Period poverty volunteer volunteer roles in bristol
Raising Futures Kenya is looking for an enthusiastic, committed Trustee, with a passion for supporting our small but mighty international NGO through a journey of shifting power to our partner NGO. We are particularly looking for individuals with experience in fundraising in the international development sector, and a strong understanding of the international fundraising landscape.
Responsible to: Chair, Raising Futures Kenya
Purpose: To guide and advise on the international fundraising landscape, and shifting the power (including fundraising) to our Kenyan partners.
Hours: Approximately 6-8 hours a month.
Salary: This is a voluntary role.
We currently have seven Trustees across the UK, USA and Kenya and three paid, part-time staff. Board meetings are every 6-8 weeks in the evening via Google Meet.
About Raising Futures Kenya
For 22 years, Raising Futures Kenya (England & Wales charity no.1181670) has worked alongside local people, and our partner NGO, in Kenya to develop projects which are owned by the community and create long-term, sustainable change to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods.
Through our Seed of Hope training and support programme we enable 14-25 year olds (75% girls) to secure employment or start a small business, generating enough income to live above the poverty line. We provide free technical vocational and business skills training, alongside mental health and wellbeing support which has led to over 90% of graduates being in employment, self-employment or further education. Seed of Hope offers young people opportunity, dignity and hope.
All training is combined with 3 key elements of support which makes our project unique and more successful than vocational training alone.
1. Daily life skills and mental health wellbeing curriculum which includes topics on common mental health issues to challenge stigma and signpost students to the free counselling sessions we offer, gender equality, knowing and asserting your rights, family planning, health, hygiene and nutrition.
2. Practical help is provided to ensure we remove any barriers young people may face in gaining an education and attending lessons, such as; free cooked lunches, support with travel costs, childcare vouchers for young mothers and free menstrual hygiene packs.
3. Graduate support helps young people set up their own business and generate a sustainable income. This includes tailored business and financial literacy training, access to the Seed of Hope Business Hub providing computers, tools, and materials for graduates to use to launch their business, plus an ongoing peer mentoring scheme from former successful Seed of Hope graduates.
If students are traumatised, hungry or can’t afford sanitary products, they won’t be in a position to learn. We treat every student as an individual and personalise our support to their specific needs and circumstances to set every student up for success. We know this holistic approach is more successful than vocational training alone, and has the most meaningful impact for young people.
Achievements
Some of our achievements include:
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Over 3,100 young people in Kenya have received free skills training.
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Since 2021 we now support more young people in a year than our first 15 years combined.
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91% of our graduates are in full time employment, self-employment or further education.
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Received multi-year funding from the Department for International Development (now FCDO) and other reputable grant givers, including a US funder who has granted us $100,000USD a year to go directly to our Kenyan partner as part of our journey to shift power to our partner.
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Awarded the ‘Small Charity, Big Impact’ award by the Foundation of Social Improvement 2019 for achieving disproportionate impact to our size.
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Awarded ‘Charity Governance Award for Improving Impact’ in May 2022.
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Shortlisted for ‘Diversity and Inclusion Award for Best NGO on Promotion of Human Rights’ in Kenya in March 2022.
The future of Raising Futures Kenya
We are in Year 3 of our 2022-2026 year Strategic Plan. The focus is on shifting the decision making power to our partner NGO in Kenya. It’s an exciting time to join as we think about our plan for the next strategic era.
Role Summary
Responsibilities of all Trustees
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Ensuring the organisation pursues its charitable objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document.
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Ensuring strategic objectives are developed and met in order to provide greater public benefit, namely to the young people and communities we work alongside in Kenya.
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Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
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Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public.
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Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
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Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.
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Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
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Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
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Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
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Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the CEO.
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In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
Networking and partnership development
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All Trustees are expected to assist Raising Futures Kenya to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation, from seeking funding opportunities to galvanising personal and professional networks to generate income.
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Act as a proud ambassador for Raising Futures Kenya, representing the charity at meetings and facilitating networking and funding opportunities as these arise.
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Join relevant networks and associations to further your understanding of the sector we are in, and to promote the work and best practices of the charity.
Advise on fundraising
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Support the strategic direction of how funds are raised by the UK and Kenya, in terms of shifting the power.
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Provide direct feedback to fundraising staff on approaches, bids or key organisations.
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Link Raising Futures Kenya with key contacts or organisations in the fundraising sector.
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience;
Essential:
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Experience as a fundraiser in an international development organisation.
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Understanding of the localisation or shift the power agenda.
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A commitment to the organisation, and willingness to devote approximately 6 hours a month and attend Board meetings.
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Understanding of the regulatory responsibilities of a Charity Incorporated Organisation (or willingness to learn)
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A willingness to speak your mind with respect, tact and diplomacy.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Honesty and integrity. We’re a values led organisation and want to ensure that everyone who joins us shares our values of honesty and integrity.
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Teamwork and commitment. We’re a small organisation and rely on each other to lean in and play a part in achieving our objectives. We believe in getting the work done, but having fun along the way so our meetings are often light-hearted.
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Passionate about furthering the impact of our work, in whatever way you can. For example utilising your networks to share the work we do or to seek donations.
Desirable:
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Competent in understanding finances.
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Knowledge and experience of programmes in;
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Education, Technical Vocational Training or Entrepreneurship
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Mental Health and Wellbeing
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Young people
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Girls and women
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Income generation
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Farming/agriculture
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Programmes in Kenya
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We are always looking for candidates who have lived experience of any of the following;
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Kenya
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East Africa
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Technical Vocational Training
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We are committed to a culture of inclusivity. We are able to grow and learn better if we have a diverse organisation formed of the collective sum of individual differences, lived experiences, knowledge and self-expression. We don’t want to exist in an echo chamber. In recruiting for our team we welcome the unique perspectives you can bring in terms of culture, education, opinions, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, values, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, beliefs, nation of origin and languages spoken.
Normally Trustees are asked to commit to a 3-year term on the Board and serve for a maximum of 2 terms. All appointments are subject to completion of a successful 3 month probationary period. For more details about the legal obligations of Trustees visit the Charity Commission website and read its publication CC3, The Essential Trustee.
Please note: the law places certain restrictions on becoming a charity Trustee (for example, you cannot be under the age of 18, or been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonestly). If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, visit the Charity Commission website.
Registered Charity
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Our mission is to create opportunities with children and young people in Kenya to break the cycle of poverty and inequality and fulfil their potential
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
Mothers’ Union (MU) is a women-led, volunteer movement founded in 1876, with a membership of some 4 million worldwide. It is a movement based on Christian fellowship, with members driven to express their faith through action in their local communities, aiming to create a world where every individual can reach their full potential, by stopping poverty, injustice and violence.
We are a federated international movement with the central Charity, Mothers’ Union, registered and operating in England, sitting at the centre of the global movement. We connect and support the global movement to achieve its aims and objects and thus transform the lives of women and families around the world.
The Central Charity is governed by an international Board of Trustees, made up of elected leaders from within the global movement and also appointed external experts to fill identified skills gaps.
The Trustees collectively are responsible to the global membership for ensuring that the Central Charity achieves its core purposes. This is achieved through overseeing the management and administration of operations and ensuring that the charity has a clear strategy and that operations and goals are in line with that vision.
The Worldwide Board comprises:
- Worldwide President (elected)
- 11 Zonal Trustees (elected)
- Up to four appointed trustees, with expertise to complement the skills and experience of the elected Board members.
All Board members have voting rights.
Zones: The list of Provinces as allocated to Zones is given in the detailed role specification. Elections are held every 3 years, and the current Board took up office in 2025. The appointed trustees are also appointed for up to 2 terms of 3 years each. However, these do not need to be co-terminus with the elected trustees.
This is un UNPAID position
General Responsibilities of All Trustees:
- To participate actively in Board discussion, to ensure that the Board takes appropriate steps to determine the organisation’s vision and mission, by engaging in strategic planning and tracking progress towards achievement of strategic goals.
- To approve and monitor the organisation’s operational plans and budgets.
- To safeguard the assets and resources of the charity and provide effective financial, risk and operational oversight, by the proper consideration of management accounts, external audits, risk reviews, policies and internal procedures and controls.
- To ensure organisational compliance with all statutory duties and sector best practice.
- To ensure adequate financial resources are available to carry out the work of the whole organisation by consideration and approval of subscription levels and alternative income streams worldwide.
- To enhance the organisation’s public image by participating in activities that promote a positive image of Mothers’ Union, recognising that we need to challenge stereotypes rather than contribute to their perpetuation.
Particular Focus for the Trustee with expertise in Finance:
The elected Board members conducted a skills audit and determined that they do not have strong backgrounds in finance and resources management. The role of the Finance trustee would be to ensure that the appropriate level of support and challenge is given by the Board to management to discharge their duties effectively, be a critical friend to the Director of Finance and Services and be an active member of the Audit and Risk Committee.
They will be asked to provide a particular focus on ensuring that key strategic initiatives, including the ongoing development of IT systems, the potential future sale of the building, Mary Sumner House, and the implementation of the fundraising strategy are executed in line with agreed parameters
All trustees are asked to:
- have an active commitment to Christian faith;
- be committed to the aim and objects of Mothers’ Union;
- be confident with virtual communication and have an ability to access an appropriate device and the internet easily;
- be able to travel internationally if required;
- be in a good state of health, mental and physical, to enable them to discharge their duties fully and well.
- devote the time required to this critical role
A strong Candidate for Finance Trustee would have many of the following attributes, skills and experience:
- CCAB Qualified finance professional (or QBE)
- Experience of operating at Board level and of the charity sector
- An understanding of membership organisations
- Experience of Audit and Risk Committees and engaging with external advisors
- Experience of risk management
- Experience of project evaluation and funding
- Experience of change management
- Basic knowledge of Charity SORP and GDPR requirements
- IT competent
- Proven ability to communicate finance information clearly to non-finance professionals
- An understanding of the governance responsibilities and accountabilities of a Board member of a major international Charity
Additional Information:
What is the time commitment in a three-year period?
In a three-year term of office, Trustees are expected to attend three residential Trustee meetings (one per year) each lasting around 5 days, generally in the UK. We recognise that this may be challenging for professionals, so attendance for at least one day of the week would be acceptable. In addition, at least a further 3 virtual formal meetings a year, each comprising roughly 2 hours starting at 12.00 UK time. The Board may also choose to meet informally on a number of further occasions for fellowship or capability development, virtually, by mutual agreement – it is recognised that this may not be feasible for an active professional.
Written material is circulated to Trustees prior to each meeting. Trustees are expected to read and study the material before the meeting and any follow up material after the meeting.
The specialist trustee for finance will additionally prepare for and attend the quarterly Audit and Risk meetings which take place on Zoom, each lasting 2-3 hours
The specialist trustee may be asked to be available to the Director of Finance and Resources as a sounding board, and to provide input on a time-limited basis to strategic projects
Who will this Trustee work with/relate to in the role?
1. Worldwide President, Chief Executive, fellow Trustees and Leadership Team members
2. Mothers’ Union members from around the world.
3. Finance team
Work Location
This role can be performed fully remotely most of the time.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please apply by sending your CV and a Cover Letter via Charity Jobs. The Cover Letter should clearly outline how your skills match the main responsibilities of the role.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is 17 September 2025 at 5:00 pm. Due to the number of applications we may receive, we will not be able to individually respond to each applicant. Kindly note, we will only be getting in touch with the applicants shortlisted for an interview. We aim to get in touch with the shortlisted candidates after the application deadline. We will be conducting interviews for suitable candidates as we go along and may fill the role before the closing date.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?
ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life.
ECU’s board members are responsible for ensuring that ECU is well-run and delivers on our ambition to accelerate the transition to a fair, sustainable and resilient economy. They are responsible for fulfilling the legal duties of a Company Director, as set out by Companies House. Although ECU is not a charity, it is focused on delivering a public purpose, so most aspects of the role are similar to that of a charity trustee role.
We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance.
This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.
