Senior advice volunteer volunteer roles in Lewisham, london

Senior Policy Advisor

Youth Advantage UK

Remote

Unpaid role, expenses not paid

Voluntary

Job description

Youth Advantage UK (YAUK) is seeking a Volunteer Senior Policy Advisor to support its Long-Term Research & Policy Team in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to grow its impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring research developed by YAUK can be moulded into policy positions capable of influencing and informing policy makers. Working closely with the Heads of Policy, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to develop convincing narratives to achieve the aims of the organisation. They will should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

•    Taking raw research and developing a convincing narrative that will convince policy makers to take action based on our evidence-based recommendations.
•    Develop recommendations for policy makers based on evidence and aligning with the political priorities of the targeted policy makers.
•    Work effectively with members of YAUK’s research team to turn their research into succinct policy documents.
•    To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategic policies and focus.
•    Support the Head of Policy in delivering the policy team’s wider goals and priorities.
•    Aid junior policy colleagues in completing their work and provide direction in support of the Head of Policy.
•    To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Team in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.
•    Support the creation of blogs and articles on policy related issues and to support with the development of academic articles and reports.
•    Ensure that policy documents developed by the team are of high quality and present YAUK and its work in a good light.
•    To find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

Requirements:

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

Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in influencing policy makers.
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible working hours.

Chair of the Board of Trustees recruitment

Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Havering (RBH)

Age UK RBH is seeking an outstanding leader to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees, guiding our charity through its next phase of growth, resilience, and impact for older people across our three boroughs.

About Us

Age UK RBH is a trusted local charity supporting older people across Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, and Havering. We deliver vital services that promote independence, wellbeing, and dignity—from advice and information to social activities, home support, and specialist care. With a strong reputation for quality and compassion, we are proud to be a lifeline for older residents and their families.

The Role

As Chair, you will:

· Provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and accountability.

· Champion our mission and values, safeguarding the charity’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and measurable impact.

· Support and challenge the Chief Executive and senior team, acting as a critical friend and strategic partner.

· Represent Age UK RBH externally, building partnerships with funders, local authorities, and community organisations.

· Ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and operationally strong, delivering excellence for older people.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a visionary leader with:

· Experience of chairing boards or holding senior governance roles.

· Strong understanding of charity governance, financial stewardship, and risk management.

· Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire confidence across diverse stakeholders.

· Commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity.

· Passion for improving the lives of older people and strengthening communities.

What We Offer

· The opportunity to shape the future of a respected local charity.

· A collaborative, committed Board and senior team.

· The chance to make a tangible difference to thousands of older people across East London.

Time Commitment

This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The Chair is expected to commit around 2–3 days per month, including Board meetings, sub-committees, and external representation. There are six Board of Trustees Meetings usually on a Friday afternoon and additional training days as required.

How to Apply

If you believe you can bring strategic vision, governance expertise, and a deep commitment to older people, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a short supporting statement (no longer than 2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability to 

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Interviews: week beginning 9th February

For more information please email:

Alima Qureshi, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Andreea Albu, Chief Executive

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

We are seeking a Director and Chair of Trustees Designate to help shape the future direction of our organisation. We are looking for an individual with proven senior leadership experience - ideally, though not necessarily, within the third sector - who can bring strong strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.

Three Board Member vacancies at Freedom from Torture

Freedom from Torture is dedicated to healing and protecting people who have survived torture. We provide therapies to improve physical and mental health, we medically document torture, we provide health assessments and liaise with GPs, and we provide legal and welfare help. We expose torture globally, we fight to hold torturing states to account, and we advocate for fairer treatment of torture survivors in the UK.

We campaign for national and global change, using evidence from our services and survivor voices to protect and promote survivors' rights and hold torturing states to account. We are proud to play a significant role in the global anti-torture movement. Survivors, active and empowered, are at the centre of all of our work.

We are seeking to recruit three new Board members to join our committed Board of Trustees. We are looking for candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

▪ Clinical Leadership with substantial leadership experience in NHS or charity trauma services;

▪ Transformation expertise at senior level, whether in a service context or a broader organisational setting;

▪ Digital/ data expertise, strong experience in digital platforms and data analytics, with awareness of emerging technologies to help deliver services and increase organisational effectiveness;

▪ People leadership expertise having led strategic HR and organisational culture change initiatives.

We are committed to achieving a diverse Board and would be particularly interested to hear from those with experience in one or more of these areas who also have direct experience of torture, the asylum system or overcoming personal adversity and/or who come from Black, Asian, ethnic minority and/or other under-represented groups.

We provide an extensive induction for all new Trustees and gladly offer training and capacity-building opportunities, as required.

These are volunteer roles appointed for 3 years and renewable for an additional 2 terms. While the roles are unpaid, travel expenses and childcare costs will be reimbursed.

Freedom from Torture is committed to exemplary safeguarding practice, and we require an enhanced DBS check for these roles.

For more details of these opportunities, including how to apply, please see our candidate pack.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lambeth Links in their search for their CEO.

Lambeth Links is a small charity with a big ambition: to be a central point of rallying, communication and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ Community who live, work and socialise in Lambeth – the largest borough in London. The organisation aims to strengthen the links between individuals and groups while also highlighting the many issues that continue to adversely affect the community.

Lambeth has a deep and rich history of LGBTQIA+ activism. From being home to founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to hosting Europe’s first EuroPride in Brixton in 1992, the borough has long been the beating heart of the LGBTQIA+ Community. Lambeth Links exists to continue that legacy of championing collective voice and driving forward change.

As CEO, you will lead the operational and strategic running of the charity, make sure that the organisation runs well every day and that it has the people, systems and income to grow.

The ideal candidate will have :

• Significant experience of leading at senior level in a charity, social enterprise, public or community organisation. This might be as a Chief Officer, Director or Head of a significant function with clear accountability for people, budgets and organisational performance.
• Experience of working directly with or supporting a Board of Trustees or similar governing body, including preparing papers, giving honest advice and implementing decisions.
• Experience of organisational development or change, for example improving systems, structures, culture or ways of working in a small organisation.
• Understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people, including those who are Black or from other communities of colour, disabled people and people with insecure immigration status, and a commitment to intersectional practice.

​​​​How to Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on 21/12/2025:

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. 
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role. Please explain how you meet the essential criteria and give one or two examples that show how you have already operated at, or very close to, Chief Officer level. For example, leading an organisation or major function, managing whole organisation budgets or income plans, or steering a Board or governing body through a key decision. 
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Bring your senior-level expertise to a committed and forward-thinking Board.

Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support, thanks to the talents and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and trustees. By listening to and working alongside people who face difficulties because of their criminal records, we have built a strong track record of identifying problems, developing solutions, and turning those solutions into real change. We also influence national policy and drive systemic reform.

We are now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our engaged and committed board.

About the role

Trustees play a crucial part in shaping Unlock’s leadership, strategic direction, and governance. As Chair, you will work in partnership with the Chief Executive to provide clear and inclusive leadership, ensuring that the board operates effectively and that the organisation remains focused on its charitable purpose. You will help the board set strategy, scrutinise performance, uphold good governance, and support the CEO and senior team to deliver Unlock’s mission.

 About you

We would love to hear from you if you can bring the following attitudes and skills:

· Experience as a trustee and of working with or managing senior leaders.

· A willingness to offer advice to staff when needed, and to get involved practically where appropriate.

· A strong commitment to Unlock’s vision, values, and mission.

· Experience in the charity sector is helpful but not essential. If you have the right leadership qualities and a passion for our work, we will provide support to help you step confidently into the role. So if you’re new to the voluntary sector, please don’t let that discourage you from applying.

· We are committed to increasing diversity across Unlock, including within our board. We particularly welcome applications from people who have themselves faced and overcome the disadvantages associated with a criminal record.

If you’re energised by the prospect of helping to lead a small criminal justice charity with an impressive national impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Join us – Independent Age is looking for new trustees!

Would you like to use your skills and experience to help us end poverty in later life? Independent Age is the only national charity focused solely on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We currently achieve impact through three key activities: advice and support, grant-making, and policy, influencing and campaigning. This year, we have supported over 20,000 people who called our helpline and identified over £6.5 million in unclaimed benefits. We have awarded £3 million in grants, enabling local organisations to reach even more older people living in financial hardship. We also successfully campaigned for the Winter Fuel Payment to be restored to a large number of older people who rely on it, and to improve protections for older renters through the Renters’ Rights Act and the Housing (Scotland) Act.

We are looking to appoint several new trustees to our Board. We are interested in hearing from people who are concerned about the growing impact of poverty in later life on our society, and can bring us any of the following skills or experience:

•  finance

•  fundraising

•  brand / marketing / engagement

•  business development / transformation / innovation / technology.

Every day at Independent Age, we hear from older people who don’t have enough money for a decent standard of living. While they are resourceful, careful and resilient, and employ many tactics to make their low-income work for them, life is hard.

The people who engage with us are part of a group of two million older people living in poverty and a further million living with precarious financial security. Concerningly, our research shows that this number could rise to four million by 2040, without effective policy interventions. This projection must not become a reality.

Certain groups of people aged 65 and over are at greater risk of financial hardship, including one person households, women, people from racially minoritised groups, private renters, carers and people with long-term conditions or disabilities. We particularly encourage applications from people who have backgrounds, characteristics or perspectives that align with any of these priority groups. We’d also like to encourage applications from candidates outside the south-east of England and, in particular, from Scotland.

Previous trustee experience is not necessary because you would be joining a strong, experienced Board and we can provide mentoring and support. The time commitment will be around 1-1.5 days a month on average, focused around the quarterly cycle of board and committee meetings. Trustee roles are not paid. However, we want to help overcome the barriers some people might face to becoming a trustee. We pay reasonable travel, accommodation, subsistence and the cost of care provision for children and dependents when acting on behalf of the charity. Some of these costs can be paid upfront by the charity, if needed. We also pay reasonable costs associated with attending the initial interview.

How to apply

Further information and details on how to apply can be found in our Application Pack, which is included below.  A Basic DBS check is required for trustee roles in line with our safeguarding policy. 

The deadline for applications is Sunday 18 January. 

Become a Trustee of Young Citizens and help light the spark of active citizenship for children and young people 

With citizenship education set to become statutory in primary schools, votes at 16 on the horizon, and growing concern about the health of our democracy, this is a pivotal moment to join Young Citizens as a Trustee. 

For over 35 years, Young Citizens has helped children and young people understand society, engage in democracy and make a positive impact in their communities. Through flagship programmes like The Big Legal Lesson, The Big Democracy Lesson, the Make a Difference Challenge and the National Mock Trial Competitions, we bring citizenship to life in classrooms and communities across the UK – reaching 300,000+ young people every year. 

Our five-year strategy, Lighting the Spark, is focused on making sure every young person in the UK experiences powerful, practical and immersive citizenship learning. As a Trustee, you will help shape this next phase of growth, strengthen our financial sustainability, and ensure we make the most of the opportunities ahead.

This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) and a chance to play a strategic part in strengthening UK democracy through education. 

Role Snapshot 

• Shape Young Citizens’ strategic direction and monitor performance 
• Ensure compliance with charity law and our governing document 
• Safeguard the charity’s values, reputation, and financial integrity 
• Oversee effective use of resources and long-term sustainability 
• Support and advise the CEO, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives 
• Act as an ambassador, promoting Young Citizens and building relationships with partners, funders, and supporters 

Why join as a Young Citizens Trustee? 

Being a Young Citizens trustee is a strategic and deeply rewarding opportunity. You will: 

• Help steer a national charity at a pivotal moment for citizenship education and democracy 
• Collaborate with fellow trustees bringing expertise in education, law, finance, communications, governance, and public affairs 
• See our impact first-hand by attending key events such as programme launches and the National Finals of our competitions 
• Support a small but highly skilled staff team (around 13 colleagues across the UK) and a network of 1500+ professional volunteers 
• Contribute to decisions on resource investment, digital development, programme growth, and deepening impact 

In short, you’ll help ensure hundreds of thousands of young people every year gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in society. 

What We Are Looking For 

We’re seeking two trustees who can help Young Citizens expand our reach, influence, and financial resilience. You don’t need prior trustee experience, we provide a full induction, safeguarding training, and ongoing support.

We’re especially interested in those with expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Citizenship teaching or school leadership – understanding how schools work and how to embed civic learning and active citizenship across the curriculum. 
• Marketing, communications and influencing – building brands, running campaigns, shifting perceptions and engaging educators, young people and supporters. 
• Business growth, strategic partnerships and business development – scaling organisations, securing strategic partnerships and growing mission-aligned income streams. 
• Digital transformation or innovation – using digital tools, products or platforms to grow impact. 
• Fundraising and income generation – philanthropy, trusts and foundations, corporate fundraising or individual giving. 

We continue to welcome applications from those experienced in leadership, public service, law, finance, policy or youth engagement.

If you’re ready to help steer a national charity at a pivotal moment for citizenship education, influence strategy and strengthen UK democracy through education, we’d love to hear from you!

Role Requirements 

The role requires around 4–6 hours per month, including preparation and engagement between meetings. Trustees attend four board meetings a year at our St Paul's office (usually weekday evenings), monthly online finance updates, and an annual Away Day. Appointments are for an initial three-year term, with potential renewal. While day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and senior team, trustees hold ultimate responsibility for governance and compliance.

To learn more about the role and the application process, please refer to the job pack for full details. 

This is an exciting opportunity for passionate, innovative individuals to join our small but dynamic charity and make a lasting difference for people affected by alopecia.​Alopecia UK is a national charity with a vision for a world where people affected by alopecia live the life they want. The charity’s mission is to offer support, community and education to improve the lives of those with alopecia.

We are seeking talented trustees to strengthen our strategic leadership and support smooth succession as current trustees reach the end of their terms. This is an ongoing recruitment process, and we welcome applications at any time, particularly from those with expertise in the following areas:

• Charity fundraising: Leadership in a fundraising environment, ideally within the charity sector.
• Communications & Marketing: Senior communications or marketing role, with strong audience engagement insight.
• Legal: Experience providing legal advice at a senior level, preferably with charity or governance exposure.
• Dermatology in the NHS: Experience of treating patients with alopecia, with a deep knowledge of clinical pathways and related challenges in primary and secondary care.

About Alopecia UK

Founded in 2004, we work to help adults, young people and children affected by alopecia. This includes those with alopecia, as well as their loved ones. We are a small charity, with an annual income under £500,000, working nationally across the UK. Despite being small, we are the largest alopecia charity in the UK and have big ambitions to continue our growth and development, reaching more people than ever before. We agreed a new strategy in May 2025, and are committed to our key goal, which is to increase our reach, particularly in the communities that haven’t yet found us.

We have a fantastic and dedicated staff team (5.4 FTE) and board of Trustees. We also rely upon the generosity of volunteers, many of whom have personal experience of alopecia themselves. Alopecia UK receives no statutory funding from the government and is funded by community fundraising, donations, funding grants, and corporate partnerships.

​Alopecia UK Trustee Board

The Alopecia UK Trustee Board are a group of dedicated volunteers who are committed to Alopecia’s aims.

The Trustee Board meets four times a year (two face-to-face meetings and two virtual meetings). Face-to-face meetings tend to be held on Saturdays from approximately 10am-4pm. Virtual meetings tend to be held midweek from approximately 6.30-8.30pm.

Trustees are encouraged to participate in charity campaigns and attend flagship events, e.g., our Big Weekend and Alton Towers trip. Trustees are not paid, but out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed. Trustees serve at least three years
 

Lead with Legacy: Become a Multi-Cadet Unit Manager (Deputy Area Officer)

Ranger Cadets is calling visionary leaders to step forward.

We are seeking Multi-Cadet Unit Managers (Deputy Area Officers) to guide and inspire cadet units across an area of England local to where you live.

About Ranger Cadets:

Ranger Cadets is a new uniformed youth work organisation dedicated to equipping young people with essential life skills, tools, and opportunities to become active citizens who make a positive contribution to society. Through training, service, and ceremonial identity, cadets grow in confidence, resilience, and pride—building a legacy of community impact.

Your Mission:

• Command with dignity: Manage at least two cadet units, ensuring weekly training and ceremonial excellence.

• Mentor with purpose: Support the training and shadowing of new volunteers, guiding them into the Ranger Cadets tradition. Especially Officers In Charge of Cadet Units (Cadet Unit Managers), giving your advice and experience.

• Inspire with vision: Shape the future of young people through leadership, service, and community engagement.

Your Path to Advancement:

After 12 months of service, you’ll have the opportunity to rise in rank to Area Manager (Area Officer). In this role, you will:

• Lead a group of cadet units.

• Support, guide, and empower Cadet Unit Managers (Officers in Charge).

• Carry forward the ceremonial identity and community mission of Ranger Cadets.

Why Volunteer as a Multi-Cadet Unit Manager?

• Step into a senior leadership role within a growing national movement.

• Gain mentorship and management experience while shaping new volunteers.

• Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and your community.

• Be part of a tradition that values honour, service, and legacy.

Call to Action:

If you’re ready to lead multiple units, mentor new volunteers, and rise through the ranks, the Ranger Cadets need you. Become a Deputy Area Officer—your journey to Area Manager begins here.

RANGER CADETS 

#PreparedForLife

Could you lead the national conversation on international students in the UK? 

We’re looking for an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to lead an influential charity at the centre of international student policy and practice, helping to shape the future of international student experience in the UK at a critical time for the UK’s international education policy. 

UKCISA is the UK’s national body supporting international students and the professionals who work with them. Our expert advice, guidance, training and advocacy helps to ensure that every international student studying in the UK has the best possible experience. As Chair, you will guide a committed Board of Trustees, ensuring strong governance and effective decision-making. You will work closely with the Chief Executive to set UKCISA’s strategic direction, safeguarding its mission and ensuring it continues to innovate and deliver value for members and students. 

You will be a prominent ambassador for UKCISA, representing the organisation externally and building relationships with sector leaders, government, and partner organisations. Your leadership will help ensure that the perspectives of international students are reflected in policy development at a government and institutional level. 

We are looking for an experienced charity trustee with executive leadership experience in the UK education sector. You will bring credibility, vision, and a commitment to international education, inspire confidence and command respect across our stakeholders, and lead with integrity and compassion. You will be supported by an experienced and knowledgeable team of staff and trustees, passionate about the international student experience and the objectives of our organisation.

• Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed) 

• Location: UK-based, with travel to meetings and events. 

• Time Commitment: Four Board meetings per year (plus preparation), regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and representing UKCISA at external events. 

• Term: Three years, renewable for two more terms plus one year. Starting summer 2026. 

Applications close at 10 am on Monday 12 January 2026. Download the recruitment pack for details on how to apply. 

Become a Young Trustee of Young Citizens and help light the spark of active citizenship for children and young people!

With citizenship education set to become statutory in primary schools, votes at 16 on the horizon, and growing concern about the health of our democracy, this is a pivotal moment to join Young Citizens as a Young Trustee.

For over 35 years, Young Citizens has helped children and young people understand society, engage in democracy and make a positive impact in their communities. Through flagship programmes like The Big Legal Lesson, The Big Democracy Lesson, the Make a Difference Challenge and National Mock Trial Competitions, we bring citizenship to life in classrooms and communities across the UK – reaching 300,000+ young people every year.

Our five-year strategy, Lighting the Spark, is focused on making sure every young person in the UK experiences powerful, practical and immersive citizenship learning. As a Young Trustee, you will help shape this next phase of growth, strengthen our financial sustainability, and ensure we make the most of the opportunities ahead.

This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) and a chance to play a strategic part in strengthening UK democracy through education.

Role Snapshot: 

• Contribute to shaping Young Citizens’ strategic direction and monitoring performance
• Help ensure compliance with charity law and our governing document (training provided)
• Safeguard the charity’s values, reputation, and financial integrity
• Support effective use of resources and long-term sustainability
• Work with fellow trustees to advise and support the CEO
• Act as an ambassador for Young Citizens, promoting our mission and building connections

Why join as a Young Trustee?

• Play an important role in guiding a national charity at a critical time for civic education.
• Bring your perspective as a young person to Board discussions - your lived experience matters.
• Gain governance experience, develop leadership skills, and learn how charities operate.
• Receive full induction, safeguarding training, and ongoing support, including a mentor trustee.

In short, you’ll help ensure hundreds of thousands of young people every year gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in society.

What We Are Looking For

We’re looking for young trustees who bring fresh ideas, big-picture thinking, and a collaborative spirit. You’ll approach the role with openness and integrity, ready to learn, grow, and champion Young Citizens beyond the boardroom.

We welcome applications from young people aged 18–25 who are passionate about active citizenship and youth voice. You do not need prior board experience - training and support will be provided. We’re looking for potential, and learning as you go is part of the role. If you have experience or interest in any of the following areas, that’s great (but not essential):

• Citizenship education or youth engagement
• Marketing, communications, or influencing
• Business growth and partnerships
• Digital innovation or technology
• Fundraising and income generation

We also welcome diverse experiences or educational backgrounds, including leadership, public service, law, finance, policy, or community involvement.

If you want to play an active role in guiding strategy and making decisions that matter, ensuring hundreds of thousands of young people every year have the skills and confidence to engage fully in society, we’d love to hear from you!

Role Requirements

The role requires around 4–6 hours per month, including preparation and engagement between meetings. Trustees attend four board meetings a year (usually weekday evenings in London), monthly online finance updates, and an annual Away Day. Appointments are for an initial three-year term, with potential renewal. While day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and senior team, trustees hold ultimate responsibility for governance and compliance. 

To learn more about the role and the application process, please refer to the job pack for full details.

Hackney Migrant Centre (HMC) is seeking to recruit a Chair to support our work and  ensure financial and organisational stability as we implement our newly developed Strategic Plan for 2025-2028. Our current Chair is stepping down at the end of her three-year term. We have recently appointed a new Vice-Chair, an experienced Treasurer in post for over a year, and our CEO has now been in post for over 18 months, providing continuity and stability in leadership. This is an opportunity for someone with previous Board experience to coordinate and lead the Board of Trustees and make an important contribution to the work of this well-respected local charity at a crucial time in its development.

HMC was established in 2007 to provide advice and support to migrants to help them overcome problems with their immigration status and in accessing services. We welcome all migrants, regardless of immigration status or nationality. With the help of a team of professional advisors and volunteers, we delivery immigration, housing and welfare advice and provide a range of holistic advocacy and support services in a community setting. We work to support visitors to address urgent problems they are facing, and address long term challenges relating to insecure immigration status, homelessness and destitution.

As the external environment for migrants has become increasingly challenging and funding pressures have intensified, we have had to review and adapt the scope of our work. Over the past two years, the staff team has reduced to a team of five, with most roles being part-time. We now have an annual budget of just over £300,000 and are in the process of reviewing what we can realistically achieve, as well as how we can become more resilient and financially sustainable.

We welcome applications from people from a range of backgrounds and experience who would be happy to take up this exciting challenge. We are particularly keen to recruit trustees with lived or learned experience of migration to the UK.

If you would like to be considered, please apply by Monday 2 February 2026, attaching a CV and a brief statement outlining why you are interested in the role and what you could bring to it (no more than two sides of A4). 

See the job description below for further details and for more information about our website.

Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your application!

Could you be our new Chair?  

Our fantastic Chair’s tenure will be coming to an end in 2026, so we are looking to appoint her successor to help Student Minds 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. 

We are open-minded about the professional background of this individual and are mostly looking for someone with experience of leading effective, inclusive teams, of chairing complex organisations or meetings, and in building influential cross-sector partnerships.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Chair is 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 in-person board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. These usually take place in Leeds and include a lunchtime or evening social.

• Monthly supervision calls with the Chief Executive

• Annual in-person appraisal of the Chief Executive 

• Support with board appraisals and recruitment 

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

• Attendance at relevant task-group meetings and/or committees.

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 download our recruitment pack that is linked

2. Download and complete our application form which is available via 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: 27th January, with our Chair, Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board