Service volunteer volunteer roles in manningtree, essex
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!
Join us as Dog A.I.D.'s new Honorary Secretary and you would be joining the Board at an exciting time as we have launched the charity’s Strategic Plan with a new CEO supported by a small but strong team, which we will be building further this year. As Honorary Secretary you would be using your skills and experience to support the leadership and strategic direction of our charity as we look to achieve ambitious strategic growth targets over the coming years, becoming a larger, more robust charity with increased profile and reach.
Dog A.I.D. empowers physically disabled people by coaching them to train their own pet dog to become an accredited Assistance Dog. By focusing on the existing pet/owner bond, outcomes for our clients include:
· increased independence and self-confidence
· improved mental well-being
· reduction in social isolation
· reduced reliance on family members and/or carers.
· increased opportunities, with many of our clients being able to return to work or education, supported by their accredited Assistance Dog.
We are looking for an active and well-organised Secretary who can provide support for our governance functions. You will be required to attend and minute online quarterly Board meetings and other ad-hoc meetings and strategic discussions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about the natural world and inspiring others to engage with it?
Join us as a Trustee at the Field Studies Council and help shape the future of environmental education.
- You can be based anywhere in the UK
- You’ll need to commit approx. 10 days a year
- It’s a voluntary position but reasonable expenses are reimbursed
About Us
Field Studies Council is an environmental education charity. For over 80 years, we've been inspiring people to understand and care for the natural world. Through our network of centres across the UK, we provide fieldwork and outdoor learning experiences for all ages — from school groups and university students to families and lifelong learners.
We are a leader in biodiversity training, the publisher of best-selling wildlife ID guides, and a champion for accessible outdoor education, particularly for disadvantaged young people. Our mission is simple but vital: to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.
Your Opportunity to Make a Difference
We’re currently looking to appoint four new Trustees to bring fresh perspectives and help us grow in diversity, representation and expertise. As a Trustee, you'll help guide and shape our charity’s future.
While the day-to-day running of our charity is handled by our staff and volunteers, the Board of Trustees plays a key role in making sure everything stays on track.
That includes overseeing our work, making big-picture decisions, and ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities. It’s an important role, but you won’t be doing it alone. You will:
- Provide strategic oversight and guidance to support our mission and values
- Use your insight and experience to influence decisions that impact tens of thousands of learners annually
- Act as an ambassador for environmental education and social inclusion
- Contribute to Board and committee meetings, and participate in key annual activities including visiting one of our field centres each year to see our work in action
- Use your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to help us innovate, grow, and reach more people
Who We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be an academic, ecologist or environmentalist to join us or have charity trustee, company director or equivalent experience — we welcome applicants from all walks of life. We are especially interested in candidates with skills in:
- Charity governance
- Finance (qualified professionals – potential Honorary Treasurer role)
- Fundraising & stakeholder engagement
- Marketing & communications
Above all, we want individuals who are:
- Passionate about equal access to outdoor learning
- Ready to speak up and bring a new perspective
- Willing to give their time and energy to support the Field Studies Council
We’re committed to building a Trustee board that is inclusive, representative, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve.
We warmly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in charity governance — including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ communities, young people, and those with lived experience of social or economic disadvantage.
If you're excited by our mission and ready to help others experience the power of nature, we’d love to hear from you.
What’s Involved
- Approx. 10 days per year commitment for an initial 3-year term (this includes board and committee meetings, and a centre visit)
- Most meetings are held virtually, with one in-person event annually
- All reasonable expenses are covered
- Appropriate training and support will be provided
Please download the Trustee Candidate Information Pack to learn more and take the next step in helping us connect people with the natural world
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a volunteer Trustee to join the Board of Trustees at WORTH to collectively oversee the administration and financial governance of the charity. The board is our governing body, providing strategy and direction and ensuring WORTH is run according to the rules.
We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with business, finance and fundraising experience in corporate or charity sectors to join us.
About WORTH
WORTH is a charity providing long term aftercare to women affected by Domestic Abuse. We offer clients 1-1 support and a range of wellbeing groups including art, writing, music and self-defence to help rebuild their confidence and self-esteem.
We provide a safe space for clients to share experiences, give and receive practical and emotional support, learn new skills, reduce isolation, build friendships, and give women their voice back. It is a space where women can focus on their future and we can support our clients in their healing, post abuse.
To be able to provide this support we rely on a great team of volunteers with a wide skill set and a whole lot of passion to enable our services to work effectively.
Our Board of Trustees play a vital role in making sure that WORTH achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management, administration and governance of the charity. They also ensure that WORTH has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the CEO to enable WORTH to grow and thrive and support more women in need.
Trustee Duties:
- Support and provide advice on WORTH's purpose, vision, goals and activities.
- Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
- Oversee WORTH's financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
- Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
- Review and approve WORTH's financial statements.
- Provide support and challenge to WORTH's CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
- Keep abreast of changes in WORTH's operating environment.
- Contribute to regular reviews of WORTH's own governance.
- Attend regular Trustee Board meetings and be adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
- Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect WORTH's interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
- Contribute to the broader promotion of WORTH's objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Trustee Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising meeting papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
What we are looking for
We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking and skills on our Board of Trustees. We are particularly interested in candidates with business, finance and fundraising experience.
Previous governance experience is preferable but not essential. The role is open to remote and local applicants.
Applicant minimum age is 18.
Personal skills and qualities
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as a Board of Trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- 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 discussion.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
- Willingness to lead according to the values of WORTH.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
- Knowledge and experience of business, finance and/or fundraising.
- An understanding of Domestic Abuse is an advantage but not essential as training will be provided.
- An understanding of client confidentiality, safeguarding, diversity and inclusivity in the services provided by WORTH.
Terms of office
- Trustees are appointed for a two year term of office, with eligibility to renew and serve for two further terms to a maximum of six years.
- This is a voluntary unpaid position.
Time commitment
- Attending a minimum of six trustee board meetings annually, meetings are held remotely via Zoom once every two to three months.
- Attendance at ad hoc trustee meetings in addition to the minimum six annual meetings.
There are currently two Trustee positions open.
You can expect to hear from the Chair of Trustees within three weeks of application submission.
All appointments are subject to references and DBS check.
We aspire to remove barriers and be open to all so we strongly encourage applications from individuals of Global Majority heritage and/or disabled backgrounds.
Please note, this post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact us via the WORTH website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
We’re looking for a new fundraising volunteer and/or director! Are you passionate about securing funds for grassroot organisations?
This opportunity involves overseeing Fuel Poverty Action’s fundraising plans and strategy, reaching out to donors and promoting our vital campaigns through grant bids to help end fuel poverty in the UK.
This role would require an average of 16-20 hrs per month and can be done remotely. We are also open to you joining FPA’s board of directors, subject to capacity and experience.
This offers a chance to directly contribute to tackling fuel poverty and ensuring access to affordable energy for all whilst strategizing and learning alongside great activists. If you're eager to contribute, we’d love to hear from you!
Tasks:
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Organise and manage our fundraising planning and pipeline
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Reach out to potential donors and help build relationships
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Lead on grant applications
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Work closely with the team to develop new fundraising strategies
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Contribute ideas and experience to FPA campaigns
Closing date for applications: April 20th 2025
We want warm, safe homes on a flourishing planet, where everyone has enough and resources are justly shared

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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:
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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.