Monitoring volunteer roles in canary wharf, greater london

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

We are seeking people with an interest in improving access to justice and opportunity for refugee and migrant individuals and communities to join our committed Trustee Board here at South London Refugee Association.

What will you be doing?

Our organisation

South London Refugee Association was established in 1991 and is a well respected and trusted local resource. We are a front line community organisation providing advice and support to people who find themselves in extreme difficulty because of past trauma or because of restrictions related to their current immigration status.  As a relatively small charity with a wide reach, we support those who hold an aspiration of a normalised safe life here in the UK yet who face numerous obstacles in realising their dreams of settlement and safety.

We ‘re able to evidence excellent outcomes and value for money to the numerous Trusts, Foundations and public agencies which fund or commission our services.

Our Board

We have a committed Board of Trustees who bring a range of experience and expertise to the organisation. 

The role

Strategic Direction and oversight

• To ensure that SLRA fulfils its objects and set out in its governing documents and complies with regulations issued by the Charity Commission, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To contribute actively to giving strategic direction to SLRA.

Decision making

• To ensure that funding received is used for purposes agreed with funding bodies.
• To review and approve the annual audited accounts.
• To manage the organisation’s assets responsibly.
• To contribute to management decisions as and when they are required by the Chair and CEO.

Responsibilities

• To ensure that SLRA is managed efficiently by appointing and supporting the CEO and monitoring performance.
• To keep informed about the work of SLRA and the issues that affect our work.
• To raise the profile of SLRA and foster our excellent reputation.

Trustee Person Specification

Trustees need to be:

• People of integrity with good judgement and an ability to think strategically.
• Able to work constructively as part of a small team.
• Open minded with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Able to access the internet and to receive and send emails.

Ideally applicants will also have a knowledge of the local area gained through work or residence, however this is not essential if the trustee has other valuable and relevant experience.

What are we looking for?

Trustees need to be:

• People of integrity with good judgement and an ability to think strategically.
• Able to work constructively as part of a small team.
• Open minded with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Able to access the internet and to receive and send emails.

Ideally applicants will also have a knowledge of the local area gained through work or residence, however this is not essential if the trustee has other valuable and relevant experience.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have specific knowledge and experience of Human Resources or of Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable adults, however, we are happy to consider applications from potential trustees with other skills and experience.

What difference will you make?

As an SLRA trustee you will help to shape our strategic direction and to ensure that we continue into the future as a vital and trusted local resource.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. Our Trustee Information Pack provides detail of our recruitment process.

Dear Prospective Trustee

Thank you for your interest in Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML). This pack sets out more information about the charity, the board, the role of a trustee, and how to apply.

We are excited about the future and are looking for energetic, talented and committed individuals to help support the charity as trustees to continue its incredible work for the people of Merton and Lambeth.

What we do

CAML is one of the busiest advice charities in London.  We support individuals and families who live, work or study primarily in the London Boroughs of Merton and Lambeth and also elsewhere (dependent on service).  We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting individuals and our communities.

We were one of the first Citizens Advice services to open our doors over 85 years ago. We have had an extremely busy few years, with individuals and families increasingly seeking our support with the cost of living crisis.  Our support and services are as important today as they were when our work began.

We are part of the national Citizens Advice network of over 240 local charities that deliver advice across the country.

In FY 23/24, we supported over 25,000 individuals.  Our information, support and advice services are provided via telephone, online, video conferencing and face-to-face.  We provide face-to-face support from two CAML offices and multiple outreach venues in local communities.  Our aim is to empower people to better help themselves, but we are always here with further support if needed. 

CAML in 2025

CAML is at an important point in its history. Demand for our services continues to accelerate as high levels of hardship become an established reality for many people living in our boroughs.  The two boroughs we serve contain pockets of wealth and affluence, but also feature areas of significant poverty and deprivation where our services are most depended upon.

At the same time, similar to many charities, we face funding challenges – not least given the majority of our funds come from our local authorities. Our current turnover is over £1.2m a year. Like others, CAML faces funding challenges often related to changes in central government policies and local government financial challenges, with a need to look at new ways of diversifying income streams.

The organisation has a strong foundation from which to deliver in this difficult environment – particularly with a team that is committed to our clients and expert in giving quality advice. We also have positive working relationships with our funders, councils and partners, and a strong local reputation.

Our leadership

The operational leadership and management of CAML is carried out by our CEO, Simon Shimmens, with three senior managers and a team of around 40 staff and 20 volunteers. Short biographies of our existing trustees are available on our website.

The role of the Board

Each trustee has a responsibility to contribute to discharging the Board’s responsibilities. We do this by:

● Regularly preparing for, attending and participating in meetings

● Understanding the business of CAML

● Contributing to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance

● Monitoring our services, ensuring compliance with our governing documents and policies and monitoring maintenance of Citizens Advice standards

● Monitoring the charity’s financial position and ensuring it operates within its means and delivers on its objectives with clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management

● Supporting the charity’s development through participation in agreed projects

● Actively seeking to further CAML’s strategic objectives and acting in its best interest at all times

Above all we are looking for people with strategic vision and independent judgement who together can support the charity and its executive team. As trustees we are visible to our staff and volunteers, engaging and recognising the excellent work they do. Each trustee is expected to spend time with service delivery staff and volunteers, ideally at least once a year. 

You will be a genuine team player, able to support colleagues, input constructively and positively to discussions and to support and uphold collective decisions. 

As a trustee you will support the charity’s values and objectives and will act as a positive and genuine advocate promoting the work of the charity within your personal networks and to the wider world. 

The commitment we need

Each trustee attends quarterly Board meetings and is a member of one of the delegated authority sub-committees – Finance and People – which also meet once a quarter.

While the precise nature will differ month-to-month, this is likely to average at eight to ten hours a month. This allows for board and committee meetings, reading papers in advance of these, ad-hoc actions and discussions, and visiting CAML’s services.

Board meetings are currently held in person in our Mitcham Office, with sub-committee meetings held remotely. Across the Board, we attend key events such as Volunteers’ Week and charity events/activities.

Particular skills/experiences we’re seeking

We are looking to recruit two new trustees to join our strong and dynamic Board.

We would particularly welcome applications from those with skills and experiences to help complement the current Board. Our priority recruitment areas are:

●HR: We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of governance in policies and practice related to employee relations, recruitment, retention, reward and recognition as well as staff and trustee training and development. We are seeking a trustee with senior HR experience to support the strategic oversight of our People approach.

●Accountancy: Financial oversight is an integral part of a well-functioning trustee Board. We are looking to further bolster this expertise within the Board to provide support for our Treasurer if required.

●Pensions: CAML has a legacy Defined Benefit pension scheme (closed to new entrants) and a Defined Contribution scheme. We are looking for an individual with actuarial or pension trustee skills to advise the Board with regard to our pension schemes, and whether we should be looking to make any changes.

●Legal: We are looking to further expand our legal expertise on the Board. We particularly welcome interest from individuals with experience in charity law however all applicants with legal experience are welcomed.

In addition to these skills, we would welcome applications from candidates with previous trustee experience and/or applicants who may be open to taking on the role of Vice-Chair (further information can be provided on this if requested).

The benefits of being a trustee with CAML

Although the role of a trustee is unpaid (reasonable out of pocket expenses are reimbursed), there are many reasons to join us, including:

● Being a trustee is one of the most powerful ways in which you can contribute to your local community and to a cause you care about.

● Corporations of all sizes take voluntary and community enriching activities seriously with trusteeship considered an effective method of professional development and community engagement.

● Being a trustee is a fantastic way of developing your strategic experience and oversight, giving you the opportunity to develop your critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills.

● Being a trustee can open up your professional network.

How to apply

Follow the link to our website and complete the relevant documents at the bottom of the advert.

We are recruiting on a rolling basis and are considering applications as and when we receive them. This recruitment remains live until 30th June 2025.

All applications are considered by a trustee panel, with shortlisted candidates then invited to an interview, to take place within a month of receiving their application. 

We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? The Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU) is seeking two dedicated Lay Trustees to join our esteemed Board of Trustees. This is a unique chance to contribute to the strategic direction of a dynamic, student-led charity based in the picturesque setting of Cornwall.

Why Become a Lay Trustee?

As a Lay Trustee, you will have the rewarding experience of shaping the future of our organisation and enhancing the student experience. This role offers the chance to:

- Make a Lasting Impact: Influence key decisions and policies that directly affect students’ lives.

- Mentorship Opportunities: Guide and support President and Student Trustees, fostering a culture of student leadership.

- Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in governance, strategic planning, and charity operations.

- Networking: Collaborate with a diverse board, including recent graduates and current students, in a vibrant and evolving sector.

Role Overview:

Lay Trustees play a crucial role in supporting the strategic direction of The SU. You will be involved in finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan and the quintennial review of our Constitution. This is a voluntary, unpaid role, but all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

Key Responsibilities:

- Ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and governing documents.

- Contribute to the development and monitoring of the organisation’s strategy.

- Safeguard the financial stability and assets of The SU.

- Prepare for and actively participate in Board meetings.

- Provide mentorship to President and Student Trustees.

Skills and Experience:

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

- Finance

- Higher Education

- Human Resources

- Charity or Employment Law

Essential Attributes:

- Commitment to The SU’s mission and values.

- Strategic vision and independent judgement.

- Ability to think creatively and work collaboratively.

- Understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship.

Commitment:

- Four Board meetings per year (online).

- Additional sub-committee meetings (online).

- One or two in-person events in Cornwall annually (expenses paid).

How to Apply:

Submit your CV, a covering letter, and the completed Person Details form and Skills Audit spreadsheet: by 09:00 on Friday 16 May. Interviews will be conducted online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, with an additional slot on Thursday 22 May if needed.

Join us in creating a world-class student experience. Apply today and help shape the future of The SU!

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

• To drive and support our new initiative partnering with a private cattery

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

We are seeking enthusiastic and committed volunteers to support our programmes in a variety of roles, including Subject Ambassadors, Front of House/Chaperones, and Stage/Production Crew.  These roles provide a fantastic opportunity to engage with students, parents, and MTA staff while contributing to a vibrant and inclusive learning and performance environment. 

Roles & Responsibilities: 

1. Subject Ambassador: 

· Actively participate in sessions to encourage student engagement 

· Champion an inclusive and fun learning experience for all

· Act as a classroom assistant to support our facilitators

· Provide pastoral care and learning support

· Lead by example with a positive and enthusiastic approach

· Depending on individual goals, work with MTA staff to develop a personal progression plan to gain relevant experience in key areas including (but not limited to): working with children, leadership, assistant directing, musical direction and more

· Actively represent and promote MTA at volunteer events and networking opportunities, engaging with attendees to share our mission and initiatives

2. Front of House / Chaperone 

· Help assist with events management in many areas which can align to your personal goals

· Potentially take on specific event tasks (i.e. events logistics including set up/pack down, running a stall at fundraising events etc.)

· Serve as a point of contact for students and parents ensuring a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.  

· Provide backstage support and supervision to children and young people – ensuring the children have a great experience

· Provide entertainment for groups (i.e. playing games, encouraging arts & crafts etc.)

· Help assist with moving children and young people to and from the stage and/or performance location

3. Stage / Production Crew 

· In line with your personal experience and/or personal development goals, help assist with the technical and/or logistical needs of performances  

· Support performance’s technical aspects; including set-up of equipment (lighting and/or sound), operation and pack down/get out

· Support performances with set design, build and/or production crew roles (stage management and stagehands)

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Bid - Writer Support (Administrator) Job Overview

We are currently recruiting for Bid - Writer Support to join our passionate and driven team.

As Bid Administrator you will support the performance of a high performing bid team designed to facilitate and support the successful winning of new grants and tenders across the UK.

As an outstanding administrator you will play a key role in assisting the team to ensure that all bid documents and business development literature is prepared and presented not only to the highest possible standards but on time – often within challenging deadlines. Key to success in the role will be the following traits:

· Adaptability

· Determination

· Flexibility

· Robust disposition

You will be at your best when you’re working under pressure and in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. This role calls for someone who can react as deadlines and priorities change; someone with resilience and a tenacity to get the job done whilst never compromising on quality.

Key Responsibilities:

· Management of a central mailbox, including basic tender management duties

· Monitoring new business opportunities advertised on various portals and websites.

· Reviewing new business opportunities as they arrive, forwarding relevant opportunities to the appropriate bid writers.

· Taking ownership of the bid library, which includes ensuring that it kept up to date as and when new opportunities are submitted.

· Thoroughly proof-reading materials to ensure information is grammatically correct, well-researched, and without spelling errors

· Ensuring that our in-house bid process is understood and implemented to ensure that quality, commercial and legal requirements are consistently met

· Taking ownership of client portals – Including dealing with daily alerts and maintenance of portal logins

· Providing general administrative support to the bid writing team.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday and Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

• Flexitime
• Work from home

Schedule:Day shift

Experience: Administrative: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Summary

Can you inspire, energise and motivate young people aged 12-18 years?
Do you enjoy making a real difference to the lives of young people?

Detailed description

Mentoring within One YMCA is delivered through the youth team and volunteers. Young people aged 13-19 years can access the service which provides support and encouragement for young people to work towards their goals.

Mentors and mentees are paired based on experience, expertise and support needed.

This project will last for up to a year with each young person, with an average of 3-4 hours per month being given to the young person and their support.

Training for this role is due to commence on 22nd January 2025 (Time and Location TBC)

Pay: This is a voluntary role; however, expenses will be covered.

Key Responsibilities:

·To attend full induction training and complete all relevant child protection checks

·To arrange to meet with your mentee for 1-3 hours a month over a period of 12 months, in a public place.

·To prepare for your mentoring sessions with the purpose of progressing with their mutually agreed goals.

·To offer tailored support to your Mentee in areas such as confidence and resilience building, accessing services, careers focus and development. You may be working on a number of areas as the needs of your Mentee present themselves.

·To safeguard and promote the wellbeing of your Mentee.

·To complete feedback, monitoring and evaluation forms.

·To liaise with the mentoring coordinator for support in delivery of sessions where needed.

·To help identify the support that your Mentee requires, reporting any concerns you have to the mentoring coordinator.

·Completing regular reviews with your Mentee and mentoring coordinator.

·Any other reasonable task that is associated with the role.

Personal Specification:

Experience:

• Experience of working with young people
• Experience of working with young people from a variety of backgrounds

Skills:

• Ability to work on own initiative and a willingness to prepare for each session
• Ability to use online video platforms such as Microsoft Teams
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve
• Good communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to work as a part of a team
• A willingness to meet the young person in a public space

Personal Qualities:

• An interest in working with young people
• Ability to engage with a young person
• The willingness to have an open mind and non-judgemental approach to supporting a young person in their mentoring journey
• Ability to cope with potentially difficult conversations or situations
• Commitment to the mentoring project and to the Mentee
• Motivated by promoting the wellbeing of young people
• Commitment to and ability to work in accordance with ethos of One YMCA, their polices and boundaries

Other:

• Willing to undertake and induction and training
• Willing to provide 2 references
• Willing to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS)

Service Introduction 

The Programmes & Services department keeps our organisation running. Our team work directly with volunteers by offering them support.  

Our Programmes & Services department is divided into four roles. Each of these roles reports to our Programmes & Services Manager. Our four roles are: 

• People Coordinator 

• Volunteer Engagement Coordinator 

• Referrals Coordinator 

• Training Coordinator 

Key tasks and responsibilities 

Recruitment & Selection 

• Assist in the preparation of comprehensive job descriptions, person specifications, and engaging job adverts to attract the best talent. 

• Manage the full recruitment process using our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), from candidate sourcing to selection. 

• Actively monitor and maintain various recruitment channels to ensure a continuous pipeline of candidates. 

• Screen resumes and applications, shortlist candidates, and conduct initial interviews. 

• Coordinate and schedule interviews and training sessions, liaising with applicants and interview panels to facilitate a smooth process. 

• Conduct reference checks and background verifications where required. 

Onboarding & Offboarding 

• Lead the onboarding process for new volunteers, ensuring they feel welcomed and fully supported as they integrate into the team. 

• Develop and implement continuous improvements to the onboarding process to enhance the overall volunteer experience. 

• Organise necessary documentation and compliance requirements to ensure all records are up-to-date. 

• Facilitate offboarding procedures when necessary, ensuring a respectful and professional exit process. 

East London Waterworks Park is looking for volunteer managers to develop and manage meaningful and sustainable volunteer experiences.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for volunteer managers to contribute to our community-led working group who are developing and managing meaningful and sustainable volunteer experiences within East London Waterworks Park. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects in communications and governance, and facilitate the direction of the working group.

The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

You should be experienced in developing and managing meaningful and sustainable volunteer experiences with a range of different roles. Strong organisational and interpersonal skills are essential. We also value your ability to think strategically and build relationships within the community. Experience in managing and motivating volunteer teams is important and a strong understanding of volunteer engagement and the ability to create a positive and inclusive environment will be invaluable. You should be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your leadership and organisational skills will be instrumental in coordinating the efforts of our diverse team of volunteers, including architects, ecologists, teachers, community researchers, and communications strategists. By effectively managing and motivating our volunteer base, you'll ensure that their contributions are aligned with the park's goals and maximise their impact on our community and the environment.

Home-Start Croydon offers parents the support they need to help give their children the best start in life. As a Parent Champion Volunteer you will be engaging with families from your own community, providing peer to peer support and promoting services for children under 5 and their families. By connecting with other parents and carers, Parent Champions help communities thrive, breaking barriers and reducing isolation.

Key activities

• Engage with parents with children under 5 years old
• Build good knowledge of own community and links with local families
• Signpost parents to children’s centres and local organisations providing services for families
• Talk with parents in groups
• Facilitate parents to build peer to peer support groups
• Provide information on childcare options including the free early learning for two year olds
• Record accurate information manually
• Attend training and personal development activities
• Meet the Parent Champion Coordinator and other Parent Champions to share good practice

Person Specification

• Have experience of being a parent or carer
• Ability to talk and listen to other parents and understand their world
• Have a non-judgemental attitude
• Have an understanding of the difficulties parents face when looking for childcare
• Have a positive experience of using formal childcare and family services
• Have an understanding about confidentiality
• Have an awareness on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults
• Have knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities, fairness and diversity
• Be able to keep basic records as requested by Home-Start

Aspens are looking for trustees to join us on the next exciting part of our journey. We'd love to hear from you if you have accountancy, social care, business development or fundraising experience.

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism? Do you have the skills, experience, and dedication to help guide a forward-thinking charity? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

About Aspens CharitiesAt Aspens we provide high quality care and support to people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; and their families; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

Why Become a Trustee?As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of Aspens Charities. You will work alongside a committed Board to ensure our services remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our core values.

Your Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring Aspens meets its charitable objectives.
• Oversee financial management, risk assessment, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to drive excellence in service delivery.
• Act as an ambassador for Aspens, promoting our work and values.
• Attend Board meetings and contribute to key strategic decisions.

What We’re Looking For:We welcome applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Key attributes include:

• A strong commitment to the aims and values of Aspens Charities.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Willingness to dedicate time to Board meetings and governance activities.
• Integrity, good judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

• Accountancy
• Health & Social Care sector knowledge
• Fundraising and business development

Time Commitment & LocationThis is a voluntary, unpaid role with reasonable expenses covered. The Board meets approximately three times a year, with 3 committee meetings and occasional additional meetings or events. Meetings are held in person and virtually.

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to the goals and aims of the charity. 
• Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time. 
• The ability to make good independent judgements. 
• Being able to think creatively. 
• Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties. 
• Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans. 
• Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions.
• Proven experience working as a member of successful teams. 
• Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.

Experience of either accountancy or fundraising / income generation. 

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, your leadership will directly shape the future of Aspens Charities and the lives of the people we support. You will help:

• Improve Quality of Care – Ensuring individuals with learning disabilities and autism receive the best possible support.
• Drive Strategic Growth – Expanding and developing services to reach more people in need.
• Ensure Financial Sustainability – Overseeing resources to secure long-term impact.
• Strengthen Governance – Upholding transparency, compliance, and ethical leadership.

Your expertise will make a lasting difference, creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Application Summary:
Are you passionate about social impact, skilled in fundraising, and excited to help empower girls and women in Africa? SheCanDo is looking for a dynamic and strategic individual to lead our Fundraising & Partnerships Team. If you have experience in building donor relationships, writing proposals, and crafting strategies to attract funds and partners — we’d love to have you on board!

Role Description:
As the Fundraising & Partnerships Lead, you will:

• Develop and execute SheCanDo’s fundraising and partnership strategy.

• Research and apply for grants, sponsorships, and funding opportunities.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and partners.

• Write compelling fundraising proposals and sponsorship pitches.

• Lead and coordinate fundraising campaigns and donor engagement.

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Assistant, Founder, and program teams.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Prior experience in fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, or partnerships.

• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills.

• Strong networking and relationship-building ability.

• Leadership mindset and team coordination skills.

Weekly Commitment:
6–8 hours per week (flexible schedule, remote role)

Role: Welcome volunteer

Team: Tooting Hub – CARAS ESOL (Youth/Adult)

Supervised by: Team Project Coordinator

Location: Tooting Hub site

Activity times: Monday or Wednesday

Time commitment: 2 hour shifts on a rolling basis.

We ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 4 months

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work:

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.

About the Role:

We are currently recruiting a team of volunteers to join our new Welcome team at Tooting Hub. This is a new role. Welcome volunteers will provide a friendly face to existing community members attending our regular projects. They will also be the important ‘face of CARAS and our welcome at the door’ to people attending projects for the first time, to visitors and to people dropping in unannounced to enquire about CARAS’s service. Volunteers will meet and greet, and ensure all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting. There will be an administrative element to the role (updating registers and emailing enquiries to CARAS staff, for example).

Who will you be?

We work hard to ensure our services feel welcoming and inclusive. It is important that this new team is representative of our diverse local and internal CARAS community. Whether you are new to volunteering with CARAS or are a regular volunteer looking to vary your role or a community member wanting to develop some leadership skills or volunteering experience, this might be the exact project for you.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

· Signing up to a shift/s on the Tooting HUB welcome team rota

· Able to be at Tooting Hub in person to complete agreed shifts

· Welcoming staff, volunteers, existing and potential new community members and visitors

· Ensuring all visitors are responded to appropriately and introduced to the relevant member of staff, activity, project, or meeting

· Ensuring everyone completes the onsite register on arrival to comply with safeguarding, health and safety and fire evacuation policies

· Taking agreed initial intake information for new / drop in visitors wanting to attend a taster activity

· Conducting induction tours of the building and introductions to facilities, key staff, and partners

Requirements (all experience can be from paid or voluntary roles): 

Essential: 

· A calm, friendly, kind, and patient approach

· Happy and confident to meet new people and put them at their ease

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds

· Confidence in using one’s own judgement to follow agreed policy

· Good IT admin skills in using Microsoft office, outlook, Google search, online forms etc

· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection

· Punctual and reliable

· To be able to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays for a minimum of four months

Desirable:

· Lived experience of seeking sanctuary and/ or the UK immigration system.

· Personal experience of working with people seeking asylum.

· Proficiency in one or more of the following community languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu, or Vietnamese.

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process.

Benefits to Volunteering:

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum.

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team.

· Develop your skills and competencies.

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.

· Obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering

· All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. *

· You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.