Local development volunteer volunteer roles in leicester, greater london

The country’s only dedicated ancient tree charity, the Ancient Tree Forum (ATF), is looking for a new Trustee with Fundraising Experience.

About us – The ATF seeks to secure the long-term future of ancient trees through advocacy of no further avoidable loss, good management, and the development of a succession of future ancient trees. The ATF is needed now more than ever – this is a critical time for ancient trees, the habitats they support and the landscapes in which they can survive and flourish. Their protection is crucial, not least because these living monuments represent a globally important resource, for biodiversity, cultural connection, mental & physical health, carbon capture, and soil conservation.

The profile of the ATF continues to grow, and its expertise is sought at the highest level. We raise awareness and understanding of the value and importance of ancient and veteran trees to biodiversity, soils, landscape, heritage, and climate. We work with a mix of national charities, landowners, land managers, local authorities, and policy makers in national government and offer specialist training, advice, guidance, and outreach projects. 

What we’re looking for – Do you have the ability, empathy and commitment to make a major contribution to the protection of the oldest trees in the country, and all their associated wildlife, history and carbon impact? 

Are you an experienced fundraiser from the environmental or wider charitable sector? 

If so, we encourage you to consider applying. 

If you also understand current ancient and veteran tree-related challenges and issues this would be an advantage, although a background in the wider environment sector and in charities at a relevant level is more important. 

We are a very small, registered charity (number 1164078) who are looking to maintain and grow our current service offering.

We provide counselling support, for children and young people who would not normally have access to the help they need by offering funded counselling to children and young people within 35 local, surrey-based schools on a bi termly basis.  We usually offer a counsellor for 3 hours per week, although this can be more depending on need and the size of school, as well as the age group that the volunteer counsellors need experience in. 

We offer some part funded counselling on a self-referral basis for those who do not have access within their school environment or for those above school age.  We currently support approximately 45 children, young people and their caregivers on a weekly basis.

We are looking for another Student/Volunteer Counsellor to join our small passionate and perfectly formed team working in Surrey.

Role Description

You will provide at least 3 counselling sessions to 3 separate children and/or young people per week at one school per term.  You will then move to another school to continue supporting children on a similar basis for another term. We ask for your commitment to this (as a minimum) for one academic year.  You may commit to more if you can.  The schools will be either based in and around Tadworth, or in and around the Byfleet/Woking area.

The Matthew Hackney Foundation will provide bi-weekly supervision with our counselling lead who is a qualified and accredited child and adult therapist.

The Matthew Hackney Foundation will provide you with professional support and training in accordance with BACP guidelines and best practice, specifically on topics that are relevant to working with children and young people.

You must read and adhere to all of our relevant policies, including safeguarding, confidentiality and information sharing.

This is a general outline of our volunteer counsellor role, please be aware that your duties and responsibilities may develop as your role grows and you may be required to undertake other relevant reasonable duties from time to time.

Key criteria required for the role;

Qualifications:

You will be a fully qualified Counsellor, Therapist or Educational/Clinical Psychologist or studying towards one of these professions at the following levels:

Diploma or degree in Counselling (minimum of Level 4 or above). You will need to have achieved your certificate of competence to practice or be working towards this.  You must also have completed your NCFE levels 1 – 3 in counselling skills (or the equivalent).

Degree, MSc or MA in Counselling, Counselling Psychology or Psychotherapy - if you are in your first year you will have relevant experience of direct work with children.

Experience:

Counselling training must have, or have had, a therapeutic and personal development component rather than being purely theoretical or research based (as with Distance Learning courses). Examples of this include: role play, creative work with art, TRIAD techniques.

Preferably will have experience of working with children aged 4 – 16 gained through volunteering, caring for children or through a background in a caring profession such as nursing, social work or as a health visitor.

Our ideal volunteer would have/demonstrate;

A passion for supporting the mental wellbeing of children & young people.

Willingness to make a minimum commitment to practice in school one half day per week (term time only) for one academic year.

Understands and can demonstrate the values, vision and mission of The Matthew Hackney Foundation.

Emotionally robust and able to demonstrate self-awareness and self-reflection

Will have undertaken personal therapy (one-to-one or group therapy) to enhance this.

Be willing to develop an understanding of The Matthew Hackney Foundation’s equal opportunities policy, safeguarding policy and confidentiality policy, and a personal commitment to equality of opportunity and anti –discriminatory practice in service delivery.

Outgoing, friendly and proactive character.

Be comfortable volunteering within a group or by yourself

Being able to use your own initiative but be able to ask for help when you need it.

Be creative and full of ideas

Be trustworthy, friendly and reliable

Ability to multitask

Ability to work under pressure.

Why Work with us?

We are a friendly bunch are passionate about people.  You will help us deliver our much-needed service and receive relevant training and support from our team.  You will help to make a difference to the lives of children and young people locally.

Please get in touch for an informal chat or if you would like to know more.

HR Lead for Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact?

We are seeking a Human Resources lead to support our charity in developing and managing our HR strategy, policies and processes.

Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership (WTRRP) provides practical and emotional support, advice and befriending to refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum living in the Watford and Three Rivers area. We are a growing charity serving an increasing number of clients. We have been able to secure some funding which has enabled us to be able to employ three members of staff, one Full time Caseworker, a part time Office Manager and a part time Volunteer Coordinator.  We are based in St. Mary’s Church, Watford in the heart of the City Centre.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with the passion and drive for Human Resources, who will play a key role in shaping our HR policies and practice, supporting our team, and ensuring a positive and effective work environment.  As well as paid staff, we have a pool of dedicated volunteers that support the charity and there will be some policies that will need reviewing that apply to both staff and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop HR policies and procedures aligned with best practice

· Guide the Trustees on performance management and development

· Provide guidance on employment law, contracts and HR compliance

· Foster a positive and productive culture within our Charity

· Be part of a team to resolve issues with staff and volunteers using clear processes

· Become a Trustee of the Charity and attend meetings which are held in the evenings in Watford

Who We’re Looking For

· HR experience (manager level desirable)

· Knowledge of HR policies, employment law, and best practice

· Ability to adapt to the context of the Charity, and working with volunteers

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Someone who is interested in supporting the Charity grow and develop

Time Commitment

The hours would vary and initially may be more whilst our policies are developed and reviewed.

3-5 hours a week.

Committee meetings are on varying weekday evenings, currently 6 per year.

What you will gain:

· Satisfaction from being part of bringing positive change to migrants and asylum seekers in the local community

· Valuable experience in a charitable organisation – both strategic and practical

· Access to training with NCVO

· Being part of a team of trustees

Interested in the role?

If you would like to have an informal chat initially, please contact us, or you can apply via Charity Jobs.

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

Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you! 

STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for our new Co-Chair of Trustees. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees. 

 The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation and be able to commit to at least 2 years in the role.

We are in particular looking for applicants who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Have HR experience 
• Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
• Have charitable fundraising experience. 

 Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged. 

Role Description

To provide strategic oversight of:

• STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law; 
• STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
• Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives; 
• The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
• Monitoring and reporting of financial information; 
• STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
• Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.

Also to:

• Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
• Attend and prepare for board meetings
• Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
• Approve accounts
• Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
• Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.

Specific responsibilities of the Co- Chair

• Ensure the proper management of board meetings, including setting agendas in consultation with the Director, chairing meetings, facilitating discussions and decision;
• Oversee the administration and coordination of any sub-committees; 
• Monitor implementation of board and sub-committee decisions;
• Take "Chair’s action" between meetings, where an immediate decision is required;
• Serve as line-manager to the Director, and conduct regular planned supervision and appraisal;
• Represent Board as required to the public or external parties such as funders and government; and
• Keep other officers fully informed so that they can deputise if necessary
• Working alongside and in collaboration with the other STAR trustee co-chair, sharing responsibilities and ensuring excellent communicative shared working.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
• A commitment to STAR’s values
• An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments. 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
• Integrity and good independent judgement
• Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
• Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.

Desirable 

Five years experience in one or more of:

• Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
• Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
• Charitable fundraising;
• Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
• Organisational development, growth or change;
• Human resources;
• Financial management/accountancy;
• IT;
• Negotiations;
• Marketing and public relations;
• Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
• Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
• Campaigning;
• Social Media/ Communications 

About Student Action for Refugees

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive. 

Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by: 

• empowering young people to be changemakers; 
• providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects; 
• challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK; 
• Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation 

We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.

Here are just some of our highlights from last year:

• 37  STAR university student society groups, across 28  towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders. 
• 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
• 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers  through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events. 
• 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
• 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of  existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of  university staff. 
• 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
• 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.

Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling

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.

If you are inspired by faith to volunteer at senior level for a leading Christian charity operating in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities in 26 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean, then this role could be the perfect role for you. 

Christian Aid is looking to appoint a Trustee with professional accountancy qualifications and senior financial experience to join our Board and our Finance, Fundraising and Investment Committee or our Audit and Risk Committee.

In this recruitment round, we are looking for up to two candidates with professional expertise in senior financial including professional accountancy qualifications

Board members are expected to be active Christians so as to help lead, direct and develop Christian Aid as the Churches’ agency for international development and poverty eradication.  Christian Aid values diversity in its Board and welcomes people from all sections of the Christian community.

As a trustee, you will be appointed for an initial four year term, and are eligible to be re-appointed for further terms of office, limited to a maximum of eight consecutive years.

Trusteeship is voluntary with no salary payable, however reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

For further information, see the role profile below and our website

As part of our ongoing commitment to strong and effective governance, we are actively seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in shaping our organisation’s future and making a meaningful difference for children and young people with cancer and their families. 

CCLG is a leading children and young people’s cancer charity, funding research and supporting families. We are also the professional association for those working in children and young people’s cancer in the UK and Ireland.

We’re looking to expand our Board of Trustees, increasing the overall number and planning for the future as a number of longstanding members of the Board approach the end of their terms of office.

It’s an exciting time to be joining us as we have just launched our new brand and a new bold and innovative research strategy, and we’re just getting to work on developing our next organisational five-year strategy.

Our Board of Trustees has an important part to play in helping us to achieve our ambitions of creating a brighter future for children and young people with cancer. If you join our Board of Trustees, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact and be part of our success story.
 
CCLG is committed to providing an inclusive, supportive and flexible environment. We would very much welcome applicants from all backgrounds and as our current Board is not as diverse as the communities that we work in, we would be particularly interested in applications from underrepresented groups.
 
We're looking for individuals who can bring their skills and experience to support the governance and strategic leadership of CCLG, whether those are professional skills and experience that relate to our main areas of activity, or to organisational governance and leadership, or lived experience of children and young people's cancer.

For more information about the role of a Trustee at CCLG, please download the information pack below.

The Chair of the Middlesex FA should bring genuine enthusiasm for grassroots football and a willingness to drive forward our four-year strategy, with ambitious targets to continue to raise standards across the game, improve local facilities and drive growth in participation, helping to ensure everyone has access to a safe, fun and inclusive place to play. The ideal candidate will be an experienced Chair, proficient in good governance and able to bring together and bring the best out of a committed Board.  An accomplished relationship builder, they will support the County to deliver the best possible service to the game at the local level, working in partnership with a diverse array of stakeholders across the community. They will have the energy and ability to support and guide the Executive in shaping a modern and effective organisation that is fit for purpose through this strategic cycle and beyond, ensuring a positive long-term future for the game.

It is expected that the Chair will:

• Be an experienced non-executive with Chair experience.
• Be an accomplished and inclusive leader, able to bring the best out of board colleagues Have a good grasp of good governance
• Be an effective decision maker, able to achieve consensus around outcomes
• Have the energy and desire to act as an ambassador on behalf of Middlesex FA Act as wise counsel and critical friend to the Chief Executive

What will you do?

• Ensure the Board provides effective governance of the organisation and supports the development and execution of the new strategy within the scope of its Terms of Reference.
• Support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board’s work supports the objectives of Middlesex FA.
• Help the Board’s development and ensure a diverse and complementary skillset across its membership.
• Contribute to the promotion and positioning of the organisation with a wide range of external stakeholders.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the Board sets Middlesex FA’s vision, mission, values, and standards and that its obligations to its stakeholders and others, including any funders, are understood and met.
• Promote good governance and ensure that Middlesex FA remains compliant with the highest tier of sports governance, as set by Sport England and UK Sport through the Code for Sport Governance and the FA through the Code of Governance for County FAs.
• Contribute to the effective governance of Middlesex FA through membership of committees or sub-groups. Ensure that the business of the Board is conducted efficiently and foster an inclusive environment where all Board members are given the opportunity to express their views.
• Lead the Board in the approval of the long-term financial plan and annual budget. Monitor the delivery of the strategic plan and objectives of the Association.
• Lead the annual review process of Board members, and take an active role in Board renewal, recruitment, and succession planning.
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring that Directors receive accurate, timely and clear information and that adequate time is available for discussion and time is used productively.
• Oversee the production of Board paperwork including the development of the agenda and papers with the Chief Executive Officer.
• Ensure that the Board receives professional advice when it is needed from external sources. Is a visible and known presence to members of the Middlesex FA Council and can champion change initiatives with them.
• Conduct an annual appraisal of the Chief Executive Officer and their remuneration, and should the occasion arise ensure a new Chief Executive is recruited in line with Middlesex FA’s employment policies.
• Act as an ambassador for the Middlesex FA and help build its brand and public image. Appoint Chairs to the various committees in consultation with members of the Board.
• Represents Middlesex FA with key stakeholders, such as the Football Association, other Football Associations and other influential decision-makers. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Board.

PERSON SPECIFICATION - Essential (Required to fulfil the role)

• Excellent meeting chairing skills including the ability to generate a productive group discussion ensuring that all voices and points of view are heard and given due consideration.
• Strategic leadership and management skills.
• The ability to facilitate a positive Board culture, and in particular the relationship between the Board and the executive workforce.
• Decision-making skills.
• The appropriate use of knowledge and experience to make informed decisions to the benefit of the organisation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including rapport-building, active-listening and incisive questioning.
• Recruitment and selection skills.
• The ability to form productive relationships both internally and externally and strategic partnerships for the benefit of the Association.
• Knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of a Board Director.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Companies Act (2006).
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the Safeguarding Requirements for the Association.
• Thorough knowledge of the Articles of Association and their application.
• Up to date and thorough knowledge of Grassroots Football and the role of the Association in its governance. Knowledge of the County FA Governance Code.
• Understanding of how to apply Principles of inclusive practice. Knowledge and understanding of financial accounts, management accounts and budgeting.
• An understanding of The FA National Game Strategy and how this affects the work of the County Football Associations.
• A sound understanding of the volunteer/ professional relationship and how this can best work to support the work of the Association.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Effective use of digital communication including email and the internet.

Background

First Step is a Charity based in the London Borough of Havering, working with families of children with special needs and/or disabilities. For more than 35 years, we have supported in excess of 1,500 families and their children.

Families are referred or self-refer to us at a moment of crisis or uncertainty, normally pre-diagnosis, where they have concerns about their child.  We provide a range of family-centric services tailored to each family’s and child’s needs.

During our history we’ve had highs and lows, including overcoming a challenging time following the withdrawal of funding from the Local Authority in 2017 as part of their own austerity cuts.  Despite this, we’ve managed to sustain the charity through increased fundraising.

Our current Board has more than 80 years of experience, and over the next couple of years we’re looking to add some new and dynamic Trustees to strengthen the team and bring refreshed critical and creative thinking to our Charity.

The Chair of Trustees Role

Our Chair is looking to stand down after 10 fulfilling years, and we are looking for a new Chair to work with our Board and CEO to further strengthen our organisation long into the future.  

The new Chair should be ambitious for our Charity and have the vision and energy to help it extend its reach and impact, along with being an experienced leader who has empathy for our families, and lives our values.

They will need to have the ability to lead from the front in a collaborative style that builds consensus amongst the board, so we can meet the challenges ahead.

First Step are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities.

Across the UK, our Regional and Community Development teams work alongside our local groups to play an active role in increasing awareness of and engagement with the MS Society locally.

As our Regional Cultural Connector Volunteer, you’ll help to identify and plan our involvement and support of regional or local activities and events aimed at minority, hidden and culturally specific groups, to provide information for people living with MS as well as help us to engage with those communities to understand their priorities and needs.

We want to show that we’re here to support everyone and to do that we need to reach and connect with people within their own communities. You’ll help us do that with a welcoming and friendly attitude and ability to reach and promote us within your region.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

About you

Confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Apply

Read the role description

All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.

Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you! 

STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees. 

We are in particular looking for applicants who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Have HR experience 
• Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
• Have charitable fundraising experience. 

 Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged. 

Role Description

To provide strategic oversight of:

• STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law; 
• STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
• Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives; 
• The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
• Monitoring and reporting of financial information; 
• STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
• Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.

Also to:

• Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
• Attend and prepare for board meetings
• Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
• Approve accounts
• Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
• Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
• A commitment to STAR’s values
• An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments. 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
• Integrity and good independent judgement
• Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
• Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.

Desirable 

Five years experience in one or more of:

• Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
• Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
• Charitable fundraising;
• Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
• Organisational development, growth or change;
• Human resources;
• Financial management/accountancy;
• IT;
• Negotiations;
• Marketing and public relations;
• Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
• Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
• Campaigning;
• Social Media/ Communications 

About Student Action for Refugees

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive. 

Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by: 

• empowering young people to be changemakers; 
• providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects; 
• challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK; 
• Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation 

We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.

Here are just some of our highlights from last year:

• 37  STAR university student society groups, across 28  towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders. 
• 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
• 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers  through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events. 
• 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
• 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of  existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of  university staff. 
• 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
• 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.

Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling

Across the UK, our Regional and Community Development teams work alongside our local groups to play an active role in increasing awareness of and engagement with the MS Society locally.

As our Regional Cultural Connector Volunteer, you’ll help to identify and plan our involvement and support of regional or local activities and events aimed at minority, hidden and culturally specific groups, to provide information for people living with MS as well as help us to engage with those communities to understand their priorities and needs.

We want to show that we’re here to support everyone and to do that we need to reach and connect with people within their own communities. You’ll help us do that with a welcoming and friendly attitude and ability to reach and promote us within your region.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

About you

Confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Apply

Read the role description

All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.

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.