Service volunteer volunteer roles in ipswich, suffolk
Who are Open Briefing
People and communities around the world have the solutions to social injustice, authoritarianism, and the climate crisis. But repressive governments, corrupt corporations, and armed groups use violence and oppression to try and silence them.
By building resistance and resilience among those challenging unaccountable power, Open Briefing supports a shared vision for a world where communities and ecosystems can thrive.
Our dual approach allows us to work at every level of civil society, from the grassroots to the global. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we join forces with grassroots activists, community groups, and social movements at risk. Working together, we strengthen their physical security, digital resilience, and collective wellbeing.
As a social impact consultancy, we provide professional support and advisory services to global nonprofits and foundations seeking to bolster their risk management, data protection, and staff care.
"To describe Open Briefing as a caring partner would be an understatement. They have consistently been at the forefront, providing invaluable support whenever we have faced security threats. Open Briefing has stood by us, offering bespoke services that have enabled us to carry out our mandate with confidence and timeliness. Their support has given us the peace of mind necessary to operate fearlessly and effectively."
Phyllis Omido, executive director of the Center for Justice Governance & Environmental Action, Kenya and Winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize
Protecting people at risk
The need for our work has never been greater. At least 300 human rights defenders and 91 journalists were killed in 2024. Many others were arrested, kidnapped, or forced into hiding.
Last year, we worked with those around the world fighting for human rights and social justice, protecting the environment and defending their communities, exposing corruption and reporting the truth, and advocating for women’s rights and reproductive justice. We supported organisations and activists at risk in 100 countries across every inhabited continent, underscoring the global scale of the challenges we face.
The number of requests for our support increased by 20% on the previous year to 575 in 2024. This represents 11 new cases every week. In response, our international team provided over 6,000 hours of direct support, a 32% increase on 2023. Roughly a third of the cases that we worked on were with individual defenders or informal collectives and 33% of all cases involved those defending their land and rivers or demanding climate action. We also trained 1,014 defenders in 112 workshops.
“I came out of my work with Open Briefing stronger. I know that because of the work I do, the security risks I face won’t go away, but I’m not as fearful. I used to doubt and question myself, but now I know what to do. I know how to manage the risks we face.”
Director, women-led human rights organisation, West Africa
Our efforts delivered measurable impact. We reduced perceived risk by 15% and achieved a remarkable 25% improvement in individuals' stated capacity to manage those risks - significantly enhancing the safety and resilience of those we served. An inspiring 84% approval rating from clients and grassroots partners underscores the meaningful difference we made, reaffirming the effectiveness and importance of our work in this complex and challenging field.
I fled into exile after being arrested and torture by police and people close to me were murdered. Open Briefing helped me when no other organisation could. I had lost hope, but their support saved my life.” Investigative journalist, Rwanda
The wider impact of our work was captured in an external impact evaluation commissioned by a donor last year, which concluded that: “The different issues around which the activists had sought support from Open Briefing were profound, serious, and challenging. The scale of the risks is such that it would not be possible for them to operate without this kind of support. The nature of the support that Open Briefing has provided is therefore highly important, and has allowed activism to continue in contexts where it might not otherwise be able to.”
Becoming fundable and findable
With demand for our support up by 66% in the past two years, we need to ensure that we have the funding and resources to direct our support wherever we are needed most.
We are proud to have built long standing partnerships with a small community of foundations who have been crucial to our success so far. But we can’t meet the current surge in demand for our support without growing this community. We need more people to know about the threats facing grassroots activists, human rights defenders, and indigenous communities around the world. We need more people to understand why physical security, digital resilience, and collective wellbeing is vital in helping them continue their work. We need more people to know about Open Briefing.
“Open Briefing's expertise has been revolutionary for our organization. They have helped us develop the tools we need to better safeguard our team and respond to safety and security risks. All of this was done in a way designed for our organisation and considering our own limitations. Doing this kind of security work should be inherent to any organisation like ours that works in vulnerable communities and sensitive areas; however, it's not always within reach.” Dylan Terrell, Founder and Executive Director, Caminos de Agua, Mexico
In May 2026, Open Briefing will come to the end of our current strategy cycle and will be looking ahead to where we need to scale our work and strengthen our impact. We need to make sure that we have the funding and resources to protect even more people, effect systemic change, and ensure the eyes of the world are on the perpetrators of attacks and reprisals.
This means we need to be findable and fundable. To date, Open Briefing has largely operated behind the scenes, building a solid reputation as a trusted ally and critical friend to grassroots activists, movements, and foundations across the globe.
Going forward, we must build our profile and widen our support base. We need to pursue innovative and creative approaches to communicating who we are and the human stories behind our work. We need to reach new audiences in order to engage and influence a wider network of donors, allies, and philanthropists across the globe. And crucially, we need to translate this work into new donations and unrestricted funding.
Key to this will be the formation of our first Development Board. We are looking to achieve a step change in our fundraising, help us build our audience, develop exciting communications and support us in ways we haven’t even thought of yet!
Could this be you?
- Are you passionate about bringing your skills, expertise, and networks to a dynamic global non-profit?
- Are you excited about collaborating with us to help protect people and communities on the frontlines of the fight against social injustice, authoritarianism, and the climate crisis?
- Do you have bold ideas for how Open Briefing could be more findable and fundable? Can you help us translate your ideas and our ambitions into creative, impactful strategies that could lead to new funding and resources for our security and wellbeing work?
- Are you disinterested in ‘talking-shop Boards? Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills, creativity, voice and connections in a way that will directly power our fundraising and communications work - making introductions to your network, brainstorming around key challenges, and executing dynamic profile-raising events and campaigns?
We are looking for 3 - 5 people to join a dynamic, passionate and action-orientated Development Board. Previous experience as a Trustee or on a non-profit Board is not required. We are particularly interested in people with experience from the following industries:
- Communications, design, and media
- Technology
- Venture capital
- Strategy consultancy
- Fundraising, philanthropy, events, and giving circles.
We are asking potential members to commit to an initial one-year term and to be available to meet online on a monthly basis, with engagement between as necessary.
If this sounds like you, please tell us what makes you excited about the role and upload your CV. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.
We would love to talk!
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.
We believe that every child should have access to a quality education at a safe, inclusive school, with the opportunity to become a truly global citizen… do you too?
It’s an incredibly exciting time at African Adventures Foundation as we develop the vital programmes we deliver at the 34 partner schools we work with in Ghana, Kenya, and Zanzibar.
We have ambitious plans to help drive greater impact at our partner schools, and are looking to strengthen our existing Trustee Board that’s full of energy and experience!
Do you have experience in charity governance, delivering projects in an African culture and context, or delivering WASH or female empowerment/education/menstrual health programmes?
If so, read on… we’d be keen to hear from you about becoming one of our amazing volunteer trustees!
Introduction to African Adventures Foundation
African Adventures Foundation is a registered charity set up in 2013 to provide support to 34 schools in developing areas of Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.
These schools provide education, health and food security, and social support to young people whose access to these basic services would otherwise be very limited. African Adventures Foundation helps by funding food security programmes, the construction of important school facilities, and hygiene projects that will benefit children’s health and education.
Our mission is to provide more children with a quality education and better opportunities in life.
All trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing its management and operation. They must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements.
Trustee Responsibilities:
The role of a Governance & Delivery Trustee is to ensure the Foundation complies with its charity obligations, maximise impact through effective in country project delivery, and bring valuable insight into the specific cultural and operational context of working in Africa.
We are looking for two Trustees to bring specific expertise to the overall Trustee Board alongside the Chair, Fundraising, and Treasurer Trustee positions.
Governance (role specific)
● Understand and represent the needs of the charity’s governing framework on behalf of the Chair and board.
● Recommend relevant changes or documentation, and identify any areas od noncompliance to be addressed within improvement plans.
● Act as spokesperson and figurehead for African Adventures Foundation internally and externally concerning our charity governance.
Delivery (role specific)
● Contribute to governance, approval, and impact assessment processes at board level for the successful delivery of Foundation projects.
● Provide best practice advice, support, and oversight to the projects being delivered on behalf of the board as required.
Context & Culture (role specific)
● Bring experience, knowledge and good judgement relating to the culture and context of the communities and territories we operate in.
● Bring an understanding of delivering charitable projects in an African educational context to board level.
● Bring an understanding to Trustee Board level, of delivering WASH programmes and Female empowerment, education, and menstrual health projects.
General (all Trustees)
● Support and provide advice on AAF’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities while working alongside the trustee Board, founder, and African Adventures personnel.
● Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation, adding to overall good charity governance.
● Support broad decision-making, risk management, and charity planning through a range of platforms and processes.
● Keep abreast of changes in AAF’s operating environment through your external experience.
● Be fully prepared to attend, participate and contribute in Board meetings and Trustee events.
● Act as AAF ambassador applying your skills, experience and knowledge in a range of scenarios including government, fundraising and networking events.
● Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect African Adventures Foundation’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
● Support the Chair with administrative tasks as required.
What we are looking for:
● Attention to detail.
● A good knowledge of charity governance and willingness to challenge.
● A good understanding of delivering charity/NGO projects.
● A good understanding of operating and/or overseeing delivery in an African culture and context.
● Background in WASH and/or female empowerment, education, and menstrual health projects.
Essential qualities and attributes of all our trustees
● Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees, and to act in the organisation's best interests.
● Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
● Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions.
● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
● Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
● Willingness to lead according to African Adventures Foundation’s values.
● Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
Terms of appointment
● Trustees are appointed for a 2-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 6 years.
● This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Time commitment (estimated at one day every month)
● Attending quarterly Trustee Board meetings. Currently, these are alternating between online and in-person at HQ near Southampton, UK.
● Flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue and Trustee comms
● Attending occasion workshops and fundraising & networking events as per availability.
We are looking for people to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and broaden the diversity of thought within our board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Springboard Youth Academy is seeking a qualified accountant to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer.
About Springboard
Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people whose needs can't be met in mainstream schools.
Refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have made the difficult journey to the UK – especially those who come alone – are saddled with many challenges common to starting a life somewhere new. Though they are required to enroll in school, more often than not, they aren’t provided with the language and psychological support necessary to succeed in their new circumstances. They are simply not set up to thrive. Coupled with budget cuts to tailored learning provision in schools, these young people often miss their chance to progress at a natural pace and to reach their fullest potential.
As educators, service providers and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps develop young people’s English language skills whilst addressing their psychological and social needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in London.
We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood.
About the Opportunity
Role Title: Treasurer
Direct Report:Works closely with the Chair, Director and the Board of Trustees.
Background: Finance, Strategy and Governance, Fundraising, Legal, Risk.
Role Summary
The Treasurer will be required to:
-
Monitor the financial standing of the charity and report to the Board and Director regarding cash-flow forecasting, income streams, out-going expenses and the overarching strategic management of the organisation’s financial resources.
-
Oversee the charity’s financial risk-management process and report financial health to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals.
-
Act as a counter signatory on cheques and applications to funders and ensure that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion.
-
Liaise with external auditors as required on financial issues and ensure that the organisation's finances are responsibly managed/invested for the betterment of the organisation’s work and for the beneficiaries it serves.
See attached for the full role description and person specification.
Time Commitment
In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of four hours per month to the charity, for example to be involved in fundraising, interviews and business plans, etc. We will also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role.
Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond on email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier.
Values
We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and inclusive education, as well as our commitment to working with, for and alongside refugee communities. We are keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us scale up. We’re looking for people who can think strategically and creatively, work collaboratively and want to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education sector.
We are committed to nurturing a Board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care.
Application Process
Please send your CV and a brief, half-page cover letter outlining why you would be a brilliant Treasurer for Springboard Youth Academy and what excites you about our work by midnight on 26th April.
Please get in touch with us for alternative application formats if you have any accessibility requirements.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Springboard Youth Academy is seeking a qualified accountant to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer.
About Springboard
Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people whose needs can't be met in mainstream schools.
Refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have made the difficult journey to the UK – especially those who come alone – are saddled with many challenges common to starting a life somewhere new. Though they are required to enroll in school, more often than not, they aren’t provided with the language and psychological support necessary to succeed in their new circumstances. They are simply not set up to thrive. Coupled with budget cuts to tailored learning provision in schools, these young people often miss their chance to progress at a natural pace and to reach their fullest potential.
As educators, service providers and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps develop young people’s English language skills whilst addressing their psychological and social needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in London.
We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood.
About the Opportunity
Role Title: Treasurer
Direct Report:Works closely with the Chair, Director and the Board of Trustees.
Background: Finance, Strategy and Governance, Fundraising, Legal, Risk.
Role Summary
The Treasurer will be required to:
-
Monitor the financial standing of the charity and report to the Board and Director regarding cash-flow forecasting, income streams, out-going expenses and the overarching strategic management of the organisation’s financial resources.
-
Oversee the charity’s financial risk-management process and report financial health to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals.
-
Act as a counter signatory on cheques and applications to funders and ensure that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion.
-
Liaise with external auditors as required on financial issues and ensure that the organisation's finances are responsibly managed/invested for the betterment of the organisation’s work and for the beneficiaries it serves.
See attached for the full role description and person specification.
Time Commitment
In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of four hours per month to the charity, for example to be involved in fundraising, interviews and business plans, etc. We will also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role.
Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond on email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier.
Values
We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and inclusive education, as well as our commitment to working with, for and alongside refugee communities. We are keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us scale up. We’re looking for people who can think strategically and creatively, work collaboratively and want to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education sector.
We are committed to nurturing a Board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care.
Application Process
Please send your CV and a brief, half-page cover letter outlining why you would be a brilliant Treasurer for Springboard Youth Academy and what excites you about our work by midnight on 26th April.
Please get in touch with us for alternative application formats if you have any accessibility requirements.