Volunteer roles in central london, greater london

Fundraising team leader volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Fundraising events helper

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Fundraising team leader volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Fundraising events helper

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· help set up and/or man stalls at events

· help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections

· help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances

· promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Fundraising volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

● photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats

Fundraising team leader volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

 We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the charity through its next phase of growth and impact.

Following a recent skills audit, we are keen to strengthen our Board with individuals who bring expertise in key strategic areas, including fundraising, change management, external/public affairs, financial accounting, and governance. Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone with transferable experience and a passion for our mission, we would welcome your application.

About GBSS

GBSS is the UK’s leading charity working to prevent life-threatening group B Strep infections in babies. Our Trustees play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring it remains true to its mission, well-governed, financially sound, and impactful.

You will be part of a committed and collegiate Board, working alongside fellow Trustees, our Clinical Advisory Panel and our Staff Team to uphold GBSS’s values and objectives.

Key Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees contribute actively to the Board, which:

• Sets and maintains the vision, mission and values.
• Develops strategic direction and longer-term strategies.
• Establishes and monitors policy.
• Ensures compliance with the Governing Document and the law.
• Ensures accountability and that resources are used exclusively in furtherance of GBSS’s objectives.
• Maintains proper fiscal oversight.
• Promotes the charity externally.
• Appoints, supports and monitors the performance of the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
• Maintains effective Board performance.

We’re seeking individuals with expertise in:

• Fundraising & income generation
• Change management
• External/public affairs
• Finance, accounting & governance

We especially welcome applicants with recent UK maternity care experience and those from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic communities.

***This is a voluntary role, open to UK residents only. We are looking for people who are normally resident in the UK. This is to ensure compliance with governance, legal, and operational requirements relevant to our charity’s work.***

Help shape the future of child protection across the UK and Channel Islands as a Trsutee of the NSPCC.

Applications close on Monday 3rd November.

Location: UK-wide, with Board meetings in Central London

Who we are

The NSPCC stands at the forefront of protecting children today and preventing abuse tomorrow. For over 140 years, we have been the leading children’s charity dedicated to ending child cruelty across the UK and Channel Islands. Our mission is clear: every childhood is worth fighting for.

Through our comprehensive strategy “Preventing Child Abuse Together,” we focus on three transformative impact goals. We work to ensure everyone plays their part to prevent child abuse, that every child is safe online, and that children feel safe, listened to and supported. Our approach combines direct services like Childline with community-based prevention, policy influence, and innovative digital safety initiatives.

With an annual income of £124.7 million and over 1,600 dedicated staff, we reach millions of children each year. From delivering our Speak Out Stay Safe programme to over 1.3 million children in schools, to handling more than 187,000 Childline counselling sessions annually, our impact is both wide-reaching and deeply personal.

About the role

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Trustee to join our Board during a pivotal time in our organisation’s journey. As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership and governance oversight for one of the UK’s most influential children’s charities. You will work alongside a collegiate Board and executive team to navigate the complex challenges facing child protection today.

The role offers the opportunity to shape policy, drive innovation, and influence systemic change that directly impacts millions of children’s lives. You will be part of an organisation that doesn’t just respond to child abuse but actively works to prevent it, creating safer communities and transforming how society protects its most vulnerable members.

This is an unremunerated position that comes with the profound satisfaction of contributing to meaningful change in child protection. You will help steer an organisation known for its courage in tackling difficult issues, from campaigning for the Online Safety Act to developing groundbreaking services that support recovery from trauma.

Who we are looking for

We seek a Scotland-based individual with board experience and strong commercial acumen who can contribute to our strategic direction during a period of significant opportunity and change. As our Scotland representative, you will bring valuable insight into the specific context, needs, and opportunities within Scotland while contributing to our UK-wide strategy. We are open to a variety of professional backgrounds, such as finance, legal, or CEO experience. What matters most is your commercial acumen, mindset and approach. You should be someone who has operated at the board level, navigated complexity and operated successfully across multiple contexts. Experience in organisation-wide change management, transformation and rebuilding will be particularly valuable as we continue evolving our approach to child protection in an increasingly technologically complex world.

You will bring intellectual rigour combined with emotional intelligence, able to engage with sensitive and challenging subject matter while maintaining focus on outcomes for children. The ability to think strategically while understanding operational implications will be essential, as will comfort with ambiguity and the willingness to challenge constructively and be a support.

We value Trustees who can contribute to our culture of innovation and a positive attitude to risk. You should be someone who embraces our role as a challenger, willing to speak uncomfortable truths and push for change even when it’s difficult. Your motivation should include putting children first.

• Time commitment and practicalities

Time commitment: the equivalent of circa 1 day per month

Trustees serve a three-year term and can be re-elected. The Board meets five times annually, complemented by two strategy days typically held in or around London. Most trustees sit on one committee, which usually meets quarterly.

The role requires approximately the equivalent of circa a day a month, including preparation for meetings, reading time, and ad hoc conversations with board members and the executive team, with a willingness to travel throughout the UK from time to time.

The successful candidate will help us navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead while ensuring we remain true to our mission of fighting for every childhood. The NSPCC values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications close on Monday 3rd November.

We are looking for a trustee who understands charity finance.   Ideally you would  be a qualified accountant, perhaps retired, but with a particular expertise in charity finance.  We have a bookkeeper who does the work for us, so we are not looking for someone to do our accounts but we need a trustee who can give them direction and ensure the Board has the necessary financial information.  

We are looking for someone who cares about and wants to  help young people who are in the care system to make it to and through university. This is not about helping individual youngsters personally. We are building and funding programmes to enable others to help them more effectively.  

You need to be willing to be a trustee. This involves preparing for meetings by reading the papers, speaking up in meetings and sharing your opinions and experience, working with others on the board and with our education partners to develop ways we can fulfil our goal of increasing the number of care-experienced young people who successfully complete a degree and find work.

You need to be able to meet the time commitment which is to attend our (virtual) trustee meetings.  These are held on a Wednesday afternoon once a quarter – the dates are published well in advance.  We also get together, in person, for up to a full day once a year – again usually on a Wednesday. You will need to prepare for meetings and there may be the occasional other tasks so we recommend thinking of a time commitment of 2 -3 hours a month.

Previous experience as a charity trustee is highly desirable, but not essential, as you will have a full explanation of the duties and responsibilities of trustees during your induction.

Apply your education expertise to strengthen the Board at The Children's Trust, the UK's leading charity for children with brain injury and neurodisability.

Applications close Monday 3rd November.

Who we are

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury and neurodisability. With a clear vision for the future and a renewed leadership team, we are positioned to lead innovation in childhood brain injury and neurodisability rehabilitation. We have an ambitious new strategic direction focusing on innovative rehabilitation approaches that will help more children rebuild their lives after brain injury and neurodisability. We operate our pioneering special school, which is rated Outstanding by regulators. Our school serves children and young people with neurodisability leading to lifelong and life-limiting complex health needs, creating profound and complex barriers to learning. With recent CQC and Ofsted inspections continuing to be extremely positive, we are about to launch our ambitious five-year strategy, focused on helping more children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability to live the best life possible.

We are currently exploring the strategic place and future of our school, which makes this an ideal time for an education professional to join our Board and help chart a new future for this vital service. With this, we’re seeking an exceptional Trustee with education expertise to help guide us through this transformational phase.

About the role

We have made a number of key appointments to the Board and senior leadership team in the last 12-18 months, including a new Chair and Chief Executive. With some of our longest serving Trustees approaching the end of their terms, we are looking to make further appointments to our Board and committees to bring fresh, external perspective, challenge and leadership.

We are seeking an individual with education experience to join our Board and strengthen the voice of education expertise as we look to the future of our school and the exciting opportunities it presents. This appointment will help ensure our Board has the specialist knowledge needed to support our ‘Outstanding’ school and its continued development.

Who we are looking for

We are interested in hearing from professionals from the education sector who have had senior-level experience and who have a good understanding of SEND, and school organisations and structures. This could be from a variety of different environments and sectors such as schools, multi academy trusts, special schools, local authority and/or central government or regulation. While experience in special education is important, we are primarily seeking someone with a broad education expertise who understands the wider education system. Experience in commissioning or setting up new special academies or MATs would be particularly valuable. We are looking for someone with an understanding and experience of safeguarding, particularly for children with SEND, alongside their broader education expertise.

We are looking for a Trustee who aligns with our mission and is genuinely excited by our work with children with brain injury and neurodisability. You’ll be joining a Board that’s been significantly

refreshed over the past two years. We’re particularly committed to increasing diversity on our Board and would be especially pleased to hear from candidates with lived experience of brain injury, neurodisability, disability or neurodiversity, those from diverse ethnic backgrounds, lower socio-economic backgrounds, or who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ communities.

• Time Commitment

Our board typically meets 6 times a year, including our annual strategy away day, and committees typically meet 4-6 times annually. Outside of the formal meeting schedule, it is likely that additional time will be needed for relationship building and ad hoc discussions with the executive team and fellow board members.

Board meetings take place in person at our Tadworth site in Surrey, and we have a strong preference for in-person attendance to maximise engagement and relationship building, though we maintain some flexibility for online participation in certain circumstances. The Education Committee meets throughout the year, usually in person.

This is an ideal time to join The Children’s Trust. We have stable finances, a clear strategic direction, and the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in childhood brain injury rehabilitation and help chart a new future for our Outstanding school.

If you’re looking for a Trustee role where you can make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable children in our society, where your expertise will be valued and utilised, and where you’ll be part of a forward-looking organisation with genuine ambition for the future, we’d love to hear from you.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications close Monday 3rd November.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with refugee status and those seeking asylum in south west London? Consider joining our team at Refugee Action Kingston. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our values. We are a small, friendly team, driven by a passion to create positive and lasting change in our community.

Overview

Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) is an active and forward-looking charity based in Kingston Upon Thames. We help refugees and people seeking asylum to access essential services, including immigration and welfare advice, English classes, counselling and support into employment, volunteering and training.

We are a small charity that has significant impact: last year we assisted over 2000 individuals.  RAK won the Best in Supporting Young People award and was Highly Commended at the Kingston Borough Business Awards (KBBA) in 2025. 

The charity is seeking to recruit a volunteer chair of trustees, and would suit someone who has management experience in public or voluntary sector organisations. The chair will work closely with the CEO to help guide our next chapter of growth, providing governance and strategic direction inline with RAKs mission and values. Our board of trustees bring a wide range of expertise to the charity and work together, along with staff and volunteer input, to make decisions that inform its direction and achieve the best outcome for clients.  Your contribution will make a huge impact in shaping the future of those seeking sanctuary in our community, and we're excited to welcome someone passionate to the board. 

Key Responsibilities

The chair should lead or contribute to:  

• Regular trustee board meetings and key activities, including recruitment of trustees.

• Development and implementation of RAK's strategic plan.

• Governance of the charity to ensure it meets legal and regulatory requirements.

• Monitoring operational performance and implementation of a continuous improvement programme.

• Oversight of financial performance and fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability.

• Promotion of relationships with key stakeholders, including funding bodies, suppliers, and contractors.

• Regular meetings with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly when issues arise.

• Act as a spokesperson for RAK as needed.

Desirable

• Good understanding of issues and challenges faced by refugees and people seeking asylum in Kingston.

• Leadership qualities, including critical thinking and decision making.

• Experience of financial management and fundraising.

• Operational management experience gained in the commercial or voluntary sector.

• Experience of the principles and practices of governance in a commercial or voluntary organisation.

• Experience of being a trustee.

• Ability to use time and resources efficiently and responsibly to maximise the impact of our services for clients.

Core beliefs

• Commitment to promoting social justice and equity for all individuals, regardless of religion, culture, or background.

• Valuing and respecting diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, and fostering teamwork through inclusivity.

Please note that this is a voluntary role with reasonable volunteer expenses covered. The chair role requires a significant commitment of time and effort.

We seek individuals who are dedicated to contributing meaningfully and who are open to learning in areas where they may lack experience.Further information about RAK is on our website.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a personal statement of no more than 300 words that outlines your interest in becoming the chair of trustees.

Please note: RAK may hold interviews as and when volunteer chair of trustees applications are received. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Organisation: Make a Smile
Location: Remote - UK-based (with opportunities for occasional in-person involvement)
Commitment: Flexible, approx. 4–6 hours per week

About Make a Smile

At Make a Smile, we believe every volunteer should feel supported, valued, and empowered. Our volunteers are the heart of our charity, and we work hard to break down barriers so that everyone—no matter their background—can get involved and make a difference to children’s lives.

The Role

We’re looking for a compassionate and organised Volunteer Manager to support and oversee the wellbeing and engagement of volunteers across the charity. This role is about building a strong, inclusive, and supportive volunteer community where everyone can thrive.

The Volunteer Manager will:

• Support chapter Wellbeing Officers by ensuring they create proactive wellbeing plans and run initiatives such as wellbeing posts, yoga sessions, or social activities.

• Organise central wellbeing efforts (e.g., online wellbeing campaigns and virtual socials) to strengthen volunteer morale across the charity.

• Lead the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Subcommittee, identifying barriers faced by minority and underrepresented groups and implementing changes to make volunteering more accessible and inclusive.

• Develop and manage Reasonable Adjustment Plans (RAPs) for individual volunteers who may need additional support, ensuring these are sensitively shared and applied.

• Oversee Safeguarding and Community Officers, supporting them to maintain legal compliance and build a sense of belonging among volunteers.

• Champion feedback and engagement, using volunteer insights to improve wellbeing and inclusion initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

• A passion for volunteer support and community building.

• Strong listening and communication skills.

• Empathy and a proactive approach to addressing barriers.

• Organisational skills and confidence leading meetings or subcommittees.

• Interest in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

• Willingness to learn about safeguarding and wellbeing practices (training provided).

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in volunteer management, wellbeing, and inclusion.

• The chance to lead on meaningful initiatives that directly impact volunteers’ experiences.

• Opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and EDI skills.

• The satisfaction of knowing you’re helping volunteers feel supported, engaged, and empowered.

Time Commitment

This role is flexible and can be done remotely. We ask for around 4–6 hours per week, though this may vary depending on activities or events.