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Adult Casework Volunteer - Role description 

Role: Adult Casework Volunteer 

Team: Casework 

Supervised by: Adult caseworker 

Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5.30pm)

Time commitment: 3.5 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months 

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 CARAS casework:

CARAS works with adults and young people of a refugee and asylum seeker background to find solutions to their problems. There are two separate sub-teams within the Casework team; young people and adults. We support adults to navigate the asylum system, understand their options, access benefits, connect with services and realise their goals. We are a non-specialist casework and advocacy service, so we work in close partnership with other local organisations to whom we refer people with more complex issues.

Using the empowerment model, our casework service embodies CARAS’ values of ‘with not for’, always striving to ensure people are armed with the information and resources they need to make decisions and take action for themselves.

About the Role:

We are currently recruiting for 2 volunteers to join our Adult Casework team. 

The purpose of the Adult Casework volunteer role is to support adults with a refugee or asylum seeking background to understand their rights, access information and services, and ultimately, take control of their own lives. You will work with individuals to address problems they may face relating to, among other issues, asylum support, accessing healthcare and education, access to legal advice and finding activities and opportunities.

You will start from an understanding that individuals are always best placed to solve their own problems, and often need nothing more than to talk out a problem and find the solution themselves. When helpful, you will provide information to clarify and support to take action. 

The Adult Casework team hold a support session at our office in Tooting on Thursday afternoons from 2-5.30pm.  Volunteer caseworkers have 1:1 appointments, either in person or by phone, with CARAS members.  These can be related to a range of topics.  Currently our biggest areas of work are around housing for people seeking asylum, access to college, nursery/school places for children, referrals to mental health providers, searches and signposting to activities, finding solicitors and supporting people to apply for bus passes and ID cards.  Volunteers also support with administrative tasks such as updating our databases, collating resources and creating information guides. 

Adult Casework Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:  

• Working in an empowering way with individuals and promoting their independence through goal-setting.  

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge of rights and entitlements.   

• Assisting with filling out forms 

• Signposting and referring onto other services and organisations.  

• Gathering information from experts and disseminating information to people in an accessible manner.  

• Engaging in collaborative internet and phone research on services, organisations and grants.  

• Flagging safeguarding concerns and other issues where further support is required.  

• Keeping accurate casenotes 

• Supporting to maintain our signposting database 

• Researching and collating resources 

• Working collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the Adult Casework project.  

• Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements:

Essential

• Experience of doing 1:1 advice work/casework.

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English.   

• Confidence in using IT (Microsft office, outlook, zoom, Google search, online forms)  

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

• A commitment to confidentiality and data protection 

• Thorough with good attention to detail 

• Reliable 

• A high level of spoken and written English 

• Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way  

• A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach 

• Enjoyment in speaking to new people 

• A commitment to working in an empowering way 

• Able to maintain boundaries 

• Able to work autonomously 

• Currently resident in the UK 

Desirable 

• Working knowledge or experience of relevant law and policy around asylum support, the asylum process, rights and entitlements for people seeking asylum 

• Experience of working with interpreters 

• Direct experience of the UK immigration system.  

• Past experience of working with people seeking asylum 

• Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu or Vietnamese.  

We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process 

Benefits to Volunteering:

• 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 access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Obtain a reference from us relating to your volunteering 

All volunteers must complete a basic DBS check for volunteers working with adults and attend training with us before starting.  You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

To Apply:

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.

 Applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP. 

Successful applicants will undergo training and induction with our team. 

About The Role

Why do we need you?

At WWT, we believe that the best way for people to understand and ‘connect’ with wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close.You will be directly involved in shaping children’s unforgettable experiences through the warm welcome you give them, your interactions with them and the information that you provide. We need enthusiastic people to help deliver our education programmes to school groups and in doing so ensure that they feel part of something amazing.

What will you be doing?

·Helping out with school groups as appropriate, bringing their science curriculum to life

·Engaging pupils in the natural world and helping to foster a love of the outdoors and wetland habitats

·Interacting with children in a sensitive and responsive manner

What's in it for you?

·You'll be playing a vital role in shaping unforgettable experiences for local school children and groups. We regularly hear the children visiting say, "best school trip ever!"

·Working as part of a small and friendly team, you will be supported in gaining any essential training for the role

·You will learn lots of new and transferrable skills. No two days are ever the same!

·You'll be making a tangible contribution to wetland conservation by inspiring the next generation to care for our planet

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us, or give us a call and us leave a message with your name and number. 

Just to let you know, some of our roles are very popular. To help our teams and minimise disappointment for people kind enough to want to support us, we might take roles down before the closing date if we get a lot of applications. If you do miss a role, or are looking for something particular, you can sign up to opportunity alerts. 

About You 

Who are we looking for?

The role will suit you if:

·You have experience in an educational setting (though not essential)

·You are able to work well in a team of staff and volunteers

·You are able to communicate well with a diverse range of audiences

·You are familiar with Washington Wetland Centre - this would be an advantage during the initial stages

·You have a love of the outdoors and enjoy engaging with children

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

·Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world

·Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers

·Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...

·Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family

·Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships

·Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

For more information on this role, and others, and to apply please visit our webpage. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

ROLE DESCRIPTION
Trustee – Funding & Bid Application Review

We are seeking a new Trustee to strengthen our multi-skilled and hard-working board, with specific expertise in funding and bid applications.

While we already have skilled board members and volunteers who can write strong funding applications, what we currently lack is the time and experience to:

• Research potential funding opportunities
• Review and filter which opportunities are worth pursuing
• Summarise and present recommendations to the Board and staff

This new Trustee role would add significant value to the work we already provide - by helping us focus our efforts on the most promising funding sources.

Skills and Background

We are open to a range of professional backgrounds. You may not be actively working or may have a little time free to support us in this role, but we are looking for people who can bring the following:

• Experience in bid applications, grant funding, or fundraising — particularly in identifying and assessing opportunities
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to weigh up eligibility, likelihood of success, and fit with our charity’s mission
• Confidence in working with information, making judgements, and communicating clear summaries to colleagues
• A background in areas such as fundraising, charity administration, project management, finance, business development, or legal/governance would all be relevant and useful

Commitment

As a Trustee, this voluntary role involves attending Board meetings, which are approximately every two months, an annual strategy day, occasional working groups and the AGM. Meetings are held in person where possible, with online options available. We also hold fundraising events, which you are warmly encouraged to support. The expected commitment is around 10 hours a month, including reviewing opportunities and communicating with fellow Trustees and staff via email, WhatsApp, or phone.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks

Do you love shopping online, do you use Vinted? Are you interested in fashion & photography? We are looking for volunteers who would like to help us grow our Vinted shop. You will have fun, contribute to making our Vinted business a big success, and enable us to help more animals!

Overview of opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity if you are interested in clothes & fashion, photography or e-commerce. The time you dedicate would ensure that we made the most of the incredible donations to our charity shops, which means more funds can go towards our vital animal welfare work.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Our Charity Shop in New Bradwell, Milton Keynes

Our shops play an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items.

Volunteer Vinted Coordinator responsibilities

• Researching and listing the items for sale in our dedicated Vinted store.
• A picture is worth 1,000 words so ensuring that attractive photographs are taken to boost Vinted sales.
• Packaging items appropriately before posting them to the buyer.
• Maintaining accurate records of listed and sold items.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Vinted Coordinator:

• Basic knowledge of Vinted and online selling platforms
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to take clear photographs and write accurate descriptions
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with email and online payment systems
• Good communication skills and a friendly, helpful attitude
• Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment

What we can offer you as a volunteer Vinted Coordinator

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your area.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
• Learn e-commerce skills
• Develop your organisational skills
• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependant on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?

ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life. 

We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance. 

This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.

Do you have sales or fundraising skills and want to use them where they actually matter?

Organisation: TLDM Ltd (Social Enterprise)

Location: Remote/Colchester, Essex (Local Outreach)

Time Commitment: 5–10 hours per week (flexible)

Contract Type: Volunteer (with progression opportunities)

About TLDM Ltd:

TLDM Ltd is a Colchester-based social enterprise dedicated to tackling the most pressing youth issues affecting young people aged 11–16 in the UK today.

We work directly with secondary schools, youth organisations, and institutions to address:

• Safeguarding & behaviour challenges
• Knife crime & youth violence
• Online harm, social media & ideology
• Diversity, equity & inclusion
• Staff CPD, assemblies, and mentoring

Our mission is simple: to keep young people safe, resilient, and equipped for the realities of modern Britain.

The Role:

We are seeking a Volunteer Head of Sales to help drive our growth across Essex and Suffolk by building relationships with schools and youth organisations.

This role is ideal for someone with experience or interest in:

• Sales
• Account management
• Recruitment
• Education outreach
• Relationship-based selling

You will work closely with the Founder & CEO to help generate leads, book meetings, and support revenue growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and research potential clients (secondary schools, youth organisations, local authorities)
• Build and maintain a simple sales pipeline (CRM or spreadsheet)
• Conduct initial outreach via email and phone
• Book discovery calls and meetings for the Founder
• Follow up on warm leads and past contacts
• Help refine sales processes and outreach strategies
• Track outcomes and report progress weekly

What We Are Looking For:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence speaking to professionals on the phone and via email
• Organised, proactive, and self-motivated
• Comfortable working in a mission-led environment
• Experience in sales, recruitment, education, or customer-facing roles is desirable (but not essential)

What You Will Gain:

• Senior-level experience leading sales for a growing social enterprise
• Direct impact on youth safety and education
• Opportunity to shape strategy and systems from the ground up
• Strong CV enhancement with leadership responsibility
• Professional reference and potential paid progression as the organisation grows

How to Apply:

Please send a short CV and a brief paragraph outlining:

• Your background
• Why this role interests you
• Any relevant experience

�� Location: Colchester / Remote

About Care4Calais 

Care4Calais is a volunteer-led charity delivering essential aid and support to people seeking asylum living in the UK and Northern France. We provide direct aid and advocate for a fair asylum system, including safe routes to claim asylum.

The UK Direct Aid team delivers essential support through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and casework-style support through drop-ins. The UK Direct Aid team also provides services to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.

UK Area Lead Volunteer

We are looking for a compassionate, organised, and motivated Volunteer Area Leads to oversee a team of volunteers and the delivery of essential services and activities in their area. You must be committed to anti-racism and social justice, particularly for people seeking safety.

We are looking for Leads in the following areas:

• North London (including Brent, Barnet, Camden and Harrow)
• West London (Ealing/Acton)
• Reading
• Oxford
• Surrey (Redhill/ Reigate)
• Bedfordshire 
• Southampton
• Birmingham
• Nottingham
• South Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire

Responsibilities include:

• Organising activities (distributions, drop-ins, conversation clubs)

• Monitoring WhatsApp groups

• Attending and leading meetings

• Sharing updates and resources with volunteers

• Partnering with local organisations and councils

• Attending training

• Ensuring best practice and reflecting Care4Calais objectives

• Monitoring group funds and purchases

• Recording services and support provided

• Ensuring your group reflects Care4Calais’ values and messaging

What you will get

• Comprehensive training to equip you in your role; including safeguarding training, Induction Training, Activities and Distribution Training and Boundaries and Resilience Training. 

• Support from a wonderful team

• Opportunity to develop skills including casework, team management/leadership, admin, organisational, delegating, networking, funding bids, sourcing donations, and building partnerships in the sector

• Greater understanding of the UK asylum system

There are a range of activities that you can organise, including the following:

• English classes/ conversation clubs 

• Drop-ins - help with requests and signpost to support.

• Distributions - provide essential items like clothing, shoes, and toiletries. 

• Sports - activities like yoga, football etc., are a great way to improve wellbeing, and for people to connect with others.

• Trips - organise trips to places such as the park, cinema to help boost mood and give people time away from the hotel.

• Wellbeing activities - sessions like crafts and cooking are popular. 

• Workshops - help with housing once someone receives Leave to Remain; familiarise people with life in the UK.

• Events - mark specific days or holidays to get people together and celebrate. 

• Media/ Press/ Engagements - as a volunteer you may be asked to share a story for our social media or help someone with lived experience to share.

• Remote working - support with tasks such as contacting Migrant Help, helping individuals register with GPS, researching local support, or general admin. 

Care4Calais strongly encourages people with experience of the asylum system to apply, and recognises the specific value that lived experience brings to an organisation.

Hospice care for local people

Rowans Hospice is dedicated to improving the lives of people with a life-limiting illness.  We are a registered Charity, operated as a company limited by guarantee. The Board of Directors of the company are also Trustees of the Charity.

Established since 1994, our purpose is to enable support for those people in Portsmouth and Southeast Hampshire who need palliative and end of life care, irrespective of their diagnosis, ethnicity, religion, or age. Our services are provided free of charge, but each year it costs more than £7 million to continue our vital work.

Would you like to join us?

To help us in our endeavours, we need experienced members of the public to join our Board. We have a strong and committed group of Trustees, comprised of people with varied professional expertise and backgrounds. Working closely with the Hospice Senior Leadership Team, our Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the Charity and our strategic direction.

As a member of our Board, you will support and shape our work, as well as help us to achieve our key ambitions.  We want to further increase the diversity of thinking and range of skills and experience amongst our Trustees.  No previous experience as a Trustee is necessary, as we will give you all the support you need.  We are looking for people who have the capacity to contribute at Board level; who can think creatively and strategically; who share our commitment to providing high quality, compassionate care to those who need us; and who are able to devote the necessary time, effort and enthusiasm to the role.  

Currently, we are seeking to appoint up to three new Trustees and are particularly interested to hear from individuals who have senior-level Clinical; Legal; Marketing and Sales; or Finance experience.

The Board of Trustees meets at the Hospice six times a year.  Additionally, Executive and Trustee members of the Board’s sub-committees meet regularly to cover topics spanning Clinical Services; Governance; Human Resources; Income Generation; Retail; Estates and Facilities; and Finance and Audit.

Trustee roles are voluntary and unremunerated, but legitimate costs such as travel expenses can be paid.

We're recruiting two non‑executive Co‑Directors to help guide Studio Lutalica's next chapter. You won't run day‑to‑day ops; you'll bring clear, values‑led oversight so our team can focus on impact.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our Co-Directors form our board and are collectively responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Studio Lutalica. This is a non-executive role, akin to that of a trustee in a charity. You will play a crucial part in ensuring we remain true to our values, legally compliant, and financially sustainable, all while helping to steer our long-term vision. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a ground-breaking design studio and contribute to our community impact.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL DIRECTORS

Strategic Leadership + Governance

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the organisation's strategic plan.
• Act in the company's best interests and in good faith to achieve its community purposes.
• Ensure the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements for a CIC in Scotland.
• Exercise independent judgment and reasonable care, skill, and diligence in your duties.

Values and Ethics

• Champion our core values of intersectional feminism, trans inclusivity, and environmental justice in all decisions.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and wellbeing for the entire team.
• Uphold our commitment to design excellence and accessibility.

Operational Oversight

• Participate actively in quarterly board meetings and join our Governance + Finance subgroup meetings.
• Scrutinise board papers, ask critical questions, and contribute to collective decision-making.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and declare any interests in proposed transactions.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

We're specifically looking to fill expertise gaps in Finance and Fundraising + Income Generation, though we welcome a diverse range of expertise and lived experience.

Finance

• Review budgets, management accounts, and financial statements prepared by the executive team.
• Ask constructive, challenging questions and highlight risks and trade‑offs.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls and policies exist and are followed.
• Advise on the financial implications of proposed strategies, projects, or partnerships.
• Stress‑test scenarios and support sensible reserves and risk policies.
• Provide assurance that statutory filings and CIC obligations are being met by management.

Fundraising + Income Generation

• Develop and oversee the execution of an ambitious and achievable fundraising strategy in collaboration with the team.
• Identify and research potential funding sources, including trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and public sector grants.
• Provide strategic guidance on the preparation of high-quality funding applications and proposals.
• Act as a champion for Studio Lutalica, helping to build and maintain relationships with key funders and stakeholders.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on fundraising performance to the board, providing insight and recommendations.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We always welcome additional expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Governance + Policy
• Creative Practice + Client Delivery
• Communications
• Legal
• People + Culture
• Impact Data + Measurement

TIME COMMITMENT

Co-Directors are expected to attend a 90-minute board meeting each quarter. In addition, you will be expected to join at least one of the subgroups which meets regularly. The total time commitment, including meeting preparation and subgroup work, is anticipated to be around 5-6 hours per month.

WHY STUDIO LUTALICA?

Join us at Studio Lutalica, where your skills in communications and partnerships will directly contribute to creating a more inclusive world. We’re a feminist and queer-led organisation dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a workplace that values creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Fundraising advisors wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

If you are a professional fundraiser and would like to help but are short on time, we would love to hear from you even if you are unable to get deeply involved. We would appreciate one-off or ongoing advice on the phone, online or in person. We would welcome feedback on our fundraising strategy and past applications, any advice about trust and grant fundraising, and any other advice you can give. 

The Fundraising Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Thursday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely. We understand that people may not have a lot of time to give, so we want to find volunteers who could give us one-off or ongoing strategic advice and support.

If you have experience in funding strategy, writing grants for funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project that offers many rewarding opportunities for our volunteers. You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds and forest schools. 

By leading fundraising projects that explore how diverse professionals (architects, ecologists, web developers, community researchers etc.) collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that truly reflects the needs and desires of the local community. 

Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability. So you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

We're seeking up to two new trustees with charity experience and local knowledge of in Barrow-in-Furness and South Cumbria who wish to use their skills to support brilliant causes in our community through making grants.

The Sir John Fisher Foundation invests in organisations that serve needs and grow ambitions in the area around Barrow-in-Furness. Our focus is funding core costs and projects that produce sustained results in the community, arts, music and education.

Being a trustee of The Sir John Fisher Foundation is an outstanding opportunity to deepen knowledge of philanthropy and the charity sector, or to build skills in strategy, governance, impact and charity finance.

As a trustee, your role is to work with other trustees to set our strategic direction, oversee the effective running of the charity and participate in the Foundation’s grant-making decisions. This includes:

• Assessing grant applications for our main and core grants programmes
• Attending two full-day board meetings per year, in person (usually around May and November in or near Barrow-in-Furness)
• Attending two further online board meetings per year, usually for ~2 hours
• Participating in site visits to applicants and grantees
• Contributing to planning and implementing the Foundation’s strategy, working with other trustees and staff, in line with our charitable objectives
• Overseeing the financial sustainability of the charity to fund our grant-making programmes, including our investments, mainly our shareholding in James Fisher & Sons
• Supporting the Foundation’s staff team with the general management of the charity
• Ensuring the charity meets its legal obligations as set out by the Charity Commission, and effectively fulfils its general functions and duties

We are looking for trustees with the following essential skills, knowledge and personal qualities, as well as demonstrating the values of the Foundation: 

• Commitment to the Foundation’s objectives and grant-making priorities
• Knowledge of the issues faced by people living and working in our geographical priority area (Barrow-in-Furness and the surrounding area)
• Previous experience working or volunteering for a charity
• A sound understanding of the responsibilities of charity trustees (or willingness to learn)
• Understanding of charity accounts (or willingness to learn)
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills; a critical friend who can give challenge respectfully and be open to changing own views if necessary
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills
• Personal integrity and humility; discretion
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Willingness to devote the time and energy required to trustee duties

Previous board, trustee or grant-making experience is not necessary. We are actively seeking candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, and professional expertise. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our governance, enrich our decision-making and ensure that our mission is carried out equitably. We encourage applications from individuals who bring lived experiences and insights that have been historically underrepresented in leadership roles.

We encourage applications from first-time trustees whose skills and backgrounds will enhance the board in other ways, as we can provide a thorough induction, trustee buddy, training and support. Through our memberships of the Association of Charitable Foundations and Yorkshire Funders, we can provide access to relevant grant-making training opportunities and networking with grant-makers on a regional and national level.

Apply by 5pm, Sunday 11th January 2026.

Do you want to support the running of the charity that supports people in Berkshire’s hospitals?

Are you the person to develop and lead our business opportunities planning, alongside our existing trustees?

You could join the Board of the Friends of Berkshire Hospitals, a charity that improves the experience of patients, visitors, medical staff and others who work in the Royal Berkshire and Wokingham Hospitals.

Our charity grew from a Reading-only organisation set up in 1957, which itself grew from a charitable group in the 1940s. We’re now serving both Reading and Wokingham hospitals, and intend to expand our services and thus our charitable business even further: to better serve all those in the hospitals. Our expenditure in 2024 was £366k, and we have plans to expand our business and fundraising operations outside of hospital premises.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in the services we provide to those in hospitals, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

We are looking for experience of developing a business, not necessarily in the not-for-private-profit sector, identifying new opportunities and relationships, creating and implementing our new marketing strategy.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee, including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members.

Trustees are not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for no more than ten  hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification is available.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references.

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Apply Now, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom)  

About Care4Calais 

Care4Calais is a volunteer-led charity delivering essential aid and support to people seeking asylum living in the UK and Northern France. We provide direct aid and advocate for a fair asylum system, including safe routes to claim asylum.

The UK Direct Aid team delivers essential support through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and casework-style support through drop-ins. The UK Direct Aid team also provides services to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.

Volunteer Role Description

We are looking for empathetic and motivated people, who are committed to welcoming people seeking safety to join our volunteer teams across the UK. We have volunteer teams across the UK so there will be a local group you can join.

What you will receive: 

• Comprehensive training to equip you in your role; including safeguarding training, Induction Training, Activities and Distribution Training and Boundaries and Resilience Training. 

• Support from a wonderful team

• Opportunity to develop skills, including casework, networking, and interpersonal skills

• Greater understanding of the UK asylum system

As a volunteer, there is a range of activities you can choose to get involved in, depending on the area you volunteer. Some activities include:

• English classes/ conversation clubs 

• Drop-ins - help with requests and signpost to support.

• Distributions - provide essential items like clothing, shoes, toiletries. 

• Sports - activities like yoga, football etc. are a great way to improve wellbeing, and for people to connect with others.

• Trips - organise trips to places such as the park, cinema to help boost mood and give people time away from the hotel.

• Wellbeing activities - sessions like crafts and cooking are popular. 

• Workshops - help with housing once someone receives Leave to Remain; familiarise people with life in the UK.

• Events - mark specific days or holidays to get people together and celebrate. 

• Media/ Press/ Engagements - as a volunteer, you may be asked to share a story for our social media or help someone with lived experience to share.

• Remote working - support with tasks such as contacting Migrant Help, assisting individuals to register with GPS, researching local support, or general admin. 

Care4Calais strongly encourages people with experience of the asylum system to apply, and recognises the specific value that lived experience brings to an organisation.

Could you be one of our new trustees?

We currently have space on our Board for up to eight new Trustees who want to work with us to help improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.

At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact. 

You may be thinking that you don't have the experience because you haven't been a trustee before, or because charity governance isn't your field. Think again!

Here's what you DO NEED need: 

• Commitment to our vision - a world where no student is held back by their mental health

• Experience in 1 or 2 of the following areas: 

  • Current higher education students

  • Professional higher education sector expertise

  • Legal expertise 

  • Fundraising and income generation expertise

  • Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, intersectionality and anti racism expertise

  • AI and technology expertise 

  • Campaigning, advocacy, community organising and/or public affairs expertise 

  • Marketing and brand awareness expertise 

  • People and culture, HR, organisational development or leadership development expertise 

And what you DON'T need:

• Previous experience of trusteeship

• Experience in charity law or working with a charity

Both experienced and aspiring trustees have much to bring to our table: we are looking for fresh perspectives and seasoned knowledge alike.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Trustees are expected to commit to the following: 

• Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm. 

• Preparation and attendance at two board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. Board away days are in person and usually take place in Leeds. Travel expenses can be claimed.

• Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior management team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.

If appointed, you will receive the training and onboarding you need to be a confident, contributing member of the board. We are also able to provide you with a board buddy to support you in your first few months. 

So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!

How to apply?

1. For more information about the role responsibilities please follow the link

2. Download and complete our application form, which is available on the link

3. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form. 

Application process

• Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date

• Interviews: 29th or 30th January (general Trustees) or 5th February (Student Trustees) with a Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board.