Service volunteer volunteer roles in south east london, greater london
Join CARAS as Co-Chair of Trustees
Are you passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment for refugees and asylum seekers?
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is seeking a Co-Chair to join our Board of Trustees, working alongside our current Co-Chair, who has been in the role for two years and has served on the Board for nine years. Our outgoing Co-Chair will remain as a trustee, ensuring strong continuity.
About CARAS
CARAS works with people from refugee backgrounds to provide practical, educational, and social support. We build relationships, networks, and spaces that enable individuals to access what they need to improve wellbeing and safety. Our dedicated staff and volunteers offer a wide range of activities and services, creating a place of welcome and helping people recognise their skills and develop their potential.
As one of the largest providers of refugee support in South London—particularly for unaccompanied and separated children—we are proud of our agility in responding to changing needs.
The Role of Co-Chair
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Provide strategic leadership to CARAS and the Board, ensuring our mission is achieved.
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Work in partnership with the CEO, staff, and volunteers.
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Lead the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
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Strengthen the relationship between the trustees and CARAS’s team.
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Plan and chair Board meetings and the AGM (with others as appropriate).
What We’re Looking For
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Experience as a trustee (chairing experience is not essential).
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A strong sense of strategic purpose.
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Inclusive leadership skills that inspire equal participation.
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Excellent listening and engagement skills, with the ability to encourage healthy debate in a collaborative environment.
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Advocacy skills and willingness to champion CARAS’s work through personal and professional networks.
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A firm commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
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Flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of a growing charity.
We especially welcome applications from people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system, people of colour, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people.
Time Commitment
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Four evening Board meetings per year (alternating between online and at our Tooting office).
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One away day annually (usually on a weekend).
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Membership of working groups.
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Regular meetings with the Co-Chair, CEO, and other trustees.
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Occasional attendance at activities (daytime, evenings, or weekends).
How to Apply
You can also request a conversation with our current Co-Chairs, Helen Gribble and Keith McGuinness, for more information.
Closing Date
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; we encourage early submissions.
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.


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!
Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable GCSE French tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses.
What will you be doing?
Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person.
Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to GCSE French
Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.
Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What are we looking for?
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Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of GCSE French concepts and specifications. and ability to re-visit KS3 French knowledge
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Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
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Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
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Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
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Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What difference will you make?
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Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
-
Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
-
Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
What will you gain?
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Enhanced DBS will be provided
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Safeguarding Level One Training
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Skill Development opportunities
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Direct experience working with children and young people
You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.
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!
Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable GCSE English tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses.
What will you be doing?
Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person.
Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to GCSE English
Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.
Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What are we looking for?
-
Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of GCSE English concepts and specifications
-
Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
-
Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
-
Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
-
Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What difference will you make?
-
Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
-
Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
-
Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
What will you gain?
-
Enhanced DBS will be provided
-
Safeguarding Level One Training
-
Skill Development opportunities
-
Direct experience working with children and young people
You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.
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!
The Bromley Experts by Experience Treasurer will help the board of trustees carry out their financial responsibilities, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chair of Trustees and staff team in establishing strong foundations for this Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation with a view to a financially sustainable future. You will also be supporting us in developing our future approach to financial management, making the most of financial modelling, and supporting clear reporting to funders, partners and stakeholders.
The Treasurer will play a vital role, working with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chair of Trustees and staff team to help the organisation ensure sound financial records, develop income streams, and build impact reports. As part of a new, expanded board of trustees at Bromley Experts by Experience, you will provide effective financial oversight, supporting the CEO and senior staff members in developing our vision and strategy to ensure a financially sustainable future.
IMPORTANT: As a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation, our governing articles require that our staff, trustees and volunteers bring with them lived experience of disability (self-identified or otherwise). See how we define this below.
Responsibilities of the Treasurer:
- Present financial reports to the board in a format that helps fellow trustees understand X by X Bromley’s financial position.
- Advise the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities.
- Work with professional advisors and staff, as needed to oversee the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts.
- Ensure X by X Bromley activities benefit its members and beneficiaries.
- Ensure the board fulfils their duties and responsibilities for effective charity governance in line with Bromley Experts by Experience’s policies and the requirements of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
- Support and advocate for X by X Bromley’s mission, vision and values.
What we ask of you:
- The Treasurer should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months.
- The Treasurer is required to attend scheduled meetings with some ad hoc meetings where necessary.
- It is anticipated that the time commitment will be an approximate average of 2.5 hours per week. This will mainly comprise of:
- Board meeting attendance (plus preparation thereof) every 8 weeks,
- AGM attendance (plus preparation of papers and accounts),
- Supporting our annual Disability Pride event.
- Regular scheduled meetings with senior staff.
- As we are a very small charity, there could be occasions when extra time will be required (e.g. during the planning of new projects or dealing with any particular difficulties that arise), or where additional support would be appreciated (e.g. attending events, meeting members at project days).
Key Skills and Qualities:
- Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
- A belief that Disabled People can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability.
- A qualified accountant with not-for-profit awareness and knowledge. An understanding of very small charities and/or DDPOs would be advantageous.
- Competent IT skills, including working knowledge of QuickBooks and Excel.
- Ability to communicate and explain financial information accessibly.
- Strong analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating professional and independent judgement.
- A genuine interest in local communities and people.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, communicating in a way that is accessible to you.
- Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, the Treasurer role, and the financial aspects of running a charity.
- An effective team worker, contributing an independent perspective.
- Possess and demonstrate integrity, objectivity, accountability, and honesty.
- Commitment to Bromley Experts by Experience’s aims, objectives and values.
The Treasurer must be legally eligible to stand as a registered Company Director and Charity Trustee. Having had previous experience as a trustee of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.
The Treasurer will require a DBS Check to be completed.
What we mean by lived experience of disability:
As we follow the Social Model of Disability, our definition of Disabled person includes anyone who is being discriminated against or disabled by barriers in society, including:
- People with physical impairment
- People with visual impairment
- Deaf people
- People with hearing impairment
- People who are neurodivergent
- People with learning difficulties/disabilities
- People who experience mental health conditions/mental distress
- People with long-term health conditions
We recognise that a lot of these impairments are invisible and many people have more than one impairment.
We work to create inclusive and accessible communities in Bromley and beyond to enable Deaf and Disabled people to participate fully in society.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK
Time Commitment: Approx. 2–4 hours per month (may be more during start-up and registration phase)
About Us
Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire, raise awareness for important causes, and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.
We are currently recruiting our initial trustee board to help launch and register the charity.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Media Trustee to join our board and lead the charity’s media strategy and content creation. This trustee will help share the charity’s projects, expeditions, and mission with a wide audience, while having the freedom to retain their work for personal portfolio use.
Key Responsibilities
· Develop and oversee the charity’s media strategy:
· Create or advise on multimedia content (photo, video, audio, digital)
· Support engagement with media outlets and online audiences
· Advise on storytelling, branding, and public-facing communications
· Assist with reporting and media-related updates to stakeholders
· Contribute to trustee meetings and governance
· Delegate to editing volunteers within the Media Committee
· Help guide the charity through its registration and initial set-up
Person Specification & Requirements:
· Experience or interest in media production, content creation, or storytelling
· Strong communication and creative skills
· Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities
· Ability to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team
· Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board
· UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)
· 2–4 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)
· Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)
What You’ll Gain:
· Opportunity to shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch
· Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance
· Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects
· Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects
· Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team
· Permission to retain media content created for personal portfolio or professional use
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.
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 are looking for individuals who are passionate about increasing and representation for disabled families across society.
What do I have to do?
Attend meetings roughly four times a year to help steer the organisation towards its goals. And using your skill set to help grow and advance our non-profit.
Part of the fabric of Buttons & Bubbles that wherever possible people who volunteer and work with us have lived experience of disability and or illness, (including parents, carers, siblings and friends) This includes our board members.
If you would be interested in having more information about this opportunity or need the board member pack in a different format, please get in contact for an informal chat.
If you would like any reasonable adjustments to the interview process please let us know. Any information provided will be kept in the strictest confidence.
To increase inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Founded in 2011 by Sophie Hayes, a British woman trafficked into sexual exploitation, Sophie Hayes Foundation’s work has always been centred around sustainable freedom. This means freedom from exploitation, slavery, and trafficking, and also the freedom to look to the future with renewed confidence, rebuilt skills, and a sense of purpose for survivors. Our mission of sustainable freedom has continued over the last 13 years, however, the forms of exploitation, as well as the landscape of support to survivors, have changed beyond recognition. To respond to this, we launched a new strategy in 2024, which set out how we will ‘meet survivors where they are and take them to where they want to be’
Sophie Hayes Foundation aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner. The Chair plays an important part in setting the tone and bringing all stakeholders together.
Governance and Culture: As Chair, you provide appropriate leadership, oversight and support to the Board and management team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities. The Trustee Board is made up of a diverse group of people, each bringing their own ideas, skills and networks to support the executive team. A new CEO joined the charity about 18 months ago. She has worked to build a strong team and achieved a great sense of community amongst staff, volunteers and programme participants. She worked closely with the Board in the development of a new strategy, is building strong relationships with donors and supporters, and continues to oversee the management of the day to day - with an eye on both long-term needs and immediate challenges.
Development: We rely on support from foundations, key donors and the public, and as Chair, you will be an important representative of the organisation, working with the CEO and other Trustees to build and maintain strong relationships.
Advocacy: Sophie Hayes Foundation is working to improve understanding of the Modern Slavery sector, enhance understanding of the issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers. As Chair, along with other Trustees, you may be called on to assist the CEO with advocacy and to build our brand.
Commitment: We have a bold vision to increase our impact through a combination of direct programming with survivors and through advocacy to build awareness and support. You will need to have the time to contribute to our growth strategy by chairing Board meetings, supporting Committee Chairs, Board officers, and our small but mighty management team, and represent Sophie Hayes Foundation to key stakeholders.
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!
Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable A-Level Sociology tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses.
What will you be doing?
Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person.
Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to A-Level Sociology
Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.
Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What are we looking for?
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Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of A-Level Sociology concepts and specifications.
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Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
-
Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
-
Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
-
Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What difference will you make?
-
Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
-
Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
-
Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
What will you gain?
-
Enhanced DBS will be provided
-
Safeguarding Level One Training
-
Skill Development opportunities
-
Direct experience working with children and young people
You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK
Time Commitment: Approx. 2–4 hours per month (may be more during start-up and registration phase)
About Us
Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire, raise awareness for important causes, and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.
We are currently recruiting our initial trustee board to help launch and register the charity.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Communications Trustee to join our board and lead the charity’s communication strategy. This trustee will ensure the charity’s mission, projects, and stories are shared effectively with audiences, stakeholders, and partners.
Key Responsibilities
· Develop and oversee the charity’s communications strategy
· Ensure consistent messaging across all platforms and materials
· Support engagement with media, partners, and the public
· Advise on digital and social media presence
· Assist with reporting and communication to stakeholders
· Contribute to trustee meetings and governance
· Delegate to volunteers within the Communications & Fundraising committee
· Help guide the charity through its registration and initial set-up
Person Specification & Requirements
· Experience or interest in communications, PR, marketing, or media
· Strong written and verbal communication skills
· Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities
· Ability to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team
· Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board
· UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)
· 2–4 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)
· Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)
What You’ll Gain
· Opportunity to shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch
· Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance
· Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects
· Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects
· Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team
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.
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!
Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable A-Level English tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses.
What will you be doing?
Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person.
Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to A-Level English
Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.
Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What are we looking for?
-
Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of A-Level English concepts and specifications.
-
Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
-
Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
-
Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.
-
Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team
What difference will you make?
-
Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
-
Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
-
Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
What will you gain?
-
Enhanced DBS will be provided
-
Safeguarding Level One Training
-
Skill Development opportunities
-
Direct experience working with children and young people
You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.
As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.
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!
Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees as Vice Chair.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that
supports families across Suffolk. As Vice Chair, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and wider Board to
help shape our strategic direction, support strong governance and ensure we continue to meet the needs of
families in our communities.
We are specifically looking for someone with charity governance experience. You will bring a solid
understanding of how effective boards operate and feel confident supporting other trustees, offering
constructive challenge and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and strategic responsibilities.
This Vice Chair role is part of our wider trustee recruitment and we welcome applicants who bring any of the
following:
- Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
- Understanding of family support or volunteer management
- Strong networks and connections within local businesses
- Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
- A passion for making a difference in your community
Interested?
We would love to hear from you. more information and a candidate pack can be found on our website.
Closing date: This is an open and rolling recruitment
Interviews: Held as applications are received
To empower parents with the skills, knowledge and emotional resilience to raise their children to flourish
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are Coram, changing lives, laws and systems to create better chances for children, now and forever. Join our Board and be part of our bold and ambitious vision.
Applications close Monday 15th September.
Location: Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ
Who we are
Coram is the UK’s first and longest continuing children’s charity, founded as The Foundling Hospital by Thomas Coram, helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, we are a dynamic group of specialist organisations helping more than one million children, young people and families in the UK and professionals every year across children’s rights and voice, adoption and family services, education, training and professional services.
Our vision is bold and ambitious – to be the Institute for Children, driving insight into impact, creating better chances for children, child by child, and changing the odds of the next generation through research, policy and practice development.
About the role
As Treasurer, you will chair the Finance Committee to ensure robust financial management and oversight across a diverse portfolio of services. You will also join the Investment Committee, serving as a standing member of the Audit Committee, to ensure the appropriate scrutiny of risk and financial stewardship.
Your role will involve providing strategic financial guidance to support Coram’s continued growth, overseeing risk assessment processes and financial controls, and supporting the CEO and Finance Director in presenting comprehensive financial information to the Board. You’ll be instrumental in advising the trustee body on the financial implications of our strategy and policy objectives.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an experienced finance professional to provide strategic financial oversight for a dynamic charity group . We need someone with demonstrable senior finance experience and expertise in financial management and strategy at board level. You should have previous experience as a trustee or treasurer of a charity, combined with commercial acumen and board-level experience in a complex organisation.
Your background should include an understanding of group structures and organisations with diverse income streams. You will also have a strategic mindset and be genuinely aligned with Coram’s mission and values, bringing flexibility and responsiveness to the role.
You’ll be joining us at an exciting time as we develop the Coram Institute for Children and continue expanding our reach and impact across the group. This is your chance as an established finance leader to make a positive change for children in the UK and beyond.
- Time commitment
The role involves approximately 15 meetings per year, each lasting around 2 hours. This includes 4 Board meetings and 4 Finance Committee meetings, typically held in the morning. 4 Investment Committee meetings are usually held in the late afternoon, 2 Audit Committee meetings and 1 Annual Court meeting in the late afternoon or early evening. This also includes meeting and liaison with the CFO and the Group Directors.
Most meetings are held in person at our historic Coram Campus in Bloomsbury, with occasional hybrid attendance available. Meeting timings are scheduled flexibly to accommodate trustees’ availability, and we work hard to ensure the schedule works for all our volunteer trustees.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close Monday 15th September.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.

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!
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a Trustee who is passionate about arts and social
justice, who wants to make a difference and is able to compliment our
Board of Trustees, Artistic Director, and Executive Director as we work
together to develop the impact and profile of Cardboard Citizens. We
believe that the need for Cardboard Citizens is as urgent as it ever has
been with the current external environment and the challenges for our
communities with experience of homelessness and poverty.
Whilst we’d like to hear from applicants from a range of backgrounds and
experiences, we are particularly keen to hear from those with skills in any
of the following areas:
·Digital, New Media
·Communications / public relations
·Environment & Sustainability
·Development
·Strategic partnerships
The general attributes we’re looking for in potential Trustees include:
·Good judgement
·An ability to think creatively and strategically
·An ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
·Effective interpersonal skills
·An active commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
·An ability to command trust and respect
·An understanding and acceptance of a Trustee’s legal duties and
responsibilities
·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort required
What we ask of you:
·To serve an initial term of 4 years, with the possibility of re-appointment
until 8 consecutive years’ service has been reached.
·To attend 4 x 2-hour Board Meetings a year, committee meetings as
required, as well as an annual Away Day.
·To attend events, performances, workshops and other engagements, to
gain a full experience of the breadth of Cardboard Citizens work.
·To sit on one of the Board’s Committees.
·To provide specialist advice and expertise as required and appropriate.
·To advocate and champion Cardboard Citizens’ work, values, ambition,
and strategic direction.
In total, Trustees usually commit the equivalent of 10 days per annum to
their role.
What you can expect from us:
·The opportunity to help shape the future direction of a dynamic theatre
company driving social change, and be part of an active, loyal, and
engaged group of Trustees.
·Flexibility when it comes to attending meetings either in person or
remotely via video call.
·A full Trustee induction with current Trustees and permanent staff.
·Regular training and development opportunities.
·An offer of an annual 1-2-1 with the Chair.
Please note that Trustee roles are voluntary and therefore unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be covered.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you’re not sure because of,
for example, your working hours, employment status, caring
responsibilities, level of experience, socio-economic or cultural
background or access needs. We would still love to hear from you so we
can talk about any concerns.
We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with
different experiences, skills, and stories to join us and influence and
develop our working practice. By taking positive action around diversity
(as permitted in the Equality Act 2010), we will offer initial conversations
to candidates who self-identify with any of the following groups that we
have identified as underrepresented in our workforce and the wider
cultural sector:
People of African, Caribbean, South Asian, East Asian, Southeast Asian,
or mixed heritage, and others who identify as part of the Global
Majority
Candidates with lived experience of homelessness or poverty
Deaf, disabled, and/or neurodivergent candidates
LGBTQIA+ candidates
Candidates with care experience (e.g., those who have been in foster
care, residential care, or other forms of local authority care)
What to send
Either:
Letter (no more than 2 sides of A4)
OR
Video (no more than 5 minutes)
OR
Audio (no more than 5 minutes)
telling us why you are interested in the role and what skills and
experience you would bring to Cardboard Citizens
An up-to-date CV
Contact details for one referee who knows you professionally
A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form linked to the
vacancy page on our website. The information on the monitoring
forms is anonymous.
Please send your application by 26 September. Interviews will be
planned at a mutually convenient time in the week of 6 October. Please
let us know some availability when you apply.
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.
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!
Who we are
ECA offers a Social Centre that serves as a place for people to reconnect with old friends and meet new people in a secure and inviting setting. While activities are primarily aimed at elderly and vulnerable adults in the local area, the centre is open to everyone.
Our current programme includes
- Social gatherings at the Elleray Social Centre.
- Arts, crafts, educational talks, and workshops.
- Exercise Classes, Gentle fitness classes tailored for seniors, both indoor and outdoor.
- Counselling and support groups.
- Outings
Services like hairdressing, chiropody, and daily hot lunches
How we operate
The Social Centre is managed by a Centre Manager, Administrator, Activity and Volunteer Coordinator, and a cook. They are supported by a team of approximately 40 volunteers who assist in the office, gardens, café, and facilitate daily activities. The organization operates as a Charitable Company regulated by the Charities Commission and has eight Trustees on the Board of Trustees. The Trustees meet six times a year, with additional meetings as needed.
To discuss the role further, please contact the current Chair, Joan Barnett.
Chair Role Description
- Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that ECA achieves its mission.
- Work in partnership with the Centre Manager and team to achieve ECA’s mission.
- Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
- Optimise the relationship between the board and ECA’s staff and volunteers.
- Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
- Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for ECA.
What we are looking for
- Ideally previous experience of being a trustee.
- A keen sense of strategic purpose.
- Governance and committee experience in a charity or business setting.
- Strong in execution and managing transformation projects, including leading the charity in the new ECA building setting.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and ability to constructively negotiate and collaborate with various institutions, entities, and personnel.
- Affinity with and commitment to the local SW London and Teddington area.
- Business experience and awareness across finance, risk, IT, and people management, would be desirable.
- An inclusive leadership style, able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
- The ability to listen and engage effectively, comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
- In advocation, be able and willing to champion ECA’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Be available, responsive and flexible to advise, support or give consent to, as needed.
Terms of office
- Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.
- This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Time commitment
- Attending [6] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are generally held in person at the ECA building.
- Periodic meetings with the Centre Manager and management team, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad-hoc issues.
- Other meetings, including on potential strategy and other charity-related issues.
In addition to the above, the Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:
Responsibilities of all trustees
- Support and provide advice on ECA’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
- Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
- Oversee ECA’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 ECA’s financial statements.
- Provide support and challenge to the ECA’s management team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
- Keep abreast of changes in ECA’s operating environment.
- Contribute to regular reviews of the ECA’s own governance.
- Convene and attend Board meetings, and be prepared to contribute to discussions and lead on proposed outcomes.
- Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect ECA’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
- Contribute to the broader promotion of ECA’s objects, aims, and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.
Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and act in the best interests of the charity.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgment, 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 ECA values.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
The Elleray Centre
The Centre will be fully accessible, featuring a lift to the first floor. It includes a large hall that can split into two rooms and two additional activity rooms upstairs. A café and lounge will also open onto a garden with outdoor seating.
The funding for the new centre comes from Richmond Council, acknowledging ECA's local contributions over three decades. The future centre is leased from the council.
Deadline 31/10/2025
Application includes CV and brief covering letter
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.
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.
Join Design in Mental Health Network as a Trustee and help shape the future of mental health environments. Provide strategic guidance, support innovation, champion co-production, and ensure our work delivers real-world impact through inclusive, evidence-based design.
About DiMHN:
The Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN) is a UK-based charity dedicated to transforming mental health environments through inclusive, evidence-based design. Our network brings together professionals from healthcare, design, policy, and lived experience to improve mental health outcomes and create spaces that promote dignity, safety, and healing.
Role Overview:
As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of DiMHN, ensure effective governance, and champion our values. Trustees are expected to provide strategic oversight and contribute expertise to subgroups or advisory functions.
Why Join Us
Joining the Board of DiMHN presents an opportunity to shape the future of mental health environments across the UK and beyond.
You’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking community working at the intersection of design, care, and lived experience.
As a Trustee, you’ll:
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Shape strategic direction to drive meaningful change in mental health environments across the UK and beyond.
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Collaborate with a diverse network of leaders, experts, and lived experience advocates, influencing the future of mental health design.
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Provide governance and oversight that ensures the charity’s growth, sustainability, and impact.
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Champion inclusivity by elevating voices often excluded from design and decision-making processes
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Influence policy, standards, and innovation at national and international levels to embed evidence-based design in mental health care.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for people who believe in the power of design to change lives. Whether you come from healthcare, design, research, lived experience, or another walk of life, if you’re motivated by the idea of creating more inclusive, compassionate mental health environments, we want to hear from you.
We have two Trustee vacancies and warmly welcome applications from both first-time trustees and those with previous board experience.
We value fresh perspectives and offer support to help you thrive in the role. We are especially interested in individuals who can bring insight in one or more of the following areas:
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Mental Health Services & Policy: Clinical, community, lived experience, commissioning, or estates, facilities and planning.
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Digital Health & Technology: Expertise in AI, immersive tech, digital platforms, or digital strategy in care settings.
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Finance & Commercial Strategy: Income generation, business development, or financial planning in health, social impact, or design sectors.
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Research & Evaluation: Academic or applied research, impact measurement, or policy analysis.
We’re also looking for Trustees who embody our values:
At DiMHN, our work is grounded in our core values. We’re looking for Trustees who reflect these values through both mindset and action:
Be Courageous – You’re willing to ask challenging questions, confront assumptions, and help push boundaries to make mental health spaces more inclusive and compassionate.
Empathy in Design – You understand that good design starts with empathy. Whether through lived experience or professional perspective, you value collaboration and co-production with those who access mental health care and support.
Evidence-Led, Impact-Driven – You’re curious, reflective, and motivated by real-world change. You use evidence to guide decisions and are focused on outcomes that make a difference.
Improve Together – You believe in learning together. You’re generous with your skills and committed to helping the DiMHN and the wider sector grow stronger through collective action.
Send your CV and a short written or video/audio statement (max two pages or five minutes)
In your statement, tell us why you’re interested, what you’d bring, and any support you might need to thrive in the role.
The Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN) is a charity dedicated to improving the design of mental health environments.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.