Project support volunteer roles in walton on thames, surrey

Description

Youth Advantage UK (YAUK) is seeking a Volunteer Senior Researcher. The successful candidates will be allocated to lead one of our teams that either conducts, supports or progresses our short term or long term research projects. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

• To lead a small team of volunteers in conducting research or developing research

• To provide oversight of a number of tasks at once while providing support on specific issues as they arise

• To provide guidance to the team

• To work with management and the team to coordinate research projects and planning

• To provide advice and guidance to more junior team members

• To conduct or oversee research projects 

• To ensure of ethical standards at all times and monitor task progress to ensure of compliance

•    Requirements:

•    Experience of leading a small team in a charity or research or policy setting
•    Knowledge of issues affecting children and young people in the UK.
•    Knowledge of a range of research methods
•    Experience of writing or contributing to research or briefings and other policy documents.
•    Excellent writing and speaking skills.
•    IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
•    Ability to work well independently and in a team.
•    Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
•    Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in influencing research projects
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible volunteering hours.

Purpose of the Role

This volunteer role is a key part of the HFEH Mind team delivering a range of services across Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow. We support clients with mental health with both clinical and non-clinical interventions. The volunteer will work with the Advocates, assisting the Inpatient Advocacy service, on the wards of The Limes and St Bernards Hospital. Our volunteer will the opportunity to support the Advocacy team with various tasks, including administration, (once trained), with the possibility of being trained as peer advocate.

Main Responsibilities

To work closely with the Advocacy team and Adult Services, Day Service Manager, attend ward rounds at The Limes and St Bernards Hospital and support the service in general. There will also be a further opportunity to train as a volunteer Peer Advocate in the future.

Tasks

All relevant training will be provided

· Attend Ward Rounds 3x per week with the Advocacy staff

· Support/work with the Advocacy staff on the Ward Round

· Provide information on the Advocacy Services

• Triage clients for the service through an onboarding process

· Register potential Clients, wanting to access Advocacy services

· Complete Advocacy Action Plans (training will be provided)

· Support with follow up surveys for those who have accessed the project and obtained their feedback to improve our services

· Support the Advocacy team to promote the service within the local community

· A willingness to undertake training courses

· Uphold HFEH Mind values and behaviours

General Responsibilities

All relevant training will be provided

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role

• Embrace diversity and share in our commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination

• Share our commitment to safeguarding adults and children at risk of harm

• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users

• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policy

Type of person we are looking for:

We welcome applications from those completing studies in Psychology, Counselling/Psychotherapy and/or any Allied Health Profession with a focus on supporting those with mental health needs.

However, your attitude, motivation and commitment are just as important as your training/qualifications and/or any previous experience. We will review all applications individually and assess them on their unique merits, so do not be discouraged from applying, even if you do not meet all the criteria listed below.  

We encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health problems, as well as those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Essential

• An interest in supporting those with mental health needs to access Advocacy services

• An appreciation of the complex factors that can precipitate, maintain and exacerbate mental health problems 

• Good oral and written communication skills, (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered and empathetic manner 

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures

• A team player who is willing to chip in and work reflexively, responding to the challenges that arise from working in a dynamic environment

• IT skills: able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software and Microsoft Office applications 

Desirable

• Advocacy experience, including with friends and family

• Experience of supporting people with mental health needs, in a voluntary, paid and/or personal capacity, (i.e. friends and family) 

• Previous involvement with local community groups / networks / feedback groups

• Awareness of the cultural barriers that may exist to seeking mental health support

Time commitment and expenses:

· 6 - 10 hours per week, 9am - 12pm

· 2 - 3 days per week: Tuesday & Thursday and/or Wednesday

• • Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s)/time(s) on your application

· We request a minimum commitment of 3 months of volunteering after the completion of your induction

· We will provide volunteers with an induction, training and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role

HFEH Mind value equal opportunities; and are proud to foster a workforce of volunteers and employees that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

The Media & Communications Director will play a pivotal role in developing communication strategies to enhance awareness and recognition of mountain rescue and the teams within the UK, and supporting internal communication to enable effective dissemination of information and news for Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust plan, working alongside a range of partners and colleagues.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

 The overarching activities for this role are:

• Development of external communication to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts and ‘new explorers’ taking an interest in the great outdoors. 
•  Leadership of a small team plus the wider Media and Communications Network (MCN) of MR volunteers to develop and deliver a Media and Communications Strategy and programme of activity
  • Publications and online communications (all social media)
  • Website development
  • Development of key messages, inc. support to MREW spokespeople (messages, materials and training) to enable effective stakeholder communications.
•  Leading and planning for effective reactive communications in challenging situations, including issues management, messaging and spokesperson briefing.
• Liaison with external partners (PR, Magazine Editor, Public Affairs), relevant media and stakeholders, including a process for responding to incoming enquiries and interview requests and a process for planning proactive media activities.
•  Development of key messages inc. safety messaging
• The development of effective Internal communications to support knowledge of MREW and to enable consistency of message from the family of Teams.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
•  Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken.
• Good organisational and project management skills.
• An ability to develop, negotiate and work within a financial budget.
• A strategic approach to the reputational management of mountain rescue in England and Wales (at all levels).
• Knowledge and understanding of the various forms of media, including broadcast and print, digital and social, so as to be able to meet their differing needs and ensure that there is a clear process for the handling of approaches or enquiries to MREW from outside media organisations, agencies or individuals.

Personal Attributes

• The ability to lead and motivate a team that combines volunteer and professional roles and that covers a range of disciplines, skills and platforms.
• Capable of working under pressure, within constraints and meeting deadlines.
• The ability to build and maintain relationships, internally and externally, based on integrity and trust.
• The ability to delegate to others, engaging and involving appropriate support from the wider network.
• Strong personal creativity, imagination and intuition in dealing with challenges, opportunities and people.
• A proactive attitude, with the drive and enthusiasm to initiate and carry out projects to conclusion, involving others, on time and on budget.
• Resilience, particularly when faced with challenges, uncertainty and setbacks.

Management responsibilities:

• To contribute to the management of MREW through regular business meetings, ensuring that the media and communications aspects of activity are considered in planning and decision-making.
• To ensure all network members are treated fairly, in line with MREW policies and also its mission and values.
• To develop an approach to the sustainability of the Media and Communications function, including succession planning for key roles and the strengthening of the dispersed network.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate commitment to the mission and cause of the charity. 

Qualifications

• Essential to this role is an awareness of the internal character of MR and the external environment in which it operates, and an ability to identify and anticipate communications priorities.
• Practical experience in a media or communications management role is also desirable, for instance, such as journalism, PR, marketing, or online media.
• An ability to plan proactive media and communications activities and to develop ways of measuring their effectiveness.
• Experience of issues and crisis management, enabling anticipation and support to management and others on the development of plans, messages and position statements.

Additional notes

• To work with the CEO to plan for future activity and to ensure that a planned communications approach is developed.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with other national teams to release internal communications, press statements and support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.

INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE) 

CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings  

About CARAS: 

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

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

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

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

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

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

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

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

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.

The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows: 

• Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm 

• Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm. 

Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays. 

Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.

The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.

The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.

Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions; 

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources; 

• Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;  

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

• * Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.  

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed); 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English; 

• An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry 

• The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months; 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish; 

• Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English; 

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

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

Research & Policy Officer (Volunteer)

Purpose: To support research / policy projects in areas of the UK, ensuring strategic alignment, quality assurance, and effective collaboration that drives systemic change for young people across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of research / policy projects, ensuring outputs are high-quality and impactful.

• Lead on drafting policy briefs and research reports, setting standards for evidence-based advocacy.

• Coordinate multi-stakeholder collaboration, i.e councils, commissions, and community organisations to deliver change.

• Identify emerging issues and opportunities, help in shaping the research agenda in line with organisational priorities.

• Represent the organisation in external meetings.

• Ensure consistency and coherence across multiple projects running in different localities.

Person Specification

• Background in social policy, law, health, climate, or political science, ideally with professional or postgraduate experience.

• Proven ability to manage complex projects and coordinate across multiple stakeholders.

• Excellent strategic thinking and communication skills, able to influence decision-makers.

• Strong IT and remote collaboration skills.

• Deep commitment to human rights

Role Description:

Nova Roots is a new out of hours community space for women 18+ leaving forensic mental health services, open 3 days a week; Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. We offer a safe, warm, non-judgemental social environment for women to build meaningful connections and have access to free activities and resources.

As a volunteer your role will be to support individuals using a peer approach by co-facilitating peer-led workshops, offering emotional and social support. By doing this, it provides an opportunity for service users to develop and manage meaningful and purposeful choices in an independent and empowered way.

We are looking for someone who

• Has lived experience of being in prison / mental health wards / rehab and recovery communities
• Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
• To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
• To feel comfortable engaging with women with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
• Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding forensic leavers and their experiences
• Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
• Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
• To assist the Forensic Project Coordinator in the daily running of the Forensic Women’s hub
• Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Forensic Women’s Hub

Time commitment and expenses:

• Flexible hours (Weds, Sat and Sun) Please indicate your preferred volunteering day(s) on your application.
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role 
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.

How to Apply:

Please attach your recent CV and expression of interest

Are you a Romanian speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!

Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Romanian-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.

� What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎️ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Romanian.

� Why volunteer with us?

✔ Support members of the Romanian-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose

✅ What’s required?

✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training
✔ A DBS check (both fully funded by us)
✔ A kind and compassionate approach, and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations

� How to get involved:

Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.

Help us bring connection and kindness to the Romanian-speaking community across the UK!

Charity Champion (volunteer) 

As a Volunteer Charity Champion, you will have the opportunity to support the North West Ambulance Charity team achieve their mission in a variety of different ways to suit you. The NWAS charity are looking for motivated, enthusiastic and passionate volunteers wanting to work flexibly and help contribute to the growth of the charity. You will play a key part in a variety of tasks that may include supporting fundraising events, awareness days, collections and community engagement.

Why we want you

The North West Ambulance Charity provides support to the North West Ambulance Service above and beyond what NHS funding can provide. The NWAS Charity is solely reliant upon generous donations and fundraising from the public, businesses, grant funders, staff and volunteers to fund life-saving equipment and other projects to benefit the health, wellbeing and safety of patients, staff, and our communities.

We won’t ask you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. You may only wish to be involved in volunteering at charity events for example, but you might not be comfortable with bucket collecting. As a Charity Champion you will have the opportunity to choose the area of support you prefer.

What you will be doing

• Supporting the Charity with its fundraising and engagement events for example at bucket collections, cheering on runners in challenge events or helping on a stall at a summer fair.
• Representing the Charity positively through giving talks, presentations or cheque presentations.
• Identifying locations to take collection tins and assist with the collection of full boxes.
• Raising the charities profile in your own community through delivering posters and flyers.
• Encouraging others to get involved-inspiring colleagues, friends and family to support the charity.

The skills you need

• Enthusiasm and understanding about what the North West Ambulance Charity does.
• A friendly, confident and personable manner.
• Good communication skills and a willingness to engage with the public.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Happy to represent the North West Ambulance Charity.
• Access to a vehicle or public transport. 
• Able to work as part of a team or independently.

What's in it for you

• The chance to meet new people and be part of a supportive team.
• The opportunity to expand your own skills and knowledge of the charity sector.
• Agreed travel expenses.
• A branded t-shirt for use whilst representing the NWAS Charity.
• Appropriate induction and training for your role as Charity Champion.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people we support in our work.

Community based

Minimum age 18

Disclaimer - All Charity Champions are expected to uphold the NWAS values and represent the charity in line with its policies and codes of conduct.

Job Summary
LIVN Global is a faith-based charity dedicated to bringing hope and transformation to remote communities across the world by providing access to clean water, education, and sustainable development projects.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and and motivated volunteer who is keen to expand their skills and experiences, whilst making a lasting impact. If you enjoy networking, researching opportunities, and building partnerships that make a difference, then this is the ideal role for you.
The volunteer Public Engagement Lead will help identify and develop opportunities that raise the charity’s visibility, strengthen relationships, and open doors to collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify relevant events, conferences, and networking opportunities .
• Source potential partnership opportunities with businesses, community groups, and other charities.
• Oversee social media management on all channels to promote visibility and engagement.
• Assist with fundraising activities, including planning events and engaging with stakeholders.
• Manage the administrative calendar of key external events, deadlines, and opportunities.
• Support the charity’s presence at events by helping to prepare information, promotional materials, and introductions.
• Contribute to teaching or training programmes aimed at skill development for team members or community groups.Build and maintain a simple database of contacts, partners, and potential opportunities.
• Share insights and recommendations with the leadership team on where the charity should have visibility.

Requirements

• Strong communication and networking skills.
• Ability to build and nurture professional relationships
• Research skills and a keen eye for spotting opportunities
• Confident and proactive in building connections online, on the phone and in-person
• A strong understanding of all Microsoft office packages
• Confidence in managing multiple priorities whilst working with accuracy and own initiative.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisation skills
• Ability to work independently and keep things moving.

Benefits

• Live out your faith – Put your values into action through practical service that reflects love, dignity, and respect for all
• Learn new skills – Build your confidence and develop invaluable sector experience and unique skills.
• Serve with purpose – Use your time and talents to support a faith based charity rooted in action, compassion and love for others.
• Enhance your CV – Gain practical experience which can support future career goals.
• Flexibility - Work from anywhere and choose your own hours (10 - 14 per week) to fit around your schedule
• Build global connections – Join a passionate and supportive team with contacts based around the world and connect with others who are united with the intent to make a positive difference.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a proactive individual who is committed to making a positive impact within our organisation, while developing their professional innovative, project management and community engagement skills.

If this resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you!

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in this role without delay.

Letter from our Chair - Lucy Thomas

We are seeking a passionate and strategic individual to join our Board of Trustees, someone who brings strong commercial insight, business acumen, and ideally experience in fundraising and income generation.  This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a respected national charity that continues to grow its reach and impact.

As a Trustee, you will also sit on our Commercial Advisory Group (CAG) a dynamic sub-group that advises on the Trust's commercial strategy, innovation, and sustainability.  You'll help us strengthen our commercial performance, explore new opportunities for growth and diversification, and ensure we remain on strong financial footing to deliver our vital mission.

We welcome applicants from all sectors and backgrounds.  Experience in marketing, partnerships, or charity leadership would be an advantage, but what matters most is your ability to bring fresh thinking, sound judgement, and a commitment to using your commercial experience for social good.

Background

Suzy Lamplugh Trust was founded by Diana and Paul Lamplugh following the disappearance of their daughter Suzy, a young estate agent, in 1986. Since then, the Trust has pioneered personal safety as a life skill and a public policy priority.

Our vision is to eliminate abuse, aggression and violence, creating a society where people are safer and feel safer.

Our mission is to reduce the risk and prevalence of abuse, aggression and violence with a specific focus on stalking and harassment through education, campaigning, and support.

What we do

• Campaigning - working in partnership with other charities, private and statutory organisations; raising awareness; influencing policy makers
• Education - advice; training; guidance; workplace support; free resources, information; consultancy
• Support - National stalking helpline and advocacy service; supporting people at increased risk of violence and aggression; community projects

Description

Youth Advantage UK (YAUK) is seeking a Volunteer Senior FOI Researcher. The successful candidates will be allocated to lead our FOI Team which supports our research projects nationally and locally by submitting and progressing Freedom of Information Requests. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee a small team in drafting, submitting and following up FOI requests in addition to supporting the research projects that require such data.

• Ensuring of ethical compliance and high ethical standards

• Coordinating the needs of various research teams with regards to FOI requests as support is required

• Drafting FOI requests: Write precise, legally compliant requests that maximize the chance of disclosure.

• Tracking submissions: Maintain a log of requests, deadlines, and responses to ensure timely follow-up.

• Analyzing responses: Review disclosed information, assess its reliability, and extract insights relevant to the research project.

• Appeals and reviews: Prepare internal review requests or appeals to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if disclosure is refused.

• Collaboration: Work with other teams to align FOI requests with broader research goals.

• Reporting findings: Summarize obtained information and provide the data for progress by specific research teams

Requirements:

• Knowledge of FOI legislation: Understanding of Freedom of Information requests and proven experience in submitting them.

• Communication skills: Excellent writing and speaking skills, with the ability to explain complex findings clearly.

• IT literacy: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite for drafting, tracking, and reporting.

• Collaboration and independence: Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

• Leadership: Experience of leading a small team, fostering motivation and accountability.

• Attention to detail: Strong organizational skills and accuracy in drafting requests and analyzing responses.

• Time management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines effectively.

Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in influencing research projects
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible volunteering hours.

Can you help us to bring in the funds we need to make the food bank a success? 

We are looking for a volunteer Fundraising Lead to play a significant role in shaping a fundraising strategy, help raise awareness of Bounds Green Food Bank (BGFB) and generate income through events, projects and fundraising activities.

We currently raise money through grants, individual donations and community projects. We would like to broaden our fundraising initiatives and are looking for someone to raise funds, meet fundraising targets, raise our profile with key funding partners, and inspire relevant groups to support us.

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,500 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items and helping alleviate household food insecurity. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people and families in crisis situations and needing assistance.

The role: 

• Work with the Board of Trustees to agree a fundraising strategy, including setting annual fundraising targets

• Help to develop a fundraising team

• Identify income-generating opportunities and develop projects

• Build, develop and maintain relationships to secure funding

• Provide guidance to other teams that support fundraising initiatives e.g. the Grants Writing Team, Events Team and the Communication Team

Person specification: 

• Passionate about food insecurity and reducing social isolation

• Experience working in a fundraising role, including grants, trusts and foundations

• Ability and willingness  to work to financial targets 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and attention to detail

• Able to work flexibly and under pressure

• Ability to be creative and entrepreneurial in order to find new ways to raise funds

Benefits:

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, creative workshops and celebration events)

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain a sense of community and meet the huge team of volunteers

We believe in the power of holidays to transform lives. Time away matters. For many families facing tough times -whether through financial hardship, illness or other challenges - a short break can feel out of reach. Yet, these moments of escape and connection are vital for well-being, resilience, and hope.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to provide families who wouldn’t otherwise get a break with the chance to spend quality time together, make memories, and return home stronger. 

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping our future. You’ll help guide our strategy, ensure we remain true to our values, and support us in reaching even more families who need our help. Your expertise, insight, and passion can help us grow and innovate, so that no family is left behind when it comes to the simple joy of time away together.

About our Trustee Team

Our Trustees are a team of volunteers who use their diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives to set the strategic direction of the charity and make sure it’s doing what it was set up to do in the best possible way.

Family Holiday Charity has an ambitious strategy over the next few years, which will see us expand our services to families, develop our influencing work within the travel and leisure industry and government, and evolve our ways of working so that we can accept and use gifted breaks, travel and other services at scale to give families who really need it a holiday.

To help us do all that we’ll need the guidance, challenge, connections, and support of all our Trustees.
Given our goals, we’re particularly looking to add the following professional skills and experiences to our team.

• Legal Expertise - Our Trustees have a duty to ensure the charity operates within the law and complies with regulatory responsibilities, including charity law, safeguarding and governance requirements. This may involve providing advice on legal risks and obligations, ensuring compliance with articles of association and relevant legislation, supporting decisions on contracts, partnerships, risk management and more.
• Family Charity leadership - the Charity's vision if that 'every family in the UK should have a holiday' and this bold statement reflects our belief that time away together is not a luxury but a lifeline. We're seeking experience from a family support base to help advocate for our beneficiaries needs and help us expand our reach.
• Influencing / Campaigning - We are seeking experience and ambition that will help us influence policy and industry practices through the development of relatinships with policymakers, travel and tourism industry and media etc. Also shape campaigns, raise awareness, drive systemic change and support advocacy strategies to remove barriers for families. 
• Digital Transformation - We wish to evolve and develop our digital strategy and technology adoption. A key priority is to ensure our digital growth is considered and aligns with accessibility and security.

Your Skills and Contribution

You'll need: 

• Strategic vision, independent judgement, and an ability to think creatively.
• A proactive attitude, willing to bring new ideas and perspectives to our Board, and confident about challenging decisions, where necessary, in the best interests of the charity.
• Willingness to understand and take on the duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.
• Commitment to the charity and our mission, and the ability to devote the necessary time and effort to do the role well.

The Commitment 

We’ll ask you to participate in four two-hour Board Meetings per year, typically in person at our office in London or remotely.We also get together for a Strategy Day in September/October, which is held on a weekday in London, and you’d need to attend that in person.

We can support with any access needs for in-person meetings.,

There are two Board sub-committees- one which focuses on our Finances and Risk, and one which considers our people (Trustees and Staff). Once you’ve settled into the role, most Trustees join one of them. They meet remotely around four  times a year.

Outside of formal meetings, you’ll be warmly encouraged to get to know the staff team, and attend fundraising events 
or other events to meet referrers, families, and supporters wherever possible.

Overall, you’ll need to be able to commit around 6 hours each month for a mix of meetings and events, contributing
your skills and perspective to projects, building your knowledge of the charity and developing as a Trustee.

See the trustee pack for more information and for the application and interview process - click apply to see this. Please note the deadline has been extended to midnight on Sunday 4th January 2026 to ensure the professionals skills and areas of experience (as listed above) are captured.

Ready to make a difference to the lives of young people in Croydon?

For over 180 years, Reedham Children’s Trust has provided support to the most vulnerable children and young people in Croydon. We believe every child deserves a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life, and we know that when the right support is offered, family problems and disadvantage need not continue through generations.

Reedham Children’s Trust funds local projects and innovative programmes to tackle the barriers and challenges that too many children and young people in Croydon face daily - which is why we are exploring a merger with Croydon Voluntary Action to create a dynamic new entity that will ensure Reedham’s legacy can continue through new strands and activity.

Our Trustees already play an important role in helping our charity fulfil its ambitions and aspirations by supporting the strategy, providing robust governance and being ambassadors for our work. But as we enter the delivery phase of redefining the charity’s future, we are particularly keen to strengthen our board with fresh Trustees who are aspirational and strategic leaders, from a range of professional and personal backgrounds.

What are we looking for in a new Trustee?

1) We want our Trustees to reflect and understand the communities we serve. Lived experience of the challenges our beneficiaries face is welcomed, as are Trustees who live/work in and around Croydon.

2) We value enthusiasm and commitment as much as experience and professional knowledge. This includes - but is not limited to - individuals early in their careers. If you are a confident communicator with a strong understanding of the importance of strategy, and are ready to commit your time and energy, we will give you the tools to be an excellent Trustee.

3) We are interested in candidates  who are open to learning as well as to contributing from their place of expertise. In particular, candidates with experience of change management, fundraising, marketing/branding and the delivery of projects and services in a local community like Croydon would help during this exciting chapter.

What being a Reedham Trustee can offer you:

• Professional development in governance, safeguarding, finance, advocacy and fundraising.
• The opportunity to support young people in Croydon and improve their life chances.
• Friendly and supportive meetings and engagement with staff and other Trustees as well as visits to projects and partner locations.

Commitment Requirements

• Attend four regular Board meetings a year in and around Croydon (including reading/preparing for meetings) as well as quarterly online briefings.
• Regular engagement with the charity’s work through visits to projects and active participation in meetings and events.
• Engage with information by remote and through digital channels.
• Act as a critical friend in meetings and whenever a new project or activity begins.
• Be an advocate for the charity in your daily life.

For an informal chat with the CEO or Chair of Trustees, please get in touch via email. 

PLEASE NOTE: PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

This is a non-remunerated position and all Trustees are asked to give approximately 12 days per annum for meetings, preparation and events.

This role in the current Board structure will run until 31 March 2026, with scope to become a Trustee in the new entity.