Volunteer accountant volunteer roles in harrow

We are looking for volunteers interested in working with young asylum seekers and refugees to support our weekly youth club in Croydon, ‘Merhaba’. Merhaba Youth Club is a safe space where 18-25 year old refugees and asylum seekers living in contingency accommodation can come to socialise with their peers, develop friendships, build a better understanding of their rights and entitlements, gain new skills and access 1:1 support.

The club runs on Tuesdays, 2.30-5.30pm, and we ask that you come to Merhaba at least three times each month and attend the whole session. The role involves supporting staff to set up and deliver activities – including 1:1 English and games – as well as administrative support.

Job Title: Finance Assistant                                                                           

Reports To: Finance  Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Finance Assistant to support the day-to-day financial operations of Quilombo UK. This is an ideal role for someone looking to apply or gain hands-on experience in finance within the Third Sector, while contributing to a meaningful, community-led cultural project. 

Position Overview:
The Finance Assistant will support the Finance Manager in tasks such as financial data entry, expense processing, reconciliation, and reporting. This role requires someone with good numerical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive mindset. The opportunity offers valuable exposure to nonprofit financial processes, along with flexibility and training support.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance & Data Entry:

• Collect and accurately enter financial data into spreadsheets and databases.

• Assist in processing staff and volunteer expense claims, ensuring proper documentation and approval.

• Support with checking account balances and assisting in payment reconciliation tasks.

Budgeting & Analysis:

• Help perform calculations and draft basic financial reports.

• Review department budgets regularly and report discrepancies to the Finance Manager.

• Assist in auditing financial records and preparing financial statements.

Reconciliation & Compliance:

• Reconcile discrepancies in financial records and propose corrections.

• Adhere to the organisation’s financial policies and reporting procedures.

• Respond to internal finance queries and offer support where needed.

Continuous Improvement:

• Suggest improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, or cost savings.

• Maintain accurate documentation and support reporting for audits or internal reviews.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Graduation required; relevant coursework or volunteer experience preferred.

• Previous experience in finance, bookkeeping, or administrative support is advantageous.

• Understanding of basic accounting principles is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong numerical skills and analytical mindset.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Excellent organisation, time-management, and attention to detail.

• Ability to communicate clearly with internal stakeholders.

• Professional, self-motivated, and able to work independently.

Benefits:

• Gain real-world experience in finance and bookkeeping within a nonprofit setting.

• Learn financial processes used in the Third Sector.

• Receive mentoring and training to develop finance and administrative skills.

• Work remotely with a supportive and mission-driven team.

• Reimbursement of local travel expenses if in-person attendance is required.

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Description
Step into the Peace of War universe and help us bring comics to life at Comic Con and beyond! We’re looking for passionate volunteers who love social impact, comics, and creativity.

As part of our team, you might:

• Cosplay as one of our original characters

• Interview fans and creators for our YouTube and TikTok

• Ask thought-provoking questions about comic themes and social issues

• Join us in filming, editing, and boosting content during Comic Con

• Help drive conversations about the issues we explore — from identity to mental health to social media culture

This is more than just volunteering. It's a chance to build your portfolio, grow your network, and help shape the future of purpose-driven comics in the UK. Whether you’re a student, aspiring creator, or just love what we do — we’d love to hear from you.

Be part of something powerful. Be part of Penificent.

We're excited to be launching SUNSHINE a brand new start-up charity in London and beyond on a mission to combat loneliness by bringing people together, spreading joy and community spirit through community-based grassroots activities and programmes that foster connections, enhance wellbeing and help transform lives for the better!!!

Do you believe in a London where everyone feels connected?

Are you driven by the desire to make a strategic impact and help build a charity from the ground up?

SUNSHINE is a brand-new start-up charity dedicated to combating loneliness and fostering joy, and we're searching for passionate and skilled Volunteer Trustees – and you could be one of them. All we need is up to 8 hours per month (flexible), this includes our Board of Trustee meetings held during the evening and booked in based on everyones availability.

Imagine being at the very heart of a movement that transforms lives. As a Trustee, you won't just advise; you'll be instrumental in shaping the vision, governance, and strategic direction of SUNSHINE. You'll ensure our mission to bring people together, spread joy, and build community spirit is not only achieved but thrives and grows across London.

This isn't about day-to-day operations; it's about providing the robust oversight and guidance that ensures SUNSHINE remains legally compliant, financially sound, and impactful. You'll join a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference, helping us establish strong foundations, secure vital resources, and hold us accountable to our beneficiaries.

We're looking for individuals with a strategic mindset, a commitment to good governance, and a genuine heart of gold for our cause. Whether you bring expertise in finance, law, community engagement, fundraising, marketing, or general business acumen, your skills are invaluable to us. Your wisdom and experience will directly enable SUNSHINE to reach those most affected by loneliness and build a brighter, more connected London.

Join us. Provide the foundation. Guide SUNSHINE.

Together, we can bring the SUNSHINE that lights up London and ensure loneliness becomes a forgotten word.

Ready to help build a brighter future?

Apply now to become a founding Volunteer Trustee for SUNSHINE and help us transform lives across London.

Are you a financially savvy professional with a knack for fundraising, passionate about creating opportunities for young people in London? Do you want to build the financial bedrock of a transformative new charity?

REMIX is a dynamic new charity on a mission to "remix young lives" from disadvantaged backgrounds across London. We aim to guide, mentor, and inspire young people through positive role modelling, comprehensive personal development, and vital employability skills. We're currently in our crucial set-up phase, laying the foundations for a charity that will make a deep, positive impact for generations to come.

We are seeking a dedicated Volunteer for Financial Planning & Fundraising Strategy to help us build a sustainable financial future. This is a vital opportunity to apply your expertise to a meaningful social cause, ensuring REMIX has the resources to launch effectively and grow our impact for years to come.

Who We're Looking For

We need a strategic and analytical individual with a strong understanding of financial planning and income generation. You'll likely possess:

• Financial Acumen: Experience in budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow management, ideally within the charity or non-profit sector.

• Fundraising Expertise: Proven ability in identifying funding sources, grant writing, corporate fundraising, individual giving, or developing diverse income streams.

• Strategic Thinking: Capability to develop a comprehensive, long-term fundraising strategy that aligns with our mission and growth plans.

• Networking Skills: Ability to identify and potentially connect with potential donors, trusts, foundations, or corporate partners.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in preparing financial reports and grant applications.

• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to clearly articulate financial needs and the charity's impact to potential funders.

• Passion for Social Change: A genuine commitment to REMIX's mission and empowering young people from deprived backgrounds.

Your Role as Financial Planning & Fundraising Strategy Volunteer

In this critical set-up phase, you will be instrumental in:

• Developing Financial Forecasts: Creating initial budgets, cash flow projections, and financial models to ensure the charity's sustainability.

• Crafting the Fundraising Strategy: Collaborating with the Board to design a comprehensive strategy for securing seed funding and long-term income.

• Identifying Funding Opportunities: Researching and recommending potential grant-making trusts, foundations, corporate partners, and individual giving initiatives.

• Grant Writing Support: Assisting with the preparation of compelling grant applications and funding proposals.

• Financial Governance Advice: Offering insights on financial best practices for new charities.

• Reporting: Helping to establish initial financial reporting frameworks.

What We Offer

• The incredible opportunity to use your financial and fundraising skills to directly enable a new charity to launch and grow.

• A chance to make a profound, tangible difference in the lives of young people across London.

• Work alongside a passionate and strategic Board of Trustees.

• The satisfaction of building the financial foundation for an impactful organisation.

This is a voluntary role, requiring an estimated commitment of approximately, 4-7 hours per month for a period of estimated duration, 3-6 months to help us achieve our initial fundraising and financial planning milestones. We are flexible and can work around your availability.

Ready to Invest Your Skills in REMIX?

If you are a financially astute and results-oriented individual eager to apply your expertise to a transformative cause, we'd love to hear from you.

Help us secure the resources needed to "remix young lives" across London!

We're incredibly excited to be launching SUNSHINE, a brand-new charity in London on a mission to combat loneliness by bringing people together, spreading joy, and building community spirit! Through grassroots activities and programmes, we'll foster connections, enhance well-being, and help transform lives.

Do you believe in a London where everyone feels connected?

Are you driven by the desire to make a strategic impact and help build a charity from the ground up?

We're searching for a passionate and skilled Honorary Treasurer to join our founding Board of Trustees – and that could be you!

Imagine being at the very heart of a movement that transforms lives, providing the essential financial oversight that allows it to flourish. As our Honorary Treasurer, you won't just manage the books; you'll be instrumental in shaping the financial vision, governance, and strategic direction of SUNSHINE. You'll ensure our mission is not only achieved but thrives and grows across London, always underpinned by robust financial health.

This isn't about day-to-day accounting, but providing the crucial set-up of systems and processes, oversight and guidance that ensures SUNSHINE remains legally compliant, financially sound, and impactful. You'll manage our financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting, offering expert advice to the Board to secure vital resources and ensure we're accountable to our beneficiaries. We anticipate this role will require up to 8 hours per month (flexible), including our Board of Trustee meetings, which are held in the evening and booked based on everyone's availability.

We're looking for an individual with a strategic financial mindset, a commitment to good governance, and a genuine heart of gold for our cause. Your expertise in finance, accounting, or financial management is invaluable to us. Your wisdom and experience will directly enable SUNSHINE to reach those most affected by loneliness and build a brighter, more connected London.

Join us. Provide the financial foundation. Guide SUNSHINE.

Together, we can bring the SUNSHINE that lights up London and ensure loneliness becomes a forgotten word.

Ready to help build a brighter financial future for London?

Apply now to become SUNSHINE's founding Honorary Treasurer and help us transform lives across London.

The Royal Society of Biology is seeking an independent audit expert (IAE) who will sit, in a voluntary capacity, on its Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

Having responsibility for audit matters on the Committee, the IAE will ensure that the Committee members and RSB Council understand and respect audit -related matters, and will accordingly provide advice and counsel to the Committee, internal and external auditors, Chief Executive and Honorary Treasurer and other members of the senior management team.

Combined with a desire to support and contribute towards the effective running of a learned society, the successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of Charity governance and financial management, and a clear knowledge and appreciation of approaches and requirements for Charity audit, alongside an understanding of risk management and the principles and practice of good corporate governance.

The Committee meets four times per annum, with meetings typically lasting 2-3 hours - and at least half of these take place online. Attendance may also occasionally be required at other meetings.

Please note that this is a voluntary unremunerated role - although reasonable travel and subsistence related to the role can be claimed.

30 July 2025 with a concise CV (maximum two pages) and a brief covering letter laying out why you are interested and how you would like to apply your experience, skills and interests to the role.

Join Us in Empowering Inclusive Employment Through Hospitality

Fair Shot is a London-based charity on a mission to transform the lives of young adults with learning disabilities by breaking down barriers to employment. Through our training café and hospitality-based social enterprise, we provide real-life work experience, skills training, and supported internships that lead to meaningful jobs and independence.

Now in our fourth year and led by our Founder & CEO, we’ve grown to a team of 24 and operate with a hybrid income model: 50% from our hospitality revenue streams and 50% from fundraising.

We’re looking for an experienced Finance Director (volunteer, pro bono) to help shape our financial strategy and structure as we scale. You’ll play a vital leadership role in ensuring sound financial governance and driving our mission forward through strong fiscal stewardship.

Time Commitment: 10 hours/week
Start: Immediate
Location: Primarily remote, with initial onboarding and some in-person meetings in London
Minimum Commitment: 1 year (renewable)

Why This Role Matters

As we grow our impact and revenue model, your financial leadership will be instrumental in helping Fair Shot make strategic, sustainable decisions that expand inclusive employment opportunities across the UK.

What You'll Do

• Lead and oversee the charity’s overall P&L (profit and loss) and financial performance

• Develop and implement long-term financial strategies in collaboration with the CEO

• Improve and maintain financial systems, controls, and internal processes

• Manage the relationship with our part-time accountant (10 hrs/week), who handles:

  • Monthly reconciliations

  • Filing expenditures

  • Paying invoices

• Oversee two bank accounts — one for fundraising (restricted/unrestricted) and one for hospitality revenue

• Prepare for annual audits and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements

• Guide cash flow planning, budgeting, and forecasting

• Present financial reports, risks, and insights to the Board of Trustees

• Work closely with the CEO and Head of Operations on all financial planning and decision-making

What You Bring

• 10+ years of experience in senior finance roles, including P&L ownership

• Ideally experienced in the charity and/or hospitality/social enterprise sectors

• In-depth understanding of UK charity finances, including restricted/unrestricted funds

• Experience improving financial structures and preparing for audits

• Comfortable advising founders, leadership teams, and boards

• (Desirable) Relevant qualifications: ACCA, CIMA, CPA, CFA, or MBA

What You’ll Gain

• Use your expertise to drive social impact through inclusive employment

• Play a key role in shaping the future of a fast-growing, purpose-driven organisation

• Join a collaborative, values-led leadership team

• Opportunity for this role to evolve into a Trustee position

About the Charity: Path To Prosper is a UK registered charity that provides professional training to vulnerable young adults in Uganda, enabling them to escape extreme poverty through gaining employable skills. 

Role Overview: The Finance Lead will play a key role in overseeing our financial management, ensuring the charity remains financially sustainable and compliant with all relevant regulations.

You will be responsible for overseeing the financial health of the charity, working closely with the CEO to provide strategic financial advice and support to the Board. You will ensure that our financial operations are transparent, efficient, and compliant with charity law, while reporting to the CEO and Board on key financial matters. You will be entrusted with the responsibility of managing the charity's finances, preparing financial reports, and ensuring that the charity is financially well-positioned to achieve its goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial administration

   1. Maintain accurate financial records, recording income and expenditure as per agreed categories.

   2. Ensure bank statements match internal financial records.

   3. Process all necessary charity expenses.

   4. Process all invoices received by the charity.

   5. Manage international transfers, and accounts held by international transfer providers. Responsible for transferring funds to agreed providers as per approved budgets and the annual operating plan.

   6. Maintaining charity’s financial signatures as directed by the Treasurer.

2. Financial Oversight:

   1. Lead the charity’s financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes in collaboration with the CEO.

   2. Oversee the financial tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring that funds are used according to the terms set by donors or funders.

   3. Monitor cash flow, ensuring that the charity’s financial position is healthy and sustainable.

   4. Advise the CEO and Board on financial strategies, risks, and opportunities.

3. Financial Planning

   1. To continually research and suggest to the CEO any changes to banking arrangements that would benefit the charities financial position, such as more favourable banking terms, international financial transfers or interest rates.

   2. To support the operations lead with any approved changes to banking arrangements

   3.  

4. Financial Reporting:

   1. Prepare financial reports for the CEO, including income and expenditure statements, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts, in line with the organisations agreed income and expenditure categories

   2. Ensure the charity’s financial statements are accurate and comply with accounting standards, charity law, and other relevant regulations. 

   3. Work with external auditors and independent examiners to ensure a smooth annual audit process.

   4. Maintain accurate records and respond to adhoc requests for financial information from the operations team.

5. Compliance and Governance:

   1. Ensure compliance with financial regulations; including the Charity Commission’s requirements and other applicable laws 

   2. File annual returns and financial statements with the Charity Commission in a timely manner.

   3. Advise the CEO and Board on financial governance and risk management.

6. Fundraising and Grant Management:

   1. Support the Fundraising Lead by providing financial insights and reports for grant applications and donor reports.

7. Team Collaboration:

   1. Assist with training or guidance on financial matters where necessary.

Person Specification:

• Essential:

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) or substantial relevant experience in financial management.

  • Experience with accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks).

  • Understanding of charity finance; including statutory reporting, VAT, and charity-specific financial regulations.

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to analyse and interpret financial data.

  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.

• Desirable:

  • Previous experience as a trustee or in a senior financial role within a charity.

  • Familiarity with charity fundraising practices and grant management.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives and families of vulnerable young adults living in extreme poverty

• Gain valuable experience in charity finance and governance.

• Work with a committed and passionate team of trustees and volunteers.

• Flexible role that can be done remotely with occasional meetings.

We're incredibly excited to be launching SUNSHINE, a brand-new start-up charity in London with a heartfelt mission: to combat loneliness by bringing people together, spreading joy, and building community spirit! Through grassroots activities and programmes, we'll foster connections, enhance well-being, and help transform lives for the better.

Do you have a sharp financial mind and a talent for developing sustainable funding models?

Are you driven by the desire to make a significant strategic impact, ensuring a vital cause has the resources to thrive long-term?

We're searching for a visionary and analytical Volunteer Financial Planning & Fundraising Strategy Lead to join our growing team – and that could be you!!!

Imagine being the architect of SUNSHINE's financial sustainability, laying the groundwork that enables us to brighten countless lives across London and beyond for years to come. As this vital volunteer, you won't just be seeking funds; you'll be designing the financial roadmap that empowers our mission, ensuring every pound is strategically planned for maximum impact.

This role is about high-level financial foresight and strategic resource generation. You'll work closely with our founding Trustees and leadership to develop robust financial plans, create long-term fundraising strategies, and identify diverse income streams. This could involve building financial models, advising on donor engagement strategies, exploring social enterprise opportunities, or helping us craft compelling narratives for major funding bids. Your expertise will directly translate into the stability and growth of SUNSHINE, allowing us to expand our reach and deepen our impact.

We're looking for an individual with proven experience in financial planning, strategic fundraising, business development, or corporate finance. You'll have a keen understanding of charity finance, a talent for identifying opportunities, and a genuine passion for our cause. Your analytical prowess and strategic vision will be invaluable in helping SUNSHINE light up London and ensure our mission endures.

Join us. Plan our growth. Secure SUNSHINE's future.

Together, we can bring the SUNSHINE that lights up London and ensure loneliness becomes a forgotten word.

Ready to help us build a financially robust and connected London?

Apply now to become SUNSHINE's founding Financial Planning & Fundraising Strategy Lead and help us transform lives across London.

InterVol is a student volunteering charity in the United Kingdom that connects students with volunteering opportunities locally and overseas. InterVol supports students to develop their skills with community projects in the UK and then use those skills to support the work of charitable partners overseas on health, education, refugee support, and conservation placements. Our project placements and volunteering opportunities are designed by our local partners and with the long-term needs of beneficiaries and communities in mind. InterVol supports a network of five student societies at English universities with around one hundred volunteers annually.

InterVol is looking for new trustees to join our board. Trustees are responsible for ensuring that InterVol follows our guiding principles and acts within the law. This includes the timely submissions to the Charity Commission, ensuring that volunteering is safe and appropriate, and developing and maintaining a long-term strategy for InterVol. InterVol is a small charity with no staff, so trustees also play an important role in maintaining institutional memory for student committees which change annually. 

We are recruiting for general trustee roles and for a treasurer. For the treasurer role, we are looking for applicants with a specialism in financial management to oversee our bank account, monitor our online donation platform, make grants, donations and payments, and report on our finances annually to the Charity Commission. Trustees in non-finance roles will be allocated roles most relevant to their own experience e.g. specific university group support, specific placements, or thematic areas such as training or research.

As a trustee you are expected to take on roles including:

• Attend termly meetings (three annually, online) and annual meetings, where possible.

• Provide advice to the trustee board and our committees. This is either by email, or through the Trustees WhatsApp group.

• Work on specific projects with other trustees and advisors, e.g. managing interns, setting up new placement partnerships, and conducting/reviewing risk assessments.

• Identify potential partnerships in both the United Kingdom and overseas to forward the goals of the charity and strengthen our existing university projects.

• Attend training and network events to represent InterVol, make new connections and bring new ideas into the charity.

• Commit to 2-3 years of supporting the charity before handing over or renewing your term.

• Be based in the United Kingdom to allow travel to meetings.

Person Specification:

• Significant experience of volunteering in either the UK or overseas

• Passionate about ethical volunteering practises

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

• Flexible and able to provide support on an ad hoc basis

• Understanding of international development issues (desirable)

• Accounting and finance experience (treasurer role)

Become our Trustee Tresurer and chair our Finance Committee.We need a Trustees with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to help accelerate our influcence on wildlife and nature recovery issues in the country and beyond.

With a refreshed 3-year strategy (23-26), “A Wilder Herefordshire, More Nature Everywhere” we’re working hard to recover nature at scale through deeper collaborations, working with local community organisations and networks to develop a clear plan for nature’s recovery. We are also working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, river partnerships and national partners such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, and Duchy of Cornwall.

So, with lots happening, it’s an exciting if challenging time for the Trust.  Urgent action is needed to address the decline of wildlife in our beautiful county – and we need to muster all the resources and skills we can to succeed.

We are a welcoming board who support and challenge each other to do better for wildlife.

We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us.

At this time, we wish to recruit someone to take on the role of Treasurer, and chair our Finance Committee. You would need the following skills and qualities:

· A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust;

· Demonstrable experience of financial management;

· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences;

· A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards;

· The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy

If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Alison McLean OBE, Chair, March 2025

Role Overview:

The Chair will ensure that the board functions effectively, maintains high standards of governance, and that the charity's mission and goals are achieved.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Board Leadership:

   • Lead the board in setting and implementing the charity’s culture, direction, and strategy.

   • Ensure the board operates inclusively and effectively.

   • Chair board meetings, ensuring decisions are made and actions are followed up.

2. Strategic Direction:

   • Guide the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plan.

   • Ensure the charity’s activities align with its mission and goals.

3. Oversight and Accountability:

   • Monitor the charity’s activities and ensure high standards of governance.

   • Hold staff members accountable and support their professional development.

   • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (this includes Charity Commission and companies House requirements).

4. Close Supervision:

   • Ensure that all members of staff have adequate line management and supervision (not necessarily by the Chair as this may be allocated to another trustee).

   • Act as the primary point of communication between the board and the staff.

5. Direct Involvement:

   • Take a hands-on approach to day-to-day operations, as necessary.

   • Assist in tasks typically handled by additional staff due to the charity’s limited resources.

6. Enhanced Communication:

   • Ensure clear and consistent messaging between the board and the staff member.

7. Financial Oversight:

   • Oversee the charity’s finances, possibly taking on some treasurer responsibilities (currently the board has an appointed treasurer and an honorary accountant).

   • Ensure the charity operates within its financial means.

8. Volunteer Coordination:

   • Recruit and manage volunteers to support the charity’s activities as and when appropriate..

9. Policy Development:

   • Ensure the development, implementation and review of policies to ensure effective and legal operation of the charity.

10. Annual Review:

    • Lead the board in reviewing its structure, effectiveness, delegations, and key policies annually.

Person Specification:

• Leadership Skills: Proven experience in leadership roles, preferably within the charity sector.

• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and guide the charity’s direction.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial management and oversight.

• Commitment: Dedication to the charity’s mission and values.

• IT competency: Able to use cloud-based systems (currently Google Drive)

Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you! 

STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for our new Co-Chair of Trustees. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees. 

 The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation and be able to commit to at least 2 years in the role.

We are in particular looking for applicants who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Have HR experience 
• Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
• Have charitable fundraising experience. 

 Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged. 

Role Description

To provide strategic oversight of:

• STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law; 
• STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
• Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives; 
• The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
• Monitoring and reporting of financial information; 
• STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
• Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.

Also to:

• Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
• Attend and prepare for board meetings
• Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
• Approve accounts
• Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
• Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.

Specific responsibilities of the Co- Chair

• Ensure the proper management of board meetings, including setting agendas in consultation with the Director, chairing meetings, facilitating discussions and decision;
• Oversee the administration and coordination of any sub-committees; 
• Monitor implementation of board and sub-committee decisions;
• Take "Chair’s action" between meetings, where an immediate decision is required;
• Serve as line-manager to the Director, and conduct regular planned supervision and appraisal;
• Represent Board as required to the public or external parties such as funders and government; and
• Keep other officers fully informed so that they can deputise if necessary
• Working alongside and in collaboration with the other STAR trustee co-chair, sharing responsibilities and ensuring excellent communicative shared working.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
• A commitment to STAR’s values
• An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments. 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
• Integrity and good independent judgement
• Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
• Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.

Desirable 

Five years experience in one or more of:

• Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
• Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
• Charitable fundraising;
• Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
• Organisational development, growth or change;
• Human resources;
• Financial management/accountancy;
• IT;
• Negotiations;
• Marketing and public relations;
• Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
• Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
• Campaigning;
• Social Media/ Communications 

About Student Action for Refugees

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive. 

Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by: 

• empowering young people to be changemakers; 
• providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects; 
• challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK; 
• Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation 

We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.

Here are just some of our highlights from last year:

• 37  STAR university student society groups, across 28  towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders. 
• 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
• 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers  through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events. 
• 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
• 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of  existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of  university staff. 
• 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
• 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.

Deadline for applications (EXTENDED): 18th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling