Recruitment volunteer roles

Position Title: Deputy Volunteer Lead
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) - Volunteer Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR) 
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Background to the charity
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.

Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of refugee families as they settle into life in Britain—supporting them to achieve independence and integrate confidently into their new communities?
As Deputy Volunteer Lead, you will be an integral part of the SWR Voluntary Leadership Team (VLT), which oversees both our core services for refugees and the coordination and welfare of our valued volunteers.
Our work spans general support with settling in, integration, building independence, language learning, educational guidance, and assistance in accessing suitable employment. You will work closely with the Volunteer Lead on the VLT, with a particular focus on the general support function.
Each refugee family is supported by a small group of volunteers, led by a designated lead volunteer. In this role, you’ll collaborate directly with these volunteer teams, ensuring they are supported, informed, and empowered to deliver high-impact, person-centred support.
This is an opportunity to join a growing, well-regarded, and professional charity, working alongside dedicated and compassionate volunteers who share your passion for helping others.
Key Responsibilities: ● Act as a bridge between the lead volunteers and central SWR services to source the equipment and help needed by the families. ● See over the welfare and requirements of the families which will change incrementally over time. The level of support should gradually diminish as the families become more independent. ● Liaise with local government support workers where families are still receiving support from them. ● Help establish and monitor the family Path to Independence Plans. ● Liaise with Education, Language and Employment specialities. ● Keep the VLT and Volunteer Lead up to date as needed.
Skills & Qualities Needed
You need to be:
● compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● good at communication
● organized with good attention to detail.
● flexible and adaptable to different family needs and cultural backgrounds.
● reasonably IT literate
It would help if you had an employment background of teaching, social services or other service related charities - BUT it is not essential.
Support & Training Provided
All SWR volunteers are expected to complete an induction, including mandatory safeguarding training. We also provide training on cultural awareness to help volunteers support families sensitively and effectively.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to highlight any specific adjustments that would enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process.

Position Title: Language Programme Lead
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team - Chair
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Organisation Overview
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR) was founded in 2017 and became a registered charity in 2019. Initially focused on supporting Syrian refugees resettling in the Sevenoaks district under the UK Government Resettlement Scheme, SWR’s mission has since expanded to assist 16 refugee families from Syria and Afghanistan, as well as 50 Ukrainian families. In 2023-24, SWR raised over £70,000 to further its work, collaborating closely with local councils and partner organisations to achieve its objectives. With seven trustees, 110 active volunteers, and a supporter base of approximately 750 people, SWR is poised for a new phase of growth.

Role Overview:
As the Language Programme Lead, you will provide leadership in developing and delivering tailored language learning plans for refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Your role is crucial in promoting independence and successful integration into society for these individuals and families, aligning with the charity’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
● Manage the delivery of language support tailored to the individual needs of each refugee through a team of 30 or so well-motivated language volunteers, usually, but not always operating one to one. This team have delivered at least 8,000 hours of language support since the charity started.
● Be actively involved in the recruitment of new language volunteers as required.
● Oversee necessary training for language volunteers and develop the promotion of best practice across the language programme group.
● Arrange for initial assessments on the arrival of all new families into the area and producing suitable teaching programmes that link with whatever other family support is required and what other stakeholders are providing.
● Work with the Volunteer Leadership Team to provide an effective overall support for our refugee beneficiaries.
● Liaise with key stakeholders such as Kent Adult Education(KAE), and the Kent ESOL Networking Group to maintain good relationships that support the provision of our language programme.

Qualifications
A working knowledge of ESOL and associated exams and qualifications would be beneficial.
Driver’s licence and access to a car would be extremely useful, given the geographical spread of the beneficiaries in the wider Sevenoaks area. This is not a role that can be performed online.

Impact and reward:
The Language Programme Lead will play a critical role in empowering refugees to achieve greater independence and integration within their new communities. You will help our refugee beneficiaries gain the language skills, confidence, and vocational training necessary to navigate daily life, access employment opportunities, and participate fully in society. You will play a big role in transforming the lives of refugees. In some cases of refugees who are illiterate in their own language, this will be genuinely life changing.

Position Title: VLT member
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) - Volunteer Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)
Background to the charity
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.
Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of refugee families as they settle into life in Britain—supporting them to achieve independence and integrate confidently into their new communities?
As a member of the SWR Voluntary Leadership Team (VLT), you will contribute to the effective delivery of core services for refugees and help support and coordinate our valued volunteers.
Our work spans general support with settling in, integration, building independence, language learning, educational guidance, and assistance in accessing suitable employment. In this role, you’ll work closely with other VLT members, with a particular focus on the general support function, collaborating with volunteer teams and ensuring they are well-informed, resourced, and confident in providing person-centred support.
This is a chance to contribute meaningfully within a growing, well-regarded charity, alongside a dedicated and compassionate team of volunteers who share your passion for helping others.
Key Responsibilities:
● Support communication between lead volunteers and central SWR services to help source equipment or assistance for families.
● Help oversee the changing needs of families, recognising that support levels will gradually reduce as independence builds.
● Collaborate with local authority support workers where families are still receiving formal assistance.
● Assist in developing and tracking Path to Independence Plans for families.
● Liaise with team leads across Education, Language, and Employment functions.
● Keep the Volunteer Lead and wider VLT informed as appropriate.
Skills & Qualities Needed
You should be:
● Compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● A good communicator, both in writing and in person
● Organised, with strong attention to detail
● Flexible and culturally sensitive to varying family needs
● Reasonably confident with IT tools (email, shared files, online forms, etc.)
Experience in teaching, social care, or charity work is useful, but not essential. A genuine interest in helping others and working collaboratively is most important.
Support & Training Provided
All SWR volunteers are expected to complete an induction, including mandatory safeguarding training. We also provide training on cultural awareness to help volunteers support families sensitively and effectively.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to highlight any specific adjustments that would enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process.

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

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

 What we need from you

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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

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

About the Role
We are seeking a passionate and creative individual to join ThriveSpark as our Marketing and Communications Officer. This is a voluntary director-level role, ideal for someone eager to make a tangible difference in a growing community organisation. You’ll help shape and share our story - managing social media, developing engaging campaigns, and ensuring our message reaches the people who need us most.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ThriveSpark’s brand, marketing, and communications strategy.

• Create engaging content across social media, newsletters, and promotional materials.

• Support recruitment campaigns and community engagement initiatives.

• Collaborate with other directors to strengthen the organisation’s public profile.

What We’re Looking For
No formal experience is required - just enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to learn. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to gain leadership experience and help build a brand with purpose.

Progression
This voluntary position is expected to transition into a paid role as the organisation grows.

Do you believe that everyone should have access to quality advice and support, regardless of their background? As HR Trustee you would keep us true to our mission and guide our decisions to best support advice organisations across the UK.

With almost 700 members, AdviceUK is the biggest network of advice services in the UK. Since 1979, we have been supporting advice providers with training, information, and advocacy to help them create greater social impact. In 2024 alone, our members helped 2.8 million people with issues including debt, housing, employment, immigration and asylum, welfare benefits, and consumer rights.

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, we are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to strengthen the advice sector. Our vision? A society wherein every individual, regardless of means, is able to access the advice they need to exercise their rights and deal with any legal and social welfare problems they may face.

So what does the HR Trustee role at AdviceUK look like?

Are you looking for a voluntary role that is rewarding and offers you the chance to provide leadership with your human resources expertise? 

The Board is responsible for our strategic direction and governance, ensuring we achieve our charitable objects and are well run. Day-to-day management of the organisation is delegated to the Chief Executive and staff, while the Board focuses on general direction and oversight. 

We are currently looking for an experienced HR professional to join our Board as a Trustee. The HR Trustee plays a key role in providing strategic oversight of our people strategy and ensure effective people management and support.

The role can fit around existing commitments, both professional and personal. Previous trustee experience isn’t required, and you will be supported into the role through an onboarding and induction process.

Please read the candidate information pack for further information before you apply. Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining AdviceUK!

Ready to apply?

Eastside People is supporting AdviceUK in the recruitment of this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why are you interested in the HR Trustee role at AdviceUK? 
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is Monday 1st December. Shortlisting interviews with our recruitment partner Eastside People will take place shortly after, and shortlisted candidates will an interview with AdviceUK during the week beginning Monday 15th December.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Connexional Council is seeking to welcome a lay person who is passionate about justice, diversity and inclusion, to become a member of the Justice, Dignity and Solidarity Committee. Appointments will be for a term of up to 3 years renewable annually for up to a further 3 years. The Committee values the contributions of both ministers and lay people in shaping its work and seeks to strengthen this balance by welcoming an additional lay member. This is an opportunity to help guide the Church’s continuing journey toward becoming a fully inclusive community.

As a member of the JDS Committee you will have the opportunity to influence policy and practices that impact Diversity and Inclusion within the life of the church.  The Committee meets five times a year for a combination of business meetings and a team-building session, creating space for both shared reflection and collective shaping of its work.  If you feel enthusiastic about championing the work of Justice and Inclusion in the Methodist Church, partner with us on our journey to create a truly inclusive Church where the values of justice, dignity, and solidarity are at the heart of everything we do and say.

There will be an opportunity to speak to current Committee members who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process and to share more information about the role.

Open Sessions will be held via Zoom on Thursday 6th November 2025 at the following times:

• 11am – 12pm
• 7pm  – 8pm
   

If you would like to join one of these sessions, do let us know and the link and joining information will be sent to you nearer the date.

Closing date: Monday, 10th November 2025. 

Online Interview date: Monday, 1st December 2025.

About DMAFB

From One Act of Kindness to a Global Movement

A stranger's simple act of helping someone find a home sparked a journey that would become DMAFB. Founded on the principle of "I help you, you help me. Everybody happy" - we're building a digital wellbeing platform that transforms micro-acts of kindness into tools for connection, cultural exchange, and mental wellbeing improvement.

Our Mission: Prevent burnout, improve workplace morale, and make kindness a natural part of daily work life through science-driven, human-first interventions.

What we're building

We're developing an MVP platform that combines:

• Predictive analytics for early detection of workplace wellbeing issues
• Real-time monitoring and personalised intervention recommendations
• Time-series tracking of individual and team wellness metrics
• Pattern recognition to identify hidden risks before they become crises
• A lightweight, intuitive interface that seamlessly integrates into daily workflows

This isn't just another wellness platform - it's a proactive system that shifts organisations from reactive surveys to meaningful, data-driven support.

What we need

We're seeking a volunteer Full Stack Developer with experience in:

Recommended Tech Stack

Backend

Primary Framework Options:

• Python with Django/FastAPI - Ideal choice given the ML/AI requirements (predictive modeling, anomaly detection with auto-encoders)
• Node.js with NestJS - Good for real-time data processing and high concurrency
• Java/Kotlin with Spring Boot - Enterprise-grade with strong security

Recommendation: Python with FastAPI

• Excellent for ML integration (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Fast performance with async capabilities
• Native support for data science libraries
• Easy API documentation with OpenAPI/Swagger

Database Architecture

Primary Database:

• PostgreSQL - ACID compliance, excellent for complex queries and analytics
• Supports time-series data for tracking trends over weeks/months/quarters

Additional Data Stores:

• Redis - Caching layer for real-time scoring and dashboard performance
• TimescaleDB (PostgreSQL extension) - Optimized for time-series wellbeing data
• Elasticsearch - Fast searching through historical patterns and anomaly detection

Machine Learning & Analytics

• Python ML Stack:
  • scikit-learn for predictive modeling
  • TensorFlow/PyTorch for auto-encoder neural networks (anomaly detection)
  • pandas/NumPy for data analysis
  • SciPy for statistical analysis

Real-Time Processing

• Apache Kafka or RabbitMQ - Event streaming for survey responses and intervention triggers
• Celery - Asynchronous task queue for scheduled interventions and alerts

Frontend

• React or Vue.js - Interactive dashboards
• D3.js or Chart.js - Data visualizations
• Material-UI or Tailwind CSS - Component library

Security & Privacy (Critical for HR Data)

• OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect - Authentication
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) - Manager/employee/HR permissions
• End-to-end encryption for sensitive employee data
• Audit logging for compliance (GDPR, HIPAA if applicable)

Cloud Infrastructure

Recommended: AWS or Azure

• Compute: ECS/EKS (AWS) or AKS (Azure) for containerized services
• Storage: S3/Azure Blob for documents and resources
• CDN: CloudFront/Azure CDN for fast resource delivery
• Monitoring: CloudWatch/Azure Monitor + DataDog or New Relic

Architecture Pattern

Microservices Architecture:

1. Survey Service - Data collection
2. Analytics Service - Scoring and pattern recognition
3. Intervention Service - Triggered actions
4. Notification Service - Email/in-app alerts
5. Dashboard Service - API for frontend
6. ML Service - Predictive modeling

Key Technical Considerations

For the Item-Level Anomaly Detection:

• Auto-encoder neural networks to detect unusual patterns
• Real-time scoring with <100ms response time
• Batch processing for trend analysis

For Predictive Modeling:

• Time-series forecasting models (LSTM, Prophet)
• 1-4 week prediction windows
• Continuous model retraining with new data

For Privacy:

• Data anonymization at the database level
• Aggregation services that prevent de-anonymization
• Separate data stores for identifiable vs. anonymous data

What you'll contribute to

• Core platform architecture for our MVP launch
• Integration points for predictive models and analytics
• User-facing features that make wellbeing interventions effortless
• A scalable foundation that can grow with our community

What you'll gain

✨ Purpose-driven work - Help prevent burnout and improve lives globally
�� Ground-floor opportunity - Shape the technical foundation of a growing movement
�� Collaborative team - Work alongside ML specialists and wellness experts
�� Portfolio value - Real-world experience building AI-integrated healthcare tech
�� Potential equity - As we grow, early contributors will be considered for equity opportunities

This is an exciting time to be joining the Board of BMS World Mission. As a trustee, you will be joining at a time of transformation. The phenomenal growth of the Church in the Majority World is arguably the most significant development in Christianity in the 21st century. While the Church in the West has struggled, in Africa, Asia, and Latin America it thrives. This reality has presented unprecedented opportunities for the spread of the gospel, as mission becomes from everywhere to everywhere.  

We are currently looking for two trustees, including a safeguarding trustee. 

To maintain the gender balance on our Board, we welcome female applicants for this role.

Please note that this is a voluntary position. 

 As a BMS trustee, you will: 

• Be committed to BMS’ vision and mission 

• Be able to think creatively and strategically and exercise good, independent judgement

• Be able to communicate effectively 

• Be willing to participate actively in discussion, including sharing different perspectives 

• Be able to work collaboratively

• Be open to learn and develop in your role as trustee 

BMS World Mission was founded in 1792 and we are proud of how we have adapted to the challenges facing each generation. BMS has grown as a global community of mission personnel, partners and international workers in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, South America and Europe, supported by more than 1,500 churches around the UK. Together, we’re inspired by our heart to bring the gospel where it’s not known, to bring practical hope to a troubled world and to bring help for the journeys of the displaced.

The successful applicant will be a committed Christian. The nature of this voluntary position means that this is a specific occupational requirement.

Key information

• BMS Office Location:  Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.

• Closing date:  17.00 UK time, Thursday 8 January 2026  

• Interviews will be held online on Wednesday 4 February 2025 

You can download the BMS Trustee Recruitment Pack (below) to find out more. If you have any questions about this opportunity or the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Heather Drury, Director of People and Culture.

BECOME A BLUE SMILE TRUSTEE

As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.

Blue Smile's mission is to transform the mental health and life chances of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies, supporting over 200 children a week in the region providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board to help us achieve our mission.

Effective governance is key to the continued success and sustainability of our charity. As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.

Our Board of Trustees is particularly looking to welcome new trustees with experience in the areas of fundraising, education (primary) and the small charity sector. However, we very much welcome people with a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and lived experience who would like to contribute to the success of our work.

As a trustee, you will receive training to carry out your role, have opportunities to represent Blue Smile in the community, and be part of a supportive and welcoming board. Being a trustee gives you the chance to gain experience in strategic planning, develop skills in new areas, and add significant value to a thriving charity.

Commitment

The Board of Trustees meets six times a year; usually on a weekday evening.

Trustees can also be involved in the work of sub-committees and will meet for a strategy planning session annually.

Location

Board meetings take place online; however, we would welcome visits to our head office in Cambridge.

We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you live or work in the Peterborough and Fenland area of the county.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

We are committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.  We would encourage younger people to consider applying – you do not need to have held a trustee or similar role before. We would also like to hear from you if you are from under-represented groups at Blue Smile such as individuals from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people and people with a disability, or if you have experience of child and family statutory services in your own personal life.

Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month? 

Do you live in Gloucestershire?

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them? 

If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.

You must be 21+, available for flexible working and able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend about 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.

WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?

• Visit a child monthly and becomes a trusted adult friend to them.
• Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.
• Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with them away from their placement. This in turn can enhance progress and resilience of children, by building self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and opening new social relationships outside of the care system.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills.
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years.
• Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Examples of activities can include:

• Sports
• Play football 
• Cinema
• Bowling
• Go to the library

You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your activity, and payment of your expenses, are paid so you are not out of pocket. These include, travel costs, and parking.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to attend necessary training for the role. Interviews will be arranged in due course thereafter.

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. 

What will you be doing?

Our mission is to prevent and relieve poverty locally by providing emergency food and financial support. Distributing over 40 tonnes of food and £50,000 in vouchers each year, we are looking for a Chair to work with the Trustees and Director to drive our strategy and increase our impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the board, ensuring trustees fulfill their governance responsibilities.
• Chair regular board meetings and guide strategic planning.
• Support trustee recruitment, training, and development.
• Act as an ambassador with partners, funders, and the wider community.
• Oversee financial controls, safeguarding, and risk management.

Time Commitment

The expected commitment is around 1-2 days per month. This includes preparation for and attendance at meetings, occasional events, and engagement with staff and volunteers. See further details in the candidate pack.

What are we looking for?

At Letchworth Foodbank, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far and excited about the future. We’re looking for a Chair who shares our vision and will help us make the right decisions as we continue to grow and serve our community.

Essential

• Experience in leadership, governance, or board-level roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and unite people.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment and an inclusive leadership style.
• Empathy towards tackling and relieving poverty.

Desirable

• Understanding of small charities and grassroots organisations.
• Awareness of safeguarding, equality, and community engagement.
• Experience in financial management and charity finance.

Support and training will be provided by the Trussell Trust to help trustees and Chairs build confidence in these areas.

We champion diversity and welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work. We are committed to offering equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

What difference will you make?

As our new Chair, you will be joining the Foodbank at an exciting stage in our journey. With the recent arrival of our first paid Director, Charlie Hayter, we are entering a new phase of growth and professionalisation, reducing sole reliance on trustees and creating space for more strategic leadership. Financially stable and well-supported by our community, we distribute vital food and financial aid every year, meeting urgent need at a time when the cost-of-living crisis makes our work more relevant than ever. Your impact will be to guide the board and Director in shaping and delivering a new threeyear strategy, ensuring we build on strong foundations to expand our reach and deepen our impact. This is a unique opportunity to lead a well-established, volunteer-powered charity that is rooted in its community, and to help set its direction for the future.

Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in the world? Do you have proven fundraising and leadership skills that you’d like to apply to a cause with real impact? We are seeking a new trustee to join our Board and play a vital role in shaping our future.

In this recruitment round, we are specifically seeking someone to Chair our Fundraising Sub-Committee, providing leadership and guidance to help us diversify and strengthen our income. We are especially keen to hear from individuals with experience in:

• Developing and delivering fundraising strategies
• Building individual giving programmes
• Creating and sustaining corporate partnerships

As a growing international development charity with a small but committed staff team (1.2 FTE in the UK, 10+ in East Africa), we are looking for trustees who are not only strategic thinkers but also prepared to roll up their sleeves and contribute actively within the boundaries of their role.  We do have staff who are responsible for fundraising and communications so your focus would be more on guiding and shaping our approaches particularly growing our individual giving, major donor and corporate programmes.

Can you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 2 years? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours spare a month? 

Do you live in Milton Keynes?

Would you like to befriend a child or young person in care and make a long-term friendship with them? 

If yes, then volunteering for Reconstruct may suit you.

An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who befriends a young person in care and develops a long-term friendship with them. This often involves helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park.

You must be 21+, available for flexible working and able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. As a volunteer, you would spend about 2-4 hours every month with your allocated child.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests.

WHAT DO INDEPENDENT VISITORS DO?

• Visit a child monthly and becomes a trusted adult friend to them.
• Provide a consistent and reliable adult with a view to building a trusting and positive relationship with the child.
• Provide a child with the opportunity to try new activities and spend time with them away from their placement. This in turn can enhance progress and resilience of children, by building self-esteem, strengthening mental health, and opening new social relationships outside of the care system.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED?

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to easily build rapport an identify with children and young people.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills, good report writing skills.
• Committed – Willing to commit to a child for at least one year and preferably two years.
• Role Model – A good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.
• DBS Check – We will carry out safer recruitment checks and you will be required to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Examples of activities can include:

• Sports
• Play football 
• Cinema
• Bowling
• Go to the library

You will be allocated a budget for each visit for your activity, and payment of your expenses, are paid so you are not out of pocket. These include, travel costs, and parking.

As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to attend necessary training for the role. Interviews will be arranged in due course thereafter.