Refugees volunteer roles

Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people? 

We are offering 1 young person aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer for up to 11 months with the French Red Cross (Croix Rouge) in Montrouge. The programme will run from September 2025 – August 2026 (subject to visas). 

You will join the head office communication department of Croix-Rouge insertion, a programme funded by the French Red Cross that enables destitute young people, homeless people and long-term jobseekers to re-connect to the labour market, through civic participation. An intermediate to fluent level of written and spoken French is essential for this role and you will have the opportunity to further develop your written skills in French and gain experience in communicating across a range of channels, as well as developing your conversational French through lessons provided by Croix Rouge. 

On your arrival in France, you will take part in a 3 days on-arrival seminar in Paris, where you will get to know your national coordinators and other European volunteers. You will also have the opportunity to discover the beautiful city of Paris before leaving for your placement role! Your role involves volunteering for a maximum of 35 hours per week, including French lessons and a personal project. 

This is a great opportunity to get involved in key projects and find out what you are interested in. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement! 

Typical tasks may involve: 

• Activities at Headquarters: 

• Manage and update the association's web pages and social media accounts (including SEO improvements) 

• Create, update, and adapt various materials (posters, flyers, brochures, catalogues, activity reports, videos, presentations, etc.) 

• Monitor and share news related to Croix-Rouge insertion activities 

• Participate in the organisation of national events (General Assembly, seminars, partner meetings, etc.) 

• Support the creation of Activity Reports and ensure deadlines are met 

• Contribute to discussions and working groups to deepen the Croix-Rouge insertion project and improve communication practices 

• Provide logistical support for organising the General Assembly 

• Facilitate the flow of information between headquarters and the local offices 

• Activities on the Ground (Croix-Rouge Insertion Local Agencies - Bondy and Bobigny): 

• Assist the agencies in the development, daily operations, or sustainability of their actions related to Access to Rights, Prison-Justice, Mobility, Digital Inclusion, and Basic Skills for RSA beneficiaries 

• Support the sharing and learning of skills between teams to fully experience the support process, especially in the development of theatre improvisation workshops for beneficiaries 

• Assist in communicating on the ground to change the perception of the public interest, which is still often stigmatised in priority urban areas 

We’re looking for the following qualities: 

• Someone sensitive to the association's social and environmental dimension 

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail 

• Creative with good interpersonal skills

• Interest in office automation tools, graphic design software and animation tools (Adobe Suite, Canva, etc.) 

• Interest in digital media (social networks) 

• Ability to analyse, summarise and write in French

Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. This role requires someone with intermediate to fluent levels of spoken and written French. Interviews will take place online with shortlisted candidates. 

We are keen to hear from individuals especially those who do not normally get the chance to volunteer overseas, who are passionate and motivated about working in the humanitarian sector and international volunteering but who also understand that these types of placements require adaptability and resilience. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs. 

Events Officer has the responisbility of organising (along with the help of a Trustee Events Manager) our magical visits to children/adults with LD, this could be at the hospital, social groups, refugee centres, libraries etc etc.

They will monitor the chapter email for submitted event booking forms (some of these will come from events organised by the Events Manager on Trustees). These will then be added to the calendar and advertised to volunteers. They will ensure each event organised has a handful of volunteers confirmed within a week of the event itself. They will then provide information and support to a Lead Volunteer to run the events. They will ensure that regular events are being attended by volunteers and that they have the costume and materials that are needed for these. They will follow up after events to ensure social media posts are made, hours are uploaded and that costumes are returned. They will ensure that all volunteers are attending events.

InterVol is a student volunteering charity in the United Kingdom that connects students with volunteering opportunities locally and overseas. InterVol supports students to develop their skills with community projects in the UK and then use those skills to support the work of charitable partners overseas on health, education, refugee support, and conservation placements. Our project placements and volunteering opportunities are designed by our local partners with the long-term needs of beneficiaries and communities in mind. InterVol supports a network of four student societies at English universities with around one hundred volunteers annually.

InterVol is looking to increase its presence on university campuses around England and Wales, and therefore we are accepting applications from university students interested in setting up a student committee.As a committee member, you will be responsible for recruiting students to volunteer locally and abroad, liaising between the board of trustees and the committee, and recruiting committee members for the next academic year. The student committees will be supported by the trustee board, who are drawn from past student committees. 

Setting up a student committee is an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience, gain a developed insight into the charity sector and international development, and create positive change in your community and abroad. All student committees are supported by the trustee board, and there will be training provided. 

As a committee member you will:

·Work with the student union at your university to establish an InterVol committee. 

·Recruit students to volunteer locally and abroad. This will involve attending freshers’ fair, hosting information evenings, and running team-building days. 

·Organise local volunteering opportunities and liaise with our international project partners. 

·Recruit committee members for the following academic year. 

·Oversee volunteer fundraising. 

·Commit to being involved with the student committee for two years. 

·Be based in the United Kingdom to allow travel to meetings.

Person Specification:

·Experience of volunteering in the UK or abroad. 

·Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills. 

·Capable of leading teams and working under pressure. 

·Well-versed at time management and staying organised. 

SUMMARY

Roles Description: Finance Trustee, Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee, and Legal Trustee

Remuneration: Like most Trustee roles, these roles are unremunerated

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Start date: As soon as possible

Benefits: In addition to making a real difference in the lives of and deepening your understanding of youth organising, you will receive:

• Safeguarding Training and support in developing expertise here
• Reimbursement of expenses incurred in your role

At The Advocacy Academy, we envision a world where young people with lived experience of injustice (LEofI) harness their collective power to shape a more fair, just, and equal society. Our mission is to organise and support these young people to drive systemic change on the most pressing issues of our time.

We do this by offering deep coaching, delivering transformative leadership programmes, and creating clear pathways for sustained action. Through shared learning and community-building, we help young leaders build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to launch and lead proactive campaigns. We also recognise that real change starts from within - so we’re committed to a governance structure that is values-driven, participatory, and beyond reproach, ensuring TAA is as accountable to young people as it is to the communities we serve and its wider responsibilities.

We’re now looking to recruit three new Trustees to join our Board and help steer this work. We're especially keen to hear from people with leadership experience in one or more of the following areas: Finance & Fundraising, Community Organising and Campaigns & Legal

Trustees of The Advocacy Academy play a unique role in delivery of our mission. They are collectively responsible for the governance of the organisation, represent it to the community, and accept ultimate compliance authority for the charity and its activities. As a Trustee with experience in the UK’s youth sector, you will support the Board and the Executives in ensuring that TAA continues to deliver an exceptional quality of youth work, and the role that safeguarding plays in achieving this. As a trustee:

• Work with the Chair, Trustees and Senior Leadership team to ensure there is a clear, long-term and strategic vision The Advocacy Academy.
• Work with the Board to ensure we function within the legal and financial requirements of a UK registered charity and company, our constitution and that we strive for best practice
• Take responsibility with the other trustees so that the organisation has effective practice to safeguard the people it works with
• Act as an ambassador, spokesperson and champion our work supporting our income activities, and fostering networks that can help generate income.

About Our Board of Trustees

• Our Board currently consists of four members, recruited, selected, and approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Each trustee serves a three-year term, and we are made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.
• The Board meets quarterly (four times per year) to provide strategic oversight and governance. Operations/day to day are managed by the Executives.
• Given the size of the board, we expect all trustees to join at least one subcommittees meeting per year, unless there are extenuating circumstances. .The subcommittee meets are typically held prior to full Board meetings.
• Board meetings are held at our Liberation Centre in Brixton and subcommittee meets are held virtually
• The role of trustee is voluntary, though reasonable expenses are reimbursed.2• Trustees are expected to prepare in advance by reading reports and meeting papers, and are also warmly invited to attend our events throughout the year.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Finance Trustee - Trustee will provide charity financial governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Finance Director and the Finance & Risk Committee will:

• Provide support on financial oversight and ensure compliance with relevant charity and regulatory requirements.
• Review and co-present financial reports and key insights to the Board of Trustees.
• Actively participate in the Finance and Risk Committee, ensuring effective financial scrutiny.
• Strategic contribution to long-term financial and fundraising planning and support the organisation’s risk management framework.
• Attend Finance and Risk subcommittee meetings quarterly.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee - The Community organising and campaigning Trustee will provide organising and Campaigns governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Director of Organising and Campaigns and fellow trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic oversight of The Advocacy Academy’s organising and campaigning activities and priorities.
• Ensure campaigns are ethical, legally compliant, and aligned with the organisation’s values.
• Support the development of effective, youth-led organising and campaigning strategies.
• Offer insight into advocacy trends, movement-building, and political landscapes.
• Serve as a sounding board for the team, offering critical friend feedback without operational interference.
• Help the board assess risks and opportunities related to public positioning, reputation, and partnerships.
• Good governance, diversity and teamwork are at the core of the Board’s values. We want to ensure trustees represent the young people we work with and we are particularly interested in applications from people with lived experience.

3. Legal Trustee - The Legal Trustees will provide Legal perspective on governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic legal perspective on compliance with charity law, employment law, using legal knowledge or by signposting to our external legal support.
• Provide legal perspective on any strategic decisions the board makes, which the board can then pursue formal legal advice on.
• Provide legal perspective on risk related to public campaigning, partnerships and public communications.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Finance Trustee -

• Proven expertise in charity fundraising and financial management.
• Experience of charity finance and fundraising is essential.
• Previous board or trustee experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee -

• Understanding of power-building, community organising, or movement strategy (essential).
• Experience in grassroots organising and campaigns, advocacy, or social justice movements.3• Familiarity with political or social justice contexts in the UK.
• Willingness to support youth leadership and work in solidarity with young campaigners.
• Previous board or governance experience is helpful but not essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

3. Legal Trustee -

• Qualified legal professional (e.g. solicitor, barrister, legal academic) with UK-based experience.
• Knowledge of charity, or employment law desirable.
• Experience in risk, governance, or compliance, particularly in the charity sector.
• A commitment to social justice and supporting youth organising work.
• Ability to translate legal concepts clearly for non-specialist trustees.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

EXPECTATIONS & ENTITLEMENT

• Attend at least one training programme that we run, so that you understand the work we deliver
• Attend trustee meetings, which are held four times a year in London or virtually, and last between 3 expected to attend at least three each year.
• Participate in one of our sub-committees as may be required by the trustee role.
• Demonstrate commitment to The Advocacy Academy by supporting fundraising efforts.
• Serve for a term of three years and be able to stand for re-election for a further term and possibly two.
• Work with the Chair to review your performance
• Claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses to attend meetings -4 hours - trustees are expected to attend at least three each year.
• This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Trustee roles, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of The Advocacy Academy’s board. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holders.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply to be our Trustee by sending your CV together with a supporting statement to us. Your supporting statement should explain why you would like to be our Trustee and the contribution you believe you would make to The Advocacy Academy, with particular reference to the specific Trustee role and Requirements above.

DATES

• •Closing Date: The deadline for applications is 7th October 2025 by 9am.

Please note that there will be two rounds of interviews, and we will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis as applications are received. The application deadline may be brought forward if suitable candidates are identified early.

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US

We aim to be representative of the community we are working with. We encourage applications from people of colour, those who identify as LGBTQIA, working class as well as disabled people, those living with mental health conditions, refugees and migrants. We welcome people from all identities who are made to feel marginalised.

We’re not just committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we actively celebrate diversity in all its forms. Let us know if we can do anything to make the application or interview process more accessible. If you are invited to interview, we will at that point ask you for any accessibility requirements or preferences.

As an employer we make all reasonable adjustments to support employees in their work if they are disabled or have a health condition. We support the Access to Work scheme which could provide you with financial support to get the help you need to do all tasks successfully. We are happy to facilitate Access to Work assessments and reclaims, and would actively welcome applicants who would need this in order to do the job.

All staff who work on our programme must have, prior to starting work, a returned satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dated no earlier than 1st January 2021. The Advocacy Academy will assist the application for, and pay for the processing of, a new DBS for staff members where required.

We welcome applications from people with convictions. Please disclose in your application if you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not “protected” (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 

We want to find four new Trustees to join Hear Me Out’s Board.  We’re looking for people with expertise relevant to our work, who work well with colleagues and can help make good decisions. We’re especially keen to find people who can bring us:

• Personal experience of immigration detention, asylum and immigration enforcement, and/or
• Expertise in generating gifts and earned income, especially through relationships with major partners and donors

The Trustee role is unpaid. 

Our Board of Trustees

The Trustees are the group in charge of Hear Me Out.  They are responsible for what we do, and are the guardians of our charitable work. Our small team of staff, led by our Director and Artistic Director, deliver the work, and the Directors report to the Trustees.  All these people work together to make Hear Me Out’s aims a reality, and keep it that way.

The Board of Trustees meet 4 times a year, currently on Thursday afternoons.  The meetings last 3 hours with a break in the middle.  Information is sent out before the meetings about the topics to be discussed, in written papers and sometimes as audio/video.  We also want Trustees to get involved in something else, perhaps a music activity or a group working on a special project, so that they bring deeper knowledge of Hear Me Out’s work into Board meetings.

Charity boards can sometimes feel quite posh and formal, with unspoken rules that confuse and exclude. But we think ours is a friendly place to be, and a good team where everyone is respected.  And we’re on a journey to unpack how it works, to make sure it’s only complicated when it really needs to be.  So we think being a trustee at Hear Me Out will be a good experience for people with different backgrounds and life experience – whether or not they’ve done anything like this before.  We need lots of wisdom to make good decisions about our complex work in this troubling time, and that’s the way to get it.

Lived experience and professional experience

Professional experience and lived experience are of equal value on our Board.  We need Trustees who understand what the people we work with are going through and what they need, and who can help make that happen.  That combination will give us the strongest impact.

We want to bring more people with personal experience of detention, asylum, immigration enforcement and/or racial discrimination into leadership roles in Hear Me Out.  We’ve started to do this but don’t yet have the critical mass of lived experience that will really place our organisation inside the communities we serve.  If you have this kind of experience then we would really love to hear from you.  You don’t need to have been a trustee before or to have a standard work CV.

We also want people’s professional experience.  Fundraising and income generation are particular issues for us at present, but our work needs a range of professional skills and expertise, so there are lots of ways to contribute.  So if you’re interested, tell us everything you can bring to the role.

Who we are looking for:

If you have an interest in child protection or children’s rights, as well as a background in strategic marketing or communications, we’d love to hear from you. This is a chance to be a trustee for a well-known charity that is making a real difference in children’s lives. You’ll be joining a dedicated and friendly group of trustees with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds. The board recently agreed on an ambitious new strategy that emphasises the enhancement of CFAB’s public profile. We are looking for trustees who can help us deliver on that, through their expertise and enthusiasm.

We welcome applications from those who are experience trustees as well as those who do not have previous experience as a trustee, but who have relevant personal experience and are willing to show a commitment to CFAB and our mission.

Role description

The Digital Marketing Trustee should:

1. provide leadership to the Board in the area of voluntary sector marketing and communications.

2. monitor decisions made at the Board in relation to marketing and communications and ensure that they are implemented.

3. assist in setting the marketing and communications strategy of the organisation and in setting and monitoring performance against targets.

4. actively participate as the key member developing the marketing expertise of the Board.

5. assist in securing additional exposure of CFAB’s work, particularly through facilitating opportunities with press, guiding digital publications (whether social media or online media opportunities) and amplifying CFAB’s voice with relevant audiences.

As with all Trustees, the Marketing Trustee is also responsible for:

• ensuring CFAB complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

• ensuring CFAB pursues its objects as defined in its Articles of Association, and that it uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects

• ensuring CFAB operates within the parameters laid down by the CFAB Governance Manual

• safeguarding the reputation and values of CFAB

• ensuring the financial stability of CFAB and its effective and efficient administration

• protecting and managing the property of CFAB and ensuring proper investment of funds

• appointing and monitoring the performance of the Chief Executive

• representing CFAB externally 

Every Trustee is asked to use their specific skills, knowledge and professional experience to help the Board of Trustees collectively reach sound decisions.

This includes ensuring Trustees:

• scrutinise Board papers and actively contribute to Board discussion

• participate in relevant committees

• respond to any request from the CEO, for advice and support to the CEO or other team members on specific initiatives

• remain conscious of any conflicts of loyalty or interest.

• take decisions solely with the best interests of CFAB in mind.

A. Person specification

The Trustee should bring to CFAB a skill mix appropriate to the governance of CFAB, including: 

1. Digital Marketing Strategy

• Ability to develop and advise on digital marketing strategies aligned with CFAB’s mission and goals.

• Understanding of audience segmentation, customer journey mapping, and digital touchpoints.

2. Content Marketing & Storytelling

• Strong storytelling ability to help communicate CFAB’s impact and campaigns.

• Experience in developing or advising on digital content plans (blogs, social media, newsletters, video, etc.).

3. Social Media & Community Engagement

• Knowledge of social media platforms and tools (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.).

• Insight into building engaged online communities and amplifying cause-led messaging.

4. Analytics and Performance Monitoring

• Ability to interpret data from Google Analytics, social media metrics, email campaign results, etc.

• Experience setting KPIs and measuring campaign effectiveness.

5. SEO & SEM

• Understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) best practices.

• Ability to advise on organic and paid strategies to improve visibility and traffic

6. Fundraising Campaign Support

• Experience supporting or advising on online fundraising campaigns, donor journeys, and engagement.

• Knowledge of platforms such as JustGiving, Charity Checkout, or other donation systems.

7. Website Management

• Familiarity with CMS platforms (e.g. WordPress) to advise on user experience and accessibility.

• Oversight of web content strategy, usability, and optimization.

8. Governance & Strategic Input

• Understanding of trustee responsibilities in the UK (Charity Commission regulations, safeguarding digital assets).

• Ability to provide strategic oversight rather than day-to-day management.

9. Brand and Reputation Management

• Experience advising on brand consistency across digital channels.

• Awareness of crisis communication and reputational risk in online spaces. 

10. Collaboration & Communication

• Ability to work effectively with the board, staff, and external partners.

• Strong communication and influencing skills, particularly in a voluntary leadership context.

11. A clear commitment to CFAB’s values and beliefs and the fulfilment of its mission

B. Commitment

CFAB has four regular Board meetings per year of which one is held concurrent with the AGM. There is also a Marketing committee which meets four times per year, which the Trustee should attend wherever possible. Additional Extraordinary Board meetings may be called as necessary. Other trustees will participate in committees including: Finance & HR, Fundraising and Policy & Practice. Overall time commitment is approximately 2 – 3 hours a quarter.

C. Further Information

For more information on CFAB’s work, we encourage you to review our Annual Report and our Impact Report

Come and join London's Hopscotch Women's Centre's Board of Trustees in the roles we have available, including specialities:

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

HUMAN RESOURCES

WOMEN'S SERVICES

We meet 4 times a year and help shape the strategy and aims to further the mission of Hopscotch Women's Centre, supporting ethnically minoritised women facing abuse, poverty, mental health issues, unemployment and insecure immigration status. We also have a Homecare service, which is our admired social enterprise and a part of our charity.

Do look at the attached Job Descriptions and let us know if you have any questions - our CEO is on hand to have a chat. Thanks!

Join Manor Gardens Welfare Trust (MGWT) as a Trustee and play a pivotal role in empowering communities to thrive. Help us deliver innovative, culturally competent services tackling inequalities and improving lives across Islington and beyond.

MGWT has been at the heart of community support since 1913, continuously evolving to meet contemporary challenges. Our dynamic hub in Upper Holloway supports over 2,600 people annually, promoting health, wellbeing, and social inclusion among diverse, underserved communities. Our services include multilingual advocacy, mental health support and therapy services, youth service provision as well as chairing Islington's award-winning Food Partnership working for a sustainable food system in the borough. 

Although MGWT is a local charity, we have a notable track record of innovation and wider impact. We pioneered the first LGBTQ+ youth group in Europe and launched the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Our groundbreaking work continues to inform practices and policies at both local and national levels.

We are particularly seeking trustees with skills in fundraising (including expertise in securing grants from trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, statutory funding, legacies, and major gifts), Human Resources, and communications. Knowledge, experience, and a thorough understanding of the charity sector are essential, alongside a demonstrable commitment to our values. Previous board experience is desirable but not essential. We particularly welcome candidates with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address, including socioeconomic inequality, mental health, and the asylum process. 

Trustees commit roughly 6 hours monthly, guiding strategic direction, ensuring effective governance, promoting equality and inclusion, and serving as ambassadors for MGWT’s vital work.

As life becomes ever more difficult for migrants across London, the UK and the world, Waltham Forest Migrant Action (WFMA) are committed to fighting back in solidarity and supporting our fellow human beings who are often suffering in the most extreme of circumstances. Since 2013, we’ve run a weekly Drop-in Centre providing visitors a warm welcome, free advice on immigration, accommodation and welfare issues, and opportunities to socialise with the local community. Last year, we helped 366 people from 71 nationalities, and our numbers continue to grow. WFMA is currently in an exciting phase of development. In recent years, we have transformed from an all-volunteer organisation to having six part-time staff, navigating a period of sustainable growth.

The role
We are looking for 2-3 compassionate individuals with a strong interest in migrant justice to contribute to an organisation that centres migrant voices and experiences. Whether you bring experience in HR, marketing & communications, finance, legal, fundraising, operations, service delivery, or another area, your insight and guidance has the potential to strengthen our organisation. We welcome applicants from all ages and backgrounds, and we are open to first time Trustees!

We strive to have a board that is diverse and representative of the communities we work with and for, and we are particularly keen for those under 30 and / or with lived experience of the UK migration system to apply. We value skills gained both through formal professional experience and through grassroots activism, voluntary work, or community organising.

Essential

• A strong interest in migrant justice and anti-racism

• Commitment to the aims and objectives of WFMA, and its vision 

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort required

• Good oral and written communication skills in English

Desirable but not essential
Following recent a skills audit, we have identified priority areas and skills needed for our board, and we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who can contribute one or more:

• Lived experience of the UK migration system and the difficulties faced by migrants in accessing services

• Fundraising and bid writing experience

• Financial oversight and accounting experience (we are keen to recruit and train a potential future Treasurer)

• Experience and/or willingness to serve as Chair

Time commitment
This role requires around 10 days commitment a year, and this includes attending bi-monthly board meetings, sub-groups, strategy days and reading board reports prior to meetings.

999 Club IS RECRUITING NEW TRUSTEES!

999 Club is a charity doing big things with people facing homelessness. For over 30 years, we've provided a safe haven in the heart of Deptford — offering hot meals, showers, practical support, and a pathway out of homelessness for good.

We're now looking for up to three new trustees to help guide our growing organisation as we develop our new 5-year strategy.

We’re especially keen to hear from people with experience in:

· Fundraising – An ability to use your networks or knowledge to champion our cause and unlock new opportunities.

· Charity Finance – provide strategic financial oversight and potentially chair our Finance Committee.

· Property or Facilities Management – Help oversee the management and potential development of our buildings

What to expect:

As a trustee, you’ll gain leadership experience, broaden your network, and play a hands-on role in tackling homelessness and improving the mental wellbeing of our community. This is a voluntary role involving four board meetings a year (a mix of in-person and virtual), plus occasional events, emails, and committee work. Reasonable expenses are covered.

Inclusion:

We’re committed to building a diverse and representative board. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, or systemic disadvantage.

CFAB Experts by Experience Advisory Group Member

Volunteer role

Could you be part of our Experts by Experience Advisory Group to help make a positive contribution to our efforts to protect children and reunite them with family overseas?

Children and Families Across Borders protects children who have become separated from their families across international borders. As the UK member of the International Social Service network, our specialist team inter-country social workers, work with over 130 partners around the globe to reunite families. Our work is complex but life changing.

CFAB is creating an Experts by Experience Advisory Group and is looking for people to join and support our work. The purpose of our engagement would be to would be to embed the voices and insights of individuals with direct and personal experience of aspects of our work into the service design and decision-making processes within CFAB. We believe that the insights and input from those with experience of our work will help to ensure that our services, our strategies and our messaging are grounded in real needs and experiences rather than assumptions and ultimately lead to better outcomes for children.

We would consider individuals with direct, personal experience of international kinship care, international adoption, alternative care, international migration and asylum as experts by experience.

Requirements:

The Advisory Group will meet twice per year (either remotely or in person) and there will also be opportunities to feed in and participate in other ad hoc projects.

Experts by Experience will:

• Provide advice and recommendations on policy, program design, and delivery.
• Review and contribute to strategic documents, reports, and evaluations.
• Identify opportunities for co-production and co-design within the organization.
• Act as advocates and champions for the integration of lived experience.
• Ensure diverse experiences are represented and inform inclusive practices.

What can we offer you?

Though this is a voluntary role, your participation will be compensated. Expenses will also be covered in line with CFAB’s expenses policy.

We will ensure we offer pre and post meeting support to experts to identify and reflect on any issues that require processing.

We will provide training to support your skills development based on the opportunities you would like to be involved with. We will share with you the impact of your participation on our work.

This is an exciting opportunity to become involved in a prestigious charity at the forefront of key issues on child protection. Founded in 1955, Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB) helps vulnerable children who are separated from their family overseas.

We are looking for a new trustee, preferably with public affairs and stakeholder management expertise, to help us deliver on our ambitious new strategy. 

Background:

CFAB is a unique charity that has the capacity to change the lives of vulnerable children at a time when demand for its services is growing year on year. We are led by a dedicated and committed staff and a Board of Trustees who have built on the organisation’s longstanding record of achievement to position us firmly for the future. With a balanced budget and strong reserves, CFAB can now achieve more by increasing its earned income to deliver direct services, by growing its philanthropic funds to reach more children who find themselves outside the system, and by expanding its training offer to strengthen our role as a sector leader in this specialist field.

What makes CFAB Special: 

CFAB is the only charity in the UK with a specially qualified children’s international social work team. We use expertise gathered over 70 years to ensure that vulnerable children are cared for and protected, no matter where they come from. We operate through our International Social Service network to professionally evaluate care options in more than 120 countries – giving children with family overseas the best possible chance of a secure, stable and loving home – and wherever possible reuniting them with family members. 

CFAB runs the UK’s only professional, free Advice Line dedicated to international child protection, and provides specialist consultancy to help resolve complex international cases. CFAB also provides training to disseminate learning on how best to manage inter-country social work cases involving children and families. We also advocate for legislation and best practice to meet children’s needs and to ensure families separated by international borders are supported to reunite when this is in the child’s best interests. 

Who we are looking for:

If you have an interest in child protection or children’s rights, as well as a background in public affairs or stakeholder management, we’d love to hear from you. This is a chance to be a trustee for a well-known charity that is making a real difference in children’s lives. You’ll be joining a dedicated and friendly group of trustees with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds. The board recently agreed on an ambitious new strategy that emphasises the enhancement of CFAB’s public profile. We are looking for trustees who can help us deliver on that, through their expertise and enthusiasm. 

We welcome applications from those who are experience trustees as well as those who do not have previous experience as a trustee, but who have relevant personal experience and are willing to show a commitment to CFAB and our mission. 

To make an application, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the Person Specification requirements. We will be holding interviews on a rolling basis, with a view to appointing someone by October 2025.

Role Description: 

A. Public Affairs and Stakeholder Management Trustee Role Description

Role description 

The Trustee should:

1. provide leadership to the Board in the area of public affairs, policy and stakeholder management. This could include a focus on PR, public affairs, external communications or local government engagement. You do not need to have experience in all areas.
2. monitor decisions made at the Board in relation to Public Affairs and Policy work and ensure that they are implemented
3. assist in setting the strategy of the organisation and in setting and monitoring performance against targets.
4. actively participate as the key member of the sub-committee of the Board
5. assist in securing additional exposure of CFAB’s work, particularly through facilitating opportunities with press, guiding digital publications (whether social media or online media opportunities) and amplifying CFAB’s voice with relevant audiences, including local and national government or supporters 

As with all Trustees, this Trustee is also responsible for:

• ensuring CFAB complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations 
• ensuring CFAB pursues its objects as defined in its Articles of Association, and that it uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• ensuring CFAB operates within the parameters laid down by the CFAB Governance Manual
• safeguarding the reputation and values of CFAB  
• ensuring the financial stability of CFAB and its effective and efficient administration  
• protecting and managing the property of CFAB and ensuring proper investment of funds
• appointing and monitoring the performance of the Chief Executive
• representing CFAB externally

Every Trustee is asked to use their specific skills, knowledge and professional experience to help the Board of Trustees collectively reach sound decisions.

This includes ensuring Trustees: 

• scrutinise Board papers and actively contribute to Board discussion
• participate in relevant committees 
• respond to any request from the CEO, for advice and support to the CEO or other team members on specific initiatives
•  remain conscious of any conflicts of loyalty or interest.
•  take decisions solely with the best interests of CFAB in mind. 

B. Person Specification

The Trustee should bring to CFAB a skill mix appropriate to the governance of CFAB, including: 

1. Public Affairs Strategy

• Experience developing and advising on public affairs strategies that influence policy and public service priorities.
• Understanding of how to align public affairs with organisational goals and impact measurement.

2. Policy Understanding 

• Strong grasp of local government structures, priorities, and decision-making processes.
• Knowledge of policy areas relevant to the charity’s mission (e.g. safeguarding, family services, children’s welfare).

3. Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement

• Ability to identify, map, and prioritise key stakeholders including local authorities, elected officials, council executives, and public sector partners.
• Strategic thinking around managing and nurturing high-value relationships over time. 

4. Local Authority Relations

• ​Experience working within or alongside local authorities.
• Understanding of commissioning processes, partnership frameworks, and funding mechanisms in local government. 

5. Advocacy and Influence

• Experience in shaping public debate, contributing to consultations, or influencing policy outcomes.
• Confidence in representing the charity at public meetings, sector forums, or roundtables.

6. Communication Skills 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with senior stakeholders, writing policy briefings, and contributing to thought leadership.
• Ability to distil complex policy issues into accessible messages. 

7. Strategic Governance Insight 

• Understanding of the role of a trustee in public affairs oversight (e.g. ensuring activity is compliant with charity law).
• Ability to challenge and support the executive team in shaping an ethical and impacƞul engagement strategy. 

8. Political Acumen

• Awareness of the political landscape at local and national levels, including the ability to identify risks and opportunities for engagement.
• Insight into how local priorities may shift due to political changes or economic pressures. 

9. Crisis and Issues Management

• Experience supporting or advising on responses to public scrutiny, policy changes, or contentious issues involving local authorities. 

10. Collaboration and Diplomacy

• Skilled at building consensus across diverse stakeholders.
• Sensitive to the reputational considerations of engaging with public bodies. 

11. A clear commitment to CFAB’s values and beliefs and the fulfilment of its mission 

C. Commitment

CFAB has four regular Board meetings per year of which one is held concurrent with the AGM. There is also a Marketing committee which meets four times per year, which the Trustee should attend wherever possible. Additional Extraordinary Board meetings may be called as necessary. Other trustees will participate in committees including: Finance & HR, Fundraising and Policy & Practice. Overall time commitment is approximately 2 – 3 hours a month.

The Role

Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.

The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.

What will you do as a volunteer?

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.

We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.

Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:

• Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
• Organise our monthly community meeting
• Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
• Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
• Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
• Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
• Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.

What you get:

Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).

Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.

You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.

We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.

Do you have experience in Fundraising?

Connection Support are seeking a Trustee that will support us in our vision of being a thought-leader in the prevention of homelessness, mental ill-health, and leading innovative services that prevent crises from happening.

About us

At Connection Support, our team of staff and volunteers work alongside people to overcome life’s challenges.  We do this through our values of empowerment, collaboration, compassion and taking a personalised approach in all aspects of our work.

We believe in a future where people are free from crisis, and effective prevention is the key. But for times when crises do happen, we’ll be there to help every step of the way.

About the role

The trustee will support the board, the CEO and wider senior team with advice, guidance and sharing their experiences specifically related to:

· Supporting the team and wider charity to achieve our fundraising goals.

· Supporting and encouraging the fundraising team in their work.

· Ensuring that our fundraising activities are in line with organisational values and the Fundraising Code of Conduct.

· Help develop a fundraising culture across the organisation.

· Share your knowledge and expertise to enhance our fundraising efforts and maximise the effectiveness of our activities.

This is an exciting time to join Connection Support as we start to see the impact of our Prevention first strategy.

Time commitment

The anticipated time commitment for a Trustee is up to a day a month. Approximately 2-3 hours per month in person, and then 2-3 hours of supporting with projects which can be from home.

Trustee positions are not paid but travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed.

About you.

Our values are extremely important to us, so it is essential that your personal values align with ours, and you are passionate and motivated by the impact you can have by being part of Connection Support. We would also like you to have the following;

· A diverse range of experience in fundraising and charitable income generation at strategic and operational levels, (e.g., instance trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, regular donors and legacy giving).

·Knowledge of the fundraising landscape and the challenges facing medium-sized, regional charities in securing funds.

Previous experience is not necessary as we provide a full induction. We pair new Trustees with an experienced member and offer training opportunities to Board members.

How to apply

On application we will email you and request the following:

· We want to know why you’re interested in becoming a trustee. Please send us a cover letter or email telling is why you want to join the Board of Trustees, and your experience as outlined above. If you would like to share your experiences with us in a different way, please let us know and we are happy to support.

· We want to know more about you! Please send us an up to date CV of your career history, key responsibilities and achievements. If you do not have a CV, you can send us an email with a summary of your experience.

· We need to know what others say about you. Please send us two professional references(only contacted with prior consent). If you have any difficulty with references, please contact us and we can discuss alternatives with you.  

Interviews

Interviews will be held as suitable people apply, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early.

If you are interested in finding out more about the opportunity and would like to discuss the role informally, please email us and we will arrange a chat with our CEO Chris Keating or our Chair of the Board Emma Duke.