One off volunteer opportunity volunteer roles in soho, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for a new fundraising volunteer and/or director! Are you passionate about securing funds for grassroot organisations?
This opportunity involves overseeing Fuel Poverty Action’s fundraising plans and strategy, reaching out to donors and promoting our vital campaigns through grant bids to help end fuel poverty in the UK.
This role would require an average of 16-20 hrs per month and can be done remotely. We are also open to you joining FPA’s board of directors, subject to capacity and experience.
This offers a chance to directly contribute to tackling fuel poverty and ensuring access to affordable energy for all whilst strategizing and learning alongside great activists. If you're eager to contribute, we’d love to hear from you!
Tasks:
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Organise and manage our fundraising planning and pipeline
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Reach out to potential donors and help build relationships
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Lead on grant applications
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Work closely with the team to develop new fundraising strategies
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Contribute ideas and experience to FPA campaigns
Closing date for applications: April 20th 2025
We want warm, safe homes on a flourishing planet, where everyone has enough and resources are justly shared

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking to recruit 2 new trustees. We are looking to diversify the experience and expertise of our Board, and we believe that there are people out there who have knowledge, skills and passion in different areas that will help SWWB. Areas for organisational development include:
· Embedding lived experience expertise into the design, delivery and evaluation of our work
· Developing our campaigning and strategic work
· Building up our social media and comms presence
· Stepping up our fundraising game
If you think you can help with any of these things (or something else), and you are interested in being a trustee, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.
DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.
We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.
Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.
How to apply
To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.
Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.
Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.
Supporting third sector organisations to achieve their missions through increased use of data science.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Richmond and Kingston group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Richmond and Kingston area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Spelthorne, Staines and District group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Spelthorne, Staines and District area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our West Hertfordshire group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the West Hertfordshire area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Travel Radar is a passionate media organisation committed to making travel more meaningful and accessible for everyone. Since 2015, we've grown into one of the leading online sources for aviation and air-travel news, reaching over 20 million people worldwide.
Powered by a diverse, fully remote team of 50+ volunteers and contributors, we provide around-the-clock coverage of global travel developments. Our mission is to change the way people experience travel — helping them make every journey more enriching, informed, and enjoyable through timely news and helpful insights.
Join us in reshaping the future of travel and making a global impact through the power of storytelling and information.
We're on the lookout for a Social Media Manager to head up a range of exciting work including:
- developing creative and engaging social media strategies for our platforms;
- managing the day-to-day handling of all social media channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube, adapting content to suit different channels;
- overseeing, planning and delivering content across different platforms using scheduling tools such as Buffer and Meta Business Suite;
- developing, launching and managing new competitions and campaigns that promote Travel Radar and the brand;
- forming key relationships with influencers in the aviation and air-travel space across the social media platforms;
- managing and facilitating social media communities by responding to social media posts and developing discussions;
- researching and evaluating the latest trends and techniques in order to find new and better ways of creating and measuring social media activity;
- managing, motivating and coaching junior staff such as social media executives or assistants;
We're looking for a passionate and creative individual to lead and grow Travel Radar’s presence across social media. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the voice of one of the most engaged aviation communities online and create impactful content that inspires millions of travellers worldwide. We already have a strong foundation and loyal following — now we need someone who’s ready to take it to the next level. Whether you're a recent graduate full of fresh ideas, an experienced social media pro seeking a meaningful new challenge, a travel and aviation enthusiast, or a current student eager to gain hands-on experience — we care more about your passion and creativity than your CV.
If you're excited by the idea of building community, creating compelling content, and being part of a mission-driven team, we’d love to hear from you!
✨ Perks of Volunteering with Travel Radar:
(Please note: This is a voluntary, unpaid role — but we make it worth your time!)
Flexible workload – Contribute as and when you’re available each month
Fully remote – We can provide a laptop, desktop, or virtual machine if needed
Lunch & travel expenses covered – For in-person events, conferences, or meetings
✈️ Exclusive discount program – Access deals with 3,000+ retailers, from travel to insurance
Professional training – Fully funded CPD Level 3, 5, or 7 accreditation included and access industry leading support and mentoring
Latest tech tools – Free access to Office365, Grammarly Premium, Adobe Photoshop, Canva Pro — for both Travel Radar and personal use
Commitment per Week: 5hrs per week
Reports to: Chief Content Officer
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Treasurer
Volunteer Position
London
The Board meets eight times per year and there is one AGM annually.
- Do you share our client’s passion and commitment to empowering local communities to create their own permanently affordable homes?
- Are you supportive of their drive to ensure that their homes are priced according to local earnings, ensuring that people are no longer priced out of the neighbourhood they grew up in?
- Are you a Qualified Accountant with the necessary expertise in financial management and accountancy to serve as their next Treasurer?
If the answer to these questions is YES, our client would love to hear from you.
Decent, secure, and affordable homes are getting harder to come by, and there is widespread recognition and acceptance now that London needs more affordable homes, with The Government, The Mayor of London and the London boroughs rightly prioritising affordable housing.
What remains is a gulf between those who are attempting to deliver affordable housing and the communities that need these homes. This is the gap that our client successfully bridges, working with local people to create genuinely and permanently affordable homes and community spaces, putting Londoners back in charge of how their neighbourhoods positively evolve.
Proud to be at the vanguard of the Community Land Trust (CLT) movement. They were the first CLT in the capital to sell homes, starting with their flagship project at St Clements in Tower Hamlets with 23 homes, and then continuing with their first direct development at Citizens House in Lewisham with 11 homes. They also currently have projects across 6 London boroughs, with 34 homes built to date and a pipeline of 100+ new homes in development.
Treasurer (unremunerated)
Our client’s expectations for their new Treasurer are also equally high. As their new Treasurer you will be joining our client at a particularly exciting time as they enter a period of significant growth, not only advising on the financial implications of their strategic plan but also working to ensure that their financial systems and processes keep pace, so that they can continue to manage their finances confidently and proactively.
A Qualified Accountant with demonstrable commercial awareness and a passion for community action, affordable housing, and sustainability, together with an understanding of Community Led Housing, you will be expected to be a good communicator, able to explain financial matters to non-experts, and help to shape the future of our client.
If this appeals to you and you would welcome the opportunity to play your part in addressing what is arguably the biggest social issue impacting London, please do consider applying.
Our client actively embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and is determined to reflect the rich and diverse city that they represent, encouraging applications from all sections of society and communities.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Brent group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Brent area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our London Borough of Sutton group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the London Borough of Sutton area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
You don’t need to be a healthcare expert or have all the answers.
You just need to be a good listener, show up with kindness, and be willing to offer your time.
Marie Curie is looking for caring, everyday people to join our Community Companion team. You’ll be part of something truly meaningful - offering support to people in their final stages of life, and to the loved ones around them.
What’s a Community Companion?
Being there for someone when it matters most. This might be visiting someone in their home, offering a chat and a cup of tea, swapping stories and talking about what's happening locally, or just being a calm presence.
You will never be asked to do anything you’re uncomfortable with and you will receive training and support from the Marie Curie team to support you in your Companion role. You’ll also meet a team of like-minded volunteers who are all in it for the same reason: to help others and feel connected to something bigger.
What Will You Actually Do?
- Provide emotional comfort and conversation - just being present matters.
- Share helpful information or point people to local services or resources available.
- Support family members or carers, before and after bereavement.
- Help people express their wishes for care, in their own words.
- Be a calm, steady presence in what can feel like a chaotic time.
No Medical Background Needed - Just These Qualities:
- You’re friendly, patient, and a good listener
- You’re open-minded and non-judgmental
- You’re emotionally mature and can handle sensitive topics
- You’re reliable and can commit 3 hours each week
- You’re comfortable using email and completing a short report each visit
What You’ll Get in Return:
- A sense of real purpose and the chance to make a lasting difference
- A welcoming volunteer team and a strong support network
- Ongoing training, development, and guidance
- Recognition and appreciation for the time you give
- Out-of-pocket expenses covered
Whether you’re looking to give back, build experience, or just connect with others in a more meaningful way - this is an opportunity to do something truly rewarding.
Ready to Find Out More?
Fill out our application form and we will invite you for an informal chat (online, over the phone or in-person), and walk you through the next steps together. Alternatively, if you’d like to find out more first, please contact us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Haringey group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.
Time Commitment
We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Haringey area to carry out this role.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
If you want to make a difference to people living with a mental health condition then we’d love to hear from you!
About us
At The Mental Health Community we use our lived experience to build understanding and support for what it’s like to live and work alongside managing a mental health condition.
We know that it can be difficult to get, or keep a job if your energy levels, how you’re feeling and your ability to go to a place of work every day are affected by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. But we also know that having a sense of purpose and belonging can really help with the symptoms and impact that mental health conditions can have on you.
Our work is focused on helping people with a mental health condition who are in work or looking for work. We do this by supporting businesses to improve how they look after people, because we know that by creating inclusive and safe spaces at work we make it possible for people with mental ill health to stay in the workplace which helps keep them well and benefits the businesses too.
By joining our board you will be:
- Making a lasting impact by helping us make more workplaces safe and inclusive for people with a mental health condition
- Shaping the future of our charity as we expand our services and reach more people who need our support
- Using your skills and experience for good by helping guide the strategic direction of our charity.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for at least 4 new trustees to join our team. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you and there are some areas where we need particular help:
· Treasurer: oversee our financial health, provide guidance on building long term financial plans to help us grow and ensure appropriate financial management.
· Marketing and Communications: strategic oversight of our marketing and communications, raising awareness of our work and reaching new audiences through digital strategies and media engagement.
· Fundraising: develop our fundraising strategy and income streams, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship and campaigns.
· Governance: guide us in operating transparently and effectively whilst maintaining high standards of governance in compliance with our governing document and charity law.
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental ill health, young people aged 18-30, people of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
About the role
As a board of trustees we meet remotely every 6 weeks, there may be some activity in between meetings so the estimated total time commitment is 4 hours every 6 weeks.
In addition to using your specific skills to develop how we work, all trustees share responsibility for:
· Developing our activities to help us achieve our purpose and positive impact,
· Making sure we are compliant with our governing document and the requirements of the Charity Commission, and
· Being an active member of the board to help us make good decisions
What you can expect from us
We are committed to supporting our Trustees: you can expect an induction to the organisation and trustee role plus any additional conversations and support you need to help you feel confident in your role.
Our meetings are relaxed and informal; there are no expectations of ‘business clothes’, technical jargon or having all the answers.
We welcome and support your preferences for the way we work together, how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to participate actively in our discussions.
One more thing
We know that great trustees come from many backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and that’s great - we really value people who bring different perspectives and add new voices to our team.
But you might not feel you ‘check all the boxes’ as you read this advert or the role description, especially if you’ve been marginalised or excluded. We get it, and we’ve felt like that too. But we hope you’ll apply anyway because we’d love to hear from you and will take care to help you feel welcome and included.
For more information on the role please see the role description.
We welcome and support your preferences for how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to apply.
If you prefer to apply in a different way e.g. through a conversation or submitting a short video please contact us and we can arrange it.
If you need any adjustments during the application process please let us know and we'll do our very best to accommodate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Seeking the next visionary to lead Pegasus Opera Company as Chair of Trustees
What will you be doing?
Are you ready to lead with purpose and passion? Pegasus is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chair of the Board to help shape the future of our vibrant charity. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by championing our mission, empowering our people, and guiding us toward an ambitious new era.
As Chair, you’ll provide inspiring, inclusive leadership to our Board of Trustees—ensuring we remain bold, accountable, and united in delivering real change. You'll collaborate closely with a committed Executive Team, including our Artistic Director, Executive Director, and Talent Director, to set the strategic direction and drive innovation at every level.
What are we looking for?
The ideal Chair will have senior strategic leadership experience, a successful track record, and a solid understanding of charity governance. They’ll be confident in chairing meetings, managing stakeholders, and acting as an ambassador. A strong passion for opera and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the charity’s mission are essential. Candidates should bring gravitas, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to foster collaboration and be willing to commit time to attend events and meetings outside of normal working hours.
What difference will you make?
The Chair will play a pivotal role in shaping Pegasus’s future, providing the strategic leadership, governance oversight, and inspiration needed to drive the charity into its next chapter. By fostering a high-performing Board, strengthening accountability, and supporting the Senior Management Team, the Chair will ensure that Pegasus remains artistically bold, financially resilient, and true to its mission of championing diversity in opera.
They will be a unifying force—guiding trustees, energising stakeholders, and amplifying Pegasus’s voice across the sector. With their influence, the organisation will build deeper partnerships, enhance its public profile, and grow its impact for artists and communities alike.
Ultimately, the Chair will be the catalyst for Pegasus to thrive artistically, operationally, and socially—ensuring it continues to lead with purpose and ambition on a national stage.
Before you apply
To be considered for this role, please send your CV along with an expression of interest in the form of a cover note or letter
South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) is an independent registered charity providing specialised legal advice and assistance covering Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames and Sutton in South West London.
Our vision is a future where people who cannot afford a lawyer:
- Have equal access to assert and enforce their rights;
- Are empowered to benefit from everything a healthy society has to offer;
- Are treated equally with dignity and respect.
You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to grow and prosper. If you have a passion for access to justice and believe that you can improve the impact the SWLLC can make, then we look forward to hearing from you.
What will you be doing?
Our previous chair stood down after an extended term of 6 years. They helped oversee the law centre during the pandemic and its aftermath during which we have seen the law centre continue to flourish in a very challenging environment. We are looking for a new chair who believes in what we do and is prepared to lead and act as an ambassador for the charitable trust so that we can continue to do this work. We currently have a strong trustee board of varying skills and tenures and the day to day management of the law centre is delegated to a small team. This team is small for what the law centre is trying to achieve. We need you to bring your expertise, energy and networks to the law centre. The role isn't glamorous, it's unpaid, and it's sometimes unacknowledged, but it is rewarding. You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to support over 6,000 people a year, who would not otherwise have access to legal advice. We are very proud of the impact that we have had over the last 50 years, and continue to have. SWLLC continues to operate in a challenging environment, the work of the law centre is regulated and audited by a number of external bodies, our finances continued to be challenged by static legal aid, grants and donations, despite this we have continued to flourish, but the need for our services is greater than we can provide. The main areas that our trustees board can support alongside the role of governance of the law centre are:
- Finance
- Fundraising
- Human Resources
- Communications and Marketing
- IT and facilities
- Community Engagement and Community Activism
Time commitment:
6 Board meetings per year. Take place through a mixture of in person and online meetings in the evenings (usually midweek between 6pm – 7:30pm). The Chair will also need to have regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team outside of these regular board meetings. Such meetings will typically be brief, online and arranged at a mutually convenient time. The Chair will also need to represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders. Our head office is based in Croydon with other offices in Clapham Junction and Morden. We expect the role to take around 1 -2 days per month.
What are we looking for?
Principal responsibilities:
Strategic leadership
- Act as representative of the whole board and not its defacto head
- Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries
Governance
- Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity
External Relations
- Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity in partnership with the CEO
Efficiency and effectiveness
- Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
- Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership
Relationship with the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team
- Establish and build a strong, effective, supporting and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives
Personal Qualities:
- Personal gravitas to lead a significant organisation demonstrating a strong and visible passion and commitment to the law centre, its strategic objectives and cause
- Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
- Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the law centre
- Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
- Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours
Experience:
- Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
- Successful track record of achievement through their career
- Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders
- Significant experience of chairing meetings and events Knowledge and skills
- Broad knowledge and understanding of the legal sector and current issues affecting it
- Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
- Good understanding of charity governance and finance issues Terms The charity’s Chair (and board members) will serve a four-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.
What difference will you make?
The impact the Chair will have is to ensure the continuation of the law centres' successful mission
Law Centres are community-led, not-for-profit organisations that help local people to understand and enforce their legal rights. Their services are free, and they attempt to target the people who most need them – people who are at risk of discrimination and ill-treatment and those who are least able to protect themselves, for example because they lack the money to hire someone with legal expertise to help them. We are currently celebrating our 50th year. SWLLC s is one of the larger Law Centre in Great Britain covering six London boroughs – Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth. Our catchment area covers 1.7 million people. We now operate from 3 branch offices. We help over 6,000 people each year with a face to face service covering 3 broad services.
- Expert casework and representation in the social welfare law covering community care, debt, employment, housing, immigration/asylum, public law, welfare rights and cost of living support
- Emergency representation as part of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme
- Pro Bono Clinics
Amongst the results we achieve that make us proud of what we do are:
- the prevention of homelessness
- the prevention and reduction of poverty
- the protection of family life by reuniting people living in the UK with those living abroad
- the prevention of torture and death beyond our borders by the provision of advice and representation to people fleeing persecution
- the prevention of ill-health by successfully challenging unfit living conditions
- the prevention of mental ill-health by assisting people to deal with their personal debts
Before you apply
If you would like an initial discussion before putting in your application please message through the Reach Volunteering Platform and Senior Management Team will be on contact to further discuss the role and the opportunity. A panel of trustees and senior management team will review your application. If we consider that your skills and experience are a good fit with the Law Centre, you will be invited for an informal discussion with the panel about our work and the trustee role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.