Volunteer roles in city of london, england

RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch

Our RSPCA charity shop in Kenton is looking for friendly volunteers to join the team.

About Our Shop

RSPCA, 225 Kenton Road, Kenton, HA3 OHD

The shop is part of the RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch. It plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community, as well as raising much needed funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It’s always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

About the Role As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team of other volunteers helping to make the shop a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.

Our volunteers assist us in many ways, such as accepting and sorting items donated by the public, preparing items ready for sale, processing sales through the till, assisting customers with queries, and helping to merchandise the shop floor.

Who are we looking for?

We’re currently looking for people aged 18 or over who are friendly, team players, are comfortable communicating with colleagues, customers and donors, and who can make a regular commitment of at least one 3-hour per shift per week for a minimum of six months. Retail experience is not essential.

In return, we can offer the chance to develop or learn new skills, a way to meet new people in your local area, and the satisfaction of making a huge difference to the lives of animals in your local community!

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch

Our RSPCA charity shop in Eastcote is looking for friendly volunteers to join the team.

About Our Shop

RSPCA, 114 Field End Road, Eastcote, HA5 1RL

The shop is part of the RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch. It plays an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community, as well as raising much needed funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It’s always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

About the Role

As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team of other volunteers helping to make the shop a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare. Our volunteers assist us in many ways, such as accepting and sorting items donated by the public, preparing items ready for sale, processing sales through the till, assisting customers with queries, and helping to merchandise the shop floor.

Who are we looking for?

We’re currently looking for people aged 18 or over who are friendly, team players, are comfortable communicating with colleagues, customers and donors, and who can make a regular commitment of at least one 3-hour per shift per week for a minimum of six months. Retail experience is not essential.

In return, we can offer the chance to develop or learn new skills, a way to meet new people in your local area, and the satisfaction of making a huge difference to the lives of animals in your local community!

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Why we need you

Casework triage volunteers help our caseworkers manage demand at our partner day centres by welcoming people, and assessing what issues they need support with. They then signpost people to other services where appropriate, help them access the day centre facilities, and help caseworkers to prioritise the most pressing guest needs.

When and where

Our partner day centres at the Ace of Clubs, HTB, the Upper Room, and Chelsea Methodist Church all have casework triage volunteers, who volunteer on the same day each week, usually for a 3hr shift.

What experience do I need?

It's the perfect volunteering role if you:

· Have some experience directly working or volunteering with vulnerable people,

· Are confident, friendly, and can think on your feet,

· Want to dedicate half a day weekly to volunteering in a frontline service.

What would I gain?

· Experience contributing to a frontline homelessness service

· Valuable experience for your C.V. and a professional reference

· All volunteers have access to our employer assistance programme, a free confidential helpline.

Travel and lunch expenses are available, and we're particularly keen to hear from people who have volunteered in a homelessness service before, or who have lived experience of homelessness.

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of healthy citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, and self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/11/2025

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

The National Safeguarding Panel (NSP) is seeking to appoint a representative from a survivor's organisation that works with individuals affected by faith-based abuse to join its independent advisory body.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the safeguarding work of the Church of England by offering strategic insight, scrutiny, and challenge from the perspective of survivors. The NSP plays a vital role in shaping safeguarding policy and practice, ensuring that the voices of victims and survivors are heard and meaningfully integrated into decision-making.

About the Role

As a panel member, you will:

• Represent the experiences and perspectives of survivors of faith-based abuse.
• Participate in scrutiny sessions and fact-finding meetings, helping to shape recommendations to the Church's National Safeguarding Steering Group.
• Provide independent advice on safeguarding policy and practice.
• Engage with other panel members from diverse backgrounds, including survivors, safeguarding professionals, and faith representatives.
• Contribute to the development of a proactive and constructive safeguarding culture across the Church.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome applications from organisations that:

• Work directly with survivors of abuse within any faith-based context
• Have experience in scrutiny, advocacy, or policy development.
• Are committed to survivor-led approaches and trauma-informed practice.
• Can nominate a representative with lived or professional experience relevant to the NSP's remit.

The nominated representative should be able to:

• Attend up to six panel meetings per year (some in-person, some online).
• Contribute to written submissions and discussions.
• Collaborate respectfully with a multiagency, multidenominational panel.

Support and Induction

New members will receive a full induction programme, including meetings with key panel and safeguarding team members, and access to relevant resources.

Remuneration and Expenses

A fee of £25 per hour will be paid for attendance at meetings, along with reimbursement for travel expenses. Members are expected to attend six meetings per year and undertake one hour of reading in preparation for each panel meeting. Additional reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Church of England's NCI expenses policy, subject to approval by the Chair.

How to apply

To apply, please email your current CV, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words demonstrating your relevant skills, experience and reason why you are interested in the role to .

Applications close on Tuesday, 11 November. Candidates whose applications are taken forward will be invited for an interview on Tuesday, 25 November. 

The National Safeguarding Panel (NSP) is seeking to appoint a Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP) Chair Member to join its independent scrutiny and advisory body. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national safeguarding strategy and scrutiny within the Church of England.

The NSP provides independent advice, challenge, and strategic oversight of safeguarding policy and practice. It is a multiagency, multidenominational panel committed to ensuring that safeguarding is informed by lived experience, professional expertise, and rigorous scrutiny.

About the Role

As a panel member, you will:

• Bring your experience as a DSAP Chair to inform national safeguarding discussions.
• Participate in up to six panel meetings per year, including fact-finding and scrutiny sessions.
• Contribute to the development and review of safeguarding priorities and recommendations.
• Collaborate with a diverse panel including survivors, safeguarding professionals, and faith representatives.
• Help ensure that diocesan safeguarding perspectives are reflected in national policy and practice.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Currently serve or have recently served as Chair of a Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel.
• Have demonstrable experience in safeguarding governance, scrutiny, and strategic oversight.
• Are committed to improving safeguarding outcomes across the Church of England.
• Can offer independent, constructive challenge and insight.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong understanding of diocesan safeguarding structures and a passion for continuous improvement in safeguarding practice.

Support and Induction

All new members will receive a full induction programme, including:

• Meetings with key panel and safeguarding team members.
• Access to relevant resources and support.
• Ongoing review discussions and opportunities for feedback.

Remuneration and Expenses

A fee of £25 per hour will be paid for attendance at meetings, along with reimbursement for travel expenses. Members are expected to attend six meetings per year and undertake one hour of reading in preparation for each panel meeting. Additional reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Church of England's NCI expenses policy, subject to approval by the Chair.

How to apply

To apply, please email your current CV, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words demonstrating your relevant skills, experience and reason why you are interested in the role to .

Applications close on Tuesday, 18 November. Candidates whose applications are taken forward will be invited for an interview on Tuesday, 02 December. 

The National Safeguarding Panel (NSP) is seeking to appoint a Denominational Representative from any religious background with experience in safeguarding and safeguarding scrutiny processes to join its independent scrutiny and advisory body.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the Church of England's safeguarding work by offering faith-informed insight, challenge, and strategic advice. The NSP plays a vital role in shaping national safeguarding policy and practice, with a strong emphasis on multiagency and multidenominational collaboration.

About the Role

As a panel member, you will:

• Bring denominational safeguarding experience to inform policy and practice discussions.
• Participate in up to six panel meetings per year, including fact-finding and scrutiny sessions.
• Contribute to the development and review of safeguarding priorities and recommendations.
• Collaborate with a diverse panel including survivors, safeguarding professionals, and other faith representatives.
• Help ensure that safeguarding approaches are inclusive, respectful of faith contexts, and aligned with best practice.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Are affiliated with or have experience working within a faith community (any denomination).
• Have demonstrable experience in safeguarding and scrutiny processes.
• Can offer independent, constructive challenge and insight.
• Are committed to improving safeguarding outcomes across faith-based settings.

Experience may come from faith-based organisations, statutory services, regulatory bodies, or other relevant sectors.

Support and Induction

All new members will receive a full induction programme, including:

• Meetings with key panel and safeguarding team members.
• Access to relevant resources and support.
• Ongoing review discussions and opportunities for feedback.

Remuneration and Expenses

How to apply

To apply, please email your current CV, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words demonstrating your relevant skills, experience and reason why you are interested in the role to .

Applications close on Tuesday, 18 November. Candidates whose applications are taken forward will be invited for an interview on Tuesday, 02 December. 

Key information about London PLAY and the Co-Chair role

About Play

Play is important. It is deemed so vital to children’s health, happiness, and development that the right to play is enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Yet play in London is under threat:

• Space for play is threatened by development and traffic.
• Freedom to play is stifled by perceptions of risk, and fear.
• Time for play is limited by more testing in school and sedentary activities.
• Funding for play workers and play spaces is increasingly scarce. About London PLAY London Play works to ensure children have the space, time and freedom to play.

We want every child in London to have high quality, free play opportunities, near to where they live. We’re working to achieve this through campaigning, organising events, supporting play providers and play workers and others whose work or lives include children, and creating opportunities for more and better play across the capital.

About the role

London PLAY is seeking a Co-Chair of Trustees to work alongside our current Chair, oversee the implementation of our strategy, and help us increase our impact and influence. The Co-Chairs will work closely with other trustees and staff to ensure effective governance, and to achieve London Play’s aims. After a period of transition, it is envisaged that the new Co-Chair will take on the full responsibilities of the role of Chair.

Key responsibilities (shared with the other Co-Chair)

In addition to the general duties and responsibilities of a trustee, the Co-Chair will: ▪ Plan the annual cycle of board meetings, in conjunction with the Director. ▪ Set agendas for board meetings, in conjunction with the Director. ▪ Chair and facilitate board meetings. ▪ Give direction to board policy-making. ▪ Bring impartiality and objectivity to decision-making. ▪ Represent the organisation at functions and meetings. ▪ Meet regularly with the Director to gain an overview of the organisation’s affairs and operation and for the purposes of providing support. ▪ Liaise with the Director to continually develop the board of trustees. ▪ Lead the annual performance appraisal process for the Director. ▪ Sit on selection, disciplinary, grievances and complaints panels, as necessary, and in particular where the appointment of new trustees is concerned. ▪ Support the organisation’s overall development. 

Person specification: Co-Chair of the board of trustees

▪ A commitment to the organisation, its vision and passion to make play accessible for all children. ▪ A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort. ▪ An ability to think creatively and strategically. ▪ An ability to work effectively as a member of a team. ▪ Selflessness, integrity, and objectivity. ▪ A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

Other key information

• The role of Co-Chair is not remunerated, but reasonable expenses will be paid.
• The board meets four times a year, twice in person and twice online.
• In person meetings are held in London.
• The Co-Chairs (and board members) serve a three-year term to be eligible for reappointment at the end of each term for a maximum of two additional terms.

Summary and how to apply

This is an exciting role and opportunity to co-lead a small but influential charity that has championed children's right to play for nearly 30 years. If you are interested in applying for this role, please email (email address listed below) a copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are applying for the role and outlining your relevant experience. Your cover letter should be no more than two sides of A4.

We are committed to being an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented on our board including younger people, people from ethnically diverse groups, and people with disabilities.

Important dates to note

• Deadline for applications: Thursday 13 November, 5:00pm.
• Note that first-round interviews will be held online on Thursday 20 November.
• Second-round interviews will be held in-person (in Hackney) on Monday 24 November.

If you cannot attend an interview on either of these dates, please state this in your application and we will do our best to work around your availability.

Other information to note

Current Chair of Trustees (to become Co-Chair): Melian Mansfield

Current Co-Vice Chairs: Barry Walden and Hal Davidson

The Circle is a global feminist organisation supporting marginalised and vulnerable women and girls confronting gender-based violence and economic injustice across the world. To help achieve that we are looking for two new Trustees, including a Vice-Chair, to join our board. We are particularly looking for one individual with overseas programmes and grant-making experience and one with public campaigning experience. 

About The Circle

The Circle is a global feminist organisation, founded by Annie Lennox and other leading women in 2018, supporting marginalised and vulnerable women and girls confronting gender-based violence and economic injustice across the world. What started as a small group of influential women, including activists, lawyers and creatives coming together, has grown into a global network of thousands.

The Circle brings together Global Feminist changemakers to use their resources, networks and creativity to cultivate long lasting change. Through the delivery of frontline services, fundraising, advocacy and convening and connecting, our global network supports each other on the journey towards a future where there is safety and equality for all women and girls.

We are on a mission to dismantle the economic barriers women and girls experience and end the pandemic of violence they face by funding & supporting frontline grassroots organisations in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. We advocate for long-term structural change and use our collective voices and those with lived experience to strive for progress. Global Feminism is our guiding light.

Since 2008, The Circle has supported over 1.5 million people directly on women’s rights and empowered more than 700,000 women and girls facing violence, discrimination and fear globally. The Circle has supported the creation of safe spaces and refuges, counselling, educational workplace training programmes, emergency assistance and much more.

Role Specification

• Ensure that The Circle is carrying out its vision and purpose. Understand its objectives, be able to explain them and ensure they are adhered to.
• Contribute actively to the Board in giving strategic direction to the charity, agreeing on overall strategy, policy, targets and evaluation performance.
• Ensure The Circle is complying with its governing document, legal obligations and statutory and accounting reporting requirements.
• Manage The Circle’s resources responsibly (including its finances, assets, reputation and value)
• Use any specific skills, knowledge, and experience to offer challenge and advice to help the Board reach sound decisions
• To safeguard the good name and values of The Circle
• The Vice Chair supports the Chair and the Board, deputizes in the Chair’s absence, and helps maintain good governance and strategic direction.

Person Specification

We are seeking two new Trustees (including a Vice-Chair) to join our Board with energy, commitment and specific skills and experience in the following areas (with the understanding that candidates may have more than one of the skills listed):

• Senior experience in international development/gender programming, including grant-making
• Public or digital campaigns for advocacy
• Additional skills such a corporate connections and networks will also be desirable.
• We recognise the importance of having a diverse and inclusive Board, and The Circle is committed to achieving greater diversity. We welcome applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief, or disability. Trustees will be required to be UK-based, but we welcome applicants with connections and heritage to the countries we work in. A commitment to our values of anti-racism, oppression and decolonisation will be essential.
• Most importantly we are looking for Trustees who share and want to be actively involved in our passion for an equal and safe world for women and girls.

We are New Wine

New Wine is a network of leaders and a family of churches, committed to seeing local churches thrive and communities transformed.

Our strategic priorities are:

• Equipping Leaders – Investing in current and emerging leaders through training, mentoring, gathering and practitioner-led ministry.
• Empowering Younger Generations – Investing in ministries that raise up children, youth, and young adults to know Jesus and lead with courage and conviction.
• Multiplying Churches – Supporting church plants, revitalisations, and pioneering expressions of church in diverse contexts.

Representing over 1,000 churches, 4,000 church leaders and 50,000 individuals, building networks, equipping leaders and empowering people to advance the Kingdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ church is always facing challenges and opportunities, and it’s as true now, and for New Wine, as it’s ever been. At this time of tremendous opportunity, we are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to work with our Board and Leadership to oversee and steward our mission, people and strategic priorities.

Could you be that person?

We’re looking for an exceptional, Godly person as our next Chair who has:

• A vibrant faith in Jesus, evident in their life and leadership, who is actively engaged in a local church aligned with New Wine’s vision and values, and who is passionate about seeing the Kingdom of God advance in the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Proven governance experience, with an ability to bring wisdom, accountability, and spiritual discernment to lead the Board in fulfilling New Wine’s mission and values.
• A proven ability to bring strategic oversight and discernment, that will help shape and steward the New Wine’s vision and priorities in pursuit of its mission.
• Strong emotional intelligence, with an ability to lead collaboratively and build consensus to enable effective and unified decision-making.
• Exceptional relational and leadership abilities, with an ability to inspire, influence, and build effective working relationships across the Board and the wider New Wine network.

This is a time of amazing opportunity.

As the ‘quiet revival’ continues across our nation, New Wine’s mission of local churches changing nations feels more spiritually potent than ever. We are living in a time of exceptional opportunity for New Wine and we will need a Chair who can help us realise the full potential God has for us.

Could you be that person?

Closing date for expressions of interest is12pm GMT on Friday 21st November 2025.

National Clinical Officer (Paramedicine & AHPs)

Volunteer Role | Approx. 25 hours per month | 2 posts available
Location: 1 x South Wales | 1 x North Wales
(While each role will focus mainly on its base area, there is an expectation of providing support across all of Wales when required.)

About St John Ambulance Cymru

We’re Wales’ leading first aid charity, dedicated to saving lives and enhancing community health. Every day, our volunteers deliver care, compassion, and professional expertise across the nation — from first aid cover at local events to frontline support alongside the NHS.

About the Role

We’re looking for two National Clinical Officers (Paramedicine & AHPs) to join our National Clinical Team.
These key volunteer leadership roles will provide strategic clinical leadership, management, and expert advice to ensure our clinical services remain safe, compliant, and of the highest quality.

Working closely with the National Clinical Lead (Paramedicine & AHPs) and the wider National Clinical Team, you’ll help shape the direction of Paramedicine and Allied Health Professional practice across St John Ambulance Cymru.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the development and implementation of national clinical strategies.

• Support the recruitment, development, and engagement of Paramedics, Associate Ambulance Practitioners, and AHPs within the organisation.

• Provide expert advice on clinical governance, regulatory standards, and medicines management.

• Collaborate with colleagues across Wales to share best practice and deliver quality improvement initiatives.

• Represent St John Ambulance Cymru on relevant committees, forums, and professional networks.

• Support and mentor volunteers and healthcare professionals to maintain excellence in practice.

What You’ll Gain

• A unique opportunity to shape the future of Paramedicine and AHP practice in Wales.

• Experience in national-level clinical leadership.

• Professional mentorship and CPD opportunities through the National Clinical Team.

• The chance to represent your profession across Wales and the wider UK.

• The satisfaction of making a real difference within Wales’ leading first aid charity.

About You

You'll be registrated on the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) with at least three years’ clinical experience. You bring energy, integrity, and strong leadership skills, and you’re comfortable influencing and collaborating at all levels.

You understand the opportunities and challenges of working within a volunteer-led organisation, and you’re committed to upholding our core values: Compassion, Quality, Inclusion, and Integrity.

Essential Requirements:

• HCPC registration

• Enhanced DBS clearance

• Valid First Aid and Group B Safeguarding qualifications - gaining this can be supported 

• Level 3 Safeguarding Adults & Children

• Minimum three years’ clinical experience

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills

Commitment

Approx. 25 hours per month
Initial three-year term, with the option to extend for a further three years.
Mentorship, training, and ongoing professional support are provided.

The National Safeguarding Panel (NSP) is seeking to appoint two Independent Members with specialist skills in the scrutiny of children's safeguarding to join its multiagency, multidenominational advisory body.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the safeguarding work of the Church of England by offering expert insight, challenge, and strategic advice on matters relating to children's safeguarding policy and practice.

About the Role

As a panel member, you will:

• Provide independent scrutiny and advice on children's safeguarding matters.
• Participate in up to six panel meetings per year, including fact-finding and scrutiny sessions.
• Contribute to the development and review of safeguarding policies, practices, and priorities.
• Collaborate with a diverse panel including survivors, safeguarding professionals, and faith representatives.
• Help ensure that safeguarding approaches reflect best practice and are informed by lived experience and professional expertise.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Have substantial experience in children's safeguarding, particularly in scrutiny, policy development, or strategic oversight.
• Can offer independent, constructive challenge and insight.
• Are committed to improving safeguarding outcomes for children within faith-based contexts.
• Are comfortable working collaboratively in a multiagency setting.

Experience may come from statutory services, academia, regulatory bodies, charities, or other relevant sectors. Prior panel experience is welcome but not essential.

Support and Induction

All new members will receive a full induction programme, including:

• Meetings with key panel and safeguarding team members.
• Access to relevant resources and support.
• Ongoing review discussions and opportunities for feedback.

Remuneration and Expenses

A fee of £25 per hour will be paid for attendance at meetings, along with reimbursement for travel expenses. Members are expected to attend six meetings per year and undertake one hour of reading in preparation for each panel meeting. Additional reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Church of England's NCI expenses policy, subject to approval by the Chair.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your current CV, along with a personal statement of no more than 500 words demonstrating your relevant skills, experience and reason why you are interested in the role to .

Applications close on Tuesday, 18 November. Candidates whose applications are taken forward will be invited for an interview on Tuesday, 02 December.

It is an exciting and challenging time for the international development sector. Vision Action is seeking to appoint two new Trustees, one of whom will serve as Chair Designate, to bring experience, insight, and energy in support of our ambition to increase equitable access to basic eye care services in Ghana, Zambia, and Ethiopia (with plans to expand further).

Vision Action was born in 2022 out of the merger to two charities, Vision for a Nation, an award-winning charity founded by the philanthropist James Chen and operating in Rwanda which developed a unique model for providing basic eye care in under-resourced settings, and Vision Aid Overseas, founded in the 1980s to establish accessible vision centres across Africa.  To learn more about our work please visit our website at Vision Action. The role of the Board of Trustees is to oversee the direction and activities of the charity, including its policies and procedures, to ensure that they are consistently in accordance with the charitable purposes defined in the objects clause in its Constitution. The Board sets and monitors the strategic direction of the charity, although the implementation of strategy is achieved through the executive team.

Terms of service

For Vision Action the Trustees are Members who have been elected to serve on the Board. Vision Action’s constitution allows for up to 12 Trustees, who can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms of three years.  Vision Action is a company limited by guarantee and the Trustees are its legal directors. The Trustee role is voluntary but out of pocket expenses are paid.  Trustees are appointed by the Vision Action Board of Trustees annually at the Board meeting following the Annual General Meeting. The time commitment in being a trustee involves attendance at four Board meetings per year, one of which will be an all-day strategy session. Otherwise, Board meetings are usually half a day in the afternoon of a weekday with at least half the meetings online.  Papers are circulated for reading in advance. There may be other ad-hoc meetings or online events to discuss specific topics.

Main tasks

Charity Trustees have and must accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. Each Trustee will be expected to join one of the two sub-committees (Finance and Fundraising; and Programmes and Research). The Committees meet remotely at least four times per year, usually timed with or in advance of the board meetings. 

General Responsibilities

• Ensure that Vision Action complies with its governing document (i.e. its Constitution and Bylaws), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that Vision Action pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure Vision Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in the formulation and review of strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure that all policies are implemented, monitored and reports are acted upon, (including the policies on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Recruitment, Child Protection and Anti- Bribery).
• Appoint and support the Co-Chief Executive Officers and monitor their performance.

Additional Specific Responsibilities

In addition to the above, we are looking for a Trustee who can be the Chair Designate and assume the role of Chair in December 2025.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

Each Trustee must demonstrate:

• A commitment to the mission and values of Vision Action.
• A commitment to Vision Action’s key organisational policies, including those on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Whistleblowing, Recruitment, Child Protection, and Anti-Bribery.
• Good, independent judgement.
• Willingness to represent, advocate for, and support the work of the charity.

Desirable Experience

While not essential, experience in the following areas would be an advantage:

• Leadership or senior management experience in business, the third sector, or civil service.
• Understanding of the International Development or Global Health sectors.
• Fundraising, philanthropy, or partnership development.

1.  Terms of Service.

The Chair is appointed by the Board annually for a maximum of 3 consecutive terms. He/she will normally assume his/her appointment at the Board meeting following the AGM in November.

2.  Main Tasks:

• To lead the Board in ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Vision Action.
• To ensure the Trustees set and regularly review policy, overall strategy and objectives.
• To undertake a supportive role in achieving Vision Action’s funding target.
• To guide the Co-Chief Executives, to help achieve Vision Action’s objectives.
• To monitor approved strategies and business plans.

3.  Specific Duties relating to:

3.1 Ensuring the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Vision Action:

• To chair meetings of the Board, seeing that it functions effectively and carries out its duties.
• To ensure the Board works within the framework of law, Charity Commission guidelines and management best practice.
• To ensure that the policies of the Board are compliant with its charity objectives.
• To ensure the Trustees set overall strategy and policy objectives and regularly review them.
• In conjunction with the Treasurer, to ensure Vision Action’s financial dealings are prudently and systematically accounted for in compliance with legal requirements.
• Make recommendations on the composition of the Board, with a view to succession, and future Chair.
• To serve as an additional spokesman for, and promoter of Vision Action (Note: The Co-Chief Executives act as the primary spokespeople)

3.2 To ensure Trustees develop overall strategy and policy objectives and regularly review them:

• To incorporate the skills and experience of the trustees and the Co-Chief Executives’ team in the development of strategic objectives and planning processes.
• Identify with the Co-Chief Executives, clear objectives and key performance indicators

3.3 Helping the Co-Chief Executives achieve Vision Action’s mission:

• The Chair should always adopt an attitude of strategic overview and avoid becoming immersed in the day-to- day details of running Vision Action. Such matters are the responsibility of the Co-Chief Executives.
• To support and monitor the work of the Co-Chief Executives.
• To assist in the promotion of Vision Action to a wider audience of potential donors and beneficiaries.
• To undertake a supportive role in achieving Vision Action’s fundraising target.

3.4 Optimising the relationship between the Board, staff, volunteers and other stakeholders:

• In consultation with the Co-Chief Executives, to agree the annual calendar of Board meetings and major events involving Vision Action.
• To thank and encourage Vision Action volunteers, staff and other stakeholders as opportunities present themselves.
• To conduct the annual appraisal of the Co-Chief Executives and agree their annual objectives and performance measures.

About Care4Calais 

Care4Calais is a volunteer-led charity delivering essential aid and support to people seeking asylum living in the UK and Northern France. We provide direct aid and advocate for a fair asylum system, including safe routes to claim asylum.

The UK Direct Aid team delivers essential support through practical services; such as running distributions, delivering English classes and casework-style support through drop-ins. The UK Direct Aid team also provides services to promote wellbeing such as trips and sports activities.

UK Area Lead Volunteer

We are looking for a compassionate, organised, and motivated Volunteer Area Leads to oversee a team of volunteers and the delivery of essential services and activities in their area. You must be committed to anti-racism and social justice, particularly for people seeking safety.

We are looking for Leads in the following areas:

• North London (including Brent, Barnet, Camden and Harrow)
• West London (Ealing/Acton)
• Reading
• Oxford
• Surrey (Redhill/ Reigate)
• Bedfordshire 
• Southampton
• Birmingham
• Nottingham
• South Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire

Responsibilities include:

• Organising activities (distributions, drop-ins, conversation clubs)

• Monitoring WhatsApp groups

• Attending and leading meetings

• Sharing updates and resources with volunteers

• Partnering with local organisations and councils

• Attending training

• Ensuring best practice and reflecting Care4Calais objectives

• Monitoring group funds and purchases

• Recording services and support provided

• Ensuring your group reflects Care4Calais’ values and messaging

What you will get

• Comprehensive training to equip you in your role; including safeguarding training, Induction Training, Activities and Distribution Training and Boundaries and Resilience Training. 

• Support from a wonderful team

• Opportunity to develop skills including casework, team management/leadership, admin, organisational, delegating, networking, funding bids, sourcing donations, and building partnerships in the sector

• Greater understanding of the UK asylum system

There are a range of activities that you can organise, including the following:

• English classes/ conversation clubs 

• Drop-ins - help with requests and signpost to support.

• Distributions - provide essential items like clothing, shoes, and toiletries. 

• Sports - activities like yoga, football etc., are a great way to improve wellbeing, and for people to connect with others.

• Trips - organise trips to places such as the park, cinema to help boost mood and give people time away from the hotel.

• Wellbeing activities - sessions like crafts and cooking are popular. 

• Workshops - help with housing once someone receives Leave to Remain; familiarise people with life in the UK.

• Events - mark specific days or holidays to get people together and celebrate. 

• Media/ Press/ Engagements - as a volunteer you may be asked to share a story for our social media or help someone with lived experience to share.

• Remote working - support with tasks such as contacting Migrant Help, helping individuals register with GPS, researching local support, or general admin. 

Care4Calais strongly encourages people with experience of the asylum system to apply, and recognises the specific value that lived experience brings to an organisation.