Project support volunteer roles in islington, greater london

We’re looking for a new honorary treasurer who will work closely with the chair of the business management and finance committee to advise the trustee board on all aspects of business management and finance matters related to the work of Girlguiding Scotland.

The honorary treasurer will contribute to the delivery of Girlguiding Scotland’s strategy as a member of Girlguiding Scotland’s trustee board and the business management and finance committee.

As honorary treasurer you will have oversight of the finance function, provide guidance on matters of finance and investments to the trustees, and work closely with the finance manager and with the chair of the business management and finance committee (BM&F committee).

As a trustee you will be an active member of the Girlguiding Scotland trustee board which is chaired by the chief commissioner. The board focuses on the strategic direction and current performance of Girlguiding Scotland ensuring we continue to develop in response to member needs.

The key skills and attributes that we’re looking for in an honorary treasurer:

• Experience of setting and monitoring investment strategies and supervising the performance of a significant investment portfolio.
• Experience of reporting to board level, audit and knowledge of charity SORP (FRS102).
• Experience of preparing budgets and forecasting, management accounting and statutory financial reporting.
• Ability to work and join meetings remotely using a variety of technology and the ability to access papers and information online (instructions and support will be given).
• Eligibility to become a trustee in Scotland.

 The following would be an advantage:

• CA, CIMA, ACCA, ACA or other similar qualification.
• Experience of working with volunteers.
• Ability to think of the bigger picture for the benefit of members and potential members across Scotland.
• Approachable, open minded and flexible, with the ability to work with others.
• Excited to be part of shaping the future and responding to challenges.
• Capacity to be proactive and involved in building relationships with key volunteers and staff to facilitate the work between meetings.

We’re for all girls and we want Girlguiding Scotland to be a safe and welcoming space for every person that wants to join us. Our volunteers should be as diverse as the girls that we support and inspire, which is why we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. In particular, we would welcome applications from people with disabilities and individuals from ethnic minority groups.

We are seeking two dynamic, strategic thinkers to join our Board of Trustees. We are looking for individuals who will bring insight and challenge to our innovation journey, help us to strengthen our global digital presence, and help us to deepen our engagement in UK and international markets, particularly across Asia. You will be able to demonstrate relevant experience in one or more of educational technology development, digital marketing, publishing, law or risk management, within an international context.

Barefoot and Free is a small UK-based charity that gifts unforgettable staycations to families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma.

We are seeking creative and committed Volunteer Fundraisers to help us grow our small charity.

This is a remote volunteer role ideal for someone looking to use their creative fundraising knowledge to make a meaningful impact.

Role Overview
As a Volunteer Fundraiser at Barefoot and Free, you will be reuired to come up with fun ideas to fundraise, be able to engage people to fundraise and encourage new supporters.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organise and execute virtual and in-person fundraising events (eg raffles, quizzes, sponsored challenges)
• Liase with fundraisng volunteers (eg sponsored runners etc)
• Ensure events run smoothly by preparing, schedules, materials and plans. 
• Act as a main point of contact for invividual fundraisers and teams
• Regukar communication to offer encouragement and guidence.
• Procatively check they have everything they need (eg fundraisng pack, marketing materials) 
• Create.design a central fundraising tracker (eg excel or similar) 
• Log all fundraising activities, targets, deadlines ad progress updates 
• Collaborate with the social media volunteers (if applicable) to amplify campaigns
• Support the recruitment of new fundraising volunteers

What You’ll Bring

• Clear friendly written and verbal communication
• Ability to confidently engage with fundraisers, donors and team members remotely
• Excellent time management and ability to co-ordinate multiple activities at once
• Structured approach to planning events and tracking fundraising progress
• Strong communication skills, self-motovated with the ability to work independently with minimum supervision
• A passion for charitable work and a willingness to contribute time and skills

Time Commitment
This is a flexible remote role. We ask for a commitment of 2 to 5 hours per week. We are happy to work around your availability.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to use your skills for a good cause

• Hands-on experience in event planning, fundraising, and project coordination, ideal for CVs, job applications, or future charity roles.

• Remote, flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule — ideal for students, parents, or professionals looking to give back.

• Experience working in the charity sector

• Portfolio development and references on request
• Being part of a friendly supportive team making a difference

To apply please send a recent C.V along with a short note about yourself & with examples of any fundraising, event planning you have carried out.

We look forward to hearing from you.

MUSLIM VOLUNTEER MENTOR

Can you offer your support to a young person via mentoring?

FCCT are looking for volunteers to play a supportive role by actively mentoring young offenders (aged 15-30 in HMP/YOI Feltham) and to offer support under the ‘7 pathways to Reducing Reoffending’:

FCCT offer support under the seven pathways to reducing reoffending including signposting to relevant organisations:

• Accommodation
• Education, Training and Employment (ETE)
• Health
• Drug and Alcohol Misuse
• Finance, Benefits and Debts
• Children & Families
• Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour.

Our aim is to help young people overcome hardships and make the positive transition back into wider society and to help to reduce reoffending rates.

Scope of Volunteer Main Role and Duties (not exhaustive):

Mentoring Arm:

1. Work through a ‘Discharge List’ systematically, cross referencing with the Operations Manager, so as not to duplicate any work or contact with the young people (primarily of Muslim faith).
2. Hand out and (where needed) help complete ‘Survey Questionnaires’ given to young people from the ‘Discharge List’, in order to ascertain what type of job or education sector the young person would be interested in going into. Forms to be given to the Operations Manager afterwards.
3. Follow up with a one-to-one session – register the young person to the FCCT programme and completing relevant paperwork, which will include our ‘Client Profile Form’ and ‘Consent Form’.
4. Update a shared ‘Client Spreadsheet’ which will be used to capture data information, as to the young people that FCCT are engaging with.
5. Identify relevant Mosques etc for the young people to attend post release and contact said religious establishments, to understand their referral criteria and then make relevant referrals, where required.
6. Collect testimonials from the young people in relation to the support FCCT have offered them.
7. Mentoring of young people 
8. Make or facilitate family contacts for resettlement purposes, in relation to the young people.

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate the following attributes:

• Commitment: Shows commitment to the organisation, its values and its clients, understanding that the building of trust and consistency is key, in terms of the clientele FCCT work with.
• Communication: Communicates well both verbally and in writing. An ability to communicate effectively with young people would also be an added benefit.
• Resilience: Demonstrates patience and understanding in the face of challenges.
• Professionalism: Complies with all FCCT policies and procedures, particularly regarding Safeguarding, GDPR etc.
• Non-judgemental: Demonstrates empathy and openness and does not impose personal values or conscious or unconscious bias.
• Solution focused: Can help to identify issues and meets challenges with optimism and offers solutions, seeing them as an opportunity to learn.

Training and Support

We will provide all the necessary training. Training will be provided on an ongoing basis and volunteers will be given a full induction of the organisation and how the projects run. Volunteer expenses will be paid.

Time Required

FCCT ask for a minimum of 8 hours a month. Due to the flexibility of the role, the hours can be distributed over different days between the core hours of 9am - 5pm, including Sundays.

Benefits for Mentors Include

Volunteer Expenses will be paid

Training given, which includes modules such as an Introduction to Mentoring, The Criminal Justice System, Communication Skills etc

FCCT staff can provide references for other job/opportunities

Client front-facing work with people with complex needs

Liaison with statutory agencies within the prison

Liaison with community organisations

Liaison with other volunteers

Student Placements

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Trustees manage the affairs of our local RSPCA Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area. 

We are the Surrey East Branch of the RSPCA, and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. 

Main activities: 

• To be familiar with and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA. 

• To be familiar with our branch rules and follow them at all times. 

• To work with your fellow trustees and branch officers to jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of our branch and the RSPCA. 

• To ensure the branch meets all the minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS). Where they are not met, work with national RSPCA staff to meet the standard as soon as practicable. 

• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch support specialist (BSS), to write, adopt, monitor and review a branch development plan setting out the short and long-term aims of our branch. 

• To actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting, and regional conference. 

• To be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives. 

• To attend the trustee training course. 

• To actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers. 

• To welcome new trustees and volunteers to the branch. 

About the RSPCA

We’re proud to be the oldest welfare charity in existence

• We were the first to introduce a law to protect animals and we work hard to ensure that all animals can live a life free from pain and suffering. 

• Through our campaigns we raise standards of care and awareness of issues for the animals who have no voice. We push for laws to be changed, improving the welfare of animals on farms, in research labs, in the wild, in paddocks or in our homes. 

• Through investigations and prosecutions, we stand up to those who deliberately harm animals to send out a clear message - we will not tolerate animal abuse. 

• Our highly trained officers tackle neglect and cruelty at every level and are working hard to stamp out large-scale serious, organised and commercial animal cruelty. 

• We believe every animal has the right to be counted as an individual. Animals can rely on us to rescue them when they need us most. To rehabilitate them wherever possible, provide them with the very best veterinary care and to find them new homes, either through rehoming or release.

What are we looking for? 

• Most people aged 18 or over are eligible to become a trustee. You will need to become a member of the RSPCA. Good interpersonal skills are important. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense and the ability to be objective is vital. 

• Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, and awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential. 

• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and that they accept the post. 

• In addition to our standard declaration of willingness, trustees also need to complete a declaration from the Charity Commission and read their guidance for individuals on who can’t be a trustee or senior manager of a charity. 

What can we offer you? 

• It’s a great way to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. 

• You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals. 

• New RSPCA trustees are provided with a document “Trustees handbook” and asked to attend a training course which provides information and guidance about a trustee’s role and responsibilities. 

• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch. 

• Volunteer at the heart of the local community. 

​We hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each term, so apply ASAP to be in time to join our next induction.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment.  We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.

Your duties will include:

• Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
• Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
• Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
• Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
• Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
• Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
• Supervising the children during break times;
• Supporting the children during class trips;
• Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
• Providing feedback and comments to the Rainbow Club Headteacher when required.

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 for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation. 

Immediate Theatre is a Hackney based community arts organisation with almost 30 years’ experience of providing quality arts opportunities in East London.  We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Estimated time commitment 25 hours a year.

We are particularly keen to engage people with at least one of the following attributes:

• Young people under 25 interested in developing leadership skills.
• Lived experience of the issues facing our participants e.g.:
  • 90% of our youth theatre participants are from diverse ethnic backgrounds and a high proportion experience economic disadvantage, we know of 115 regular participants who access Free School Meals.
  • 32% of registered participants have special educational needs or a disability
  • Many participants on our Pathways to Employment programme have mental health challenges
  • We work with over 60’s including those experiencing long term illness
• Knowledge about education, we are keen to engage someone with knowledge of Secondary Education and/or academic connections with a relevant University
• Experience of managing a similar size organisation or team
• Experience of marketing.
• Experience in the community arts sector

A full breakdown of the trustee role can be found on Immediate Theatre's website.

borGO

borGO is a platform that promotes the authentic villages of Abruzzo through sustainable experiences, local culture, and community engagement.

borGO tackles the social and environmental problems facing small villages in Abruzzo, such as depopulation, loss of local culture, and lack of job opportunities. Many young people leave these areas, and traditional knowledge and ways of living risk disappearing. At the same time, mass tourism often damages the environment and doesn’t benefit local communities. borGO offers a different approach by promoting slow and sustainable tourism, supporting local businesses, and helping people discover the unique culture, nature, and stories of these villages.

borGO is a digital platform that connects travelers, volunteers, and locals to create authentic, sustainable experiences in the villages of Abruzzo. It offers curated activities—like local workshops, cultural events, and eco-tourism—that support small businesses, preserve traditions, and involve the community directly. By combining storytelling, design, and technology, borGO makes it easy to discover hidden places while generating real social and environmental impact for the people who live there.

By joining borGO as a volunteer, you’ll engage directly with one of the most pressing challenges facing small communities in Italy today: isolation, depopulation, and the loss of cultural identity.

Through your contribution, you’ll not only help us bring new life to these villages—you’ll also have the chance to develop your skills, apply your knowledge in a real-world setting, and be part of something meaningful.

borGO invites you to bring the world to places that have long been forgotten by it. Your ideas, creativity, and time can open doors, create connections, and make a real difference, just by choosing to volunteer with us.

Social Media & Communications Volunteer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

What You’ll Do

We’re looking for a creative and hands-on Social Media & Communications Volunteer to help us tell the story of borGO and connect with people who care about culture, sustainability, and slow travel. You’ll help manage and grow our presence on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, creating engaging content, testing ideas, and building a community around the beauty of Italy’s hidden villages. You’ll also support our communication strategy—planning posts, writing short texts, and shaping the tone of our voice across platforms.

About borGO

borGO is a young social startup with a mission: to bring new life to the small villages of Abruzzo by connecting people, culture, and sustainable tourism. We want to shine a light on places that are often forgotten, and help communities thrive through meaningful experiences and storytelling. We’re just getting started, and you’ll be part of something that’s growing every day—with your ideas, energy, and creativity.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience using Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn to create and share content
• Familiarity with tools like CapCut, Canva, or similar platforms for creating reels, videos, and visual posts
• Comfortable writing captions, planning content, and thinking creatively
• Able to communicate in English and possibly Italian (both are important for our audience)
• Independent, reliable, and enthusiastic about trying new things

Nice to Have

• Experience or passion for tourism, rural areas, or cultural projects
• A good sense of visual style or interest in learning more about branding
• Open to co-creating with a small, friendly team that values your voice
• A chance to leave your mark by shaping how the world sees borGO

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

ShowerBox is a registered charity that has been providing free and secure showers as well as toiletries and supplies, warm drinks, snacks and haircuts to individuals facing homelessness since 2018. Our mission is to enhance our guests’ sense of physical well-being and dignity, help combat social isolation, and provide access to other essential resources such as health clinics and mobile libraries. By empowering individuals, we hope to help them make long term improvement in their lives.

Learning of individuals having passed away from preventable illnesses on the streets due to an inability to get clean and the social stigma associated with poor personal hygiene, Sarah Lamptey (our CEO) started offering weekly showers in St. Giles churchyard in Soho, London, from 2019. ShowerBox became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2021 and since then has been expanding nationally. Now, we operate in multiple sites – Central London, Birmingham, and Barking – either independently or in partnership. Central London remains our biggest site, followed by Birmingham and Barking, and we are in initial discussion with others. We receive our funds through philanthropy – currently supported by National Lottery Community Fund, Vitol Foundation, HS2, amongst others. 

The Board of Trustees is the ultimate governance body for the organisation, serving as stewards of the organisation’s resources, and is ultimately responsible for ShowerBox’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis, and meet four or five times a year (online or in person in London).

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a Chairperson to take ShowerBox forward into an important and influential role following and building on the success it has had since becoming a CIO and expanding into 3 locations.

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with ShowerBox’s CEO to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:

• Providing effective strategic leadership and management to the Board of Trustees enabling them to fulfill their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of ShowerBox

• Providing support to the CEO and ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives

• Ensuring the Board meets regularly to review activities, major risks and opportunities

• Ensuring Trustees fulfill their duties and responsibilities for effective governance of ShowerBox

• Ensuring the Board is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skill, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively

• Conducts an annual appraisal and remuneration review of the CEO in consultation with other Trustees

• Acts as an ambassador for ShowerBox, representing it at external functions, meetings and events as appropriate and as spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate

• Ensuring financial stability and effective and efficient administration of ShowerBox

• Safeguard the good name and values of ShowerBox

Person Specification

• Interest in making a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness/housing insecurity

• Experience serving as a Trustee or Board member (in either for-profit or non-profit organisation). Previous experience as Chair of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

• An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship, together with an understanding of the financial aspects of running a charity.

• An ability to work effectively as part of a team contributing an independent perspective.

• Strong leadership, people management skills and the ability to chair meetings effectively.

• Ability to devote time and effort to support a small and growing charity and fulfill the duties outlined above.

• Prepared to attend four board meetings per year (mostly online) plus one or two ad hoc committees and/or events in line with their expertise, specific interest, or as needed

Terms of Appointment

Chair of Trustees is appointed for a 2 year, renewable term. It is anticipated that the time commitment should be no more than 2 days a month but there could be occasions when extra time will be required (for instance, during planning of new projects or when dealing with unexpected situations). The role of Chair is unpaid.

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working with ShowerBox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

About Bank.Green

Since the Paris Agreement, global banks have poured a staggering $6.9t into the fossil fuel industry. At Bank.Green, our mission is to lower this vast carbon footprint via technology and consumer action. We empower bank customers with the tools and insights they need to influence their banks towards sustainable lending, or switch to greener alternatives. To date, our bank-checking tool has been used over 500,000 times by bank customers worldwide, while we have shifted a at least $35,000,000 towards banks who are financing a greener future.

Through transparency, engagement, and innovation, we aim to redefine the role of banks in the fight against climate change.

Role Overview

We have a need for a senior Frontend Engineers to take ownership of the Bank.Green frontend website. The website is builtin Vue.js with Nuxt.js and deployed via Cloudflare. We use prismic.io as a headless CMS and connect to internal graphQL and REST APIs. Because of the large number of pages (~5000) we serve, we have to pay special attention to our prismic.io CDN traffic and caching with automated builds.

Taking ownership of the website will mean:

• understanding the vue.js lifecycle
• understanding cloudflare deployment
• understanding the nuxt build pipeline
• carefully authoring and reviewing PRs
• mentoring more junior frontend developers

For internal communication, we use slack, linear.app, and, when necessary, MS365.

Functionally, the website allows users to see how their current bank, and potential new alternative banks, rank on environmental issues - primarily fossil fuel and related sectors support. It also provides suggestions on how to talk to your current or potential future bank about your environmental concerns.

Commitment

This role is unpaid and volunteer-based. We are seeking a commitment of 10-20 hours per week. We are looking for somebody to come on long-term, for at least a 6 month commitment.

We know that this a lot to ask. Bank.Green is a passion project of many people including other developers and data scientists. Many of our volunteers who are a) (f)unemployed and want to keep their fingers warm by doing something good for the world, b) otherwise trying to break into tech or environmental fields. We hope that you’re coming with some industry experience for this particular role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Frontend Engineer, preferably in a mid to senior level capacity.
• Proficiency in JavaScript programming language.
• Familiarity with Vue.js + Nuxt is nice to have but experience with React+Next also works well
• Experience working with and mentoring more junior colleagues
• Experience working asynchronously with colleagues in different time zones - through Slack, MS Teams, or similar.
• Experience working in Agile environments and using collaborative development tools (e.g., Linear or Jira, Git).
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Passion for sustainability and environmental advocacy.

URBAN YOUTH - VOLUNTEER WITH US!

New Start-Up - New Beginning - Endless Opportunities

You MUST be in London to apply for this role!

Are you passionate about making a difference and shaping the future of young people? Urban Youth is seeking dedicated and visionary individuals to join our board as Trustees. In this role, you’ll provide strategic guidance and oversight to ensure Urban Youth achieves its mission of empowering young people across London.

In this role, you will:

• Provide Strategic Leadership, to help set Urban Youth’s vision, goals, and priorities, ensuring alignment with the needs of young people and the community.

• Ensure Good Governance, to oversee Urban Youth’s operations, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including safeguarding policies and charity law.

• Support Financial Sustainability, to monitor budgets and financial performance, ensuring resources are managed effectively to achieve our mission.

• Advocate for Urban Youth, to act as an ambassador for Urban Youth, representing Urban Youth at events and within the community to raise awareness and build support.

• Bring Expertise and Insight, to share your skills, experience, and perspectives to strengthen Urban Youth’s impact and effectiveness.

• Champion Diversity and Inclusion, to promote an inclusive approach to decision-making and ensure Urban Youth reflects the diversity of the community it serves.

We're Urban Youth

Urban Youth is an exciting and vibrant new start-up youth work organisation based in London, passionate about empowering London's youth to get involved, discover their path, and shape their destiny. Our vibrant community organisation is dedicated to uplifting young people through engaging, impactful youth work activities that inspire growth, connection, and self-discovery.

JOIN US AT URBAN YOUTH

Get Involved | Discover YOUR Path | Shape YOUR Destiny

URBAN YOUTH - VOLUNTEER WITH US!

New Start-Up - New Beginning - Endless Opportunities

We're looking for an organised and enthusiastic individual to join us at Urban Youth in the volunteer role of Volunteer Coordinator, where you will play a crucial role in supporting our mission to make a meaningful impact on young people’s lives across London.

In this role, you will:

• Recruit and Onboard Volunteers helping to grow our team by attracting passionate and dedicated volunteers, facilitating the application process, and ensuring a welcoming and informative onboarding experience.

• Act as the Primary Point of Contact for our volunteers, ensuring they feel valued, motivated, and supported in their roles.

• Coordinate Volunteer Activities and organise volunteer schedules, assign tasks, and manage attendance to ensure smooth and effective running of our programmes and initiatives.

• Develop Training Programmes, including identifing training needs and organise engaging, interactive sessions to help volunteers thrive in their roles and develop skills.

• Promote Team Spirit by fostering a positive and collaborative environment among volunteers, organising team-building activities to ensure everyone feels part of the Urban Youth family. You will build a close knit team spirited community of volunteers.

• Maintain Records and keep accurate records of volunteer information and activities, ensuring compliance with Urban Youth's policies and procedures. This includes creating and maintaining the volunteer database and other files.

• Raise Awareness and represent Urban Youth at community events, helping to raise awareness of our work and attract new volunteers.

We're Urban Youth

Urban Youth is an exciting and vibrant new start-up youth work organisation based in London, passionate about empowering London's youth to get involved, discover their path, and shape their destiny. Our vibrant community organisation is dedicated to uplifting young people through engaging, impactful youth work activities that inspire growth, connection, and self-discovery.

JOIN US AT URBAN YOUTH

Get Involved | Discover YOUR Path | Shape YOUR Destiny

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.