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!
Dear Prospective Trustee
Thank you for your interest in Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML). This pack sets out more information about the charity, the board, the role of a trustee, and how to apply.
We are excited about the future and are looking for energetic, talented and committed individuals to help support the charity as trustees to continue its incredible work for the people of Merton and Lambeth.
What we do
CAML is one of the busiest advice charities in London. We support individuals and families who live, work or study primarily in the London Boroughs of Merton and Lambeth and also elsewhere (dependent on service). We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting individuals and our communities.
We were one of the first Citizens Advice services to open our doors over 85 years ago. We have had an extremely busy few years, with individuals and families increasingly seeking our support with the cost of living crisis. Our support and services are as important today as they were when our work began.
We are part of the national Citizens Advice network of over 240 local charities that deliver advice across the country.
In FY 23/24, we supported over 25,000 individuals. Our information, support and advice services are provided via telephone, online, video conferencing and face-to-face. We provide face-to-face support from two CAML offices and multiple outreach venues in local communities. Our aim is to empower people to better help themselves, but we are always here with further support if needed.
CAML in 2025
CAML is at an important point in its history. Demand for our services continues to accelerate as high levels of hardship become an established reality for many people living in our boroughs. The two boroughs we serve contain pockets of wealth and affluence, but also feature areas of significant poverty and deprivation where our services are most depended upon.
At the same time, similar to many charities, we face funding challenges – not least given the majority of our funds come from our local authorities. Our current turnover is over £1.2m a year. Like others, CAML faces funding challenges often related to changes in central government policies and local government financial challenges, with a need to look at new ways of diversifying income streams.
The organisation has a strong foundation from which to deliver in this difficult environment – particularly with a team that is committed to our clients and expert in giving quality advice. We also have positive working relationships with our funders, councils and partners, and a strong local reputation.
Our leadership
The operational leadership and management of CAML is carried out by our CEO, Simon Shimmens, with three senior managers and a team of around 40 staff and 20 volunteers. Short biographies of our existing trustees are available on our website.
The role of the Board
Each trustee has a responsibility to contribute to discharging the Board’s responsibilities. We do this by:
● Regularly preparing for, attending and participating in meetings
● Understanding the business of CAML
● Contributing to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance
● Monitoring our services, ensuring compliance with our governing documents and policies and monitoring maintenance of Citizens Advice standards
● Monitoring the charity’s financial position and ensuring it operates within its means and delivers on its objectives with clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management
● Supporting the charity’s development through participation in agreed projects
● Actively seeking to further CAML’s strategic objectives and acting in its best interest at all times
Above all we are looking for people with strategic vision and independent judgement who together can support the charity and its executive team. As trustees we are visible to our staff and volunteers, engaging and recognising the excellent work they do. Each trustee is expected to spend time with service delivery staff and volunteers, ideally at least once a year.
You will be a genuine team player, able to support colleagues, input constructively and positively to discussions and to support and uphold collective decisions.
As a trustee you will support the charity’s values and objectives and will act as a positive and genuine advocate promoting the work of the charity within your personal networks and to the wider world.
The commitment we need
Each trustee attends quarterly Board meetings and is a member of one of the delegated authority sub-committees – Finance and People – which also meet once a quarter.
While the precise nature will differ month-to-month, this is likely to average at eight to ten hours a month. This allows for board and committee meetings, reading papers in advance of these, ad-hoc actions and discussions, and visiting CAML’s services.
Board meetings are currently held in person in our Mitcham Office, with sub-committee meetings held remotely. Across the Board, we attend key events such as Volunteers’ Week and charity events/activities.
Particular skills/experiences we’re seeking
We are looking to recruit two new trustees to join our strong and dynamic Board.
We would particularly welcome applications from those with skills and experiences to help complement the current Board. Our priority recruitment areas are:
●HR: We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of governance in policies and practice related to employee relations, recruitment, retention, reward and recognition as well as staff and trustee training and development. We are seeking a trustee with senior HR experience to support the strategic oversight of our People approach.
●Accountancy: Financial oversight is an integral part of a well-functioning trustee Board. We are looking to further bolster this expertise within the Board to provide support for our Treasurer if required.
●Pensions: CAML has a legacy Defined Benefit pension scheme (closed to new entrants) and a Defined Contribution scheme. We are looking for an individual with actuarial or pension trustee skills to advise the Board with regard to our pension schemes, and whether we should be looking to make any changes.
●Legal: We are looking to further expand our legal expertise on the Board. We particularly welcome interest from individuals with experience in charity law however all applicants with legal experience are welcomed.
In addition to these skills, we would welcome applications from candidates with previous trustee experience and/or applicants who may be open to taking on the role of Vice-Chair (further information can be provided on this if requested).
The benefits of being a trustee with CAML
Although the role of a trustee is unpaid (reasonable out of pocket expenses are reimbursed), there are many reasons to join us, including:
● Being a trustee is one of the most powerful ways in which you can contribute to your local community and to a cause you care about.
● Corporations of all sizes take voluntary and community enriching activities seriously with trusteeship considered an effective method of professional development and community engagement.
● Being a trustee is a fantastic way of developing your strategic experience and oversight, giving you the opportunity to develop your critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills.
● Being a trustee can open up your professional network.
How to apply
Follow the link to our website and complete the relevant documents at the bottom of the advert.
We are recruiting on a rolling basis and are considering applications as and when we receive them. This recruitment remains live until 30th June 2025.
All applications are considered by a trustee panel, with shortlisted candidates then invited to an interview, to take place within a month of receiving their application.
We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
WE PROVIDE FREE, INDEPENDENT, CONFIDENTIAL AND IMPARTIAL ADVICE AND INFORMATION SUPPORT
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a child & young person's (CYP) counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for young patients with a pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)? We’re supporting patients, relatives, partners and carers affected by a debilitating condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
We're looking for qualified paediatric/child & young person counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our young service users and help develop a psychological support service.
As a Volunteer Child/Young Person's Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote online counselling/therapy support services to young people aged 5 to 18 who are vulnerable, many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling sessions online or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our young services users. We will also consider therapists who are in need of a placement.
Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, volunteer child counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling), integrative, pluralistic including or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT and EMDR for young CRPS patients.
We are needing to expand this service to support our young clients as it has rapidly received a high number of referrals. People can be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having parents/guardians referring them to the service.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your paediatric counselling skills, organisation, communication and team working skills. If you have experience in younger children please do get in touch.
Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.
What the role involves
This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:
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Undertake a child client assessments, followed by therapy (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 one hour (or 45 mins age dependant) sessions for each client plus 4 assessments
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Providing one-to-one therapy sessions to young patients aged 5-18 (we will consider therapists who can only support primary or secondary school age)
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Update our database with the client’s basic information and session attendance
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Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these securely
- Attending and participating in meetings
- Project monitoring, creating, reporting and outcomes evaluation procedures
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Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current
- Participating in regular meetings with the Clinical Lead
- Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle
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Attend monthly internal group Supervision to ensure safe working practices
We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including an induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.
What you need for this role
Essential
- Be a member of one of the recognised organisations (see below)
- Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum, Degree or Masters in Paediatric Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Play Therapy, Dance & Movement Psychotherapy or Art Therapy
- Minimum of 100 hours supervised
- Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
- A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
- Able to keep people’s personal data safe
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Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection
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Able to support a minimum of 2 child or young clients a week, being two hours of your time for counselling sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a commitment of six months.
Desirable
- Personal or professional Knowledge or experience of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS paediatric counsellor or psychologist
- Committed to our values
- Willing to develop skills and experience
- Enjoy working as part of a team
- Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
- Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic
We welcome trained paediatric counsellors, child therapists and counselling/clinical psychologists who are willing to give their time to support our valuable work.
Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.
Recognised Organisations
- British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
- Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
- General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
- British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
- National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
- United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
- The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
- National Counselling Society (NCS)
- Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
- National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)
Making a difference
What impact will the opportunity have?
You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period as the service is rapidly expanding and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for younger clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our young child CRPS patients who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.
What's in it for you as the volunteer?
You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is continually developing, you would have a key role in developing a young person counselling programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in a child's life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
To drive change for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) & ensure people whose lives have been touched by this condition are not alone.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about standing in support of a fairer, more compassionate system for refugees - and want to be a part of making real, lasting change?
SolidariTee is inviting new volunteers to join our regional and central teams for the 2025/26 academic year!
Whether you're a current student, have recently graduated, on a year abroad, or you’re a self-identifying young person who didn’t go to university, we want to hear from you! We offer a range of flexible, meaningful roles (some remote and some in-person) where you can gain skills, build confidence, and help create real change.
Our current opportunities include:
Regional Teams:
- Team Lead
- Team Member
Central Teams:
- Events Officer
- Partnerships Officer (remote)
- Social Media Publicity Officer (remote)
- Social Media Digital Education Officer (remote)
- T-shirts and Logistics Officer
You can find full role descriptions and more information in our recruitment pack.
Who are SolidariTee?
SolidariTee is an entirely volunteer-run movement led by students and self-identifying young people who share a commitment to standing in solidarity with displaced people.
We support refugees and asylum seekers through advocacy, awareness-raising, and fundraising to provide grants to NGOs in Greece delivering vital legal aid and psychological support. We believe in the power of grassroots action - and in the ability of young people to drive real, systemic change.
Who are we looking for?
- Our applications are primarily designed for current students and self-identifying young people, but we warmly welcome recent graduates to apply too.
- You don’t need any prior experience to volunteer with SolidariTee - just passion, commitment, and a willingness to learn. Our goal is to empower individuals to develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge to make a tangible difference.
Volunteering with SolidariTee is a chance to:
- Build leadership, advocacy, teamwork, and event organisation skills.
- Join an international community which supports and upholds the rights of all those forced to flee their homes globally.
Our commitment to inclusivity
- We don’t want anyone to feel excluded from supporting a cause they care about, which is why we offer a range of roles with different levels of commitment - more details can be found in the role descriptions.
- We are dedicated to building an inclusive and accessible volunteering community. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during (or beyond) the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to contact us - there is also a space to disclose this in the application form.
- We especially encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of displacement.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.