Refugee volunteer roles

Join CARAS as Co-Chair of Trustees
Are you passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment for refugees and asylum seekers?
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is seeking a Co-Chair to join our Board of Trustees, working alongside our current Co-Chair, who has been in the role for two years and has served on the Board for nine years. Our outgoing Co-Chair will remain as a trustee, ensuring strong continuity.

About CARAS
CARAS works with people from refugee backgrounds to provide practical, educational, and social support. We build relationships, networks, and spaces that enable individuals to access what they need to improve wellbeing and safety. Our dedicated staff and volunteers offer a wide range of activities and services, creating a place of welcome and helping people recognise their skills and develop their potential.

As one of the largest providers of refugee support in South London—particularly for unaccompanied and separated children—we are proud of our agility in responding to changing needs.

The Role of Co-Chair

• Provide strategic leadership to CARAS and the Board, ensuring our mission is achieved.

• Work in partnership with the CEO, staff, and volunteers.

• Lead the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.

• Strengthen the relationship between the trustees and CARAS’s team.

• Plan and chair Board meetings and the AGM (with others as appropriate).

What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a trustee (chairing experience is not essential).

• A strong sense of strategic purpose.

• Inclusive leadership skills that inspire equal participation.

• Excellent listening and engagement skills, with the ability to encourage healthy debate in a collaborative environment.

• Advocacy skills and willingness to champion CARAS’s work through personal and professional networks.

• A firm commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of a growing charity.

We especially welcome applications from people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system, people of colour, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people.

Time Commitment

• Four evening Board meetings per year (alternating between online and at our Tooting office).

• One away day annually (usually on a weekend).

• Membership of working groups.

• Regular meetings with the Co-Chair, CEO, and other trustees.

• Occasional attendance at activities (daytime, evenings, or weekends).

How to Apply
You can also request a conversation with our current Co-Chairs, Helen Gribble and Keith McGuinness, for more information.

Closing Date 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; we encourage early submissions.

Committee Member Job Description at Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire

Time Commitment: 6 evening meetings in Watford per year + occasional input

We are looking for new Committee Members with lived experience of migration, asylum, or the refugee system.

At Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership, we work to support and empower people rebuilding their lives in the Watford area after displacement. We do this in a number of ways including a Casework drop-in and Social Hub on a Tuesday 11.30-1.30 at St Mary’s Church, Watford, ESOL classes and events. As part of our commitment to inclusion and representation, as well as having a recent review of our strategy, we are actively seeking applications from asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants to help shape our work at a strategic level.

What You’ll Do:

Join our committee and trustees in guiding the organisation’s direction

Offer insight, challenge, and support to ensure our work meets the real needs of our communities

Help us build a more inclusive and impactful charity

Establish a Client Advisory Group with other members of the committee

What We’re Looking For:

Lived experience as an asylum seeker, refugee, or immigrant

A willingness to speak up and share your views

No previous committee or board experience is necessary – training and support will be provided

What We Offer:

A warm, supportive environment where your voice is valued

Induction, training, and mentoring

Reimbursement of travel and other expenses

A chance to influence change and build leadership skills

We believe your experience matters. If you’ve ever felt unheard or underrepresented in the refugee or migration system, we want you at the table.

To apply:

If you are interested in this role please apply via Charity Jobs or contact us and a volunteer coordinator will contact you to discuss this further.

We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, especially those often excluded from leadership roles.

Volunteer Treasurer / Trustee Opportunity

Darlington Assistance for Refugees (DAR) is seeking an experienced and dedicated Volunteer Treasurer to join its Board of Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to contribute valuable financial expertise to a volunteer-led charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers in the Darlington area.

The Role
DAR is looking for an individual with strong financial management skills who can offer approximately 5–10 hours per week and attend around 14 evening meetings annually. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in maintaining the charity’s financial health and compliance.

About DAR
DAR is a volunteer-driven organisation committed to welcoming those seeking sanctuary and supporting them to rebuild their lives in the UK. With over 75 active volunteers engaged in mentoring, English language teaching, guidance, fundraising, and campaigning, the charity plays a vital role in the local community. The Treasurer will be key to ensuring DAR’s work is financially sustainable and strategically guided.

Key Responsibilities

As Treasurer:

• Maintain accurate financial records and prepare regular financial reports

• Oversee financial procedures and ensure compliance with statutory obligations

• Manage bank accounts, donations, and petty cash

• Process invoices promptly

• Uphold financial integrity in line with DAR procedures

• Provide sound financial advice to the Board of Trustees

As a Trustee:

• Ensure the organisation complies with its governing documents and relevant laws

• Help pursue DAR’s charitable objectives

• Support strategic decision-making related to finance and broader charity activities

• Act as an ambassador for the charity and support its mission in advocating for displaced individuals

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience managing a finance function or operating at a senior financial level

• Strong leadership experience in a business or charitable context

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Collaborative and persuasive, with the ability to influence and support decision-making

• Approachable and empathetic, with sensitivity to others’ experiences

DAR particularly welcomes applications from individuals with lived experience as refugees or asylum seekers.

Are you an expert in finance ? Would you like to be involved in supporting a social justice cause ? Kent Refugee Action Network is looking for a volunteer Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. This is a pivotal moment in KRAN's history as we reach the £1 million turnover milestone, and focus on diversifying our income and funding streams, so we are looking for someone who can guide us on our next phase of development. If that sounds like you, please apply by September 8th. 

​We usually only hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each school term, we will confirm the next date once you have applied.

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.

About us: 

The Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) is one of the largest immigration and asylum advice charities in the UK, supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to access justice. An OISC level 3 accredited organisation, we represent clients at all stages of the immigration and asylum process, up to and including the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.

We also actively campaign for a fairer and more humane immigration system. RAMFEL caseworkers therefore have the opportunity to work on systemic and strategic challenges and support broader advocacy work.

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the impact of UK immigration policy and/or of rough sleeping. This includes individuals with direct experience or experience gained through supporting family members with the challenges posed by immigration and asylum practices- those who have been or could have been clients of RAMFEL.

Purpose of the role:

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that RAMFEL has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the CEO and senior management to enable us to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

• Support and provide advice on RAMFEL’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Review and approve organisation strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their effective and efficient implementation.
• Oversee RAMFEL’s financial plans, budgets, and statements, and monitor and evaluate progress
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Provide support and challenge to RAMFEL’s management team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in RAMFEL’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of RAMFEL’s own governance.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of RAMFEL’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings and sub-committees. This may involve providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, reviewing or advising on operational documents (e.g. operational and business plans, new team structures, outreach and engagement events) or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

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. We are furthermore particularly looking for those who can contribute one or more of the following:

• Migrants or refugees, who have lived experience of the impact of immigration policy and practice
• Expertise in RAMFEL’s core service delivery, especially regarding advice, immigration or legal services
• Networking and fundraising ability
• Experience of campaigning and/or external communications
• Organisational and administrative skills

Previous governance experience is desirable but not essential and we will provide a full induction to the organisation and the workings of the Board.

This is a fully voluntary and unpaid position.  Reasonable expenses will be reimbursement.

Please refer to the job description for more details and application instructions.

Transport Support Volunteer

Watford and Three Refugees Partnership is a charity offering practical and emotional support to asylum seekers, migrants and refugees in Watford and Three Rivers. We are looking for a team of volunteers who have time to support our clients in the community.

Would you like to join a team within our charity that provides more practical support to our clients?

Some examples of support includes;

· Helping with house moves

· Collecting furniture that is being donated and drop off at client’s homes

· Lifts to attend appointments if the client struggles using public transport

You must have access to your own vehicle. You will work as part of a supportive team and it can fit around work and caring commitments. You will be able to claim mileage at 45p per mile and parking costs as expenses. We will need proof that your driving documents are up to date, including informing your insurance that you are using your car for ‘business’ purposes (usually at no extra cost).

If you are interested or want to find out more information, please contact us and we can arrange a chat with our volunteer coordinator in the first instance. To join us you will need to complete an application process which includes obtaining two references and an enhanced DBS check. We look forward to hearing from you!

Who are LRMN?

We offer refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants a specialist and holistic service. We advocate for people’s rights, campaign for wider change, meet their basic needs and help them improve their wellbeing.

Why do we need you?

The Women Together Project supports refugee and asylum-seeking women who have experienced trauma, including Gender-Based Violence (rape, torture, FGM, forced marriage, domestic violence etc.). We are a member of the BACP and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework. Our approach is broadly integrative, drawing on woman-centred/ feminist, holistic, cross-cultural and mind-body perspectives.

The project consists of 1-1 counselling and advocacy and a weekly women’s nurture/ health group. 

We are currently seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and committed female volunteer counsellor to support our work.

What activities will you be involved in?

As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will:

• Offer 1-1 counselling to women from diverse cultures and backgrounds who have experienced trauma, including gender-based violence (this may involve working with an interpreter). This can be done at LRMN’s office or remotely as per clients’ need.

• Meet and maintain our standards regarding confidentiality and equal opportunities, and manage and be accountable for your own work.

• Keep accurate and up-to-date records of all counselling interventions on file and/or electronically.

• Carry out monitoring and evaluation tasks as advised by the Women’s Project Manager.

• Attend team meetings and contribute to information-sharing and discussion around best practice.

• Incorporate project approaches into practice – eg holistic/ feminist/ cross-cultural theories.

• Undertake training in areas relevant to VAWG, refugee and asylum policy and own professional development.

• Work flexibly and from a human rights perspective, remaining open to the challenges faced by this client group.

• Communicate effectively with other members of the therapeutic team and LRMN advice teams, making effective and sensitive referrals where necessary.

• Undertake own clinical supervision either in house or externally.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

By volunteering with LRMN, you will:

• Be part of a small, passionate team working towards improving the lives of some of the most disadvantaged women in UK society

• Monthly group clinical supervision

• Receive direct support and guidance from the Project Manager, as well as additional support from LRMN’s other staff

• Have the chance to attend a monthly team meeting to share information and support (this is not formal supervision)

• Offered places on training organised by LRMN or by external organisations

• Be provided out of pocket expenses to the value of £6 for lunch per day (4+ hours) & up to £15 travel expenses (this applies to qualified volunteers in the office for 4+hours)

Is there induction and training?

Yes, we provide a comprehensive induction to all new volunteers. This covers roles and responsibilities, safeguarding and record keeping.

You will be provided with the training (not clinical) needed to perform the role and will have the opportunity to join training with the whole LRMN team. 

Who are LRMN looking for?

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has membership of a professional body (BACP or similar)

• Is passionate about supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers

• Is passionate about the issue of trauma and gender-based violence and its impact on women

• Is friendly and approachable and can manage professional boundaries

• Respects and adheres to the BACP ethical framework in their work

LRMN is committed to equality and diversity. We pride ourselves on having a diverse team with a range of experiences. We encourage people with lived experience of the asylum and/or immigration system to apply. If you need additional support to apply or volunteer, please contact us.

What commitment do you need to make?

We ask volunteers to commit to one morning or afternoon a week (3 clients per week). 

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 the CARAS ESOL Team:

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face adult ESOL classes in Tooting. Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session every Wednesday during these times: 

• Mondays ESOL 9:30 to 13:30

• Tuesday 9:30 to 11:30

• Tuesday One-to-one employability and language learning support 15:00 to 17:00 

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 ESOL classes; 

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

• 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; 

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

Requirements: 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older; 

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

• An interest in education and English language teaching; 

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

• To be reliable and punctual; 

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

• The ability to volunteer on Mondays or Wednesdays during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months; 

• 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; 

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

 *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

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

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; 

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

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

Role title: Trustee

Location: Flexible (travel to London will be required at least three times a year for in person board meetings)

Salary: N/A (Volunteer role)

Time commitment: Attend 3 in person board meetings annually and 3 online sub committees. Exceptional board or sub-committee meetings may be scheduled when necessary.

Contract: The Trustee is appointed for an initial 3-year term with the option of renewal for up to 3 terms. The maximum term for all trustees (including the Chair) is 9 years. 

Purpose of the role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join an impact-focused and ambitious charity supporting refugees to access meaningful employment and build a new life.

The board’s role is to govern Breaking Barriers effectively, in service of our vision and mission. Trustees provide support and challenge to the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and are ambassadors for the charity.   

Essential Duties of the Trustee Role:

• Ensure Breaking Barriers is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
• Comply with Breaking Barriers' governing document and other laws that apply
• Act in Breaking Barriers' best interests: prioritise Breaking Barriers' objectives, avoid conflicts of interest, and follow procedures to manage any conflicts
• Ensure Breaking Barriers is accountable: meeting legal, accounting and reporting requirements
• Manage Breaking Barriers' resources responsibly: managing risks, protecting assets and people, getting the resources we need, having appropriate controls and procedures
• Act with reasonable care and skill using your skills and experience, deciding when you need professional advice, ensure Breaking Barriers remains solvent

Other Responsibilities:

• Understanding the vision, mission, goals and values of Breaking Barriers together with a good grasp of the operational context and the expectations of partners
• Strategic leadership and vision: help to guide the organisation with a strategic vision, aligning the board and staff's efforts with the mission. Ensure that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Facilitating discussions: Lead conversations when necessary, ensuring focus on key issues and decisions
• Leveraging opportunities: Support and participate in fundraising strategies, leveraging networks, and engaging with donors and stakeholders to secure necessary resources for the organisation's work
• CEO and SLT support: Maintain a constructive relationship with the CEO and SLT, creating a positive and strong working relationship to jointly set and achieve appropriate targets, staying in regular contact and acting as a sounding board to discuss strategic or staffing related matters, issues - coaching, supporting and challenging as necessary
• Ambassadorship: Act as an ambassador, representing and promoting the organisation's mission, values, and interests to external stakeholders, enhancing its reputation, and fostering collaboration, fundraising and promotional opportunities

Person Specification: 

We are seeking board members with a passion for the mission, vision and values of Breaking Barriers, and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience which we define as people from a refugee background, with first hand experience of seeking sanctuary or migration to the UK.

In addition, we actively seek candidates who bring any of the following:

• Prior fundraising expertise: focusing on corporate and high-end individual funding to generate leads, ability to contribute to active fundraising efforts, introductions to relevant networks and relationships
• Leadership experience at a senior level within corporate organisations and a commitment to actively making introductions to relevant networks and contacts
• Refugee/forced migration sector experience: leading or developing initiatives/programmes in areas relevant to the mission, such as employability or recruitment

To view the full job description and person specification, as well as details on our accessible recruitment process, please view the attached recruitment pack.

Other considerations

• As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.
• Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully considered when deciding action.   

How to apply

If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you. To apply, please submit a CV and statement (up to approximately 500 words/1 A4 page) outlining:

• Why you are interested in the role
• What skills you would bring to be successful in this role
• Any experience you would like to highlight
• Any reasonable adjustments you require for the interview process

Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is 11:30pm on Tuesday 09 September. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network. 

We are looking for an additional volunteer to join the friendly team at our refugee and asylum seeker support charity,  to assist with casework.  Clients come to us with queries on a wide range of issues, for example around asylum support, poverty,  bank accounts, eVisas, housing,  benefits, English classes etc.   We need someone with good general knowledge of how to work with UK systems,  who enjoys supporting people and is able to hit the ground running and work with minimal supervision. 

Role outline 

The casework volunteer will be asked to see individual clients who come to our weekly drop-in session with queries or requests for support,  to offer what help they can with the query in the time available,  to agree any follow-up needed, and to keep a very brief record of the problem and action taken.  The volunteer will have access to our casework information resource, and many queries can also be responded to using the information sheets for clients available on our website.  There will always be at least one other person to turn to with any queries, either our service delivery lead or other experienced casework volunteers.  All volunteers are expected to follow RRSG policies and procedures eg. around safeguarding and data protection

Person specification 

Essential 

• Fluent in English
• Familiar with dealing with UK systems eg. health services, banks, etc.
• Confident in dealing with other agencies on the phone and in writing
• Experience in supporting others to solve practical problems
• Able and willing to use own laptop for the work
• Able to use RRSG IT systems
• Reliable, trustworthy, strong interpersonal skills, and committed to assisting the client group
• Able to commit to attending sessions in Haslingden, Rossendale on Wednesday mornings 10.30-12.30, at least twice monthly on average.

Desirable

• Fluent in Tigrinya, Kurdish, Farsi, Arabic or other relevant languages
• Experience of similar work
• Experience of forced migration

The Creative Arts and Skills Programme (CASP) is a wide-ranging range of classes and groups focused on providing development opportunities for our clients as well as supporting their improved integration into the community. It is a creative outlet, a community, and an opportunity for clients to learn new skills.

The textiles group runs weekly and provides an opportunity for our clients to learn useful new skills and meet new people. We are looking to recruit two new volunteers for this group, who will work together with the existing group volunteer to teach dressmaking skills to our clients and support them to work on various textiles projects.

Main tasks and activities

· Working together with our current Textiles group volunteer to teach sewing, pattern cutting, dressmaking and upcycling skills to clients;

· Supporting clients to develop and carry out their own textiles projects;

· Coordinating the clients and taking the register on a weekly basis;

· Setting up and packing away the sewing machines, fabrics and other equipment before and after the session;

· Raising any issues which the clients face with the Community and Integration Manager

Skills and experience needed

· Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation;

· A demonstrable empathy for our vulnerable clients, including asylum seekers, refugees and survivors of torture and trafficking;

· Dressmaking skills essential;

· Experience of teaching or instructing people in dressmaking skills (desirable);

· Awareness of confidentiality and the importance of it in regards to our clients;

· Punctual, reliable and self-motivated with a positive, ’can-do’ attitude;

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to create a warm and welcoming community environment;

· Demonstrable experience of working within a team.

What you will get out of the role

· A strong understanding of how HBF’s integration programmes contribute to the well-being of our clients;

· An appreciation of the processes and systems that asylum seekers and refugees deal with in the UK;

· Increased experience and confidence in teaching dressmaking and textiles skills;

· Increased teamwork skills;

· An ability to multi-task between competing priorities.

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 Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games.

Youth club takes place at Tooting Hub- Beechcroft Road, Tooting, SW17 7B

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer Football Assistants to support our Football sessions on Mondays, 5.30-7pm in Balham.

Football coaching sessions are led by Fulham FC Kicks programme weekly, supported by CARAS volunteers to offer welcome to young people.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities

· Welcoming young people to the session;

· Helping young people to register for sessions;

· Join in and be role model for young refugees and asylum seekers;

· Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

· Following FULHAM FC safeguarding policy and CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, online communications and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

Essential

· To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Monday evenings for a minimum of four months;

· Currently resident in the UK;

- A love of football, and wanting to encourage others to play.

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check (residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to start of role

Desirable

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

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

- Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants who seek refuge in and around Oxford.

With a strong reputation both locally and nationally, our team of approximately 30 staff and 200 volunteers offer a range of services from food and clothes to advice, visits, legal support, education and assistance. Asylum Welcome aims to transform the lives of those it serves.

We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our Trustee Board and support our ambition. This is a challenging and rewarding role, helping to ensure the organisation continues to fulfil its mission, and remains sustainable.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in strategic financial management and of working for or within a Board. Equally important is a belief in our mission, commitment to our values and a collaborative style, able to draw out the skill and potential within our team.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxford community, and we particularly welcome people with lived experience of being a refugee or migrant to join our Board to help strengthen our governance and our  approach. Lived experience in this context means that you have come to this country as a refugee or asylum seeker or have lived with or grown up alongside people who did.

Job description

As a Trustee you will:
a) Be an important part of the body that governs the charity and ensures it delivers its mission effectively.
b) Actively participate in meetings, offering guidance and support to ensure that Asylum Welcome delivers the vital work it was set up to do, in the best possible way for clients.
c) Scrutinise Asylum Welcome’s budgets, plans and financial reports, ensuring they meet the organisation’s needs and the relevant regulatory requirements.
d) Ensure Asylum Welcome is complying with its governing documents and relevant laws, as well as updating and reviewing its own policies and procedures.
e) Bring a particular skill, experience or insight that helps develop Asylum Welcome as an organisation.
f) Act with care and skill in Asylum Welcome’s best interests.

As a Trustee you share, with all the Trustees, equal responsibility for the charity. 

Person Specification

Prospective Trustees will:
a) Be committed to the rights and welfare of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants and to Asylum Welcome’s vision, mission and values and determined to use your skills and experience to make a difference for others.
b) Have experience of developing good relationships with people and organisations, stakeholders and supporters.
c) Be able to work in a team, recognising and respecting the difference between the Trustees’ role and that of staff or volunteers.
d) Be able to contribute to and ensure Asylum Welcome’s future plans and strategic development and/or financial stability.

The prospective Treasurer will have:
a) A recognised accounting qualification.
b) Significant experience of financial management, budgeting and reporting.
c) An understanding of the financial, strategic and operational risks and their mitigation in a charity context.
d) Be familiar with charity accounting and statutory reporting requirements.

As Chair of the Finance Committee, the Treasurer leads on all financial matters. The Finance Committee is responsible for making budget recommendations and financial reports for the Board and for agreeing and overseeing financial and related policies. They liaise closely with the Finance Manager to provide quarterly financial reports, the annual budget and annual
statutory accounts to the Board. Input is also required during the annual audit process. 

The Board

Asylum Welcome is governed by a Board of between 5 and 13 (currently 11) Trustees, who are elected at the Annual  General Meeting (AGM) in September. Trustees normally serve for at least 3 years. Additional Trustees may be co-opted between AGMs.

Trustees are not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Zoom and in person) 5 - 6 times a year, usually early evening on a Thursday. Regular dates are agreed a year in advance.

Individual Trustees also join or lead the Board’s Committees. There are currently a Finance Committee (which meets 5 times a year, a week or so ahead of Board meetings) and a People and Governance Committee. We also have occasional task groups for short-term items.