Support group volunteer volunteer roles in brent, west sussex
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!
Whether you are an experienced Trustee or wanting to take your first step at board level, we would like to hear from you.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for a person willing to bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.
Previously worked with or advising charities in a leadership or governance role.
An appreciation of the Royal Navy &/or the military charity sector.
Understanding of the role of a charity trustee or previous experience of being one.
We are particularly interested in people with skills and expertise to offer around:
- Finance – a chartered accountant to provide advice and guidance to our Head of Finance and work closely with the Board to maintain financial sustainability in line with our strategic goals. Understanding of charity finance regulations, best practice, and reporting requirements.
Terms of appointment/Time Commitment
- Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office.
- This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
- A minimum of three scheduled Board meetings per year (held
primarily at our offices, Castaway House, Portsmouth and occasionally
in London). Meetings are usually held in March, late June/ early July,
and October and normally last for around 3 hours; - An annual board away day / strategy held at an external location;
- A minimum of one and up to three Finance and Governance Board
committee meetings; and - Relevant training or other development as determined throughout the year. We will provide the successful candidate with a bespoke induction and training programme, commensurate with the experience of the
individual selected.
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 diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Enthusiasm for our vision and mission
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
- Willingness to lead according to our values
What difference will you make?
Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that NCC achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that NCC has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the Senior Leadership Team to enable NCC to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.
To apply
To apply please send the following:
• A covering letter (no more than two pages of A4, size 11 type) which should address your vision for the role and your relevant experience regarding the responsibilities we have outlined and your motivation for applying.
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!
Over past decades, enormous advances have been made in our understanding of MS. Research has got us to a critical point, and we can see a future where nobody needs to worry about their MS getting worse. Our Stop MS Appeal needs to raise £100 million to find treatments for everyone with MS.
Our Stop MS Champions help us reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal by encouraging raising funds and awareness by delivering presentations, attending events and identifying new audiences to speak to. They inspire people to engage with and influence fundraisers and groups, enthuse people and make sure our community’s voice is heard.
As our Lead Stop MS Champion, you’ll motivate your team of Stop MS Champions to help reach more people and inspire them to get involved in our Stop MS Appeal.
By using your ability to motivate and support, you will oversee and lead a team of 5-10 Stop MS Champion volunteers, encouraging them to engage the people they know to raise funds and awareness, and provide reliable information and guidance.
You’ll also network to engage with and influence fundraisers and community groups, enthusing people by delivering presentations at events and finding new audiences to speak to. In this role, as well as developing your leadership, networking, influencing, communication, organisation and presentation skills, you’ll have a chance to be part of something amazing – you could help us stop MS.
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!
NEW CHAIR WANTED FOR AGE UK MERTON’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who shares our values and passion for supporting older adults in Merton. The new Chair will formally take up the role at the AGM in November 2025.
About Age UK Merton
We are an independent charity operating within the national Age UK network providing services for older adults in the London Borough of Merton. Our role is to ensure older adults can access the support, services and care they need to help them to live active and fulfilling lives.
Our vision: Supporting our communities with opportunities to love later life.
Our mission: To provide quality advice and services that meet the needs of older adults in Merton.
Our values: quality, integrity, kindness, inclusivity and collaboration.
Our priorities
We are passionate about making a difference to the lives of older adults in Merton. Our Strategic Plan 2023-2026 outlines our three key priorities in support of our mission:
1. Providing high quality advice and practical support.
2. Building social connection.
3. Creating opportunities for lifelong active ageing.
Our services
Living Well: we deliver holistic person-centered home assessments creating a motivational action plan and supporting older adults to access services and improve their health and wellbeing.
At Home: we provide practical help to enable people to feel comfortable, safe and secure at home with domestic support, shopping and respite for carers.
Activity programme: our weekly-programme of activities includes chair-based exercise, Zumba, Tai Chi, social club with board games, craft club, quiz sessions, walking group, monthly special lunches and aqua fitness. We also run a wide range of out and about trips annually.
Information and advice: our trained advisers offer free accredited information and advice to older adults on benefits, health and end of life, housing, social care, local services and more.
Befriending and volunteering: we provide a high-quality, free, face-to-face and telephone befriending service, helping to reduce social isolation and promote independence.
Foot health service: we offer a low-cost paid-for foot health service for our clients.
Role description
As Chair, you will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Board of Trustees. Your regular responsibilities will include liaising with the CEO to set the agenda and agree the papers for Board meetings, chairing Board meetings, holding regular catch-ups with Trustees, and leading on Trustee recruitment and retention and Board development. In addition, you will also be the line manager to the CEO, holding regular meetings and undertaking the annual appraisal and objective setting. You will also sit on the Finance Committee (chaired by the Treasurer) and be responsible for determining complaints and grievances where a decision is appealed.
As a Trustee, you will have a number of core duties, including ensuring the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and relevant legislation; ensuring it pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document; ensuring the financial stability of the organisation; and ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
Person specification
Essential
· Previous Board-level experience, either as a Trustee or in another non-executive capacity
· Experience of chairing (either a Trustee Board or other professional experience)
· Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
· Willingness and capacity to devote the necessary time
· Good independent judgment
· A commitment to Age UK Merton and its vision, mission and values
· An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
Desirable
· Some experience or understanding of the adult social care or health sectors
· An understanding of Merton as a place
To find out more and to apply
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. While we would especially welcome applications from people who live in our local area, this is not essential to success in the role.
If you are interested in applying, please send a CV (maximum 2-sides of A4) and cover letter (maximum 1-side of A4) to our current chair. Please also contact our chair if you would like to have an informal discussion about the role. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 25th July 2025. Interviews will be held in August/September 2025 and the successful candidate will formally take up the role at the AGM in November 2025.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
- Location: UK-wide (Board meetings online, with occasional in-person events)
- Time Commitment: 8–12 hours per month
- Term: Initial 3-year term, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years
- Remuneration: Voluntary Role (expenses reimbursed)
- Start Date: October 2025
- Applications Open: July 2025
- Applications Close Date: 5 pm, Friday 5th September 2025
- Interview Dates: 15th September (PM) and 17th September (AM)
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Shape and review DiMHN’s strategy, vision, and values.
- Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and governance requirements.
- Monitor performance and support the CEO and executive team.
- Act as an ambassador for DiMHN, promoting our vision, purpose, and values, as well as the work we do.
- Contribute to fundraising, research, and partnerships.
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:
- Shape strategic direction to drive meaningful change in mental health environments across the UK and beyond.
- Collaborate with a diverse network of leaders, experts, and lived experience advocates, influencing the future of mental health design.
- Provide governance and oversight that ensures the charity’s growth, sustainability, and impact.
- Champion inclusivity by elevating voices often excluded from design and decision-making processes
- 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:
- Mental Health Services & Policy: Clinical, community, lived experience, commissioning, or estates, facilities and planning.
- Digital Health & Technology: Expertise in AI, immersive tech, digital platforms, or digital strategy in care settings.
- Finance & Commercial Strategy: Income generation, business development, or financial planning in health, social impact, or design sectors.
- 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.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be over 18 and eligible to serve as a charity trustee
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are actively working to improve the diversity of our Board, recognising that inclusive leadership strengthens both our governance and our ability to achieve our purpose. Diverse perspectives lead to better decisions, richer insight, and more equitable outcomes for the communities we serve.
We know that some groups remain underrepresented in charity governance, including people from racialised communities, disabled people, LGBTQAI+ individuals, younger adults, and people with lived experience of mental health. We also value regional diversity and welcome applications from across the UK. We encourage applications from
How to Apply:
Send your CV and a short written or video/audio statement (max two pages or five minutes), titled “[Your Name] Trustee Role.”
In your statement, tell us why you’re interested, what you’d bring, and any support you might need to thrive in the role.
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.