’ winners at the Hartlepool Business Awards.
We are looking for experienced professionals who share our values and want to help.
What are we looking for?
At this time we are specifically looking for Trustees with some of these areas of skills or experience:
Business development
Safeguarding management
Fostering or children's residential care or childrens social work management
Financial management
What difference will you make?
We want to help children and family members heal from trauma, primarily through helping them develop a network of nurturing, loving and appropriately challenging relationships with people in their close and wider communities. Any small surplus we make from helping children in care will be diverted into work to help families stay together and thrive. You will join a team that strives to make this difference. You will help ensure the Charity keeps a strong focus on children and young peoples needs whilst being sustainability and ensuring the agency manages the risks associated with growth and investment in new services.
Before you apply
After expressing an interest through the site, we'd welcome an initial conversation with our CEO and/or Chair. After that, we usually take applications to the Board for consideration. This is usually quite a quick process.
Join Us as Co-Chair at Mind in Enfield and Barnet
Be a driving force for mental health transformation in North London
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for mental health and social impact? Do you want to help shape the future of a dynamic, values-led charity making a real difference in people’s lives?
Mind in Enfield and Barnet (MiEB) is seeking a visionary Co-Chair to join our Board of Trustees and help guide our next chapter of growth and innovation.
About Us
MiEB is a leading local mental health charity, proudly affiliated with the national Mind federation but operating independently. Since our merger in 2021, we’ve grown significantly – supporting over 5,000 people annually through therapy, wellbeing, advocacy, and crisis services. We are Led by Lived Experience, with over 75% of our staff having personal experience of mental health challenges.
The Role
As Co-Chair, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership and governance alongside your fellow Co-Chair
- Champion our mission, values, and new 2025-2028 strategy
- Facilitate inclusive, effective board meetings and decision-making
- Support and appraise the CEO
- Represent MiEB externally and help build partnerships
- Ensure we remain accountable, equitable, and impactful
You’ll work closely with a refreshed, skilled board and a passionate executive team to ensure MiEB continues to deliver services that change lives and lead systems change across Enfield and Barnet.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from individuals with:
- Senior-level leadership and governance experience
- Excellent communication, diplomacy, and strategic thinking
- A commitment to equity, inclusion, and lived experience
- A connection to Enfield, Barnet, or the wider North London community
Previous chairing experience is not essential – we’ll support you with induction, training, and mentoring.
We especially encourage applications from underrepresented or minoritised groups, in line with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Key Details
- Closing Date: Monday 30th June 2025, 5:00 p.m.
- To apply, please send a CV/Profile and a supporting statement answering the questions below (in text or video format) by 5pm on Monday 30th June 2025.
- Which of your professional skills and/or experience do you feel are most relevant to leading the Mind in Enfield and Barnet board of trustees and why.
- Can you describe a time when you have chaired a challenging board level meeting or group discussion? What approach did you take? How effective was it?
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Community Volunteers are vital in enabling us to continue to feed the 2.4 million children we feed every day and to help us reach the next child. They use their talents in their communities to spread the story of Mary’s Meals.
What is the role of a Community Volunteer?
Some of the things you can do as a community volunteer:
- Help us to share our story – arrange and give Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds
- Use your networks and contacts to book talks, stalls and events and help us share our story
- Organise fundraising events in your local area such as coffee mornings, quizzes, supermarket bag packs and bucket collections
- Organise film screenings in your community to show Mary’s Meals films
- Volunteer at local fundraising and awareness events such as film screenings, bucket collections or concerts
- Promote Mary’s Meals’ fundraising campaigns and events in your community and across their networks and contacts
- Distribute and display promotional materials
- Place collection tins in local community areas
- Host community engagement events about Mary’s Meals’ work
- Come together as a group with other local volunteers to support each other with this work
- Lead a group in your community to fundraise for Mary’s Meals
What support and resources will I receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Training and if desired, public speaking training
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
Join us in making a difference to the lives of soldiers and their families - become an AFF Trustee!
We are currently seeking dedicated volunteer Trustees to join our Board and help steer AFF towards achieving its objectives.
AFF is independent of the Army and offers confidential advice to serving personnel and their families either online, by email or by phone. We may respond to enquiries with direct advice or by signposting to help identify the right route for further advice or support. We also provide useful information for Army families through our extensive website and magazine, Army&You.
At a strategic level we work with senior command and our Chief Executive works with the most senior Army commanders, the Ministry of Defence, and the UK and devolved nations legislative and executive bodies. AFF is often pivotal in achieving improvements for serving soldiers and their families such as changes to Government and military policy and changes to how things are provided for families.
Key Responsibilities:
AFF Trustees provide oversight, governance, and support to ensure AFF remains effective in its work and responsive to the needs of the Army community. They help shape the strategic direction of the Army Families Federation, by providing Board-level guidance to the team supporting soldiers and their families, wherever they are in the world, so they are able to live well throughout their Army life.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are looking for individuals who are committed to the welfare of Army families and who bring professional experience in the following areas:
-
Commercial/ fundraising: experience of commercial income generation, fundraising and development strategies.
- Legal: Expertise in legal matters, including governance, compliance, and contract law.
Additionally, applications are welcome from individuals with a connection to the Service community, particularly those from Foreign and Commonwealth backgrounds. We believe that diversity strengthens our ability to represent the full breadth of the Army family.
Essential Skills & Attributes:
- A passion for understanding the needs of Army families and supporting them as they live their lives today
- Strong professional experience and expertise in your field.
- Commitment to good governance and the values of transparency and accountability.
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.
- Ability to offer strategic insight and challenge where necessary.
- Serving personnel are very welcome to apply, particularly if currently overseas.
Interested? Find out more:
Our process in appointing Trustees begins with you reading through our Trustee Recruitment Pack. You can find this by hitting 'apply now' and downloading a copy. Or you can visit the jobs page of our AFF website. This will give you more specific information about AFF and the role our Trustees fulfil.
If you feel that you would like to apply to be an AFF Trustee, then you can make contact with us by sending your CV along with a covering letter, outlining your skills and motivations in being an AFF Trustee. If you have any questions, please reach out through the Charity Job application process to our HR Lead, Rachel BIshop. We will need to hear from you by 30 June 2025.
We will get in contact with you to arrange initial conversations with a member of the team or an existing Trustee. We will be interviewing prospective candidates in July and August in Central London, and appointments will be made from late August.
Our process in appointing Trustees begins with you reading through our Trustee Recruitment Pack. You can find this by hitting 'apply now' and downloading a copy. This will give you more specific information about AFF and the role our Trustees fulfil. If you have any questions about the process or about the role then please reach out.
If you feel that you would like to apply to be an AFF Trustee, then you can make contact with us by sending your CV along with a covering letter, outlining your skills and motivations in being an AFF Trustee. We will need to hear from you by 30 June 2025.
Interviews (preferably in person) will take place mid July - mid August, likely to be in central London. Appointments from late August.
AFF offers confidential advice and guidance with the unique issues that come with military life and is the voice for serving personnel and families


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Become a Trustee at Mind in Enfield and Barnet
Help shape the future of mental health support in North London
Are you passionate about mental health and social justice? Do you want to use your skills and experience to make a meaningful impact in your community?
Mind in Enfield and Barnet (MiEB) is seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help guide our next chapter of growth, innovation, and inclusion.
About Us
MiEB is a fast-growing, values-led local mental health charity. Since our merger in 2021, we’ve expanded significantly – supporting over 5,000 people annually and growing our income to £2.19 million. We deliver a wide range of services including therapy, advocacy, wellbeing support, and culturally appropriate mental health provision.
We are proudly Led by Lived Experience, with over 75% of our staff having personal experience of mental health challenges. Our work is grounded in five core values:
- Compassion
- Real Change
- Integrity
- Equity
- Empowerment
The Role: Trustee
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of MiEB. Your responsibilities will include:
- Setting the strategic direction of the charity and ensuring alignment with our mission and values
- Overseeing financial and operational performance, ensuring MiEB remains solvent, well-run, and impactful
- Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, including charity and company law
- Championing equity, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of our work
- Supporting and challenging the executive team, including the CEO, to deliver high-quality services
- Contributing to board meetings, sub-committees, and strategic planning sessions
- Promoting user involvement and ensuring the voice of lived experience is central to decision-making
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience – we’ll support you with induction, training, and mentoring.
We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in areas such as:
- Health and social care
- Mental health lived experience
- Legal, safeguarding, or governance
- Digital innovation
- Fundraising and income generation
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Community organising or local networks in Barnet or Enfield
Above all, we’re looking for people who are collaborative, values-driven, and committed to making a difference.
Key Details
- Closing Date: Monday 30th June 2025, 5:00 p.m.
- To apply, please send a CV/Profile and a supporting statement answering the questions below (in text or video format) by 5pm on Monday 30th June 2025.
1.Explain how your experience, skills and personal qualities make you a suitable candidate for this role. Refer to the role description and person specification
2.What experience of collective leadership do you have (either as a board member, or otherwise)? What role did you play in the team?
Join Us as Treasurer at Mind in Enfield and Barnet
Help shape the financial future of a growing mental health charity
Are you a finance professional with a passion for social impact? Do you want to use your skills to support a thriving, values-led organisation making a real difference in people’s lives?
Mind in Enfield and Barnet (MiEB) is seeking a new Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic financial oversight as we continue to grow and innovate in mental health support.
About Us
MiEB is a dynamic local mental health charity, proudly affiliated with the national Mind federation but operating independently. Since our merger in 2021, we’ve expanded significantly – supporting over 5,000 people annually and growing our income to £2.19 million in 2023/24.
We are Led by Lived Experience, with over 75% of our staff having personal experience of mental health challenges. Our services span therapy, wellbeing, advocacy, and crisis support, and we are committed to equity, empowerment, and real change.
The Role: Treasurer
As Treasurer, you will play a vital role in ensuring MiEB’s financial health, sustainability, and transparency. You will:
- Guide and advise the Board on financial strategy, budgeting, and risk management
- Chair the Finance & HR Sub-Committee, ensuring robust oversight of financial and operational matters
- Support the Head of Finance and CEO, offering expert insight and challenge on financial planning and reporting
- Ensure compliance with charity and company law, and that financial statements meet statutory and funder requirements
- Champion good governance, transparency, and accountability across the organisation
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone with:
- A professional finance qualification or equivalent senior-level financial management experience
- A strong understanding of charity finance and governance
- Experience managing complex budgets and financial reporting
- The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
- Experience of chairing meetings and working collaboratively with senior teams
Previous experience as a Treasurer is welcome but not essential – we’ll support you with induction, training, and mentoring.
We especially encourage applications from underrepresented or minoritised groups, in line with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Key Details
- Closing Date: Monday 30th June 2025, 5:00 p.m.
- To apply, please send a CV/Profile and a supporting statement answering the questions below (in text or video format) by 5pm on Monday 30th June 2025.
1.Explain how your experience, skills and personal qualities make you a suitable candidate for this role. Refer to the role description and person specification
2.Please describe a time when you have ensured transparency and accountability in financial management, both internally within the organisation and externally with stakeholders?
This is a fantastic role to get involved locally and be at the forefront of solutions to help save nature in the Exeter area.
Join us as the volunteer leader of the RSPB Exeter & District Local Group and lead a group of enthusiastic members who are passionate about supporting the RSPB and exploring local wildlife. The group runs a full programme of activities, from outdoor walks and indoor talks to fundraising events. As the group leader, you will primarily lead the group and oversee the programme. You will be part of a friendly and helpful committee that share the same vision of bringing members closer to nature. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to use your leadership skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of the RSPB.
If you want to have an informal chat about the role, please ask for Richard, the current group leader. We’d love to hear from you.
The RSPB brings people together – people like you – to protect the things that matter to us all.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become our Trustee Tresurer and chair our Finance Committee.We need a Trustees with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to help accelerate our influcence on wildlife and nature recovery issues in the country and beyond.
With a refreshed 3-year strategy (23-26), “A Wilder Herefordshire, More Nature Everywhere” we’re working hard to recover nature at scale through deeper collaborations, working with local community organisations and networks to develop a clear plan for nature’s recovery. We are also working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, river partnerships and national partners such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, and Duchy of Cornwall.
So, with lots happening, it’s an exciting if challenging time for the Trust. Urgent action is needed to address the decline of wildlife in our beautiful county – and we need to muster all the resources and skills we can to succeed.
We are a welcoming board who support and challenge each other to do better for wildlife.
We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us.
At this time, we wish to recruit someone to take on the role of Treasurer, and chair our Finance Committee. You would need the following skills and qualities:
· A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust;
· Demonstrable experience of financial management;
· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences;
· A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards;
· The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy
If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Alison McLean OBE, Chair, March 2025
Letter from Imelda Redmond, our chair of trustees
The current Board is a welcoming, collegiate and energetic group, working hard to make a positive impact on the lives of older people in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. I joined the organisation a year ago as chair and am enjoying steering the organisation through an exciting period of transformation as we implement our new, and ambitious, five year strategy. AUKEL has sound finances and a strong reputation for its service delivery (Hospital to Home service, community services, digital inclusion and Information and Advice). From this strong base, the organisation has an ambition to amplify the voices of older people within our communities and to create a more collaborative culture which both improves the connectedness of our services and also strengthens our relationships with local voluntary, statutory, community and faith groups. We are looking for someone with the time, passion and expertise we need to work collegiately with trustee colleagues to lead the organisation through this next exciting phase.
Yours,
Imelda Redmond
AUKEL Chair of trustees
About us Age
UK East London (AUKEL) is a local independent charity, which is part of the national Age UK network. We work across Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham to deliver services which support older people to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.
Our work
Each year we support around 20,000 older East Londoners by providing flexible practical and emotional support in homes, hospitals and in the community.
Our boroughs have the country’s highest pensioner poverty in the country, further exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis.
How we help
1. We tackle poverty
Each year our advice service supports over 2,000 older people to claim £3.2million in welfare benefits, grants and relief entitlements. During the cost-of-living crisis we distributed £42,000 worth of emergency vouchers for food, helping older people ensure there was food in the fridge.
2. We alleviate loneliness
According to a national model, Tower Hamlets has the highest rates of loneliness in London and in England. Our East End Friends initiative teams housebound older people who’d like a bit more company with a volunteer to visit them at home. 92% of older people said they felt less isolated and lonely and 100% of volunteers would recommend the scheme.
3. We improve health.
Many older people in our boroughs have very poor health. For example, at age 65, women can expect just six more years of good health, which is the lowest in London and almost the lowest in England. This reduces their quality of life and can make it harder to remain independent. As well as increasing income and addressing loneliness (both determinants of health) we offer yoga, walking, and chair-based exercise groups at our community centre in Bow. 87% of participants said they are more independent as a result.
4. We increase independence.
Many older people live alone and struggle to manage around the home. Our home from hospital service supports 3,000 older people to return to a safe and warm home. Just 6% are readmitted to hospital within 28 days compared to 15.3% in areas where there aren’t these services.
The Team
We have an established and talented Senior Management Team, a committed staff team and an extraordinary group of volunteers. Two years ago, the board recruited a new Chief Executive. She is ambitious for the charity, comes with a great track-record of charity leadership, and has worked hard with trustees to develop our new organisational strategy.
Who we are looking for
We want our trustees to understand the community we serve and are therefore specifically looking for applicants who live in and/or have strong connections with Hackney, Tower Hamlets or Newham. Additionally, we are determined to increase the diversity of the current Board in line with our organisational EDI Objectives. For this reason, we are actively seeking candidates from the Global Majority (all non-white ethnic groups, including Black, Asian, and other groups previously labelled as "ethnic minorities" or ‘BAME’).
Previous experience in the voluntary sector, adult social care, NHS, or similar relevant experience to the work of AUKEL would be helpful. As would communications/marketing experience. However, this is potentially a developmental role where you will gain knowledge and experience of charity governance – so the most important thing is your commitment to our organisational aims and your local connection.
You must want to improve the lives of older people across East London and understand the impact disadvantage and discrimination has on the life chances of our local population. You will be curious, collaborative and ambitious and able to commit to an average of one-to two days a quarter (most meetings are in the evenings).
If you're new to being a trustee, we can offer additional training and pair you with a fellow trustee as a ‘buddy’ to help guide you. They’ll be there to walk you through trustee materials, answer any questions, and provide support along the way.
Full role description can be found in appendix 1
What I get out of being on the AUKEL Board
'I continue to be impressed with the extent of the help AUKEL provides in our communities. The need for the service is increasing as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. I see the Trustee role as an enabling role. I enjoy rolling up my sleeves alongside my fellow trustees to tackle some challenging issues with our combined skill sets. I particularly enjoy working on the new People sub-committee and I can sense a renewed enthusiasm for finding ways to optimise the Trustee contribution.' (Teresa, a current trustee)
New Trustees will complete an induction to the organisation and the Board. This will include site visits and meetings with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Chair and Board members. During your induction you’ll have the opportunity to really understand our services and get to know our team. You’ll be able to ask any questions you want and visit any service you wish!
Time commitment
The full Board meets quarterly on Wednesdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in our Hackney centre.
We hope that all our trustees additionally sit on a sub-committee which reflects their interests and/or expertise. All the Committees meet quarterly the Finance Committee meets on Thursdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm usually face to face in Bethnal Green, the People Committee 5 meets quarterly on Mondays from 6.00-7.30pm online, and the Service Development Committee usually meets from 6.00-7.30pm on Thursdays online.
Travel expenses can be reimbursed.
Board members may be asked to commit additional time to support staff recruitment, review tenders and share expertise.
The agenda and papers for each meeting are usually emailed to Trustees a week in advance.
How to apply
If you are interested in being considered for this role please submit your CV/LinkedIn profile with a covering letter explaining why you wish to join the charity and the skills/experience you will bring to the Board.Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.
Potential candidates are welcome to have an informal conversation about the role. Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.
Closing date is the 30th of June.
Appendix 1
Trustee role description
The Board is responsible for the smooth-running of the organisation and supporting the Chief Executive. You will be supporting our 70+ members of staff and part of our 80+ strong volunteer team. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how to tackle the challenges that our beneficiaries face, and how to deliver appropriate co-produced services that enrich older people’s lives and enhance the whole community of East London.
Main tasks
- Contribute to Board meetings, helping to give firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting policy and targets and evaluating performance.
- Make decisions for the benefit of Age UK East London, exercising independent judgement and declaring any interests, exercising reasonable skill, care and diligence in carrying out activities.
- Be familiar with the rules that govern Age UK East London (Articles of Association) and make sure we follow those, Charity Law, Company Law and all other relevant legislation and regulations.
- Ensure the organisation’s financial stability, overseeing the setting of the budget and monitoring variance against the budget (the Board also has a Finance Sub-Committee to help oversee this).
- Ensure that we use our resources in line with our Articles and the requirements of funders, and that our accounts are a ‘fair and true’ representation of our finances.
- Safeguard the values of Age UK East London a maintain positive reputation for the organisation and its work.
Person specification
We’re looking for someone who:
- Cares about older people and wants to make a positive difference in their lives.
- Is open-minded, fair, and respectful, and values the opinions and experiences of others.
- Understands equity, diversity, and inclusion and its impact on older people and organizational practices
- Is committed to the charity’s mission, values, and social impact.
- Is reliable, committed and can dedicate some time to attending meetings and getting involved in the charity’s work.
- Is willing to learn about the charity’s work, the role of a trustee, and the challenges older people face.
- Can work well with others as part of a team, sharing ideas and supporting the charity’s goals.
It would be helpful (but not essential) if you:
- Have personal or professional experience with older people, or an understanding of the issues they face.
- Have lived experience or a connection to the charity’s mission.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trustee with Legal Expertise - Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!
At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Trustee with Legal Expertise to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country.
We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you.
Who We're Looking For:
We are looking to recruit a Trustee with Legal expertise who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve.
As a Legal Expert Trustee, You Will:
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Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation
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Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity.
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Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose.
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Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability.
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Ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team
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Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts.
What We Offer:
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Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need.
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Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks.
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Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.
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Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us.
Expectations:
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Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role
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Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely.
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Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work.
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External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually.
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Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work.
If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you!
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!
We are looking for individuals to join our Board in 2025. In recent years we’ve increased and diversified the membership of the Board including the launch of our Associate Board Member programme in 2023. We are looking to continue this work with dynamic and committed people to support further growth and development, building on our achievements.
We want to recruit new Board Members, alongside an opportunity for two Associate Board Members.
Being a Board Member
Board Members play an integral role in providing robust governance and stewardship, in externally supporting future development through advocacy with regional, national and international stakeholders, potential funders and partners from the public and private sectors. Board Members benefit from working with a small, creative and enthusiastic team on the strategic development of the organisation.
What is an AND Associate Board Member?
We have developed a 12 month programme for two Associate Board Members. These roles will work alongside the AND Board of Trustees, and have been designed as a development programme aimed to support potential candidates who do not yet have (sufficient) board-level experience, or the required availability, but have the passion and potential to be a future AND Board member.
The Associate Board Member roles have been created to support individuals who are currently under-represented in the cultural sector, providing greater access to training opportunities, and to add further diversity and richness of perspective to the organisation.
Associate Board Members will:
- bring unique experience from their field of expertise
- share our passion for new ideas and artforms
- place inclusion and engagement at the heart of our culture and vision
- be provided with relevant shadowing, mentoring or training opportunities to support their skills development over 12 months
- attend quarterly AND Board meetings (without legal responsibility or voting rights)
- have the opportunity to apply to become a Board Member after 12 months
It is not necessary to have governance/board-level exposure or experience, but a general understanding of how boards work is required.
If you feel that you don’t quite meet the person specification in the recruitment pack but you’re excited and interested in the opportunity, please get in touch following the application process outlined below.
Joining the AND Board as a Trustee
We are currently looking for individuals to join the AND Board with experience in the following areas:
- Strategic Regional Public Sector Knowledge
- Environmental Sustainability
- Charity Finance
- PR / Digital Communications
- Regional commercial business knowledge across the creative sector, immersive and digital technologies
This isn’t an exhaustive list, and we’re interested in hearing from anyone who believes they have skills or experience to positively contribute to the organisation. We’re also looking for candidates interested in exploring a Vice Chair role with a view to future succession planning for AND Chair. We’re committed to opening up opportunities to people who are currently under-represented in the cultural sector, and we particularly welcome applications from candidates from ethnically diverse backgrounds, Disabled candidates and candidates under 30.
What is it like to be on the AND Board?
Read an interview with our Trustees Sam Bompass and Katie Moffat about being on the AND Board.
About AND
AND is an arts organisation known for creating radical, site-responsive projects at the intersection of art, technology and digital culture.
Working across the UK and internationally, AND commissions artists to explore the social, environmental and ethical implications of emerging technologies. Our portfolio includes large-scale outdoor artworks, exhibitions, research programmes, residencies, online projects and our flagship AND Festival — a nomadic biennial bringing cutting-edge digital experiences to diverse locations.
Our work often takes place in unexpected settings, from post-industrial towns to natural landscapes, creating space for bold experimentation and critical reflection. At our core, we champion interdisciplinary collaboration and are committed to inclusive, sustainable practices that challenge what is considered ‘normal’ in culture today
Practical Details
AND’s Board currently meets for a minimum of four times a year, through a mix of online, and in person meetings in Manchester (UK). There are additional, occasional meetings and sub-committee groups which can be attended via video call. We are particularly interested in hearing from North-based candidates, especially those with regional public sector or commercial business expertise, although we are open to applications from candidates from across the UK.
This is an unpaid role. You’ll need to commit around a day a month to the role. AND will reimburse reasonable travel expenses to meetings in full.
How to apply
- Read our AND Board Membership Recruitment Pack or our AND Associate Board Membership Pack
- If you’d like to speak informally about becoming an AND Board Member or Associate Board Member, you are welcome to request a conversation by Friday 30 May 2025
- Following this, we ask for a CV along with a short written statement (max 1 page) / video (max 3 minutes) to be submitted by Midnight Sunday 22 June 2025 with AND BOARD MEMBER ROLE or AND ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBER ROLE as the subject field.
- Complete an Equal Opportunities Form (submitted anonymously)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.