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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!
Role: Trustee
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings six times a year, with reading and preparation before meetings
No Salary: Unpaid volunteer role, expenses paid
Location: Meetings held on zoom or at our head office in London SE20
Deadline: 17th May 2026
Interviews: In person in London SE20
ABOUT US
Bromley & Croydon Women's Aid (BCWA) aims to empower anyone suffering domestic abuse so they can make informed choices about their future. Our services are confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.
BCWA puts anyone who contacts us for support at the heart of decision making, so that they can gain the confidence, strength and self-respect needed to free themselves from abusive relationships
Our Ethos
BCWA believe in providing high-quality services to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. We have been working since 1975 to:
- focus on maintaining the independence, confidence and self-esteem of anyone we help
- be responsive to the needs of individuals in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way
- treat our residents, clients, staff and partners with integrity, honesty and respect.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community. Our vision is to support and empower women to create change in their lives, so that they and their children can live free from domestic abuse and improve their quality of life.
OUR SERVICES
BCWA provide a wide range of services including:
Refuge
We provide safe accommodation for any woman and her children who is experiencing domestic abuse, or who is at risk of abuse.
Children are welcomed by Child Support Officers. Refuges have fully-equipped playrooms, where the project workers organise activities, after-school clubs, play sessions, fun days and one-to-one therapeutic activities.
BCWA is a registered housing provider with the Regulator or Social Housing (i.e. a Housing Association) and operates supported housing in a mix of owned and leased properties, some as managing agent for other housing associations, some operated independently.
Advice & Support
BCWA telephone Helpline supports women in the community who want to know what their options are around domestic abuse, or who need a non-judgmental listening ear. We run 12-week ‘Keys to Freedom’ support groups which offer a path to recognising abuse and peer support for recovery.
We offer advice to the friends and families of anyone experiencing domestic abuse. We give our expertise to legal and social services professionals, and we support women at appointments, accompany them to court, and also put them in contact with other services that can help them.
Our other services include:
Japanese service - BCWA, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy in London, offers outreach advice in Japanese to survivors of domestic abuse
NRPF/EEA service - Our specialist advisor works with migrant women without recourse to public funds (NRPF) and those from the EEA to regularise their immigration status and access benefits & support.
Men's service - All BCWA locations are women-only spaces, but men can be supported via our One Stop Shop service or by the IDSVA (high-risk) service in Bromley.
Our Approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Our work is based on building meaningful, supportive, enduring and respectful relationships with women from all cultures. We cannot do this without a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. BCWA’s approach is to try to make sure that EDI is central to everything we do and informs both our services and our organisational culture.
Our goal is to develop and deliver consistently inclusive programmes, projects and services that support and bring together survivors of domestic abuse and their children and facilitate empowerment and recovery. We believe this enables best practice domestic abuse support, hope this will make everyone's experiences richer, and ultimately lead to more inclusive communities and sector best practice.
BECOMING A TRUSTEE
What is a Trustee?
Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.
Why become a Trustee?
Being a Trustee can be very rewarding. As a Trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of an organisation, and you can make a significant difference to a cause that matters to you.
Being a Trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. You will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.
Why join our board?
BCWA was founded by a group of local women in Bromley who wanted to do something practical to support women in their local community and has been run by women and for women ever since. Over the past few years the organisation has grown considerably but still operates very much in the spirit of grassroots feminist women’s movement of the 70s, out of which it was founded.
Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers have lived experience of domestic abuse, and the organisation actively welcome survivors at all levels. We are a supportive, warm and friendly group and we genuinely strive to foster great relationships. Our Board is made up of a diverse group of women with a broad range of backgrounds, skills and experience. This team operates on mutual respect and true collaboration in order to provide the best leadership possible to the charity. We are solutions oriented, creative, forward-thinking and passionate about working to end domestic abuse.
BCWA has seen sustained growth over the last few years and has increased its property portfolio to provide a range of dispersed ‘move on’ accommodation for women leaving refuge, with continued support.
The charity is also committed to an ongoing process of service improvement via stakeholder feedback and analysis of needs and gaps in provision. Our local knowledge and specialist expertise positions us very well to innovate in co-producing new services.
In addition to trauma-informed accommodation and community-based services, BCWA has developed a therapeutic service alongside, which encompasses child play therapy and a specialist in-house counselling service for women. This supports the health and wellbeing of survivors going forward as well as working towards the prevention of repeat victimisation.
A trusteeship with BCWA is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation, contribute to the local community and impact thousands of women’s lives for the better. It is a truly pivotal time to join the board at BCWA, as we develop and implement innovative new services that will add significantly to the breadth and impact of support available to survivors of domestic abuse in Bromley & Croydon.
What skills are we looking for?
We are looking for a range of new trustees with a range of different skills to shape and steer the future of this dynamic organisation, as well as bring wisdom, energy and new perspectives to our governance. We would particularly welcome applications from women with knowledge of or experience working in the following sectors:
· Social housing, social investment, housing, company or charity or general legal background
· Provision of mental health services
· AI expertise
ROLE DESCRIPTION
We are looking for strategic-minded individuals with a variety of skills to join our board. Our trustees play an essential role in making sure that BCWA achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.
Trustee duties
- To ensure the BCWA is carrying out its purposes, as set out in its governing document.
- To ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and any other applicable laws.
- To act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions.
- To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets (including evaluating performance against set targets).
- To provide guidance using previous experience and expertise on a range of aspects of BCWA's business, including support to set up new initiatives.
- To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Organisation.
- To monitor the financial, strategic and operational performance of BCWA.
In addition to the above responsibilities, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they possess, to enable the Board to reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising reports, providing advice and guidance on new issues, particularly where a Trustee has specific expertise. Our board meets bi-monthly and holds an Annual General Meeting.
Personal skills and qualities
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as 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: working to end domestic abuse.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
What impact will you have?
You will be joining an organisation actively opposed to all forms of discrimination providing a service that is confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.
You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as learn new ones.
We are a feminist organisation and recognise the gendered nature of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.
Time Commitment
- Attendance at board meetings which take place six times a year. Meetings are held in the early evening, mostly on-line, with one or two held in-person at our south-east London Head Office.
- Trustees will also need to carry out any pre-meeting reading and preparation and may be contacted occasionally for advice.
Further Information
We are very happy to have informal discussions about the role and warmly welcome candidates to visit us or observe a board meeting if they wish.
New Trustees are assigned an existing member who is responsible for their induction and support for a period of 6 months.
As our organisation works with extremely vulnerable clients, safeguarding is one of our key priorities. Please contact us if you would like more info or to view our SG policies. In light of this, offers are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve.
BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Reg. Charity No.1068007.
Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community.
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 are looking for a patient and chatty volunteer to visit a lovely lady in Woodley, Reading. She loves soft, cuddly toys and rainmakers, and is known to enjoy a nursey rhyme or two! She is non-verbal, but understands everything you say to her, so a friendly and understanding approach is key. She would love to have you stop by for a cup of tea and a chit chat, and perhaps over time venture out for walks and shopping in the local community.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is a Stop and Stay visit role, meaning that the person you’ll be visiting might have some verbal communication skills or they use sounds and/or facial/body expressions to communicate with you. The person you visit might choose to take part in simple activities or watch you doing the activities. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tend to be around half an hour to an hour long.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
- Sitting and having a chat
- Checking in on their well- being
- A craft activity at home
- Reading a book/magazine together
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
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!
Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.
The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode.
Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities
To represent Family Centre Services within local communities and help strengthen the link between families and the centre by promoting services and support available.
Key Responsibilities:
· Promote Hertfordshire Family Centres by attending toddler and parent groups and local activities.
· Distribute leaflets, posters, and other promotional materials in community venues (e.g. libraries, health centres, nurseries, shops).
· Talk to parents, carers, and professionals about the Family Centre offer, signposting them to services and activities.
· Share updates on Family Centre activities through word of mouth, local networks, and community noticeboards.
· Provide feedback to Family Centre staff about local needs, events, and opportunities for engagement.
· Represent the Family Centre in a positive and professional way at all times.
Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities
· Friendly, approachable, and confident in talking to new people.
· Good communication skills.
· Reliable and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
· Enthusiasm for supporting children, families, and the local community.
· Respectful of diversity and inclusive of all families.
· Knowledge of the local area and networks
Training / Support
· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.
· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses
· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.
· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings
· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities.
Additional Information
· Undergo enhanced DBS check
· X2 References required
· Undertake additional training as and when required
· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
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 are looking for volunteers to spend some time with our clients in and around Central London or to speak to them over the phone. Our current needs are in Tulse Hill and Stepney Green, and we are looking for someone to call, then potentially meet with a client in Bromley.Locations often change as new referrals come in, so if you are interested in befriending someone and making a positive difference to their emotional well being, please contact us, we may have a client in your area!
Meetings are regular, usually weekly or fortnightly, for at least 6 months although most of our volunteers stay involved for much longer than this, only because they enjoy what they do! Phone calls are usually up to one hour and are made once a week from any quiet space in your home or office.
Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who feels lonely or is socially isolated. Your gift of time and companionship will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once said,“this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”
Meetings are held in the local community, having a friendly chat in a coffee shop, visiting places of interest together, or in our client’s home.Our clients are older Scots, (60 plus ) who simply want to do the activities that most of us take for granted.
We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters.
This could be the ideal opportunity for you to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyonewho simply enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.
Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in the London area.
Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!
Skills & characteristics required for befriending are:
- English speaking, clear communication for coversation
- Good listening skills
- Friendly, warm and non-judgemental
- Honest, reliable and committed
- Empathy
- Understanding of the need to maintain confidentiality (covered in training)
An enhanced DBS check will be processed for successful applicants and two references are required.
To improve the lives of Scots and the children of Scots in London
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 are looking for a friendly, patient befriending volunteer to visit a lovely gentleman in New Southgate. He is keen to find an attentive listener who will show an interest in hearing his imaginative stories and will giggle at his jokes. He would love for someone to accompany him to McDonalds for a treat, to join him in a bit of music trivia, or sometimes for just a cup of tea and a chit chat.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
- Sitting and having a chat
- Checking in on their well- being
- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
- Enjoying a walk
- A craft activity at home
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
About Mencap
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
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!
This is an opportunity for a female befriender to visit a lovely, chatty lady in New Barnet. She’s a lover of all things crafty, including making jewellery and painting, but her absolute favourite are jigsaw puzzles. She would love a visitor to do these things with her, as well as going for walks to the local coffee shop for a slice of cake or spending some time in the garden on a sunny day.
We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. As you get to know each our you may choose to ‘go out’ either with or without support from the staff that supports the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together
As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:
- Friendly and approachable
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Reliable and patient
- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.
As a Mencap visitor you will:
- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
- Meet new people
- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued
About Mencap
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
About The Creighton Centre
For over 100 years, The Creighton Centre has been at the heart of its community, providing connection, care and opportunities for generations of local people. With a rich heritage and an ambitious future, we are now seeking someone to become our next Chair of Trustees.
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to provide leadership to a well established, values driven charity at a pivotal moment in its history.
About the role
As Chair, you will lead our Board of Trustees and work in close partnership with our new CEO to ensure strong governance, clear strategic direction and long-term sustainability.
Over the coming year, the Board will be setting the charity’s strategic priorities and overseeing an exciting programme to renovate and future proof our historic building, unlocking new opportunities for community use and income generation. The Chair will play a central role in guiding this work at Board level.
Who we’re looking for
We are seeking a Chair who brings strong interpersonal skills, good judgement and a collaborative leadership style. You will be someone who values good governance, inclusive decision-making and clear strategic thinking.
You will bring:
- Significant board experience and a strong understanding of governance
- The ability to lead a Board effectively, encouraging constructive challenge and collective ownership
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- An appreciation of the privilege and responsibility of stewarding a long-established community charity with premises
Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an organisation with deep community roots and real impact.
What's in it for you?
- A chance to chair a respected charity with over a century of community impact
- An opportunity to help guide a significant period of strategic development and renewal
- The privilege of stewarding an organisation with a strong sense of purpose, place and heritage
- A supportive, engaged Board and an experienced Chief Executive team
If you are looking for a meaningful Chair role where your leadership can make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.
Please provide a CV and cover letter outlining your interest in the role and what skills and qualities you might bring. Please do refer to the attached Role Decsription for guidance on preparing your cover letter.
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!
Do you want to support the running of the charity that supports people in Berkshire’s hospitals?
Are you the person to develop and lead our business opportunities planning, alongside our existing trustees?
You could join the Board of the Friends of Berkshire Hospitals, a charity that improves the experience of patients, visitors, medical staff and others who work in the Royal Berkshire and Wokingham Hospitals.
Our charity grew from a Reading-only organisation set up in 1957, which itself grew from a charitable group in the 1940s. We’re now serving both Reading and Wokingham hospitals, and intend to expand our services and thus our charitable business even further: to better serve all those in the hospitals. Our expenditure in 2024 was £366k, and we have plans to expand our business and fundraising operations outside of hospital premises.
The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee
Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in the services we provide to those in hospitals, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries.
We are looking for experience of developing a business, not necessarily in the not-for-private-profit sector, identifying new opportunities and relationships, creating and implementing our new marketing strategy.
We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups.
You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee, including access to external training.
If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members.
Trustees are not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.
We ask for no more than ten hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc. You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.
How to apply
This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification is available.
Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references.
Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.
I need to know more
Contact Mike Allen via Apply Now, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom)



