Management volunteer roles

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

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

We are looking for a new Honorary Treasurer for the BPA.

This is a good opportunity for someone who wishes to be part of the financial decision-making process of the BPA and to learn how the organisational side of the BPA functions. 

The Hon. Treasurer works closely with the Finance Committee, the Board, the Executive and the General Manager.  There is a strong financial team at the BPA.  Ideally we are looking for an organized, strategic thinker comfortable with financial planning/budgeting with good teamwork and communication skills

· Currently the finance committee is keeping things going on a month to month basis; however, the Treasurer should be the focal point on the Board to articulate the strategic financial direction of the Society with input based on the priorities of the Society as communicated by the Board. The Treasurer should also represent the Financial Strategy as agreed by the Board to all members of the Society. The Treasurer is supported by the Finance committee.

· Attend Board meetings (3rd Monday of each month – 10 months a year)

· Attend Finance Committee Meetings termly (3 times a year)

Job Title: Talent Advisor
Location: Remote
Department: People & Culture
Reports To: Manager: Talent Advisory

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a visionary organisation committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Rooted in a People First philosophy, we strive to create workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Join our People & Culture team to drive meaningful change through equitable HR practices and a culture of belonging.

Role Overview

As a Talent Advisor, you will be a frontline advocate for fair and inclusive employee relations (ER) practices at QuilomboUK. You’ll manage ER cases, guide managers through complex performance and disciplinary matters, and contribute to building a positive workplace culture through proactive strategies. Your work will ensure HR policies and processes align with our mission, legal standards, and social justice values. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional passionate about resolving conflicts equitably and fostering an environment where everyone thrives.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations (ER) Case Management

• Handle end-to-end ER cases, including grievances, disciplinaries, absence management, and performance issues, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance.

• Advise managers on ER processes, providing coaching on conflict resolution, documentation, and equitable decision-making.

• Document case outcomes meticulously and identify trends to recommend preventative measures.

Investigations & Compliance

• Support complex workplace investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing stakeholders, and drafting reports in collaboration with the Manager: Talent Advisory.

• Ensure all ER outcomes comply with UK employment law, organisational policies, and QuilomboUK’s D&I principles.

• Mitigate organisational risk by maintaining accurate records and escalating high-risk issues promptly.

Workplace Culture & Engagement

• Design proactive ER initiatives (e.g., manager training on bias-free feedback, mediation programs) to promote a positive, inclusive culture.

• Partner with the People & Culture team to embed restorative practices and psychological safety in conflict resolution.

• Contribute to engagement surveys and action plans to address systemic employee well-being issues.

Policy Development & Implementation

• Collaborate with the Manager: Talent Advisory to design, update, and implement HR policies that reflect QuilomboUK’s values, culture, and legal obligations.

• Communicate policies clearly to employees and managers, ensuring accessibility and understanding across all levels.

• Monitor policy effectiveness and propose adjustments to align with evolving organisational and social justice goals.

D&I Integration

• Apply a D&I lens to all ER processes, ensuring marginalised voices are heard and outcomes address systemic inequities.

• Advocate for inclusive practices in performance management, such as culturally sensitive feedback frameworks.

• Support initiatives that advance QuilomboUK’s external social justice partnerships and internal equity goals.

Qualifications

• Experience: 2+ years in HR or employee relations, with hands-on experience managing disciplinary, grievance, and performance cases. Exposure to mission-driven or D&I-focused organisations is preferred.

• Skills:

  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practices.

  • Ability to navigate sensitive conversations with empathy, discretion, and cultural competence.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for policy drafting and stakeholder guidance.

  • Proficiency in HRIS systems and case management tools.

• Knowledge: Understanding D&I frameworks, restorative justice principles, and trauma-informed HR practices.

• Alignment: Commitment to QuilomboUK’s mission and passion for social justice.

Personal Attributes

• Fair-minded and principled, with a strong ethical compass.

• Collaborative team player who builds trust with employees and leaders alike.

• Proactive problem-solver who balances empathy with organisational needs.

• Resilient under pressure, with the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Purpose-Driven Work: Tackle ER challenges through a social justice lens, directly impacting equity in the workplace.

• Growth: Develop expertise in equitable HR practices with mentorship from inclusive leaders.

• Culture: Join a team that values authenticity, courage, and collective growth.

The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Service

Our ESOL provision is part of the Centre’s Employment and Learning Service, which also includes digital inclusion and employment support.

We have qualified volunteer ESOL teachers providing 1:1 support to clients who want to improve their English.  We also have a couple of volunteers running small conversation classes at the Centre, within our Family Services.

We now want to expand our ESOL offer to include learning opportunities offsite in a group setting to adults and young people in temporary accommodation, mainly asylum-seeking families.

What will you be doing?

• Conversational English with a small group
• Find out from your students what areas they want to cover and what skills they want to develop
• Encourage a positive atmosphere where students feel they can make mistakes
• The aim of the groups is to help our clients to become more independent and to pursue their social and professional goals. 
• Be aware of the variety of levels within the class, providing support for weaker students and challenge for stronger ones
• Give students encouragement and constructive feedback
• To liaise with the manager of Family Services and communicate any issues that arise with the class 

How does this role make a difference?

This support provided by volunteers to our clients really helps them progress with their English. Often clients do not have opportunities to learn English or interact with an English speaking person, so this opportunity is invaluable to them. Improving our clients English also enables individuals to access our other services such as welfare rights and Immigration advice services, digital inclusion, which will in turn, improve their employment prospects and assist in integration in their local community.

Who will you be helping?

Our clients are refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who are unable to afford or access English classes at colleges. We have many clients at the Centre who need support with their English.

What are we looking for?

• Experience in teaching English as a second language to adults in a group setting and to mixed abilities and a range of languages.
• A recognised ESOL/EFL teaching qualification such as CELTA.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
•  An awareness of some of the issues that affect refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
• A commitment to upholding the Centre’s values of valuing each person, welcoming, encouraging potential, working together, reflecting and improving.

Time Commitment:

The class will run on Wednesdays from June 2025, from 10.30am – 12/12.30pm. We ask for a commitment to run this 90 – 120-minute class for at least two terms ideally. 

How will you be supported?

•  You will be supported by our Volunteer Coordinator, the Manager of Family Services and the wider team
•  You will receive a Centre induction.
•  You will have access to e-learning modules on a range of topics.
• You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out of pocket’ expenses such as travel.
• You will be invited to social and other events

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. We also have a national research school, which aims to build and strengthen networks of schools throughout the region and help them access effective education research and implement it in everyday practice.

The Chair of our Trust Board of Directors helps shape and guide our passionate volunteers and staff team through clear leadership to the trust’s Board of Directors, embedding the trust's values and culture throughout the organisation. 

In addition to the general role of all Non-Executive Directors/Trustees, the role of the Chair is:

1. Strategic leadership: To ensure the board and the CEO have an effective shared purpose, vision, values and strategic priorities.

2. Leading the governance team: To ensure the board has the right people with the right skills, attributes, motivations and behaviours to work effectively as a team and hold annual 1:1 conversations with non-executive directors and Local Governing Committee Chairs.

3. Working with leaders: To ensure professional relationships with the CEO and the Chairs of the schools’ Local Governing Committees. To lead the Chairs and Vice Chairs Forum.

4. Influencing improvement and outcomes: To ensure the Board is focused on the trust’s strategic priorities and the ongoing improvement of all of its schools and outcomes for pupils.

5. Leading governance business: To work with the CEO and the Clerk to the Directors to ensure the business of the Board and its Committees is planned, managed and actioned effectively.

6. To review the trust’s management accounts on a monthly basis, taking any appropriate action to maintain financial viability.

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is one of London’s leading producing houses. We produce world class theatre from the heart of Hammersmith. The Lyric is committed to being part of the community, and we believe passionately in excellence and integrity in everything we do.

The Lyric’s Nomination Committee is seeking a new Chair for Lyric Hammersmith Enterprises Ltd, who will also serve as a Trustee of Lyric. The subsidiary is governed by a non-executive Board of Directors, chaired by this role.  Lyric Hammersmith Enterprises is responsible the Lyric’s non-charitable trading operations including catering, hires and events. Our commercial income is critical to helping the Lyric achieve its artistic and charitable objectives.

We are looking for a Chair with influence and authority, strategic thinking and sound judgement with particular expertise in commercial operations and income generation. You will need to share a passion for our artistic work and our commitment to being an equal, diverse, inclusive and environmentally sustainable organisation.

This role will serve as a Trustee to the charity, joining the existing Board for an initial three-year term. Trustees support the Chair, Lorraine Heggessey, and offer their expertise and guidance to the Executive Team.

We are particularly interested in those who have a strong connection with West London.

Volunteer role: Receptionist Volunteer

Manager: Centre Manager

Where you will be based: Newport Animal Centre

Why we want you

We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

Our receptionists play a key role in welcoming visitors and callers to our centres and acting as a liaison with centre staff and volunteers.

What you will be doing

• Assisting with enquiries via the telephone and face to face
• Answering the telephone in a polite and confident manner, assisting the caller where possible or passing them to someone else who can help
• Taking messages from telephone callers and visitors to the centre, ensuring that all relevant information is both clear and detailed
• Carrying out administrative tasks including paperwork, filing, photocopying, faxing etc
• Inputting information onto the computer system and responding to emails as directed
• Promoting the work of the centre in a positive manner
• Attending relevant training courses, as required
• Ensuring that all visitors are greeted and their enquiries are dealt with efficiently

The skills you need

• Friendly, cheerful and calm under pressure
• Well organised with good communication skills

What's in it for you

• Meet new people and make new friends
• Learn great new skills to add to your CV
• A great induction and training relevant to your role
• Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of the local community
• You’ll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals
• We are happy to reimburse any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us

Disclaimer

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees. Before you can start volunteering you’ll need to complete our simple online Health & Safety assessment. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees. At the RSPCA we don’t want you to be out of pocket by volunteering, so we are happy to reimburse any agreed out of pocket expenses you incur whilst volunteering

Inpatient unit Volunteers provide support to the kitchen staff by delivering meals and snacks to patients, collecting used crockery from patient rooms and washing up all staff & patient crockery and cutlery.  Volunteers in this role also provide a warm welcome to visitors when required. This allows catering staff to concentrate on food preparation, and nursing staff to concentrate on patient care. 

Full training provided. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

“Since helping at the Hospice of St Francis I feel as though my life has been much enriched”

IPU Volunteer

About Us

Bradford District and Craven Mind is a successful and independent local charity with a rich history spanning over 30 years of delivering person-focused mental health support.

The organisation helps build individual and community resilience, provides early intervention and advice, supports people in crisis and helps people to work towards recovery and sustained wellbeing through services for people of all ages. 

We are recognised as a key provider in our local Health and Care system and an active member of the Integrated Care System. Our close relationships with all our stakeholders and our emphasis on developing and maintaining effective cross-sector partnerships and collaborations, allows us to deliver a wide range of innovative services and be recognised as a trusted partner.

We are affiliated to national Mind but rely on our own resources to provide support to local communities. Our services prioritise listening to and understanding the needs of local people and are delivered in partnership across Bradford District and Craven.

Background to the role

The new Chair of the Board of Trustees will be joining us at an exciting time as we move into year two of our strategy, respond to the changes in NHS priorities and funding and adapt to the new governments priorities and approach.

You can read about what we have been achieving through our Impact Reports and Annual Reports on our website.

It is clear however there is still much more to do. We launched our new strategy in August 2024 and during 2024-2028 we will focus on delivering our four key objectives to help drive our reach and impact.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide purposeful leadership - creating a strong and sustained connection to purpose, steering strategy development and leading the Board. 
• Be a constructive partner to the CEO - building a trusting, cohesive relationship as the ‘top leadership team’, providing advice, challenge and support to architect and orchestrate the progression of the organisation and supporting infrastructure. 
• Develop a highly effective Board – creating the environment for a high performing team, evaluating and facilitating improvement of individual and collective capability and performance, supporting trustees of all experience levels to contribute to the best of their abilities.
• Facilitate and sustain good governance - ensuring delivery of the organisation's purpose in line with its governing document, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources, decision-making, accountability and proactive risk management. 
• Influence and collaborate with stakeholders - understanding the environment and systems that the organisation operates within and collaborating with others to collectively achieve the biggest positive impact. 
• Engagement and Visibility – being visible and engage well across the workforce, attending key events and maintaining communication

Person Specification

• Personally motivated to make a positive difference to others
• A strategic thinker who can see the big picture and navigate complex and contentious issues
• Able to engage and collaborate effectively with people at all levels from different backgrounds and organisations
• Has the experience and/or personal qualities necessary to bring the best out of people through a ‘coaching style’ approach to leadership
• Progressive and innovative, capable of stimulating, challenging and influencing others to contemplate and consider different solutions
• Able to facilitate others and develop effective team working, with experience of planning, preparing and chairing meetings at senior levels

Diversity and inclusion 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting BDC Mind in the recruitment of these roles. 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in a Word doc. format, which should indicate why you are interested in applying for the particular role and how you meet the selection criteria. 

The closing date for applications is Monday 14th July. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates are expected to have an interview with the panel at Bradford District and Craven Mind during the week beginning 28th July.

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 that we can help with making the application process work for you. 

We welcome candidates with experience in the building/maintenance and HR sectors to join our board of trustees who support the charity as well as bringing decades of experience working in many different sectors.

What will you be doing?

Who is Open Road?

We are a UK healthcare charity, now in our 34th year.  We provide a myriad of services in Essex and Medway; drug and alcohol support, homelessness services, domestic abuse support, criminal justice services, employment support, welfare and community initiatives to promote community safety and combat anti-social behaviour.  We help vulnerable people, young and old, throughout Essex and Medway, and work in the heart of local communities.  We are not a large national faceless charity; we are very much a grassroots organisation.  We fully embrace and utilise our local knowledge and expertise, working with likeminded partners to support as many people as possible to have healthier, happier lives in the heart of their families and communities.

What Is Our Mission?

Our mission is to empower a diverse range of individuals, families and communities to lead healthy and more meaningful lives, free from addiction, offending behaviour and disadvantage, to ensure healthier, happier lifestyles.

How Do Open Road’s Trustees Support The Charity?

The role of the Trustee is to assist in advancing the purpose of the organisation; developing its aims and goals, keeping within its charitable objectives and acting in its best interests. The board members ensure that the charity is run in accordance with its governing document, charity law, and any other laws and regulations which affect its activities.

Our Trustee Board are responsible for developing strategy, providing governance, and directing the charity towards achieving its mission.  We are looking to appoint two new trustees – the first being from the building and maintenance sector – with the experience and knowledge to support the health and safety responsibilities of a growing charity, and the second being a HR professional who will chair our Personnel Sub Committee with special responsibility for oversight of the organisation’s HR function and strategy, ideally you will be a Chartered Member or Fellow of the CIPD with substantial experience at a Senior/Director HR professional level with a thorough understanding of operational HR policy and practice.

An understanding of the role of charity boards and their responsibilities and operation, gained through previous experience would be helpful, and above all else you will be intrinsically values-driven and committed to enabling more individuals we support to live their lives to the full.

What are we looking for?

SKILLS AND ABILITIES – Charity Trustee

• Effective communication and interpersonal style; a collaborative team player.
• Willing to speak out on issues and to accept personal accountability.
• Demonstrates strategic acumen and sees the bigger picture.
• Undisputed personal integrity.
• Personally flexible and agile working approach.
• Deep commitment to the mission and values of Open Road.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT – Charity Trustee

REMUNERATION:

• This role is unremunerated and offered on a voluntary basis.
• Trustees are encouraged to visit services that are local to them.
• Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed for meetings & visits.

 TIME COMMITMENT:

• The time commitment is at least one day a month.
• There are six board meetings a year and this includes an annual strategy setting day.
• Board meetings are held in person in Central London.
• All trustees are expected to participate on at least one committee and there are four committee meetings a year.
• Committee meetings are held in person/virtually.

Key responsibilities:

• To take part in formulating and regularly reviewing the strategic aims of the
• organisation.
• Working with other trustees to ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation
• are in keeping with its aims.
• Working with other trustees to ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.

What difference will you make?

A trustee at Open Road will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities across Essex and Medway. By joining the Board, a trustee contributes to the strategic direction and governance of a grassroots charity that delivers vital services — from addiction recovery and homelessness support to domestic abuse intervention and community safety.

Specifically, a trustee will:

• Strengthen Governance and Strategy: By bringing sector-specific expertise (in HR or building/maintenance), trustees will help shape policies and decisions that ensure Open Road remains safe, compliant, and forward-thinking.
• Enhance Operational Excellence: Trustees provide oversight and guidance that directly influence the quality and sustainability of services, ensuring the charity continues to meet the complex needs of its clients.
• Champion the Mission: Trustees act as ambassadors for Open Road’s values, helping to build partnerships, raise awareness, and advocate for those the charity supports.
• Support Leadership and Staff: Through committee work and strategic planning, trustees offer critical support to the executive team, helping to foster a positive, values-driven culture within the organisation.

Ultimately, the impact of a trustee is measured not just in governance, but in the healthier, safer, and more hopeful lives of the people Open Road serves.

Before you apply

If this role sounds ideal, do please contact us for more information, and apply via Reach.

Heartwood House is a dynamic education charity that supports young people who self-exclude from school and are missing education because of bullying or other trauma. They provide both an academic and therapeutic programme to enable their students to get back on track and reconnect with society. Heartwood House has been delivering services in NW London for 20 years.  They have supported many students in their return to mainstream education, further education and employment.  They work with many local authorities such as Harrow, Hillingdon, Hertfordshire, Brent, Ealing, Barnet, Camden and many more.

Heartwood House (based in Harrow) is now looking to strengthen its Board and we are seeking a Company Secretary and named Trustee for Governance and Law – you will bring insight and understanding of charity law, Charity Commission legal regulations, Company Legislation and best practice. 

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and a highly rewarding way to support an organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Heartwood House is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, Heartwood House are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.

Saturday 20th September 2025

Volunteer at WWF-UK’s Great Wild Walk

Join us for a day of nature, community, and conservation!

WWF-UK’s Great Wild Walks are inspiring fundraising events set in some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in making these events a success—supporting walkers, cheering them on, and helping raise crucial funds for WWF’s global conservation work.

Volunteer Roles

Roles are assigned on the day, but here’s what you might be doing:

• Event Village Volunteer: Greet participants, hand out t-shirts and medals, support recycling stations, and help create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Route Marshal: Guide and cheer on walkers along the route, ensuring they stay on track and feel encouraged.
• Back Marker: Walk the full 10-mile route behind the last participants, offering support and removing signage as you go.

What You’ll Receive

• A WWF t-shirt to wear on the day
• Light refreshments
• A full event-day briefing
• Pre-event communications with all the key info

What to Bring

• Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear
• A fully charged mobile phone
• A reusable water bottle
• Sun cream

We aim to make our volunteer roles inclusive and will do our best to accommodate any access needs. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Why Volunteer?

• Meet like-minded people who care about the planet
• Gain valuable event experience
• Support WWF’s mission to protect nature and wildlife

To sign up, please visit our website. 

Sutton Mental Health Foundation is looking to recruit a volunteer secretary position to the Trust Board, to support and assist the Chair and CEO.  This is an important and confidential role within the Trust.  The main areas of the role are, in consultation with the Chair and CEO, the preparation of all Board/AGM meetings, the preparation of Board/AGM papers, minute taking and writing up the minutes in a timely manner.  Other duties involve the support to the Trustees, as well as updating of trustee records.  Th board of trustees meets in-person, approximately every six weeks, in the London Borough of Sutton. A full role description will be provided on application.

As background information, Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1994 and the aim of the Foundation is to support people with mental health needs in the Borough of Sutton, helping to keep them well and active and helping them to have a voice in mental health care in the Borough.  Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to anxiety and distress.  The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.