Volunteer roles in europe

MARINElife is a science charity that conducts cetacean and seabird research and monitoring by gathering information of key marine species so they can be better protected and we are seeking a Trustee Treasurer.  For over 30 Years, we have carried out research, educational and outreach work on whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine animals in the oceans of North-west Europe. We also provide relevant, robust and up-to-date information to those working for the sustainable future of our oceans.

The vital work is done in partnership with a wide range of sponsoring bodies from ecotourism through to research institutes and shipping companies. Our goal is to help conserve marine animals and to raise awareness of the threats they face by engaging the public and policymakers.

Everyone here has a passion for the marine environment. Our Trustees play a key role and are responsible for the oversight and governance of the charity, including ensuring the charity has the strategy to deliver its aims. They work as a team on the MARINElife Board of Trustees and also take a hands-on lead on specific topics as required.

Day- to- day operation of the charity is carried out by a small and dedicated team. They work with an enthusiastic community of volunteers and supporters, who survey the seas and deliver the data that forms our important contribution to marine science and conservation.

We currently have an opportunity for a Trustee to join us who, in addition to a passion for the marine environment, has the skills to contribute to governance of the charity and the ability to take the lead as our Treasurer.

The overall role of our Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the charity’s affairs; ensure they are compliant and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. The successful candidate will work with our administrator who manages the day-to-day finances to oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits.

The Person We’re Looking For:

• Experienced in Finance with a firm understanding of charity finance, knowledgeable in bookkeeping and financial management
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity and financial analysis skills to support bids and fundraising activities
• A clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to the Board of Trustees
• An enthusiastic contributor, willing to play an active role in the development of the Charity and specifically in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors

Previous Board or Trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds with a passion for the environment. Our ideal candidate will have previous experience in a finance role within the public or charity sector, knowledge and experience of fundraising finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations and good financial analysis skills.

The Trustee role is voluntary; the time requirement will vary but will require on average a one day a month commitment including Quarterly Trustee board meetings.

Trustees
Specialist Education and Care Trust
Location: Cranleigh, Surrey (hybrid)
Time commitment: Approx. 10–12 days per year
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

A specialist education and care trust based in Surrey is seeking up to five new Trustees to join its committed and values-led Board. This is a rewarding opportunity to support children and young adults with complex learning and behavioural needs through integrated education, care and therapy.

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge across the organisation’s education, residential and supported living services. You’ll work closely with the Executive Principal and Senior Leadership Team, helping to shape operational strategy, monitor financial performance, and ensure effective governance.

Applications are welcome from individuals with experience in the charity, education, care, or public service sectors. The organisation is particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

• HR and people strategy

• IT systems and cyber security

• Finance and financial oversight

• Legal and contract law

• Health services

• Safeguarding

Above all, the Trust is looking for individuals who bring energy and enthusiasm, empathy and values alignment, and a collaborative and constructive spirit.

You do not need to be Catholic to apply; Trustees of all faiths and none who share the organisation’s mission and commitment to inclusion are warmly welcomed.

Deadline for applications: 11 January 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 19 January 2026 and week commencing 26 January 2026

For more information, including how to apply, please view the appointment brief on the Prospectus website.

Join Our Team as a Volunteer in our Helpline!

Service: Helpline
Service Opening Hours: 24/7
Location: Waterside House, Sunderland.

About us
Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity with over 35 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health and social care services. We have a positive impact on the lives of people living with mental health needs in our local communities. We provide services across England, from Northumberland to Devon, led by a highly motivated and enthusiastic workforce who are committed to delivering the best quality services to those in need of support.

Everything about MHM is people focused, our people are central to delivering the highest quality of service and care to our clients and service users.

At our Mental Health Helpline, we offer a crucial lifeline, providing compassionate listening and crisis de-escalation for numerous NHS Trusts. We're on the lookout for empathetic and dedicated individuals to join us in delivering this transformative support.

About the role
Our Volunteers are incredibly important in supporting the work we do, and we value individuals who dedicate their time to find the perfect fit within our organisation.

We are currently excited to welcome volunteers to the Helpline, to support with our emotional support provision.

The service operates 24/7 but we welcome applications to fit around your availability and capacity.

You will be part of a team that provides emotional support and signposting to our callers and will be supported by the Telephone Support Workers and Shift Supervisors at all times.

About you

Your involvement at the Helpline will make a meaningful difference to those we support.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on others’ lives?
Do you have empathy and understanding towards different perspectives?
Are you happy to work as part of a team?
Would you like to learn new skills and develop your abilities to listen and support people?

If these qualities resonate with you, we’d love to hear from you and explore how your unique skills and passions can enhance our service.

Requirements
No prior experience is required, and lived experience is always welcomed. We provide comprehensive training – all we ask is that you’re ready to take the next step in supporting others.

This is a great opportunity for someone with an interest in health and social care services and a drive to make a positive impact.

Please Note - Due to the nature of the role, our volunteers will need to be over the age of 18 and will be expected to complete an Enhanced DBS check.

Our commitment to you
When you choose to volunteer with us, you’ll have a dedicated support system in place. Our Helpline management team will collaborate to craft a personalised development plan that aligns with your goals of volunteering.

Your aspirations and interests, whatever they may be, will be at the forefront of this plan. We’re here to ensure that your experience as a volunteer is both fulfilling and aligned with what you hope to achieve through your time with us.

We also commit to providing reasonable travel expenses (up to £5 a day).

We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees to help guide our future.

Marillac Neurological Care Centre (the MNCC) is not-for-profit independent charity providing specialist care and rehabilitation pathways for adults with complex or progressive neurological conditions (brain injury, trauma, infection, stroke) and spinal cord injuries.

Set within 4 acres of landscaped gardens in Brentwood, Essex the building and grounds accommodate 52 beds, 3 units with bungalows. The building also boasts a large fully equipped physiotherapy gym, Occupational Therapy skills kitchen, sensory room, and access to high/low tech neuro technology aids/equipment.

We offer a high staff to resident ratio and our Registered General Nurses are supported by skilled and highly trained Health Care Assistants. Training is key to delivering excellent care, all staff complete yearly mandatory training and yearly clinical competencies.

Working in partnership with patients, families, NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups, Adult Social Care, and Health and Care Management Services offering flexible resident led pathways incorporating both specialised nursing and level 2b rehabilitation.

Placements can be funded via NHS Continuing Health Care (rehabilitation, nursing), Adult Social Care and can be privately funded.

The Role of Our Trustees

Our trustees are crucial in ensuring MNCC fulfils its purpose. They set the strategy, align goals with our vision, and support and challenge the executive team for growth and success. This voluntary role offers an opportunity to use your skills for a cause you care about, providing strategic leadership and safeguarding our future.

Key Responsibilities

As a Trustee, you will contribute to the governance and strategy of MNCC. Duties include:

• Advising on purpose, vision, and activities.
• Approving strategies and monitoring implementation.
• Overseeing finances and ensuring stability.
• Identifying and managing risks.
• Supporting and challenging the CEO.
• Staying informed about the operating environment.
• Reviewing governance and attending Board meetings.
• Acting legally and in good faith for MNCC's interests.
• Promoting MNCC's aims using your skills and network.

Who We Are Looking For

We value commitment to our mission and a diversity of perspectives; prior trustee experience is not essential, as we provide induction and support. We particularly encourage applications from those with experience in Finance and Legal Services although relevant experience is welcomed

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strategic vision and independent judgment.
• Willingness to commit time and effort.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Understanding of legal trustee duties.
• Commitment to equality and inclusion.

What We Offer

• The chance to make a significant impact.
• Development through board experience and training.
• Collaboration with a dedicated team.
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses.

Do you have financial expertise and want to make a difference?North Tyneside Carers' Centre is looking for a volunteer Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. Our mission is:

To improve the quality of life of carers in North Tyneside.

What will you be doing?

Our Board of Trustees is made up of 11 trustees from a range of backgrounds including, health, social care, education and the private sector. 

Demand for our services is higher than it has ever been. Cases are increasingly complex and resources stretched. Changes to the funding landscape, including the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and North East Combined Authority (NECA) present both challenges and opportunities for the organisation.  As the ICB looks to make savings, new regional opportunities are arising with NECA, which require collaboration across a number of carer organisations. 

We are one year into our 5 year strategic cycle, which sets out clear priorities and goals. To help us grow and thrive, and, deliver our Corporate Strategy, we need a Treasurer who can:

• Oversee our finances and keep us sustainable
   
• Ensure we meet charity requirements 
   
• Support the management team with budgets, reporting, and good financial practice.

The Treasurer will play a vital role in guiding our Trustees in overseeing our finances and helping us succeed. We’re looking for someone who is a qualified accountant and is willing to give a few hours a month to support the work we do.

This is a great opportunity to put your skills to use in a meaningful way, and work with a committed and motivated board of trustees and senior leadership team, to help meet the needs of unpaid carers and work towards a more sustainable future.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone who is a qualified accountant, understands UK charity finance, and is willing to give a few hours a month to support our mission.

What difference will you make?

As Treasurer, this is a great opportunity to put your financial skills to use in a meaningful way, and work with a committed and motivated board of trustees and senior leadership team, to help meet the needs of unpaid carers and work towards a more sustainable future.

Before you apply

• Anyone interested in the role will be required to complete an trustee application form.
• Interviews with the Chair and CEO will be arranged if the applicant meets the requirements of the role.
• We are looking to appoint by the end of November.

Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteers to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by building confidence, resilience and doubling their expected progress in English or maths.

We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutor Maths or English on one of our school programmes across London. You will be matched with a small number of pupils and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher/facilitator throughout their placement.

Practical Considerations:

• You can choose a programme that suits your timetable and location.
• Sessions are between 60-90 minutes and will take place on a fixed day of the week, normally at the end of the school day (between 3-5pm).
• Each programme runs across a 12 week period, usually during term time. You will be expected to volunteer for at least one programme (10-12 weeks). 
• Team Up provides full lesson plans and teaching resources.
• This role requires you to undergo a free of charge DBS check, which will be arranged by Team Up.
• Travel expenses up to £15 per session are covered.

If you are looking to make a difference in a local community and find a fulfilling role whilst building your professional skillset, then look no further!

Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only double their expected progress, but also build long term resilience. 

Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to gain access to our career mentorship scheme and attend our employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion.

This is an opportunity to enhance your CV and improve your employability skills - all whilst supporting young people from low-income backgrounds! 

You will receive:

• Full tutor-training, including safeguarding training. 
• Ongoing coaching, training and support from an experienced teacher during your placement. 
• Lesson observations alongside personalised developmental feedback and logged classroom hours.
• Opportunities to attend employability workshops incl. cover letter writing skills and coding.
• Access to our Tutor Awards Ladder recognising excellence.

We are looking for:

• Enthusiasm and strong grades in English/maths. 
• Committed and organised individuals who are keen to develop new skills.
• Individuals who are passionate about social mobility and helping to reduce the education attainment gap. 
• Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils. 

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Faversham

Our shops are at the heart of local communities raising vital funds for our fight against homelessness and bad housing - and they’re powered by our volunteers!

Suggested Involvement: It’s up to you! We have volunteers who support for one hour a week and others who volunteer more. Many people volunteer for a morning or an afternoon each week, but we’ll have a chat about your availability after you’ve applied.

Availability: The shop is open Monday - Saturday 09:00-17:00 and Sunday 10:00-17:00. 

Location: Shop in Faversham, ME13 7AL

Supervised by: Community Shop Manager/Assistant Manager

Why volunteer with Shelter? 

Home is a human right. It's our foundation and it's where we thrive. Yet, every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams ensure fighting the housing emergency never felt so fun. 

What can I do?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal chat to find the right role for you. Some roles involve a basic criminal record check being completed during recruitment. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us, but it may impact the ways you can get involved.

• Volunteering in the shop

Our retail volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

- You will not undergo a criminal record check for this role  

• Volunteering in a leadership role

Our volunteer supervisors help with overseeing the running of our shop and creating a fantastic environment for our customers. You may be involved with coordinating and supporting other volunteers, operating computer systems, and being a key point of contact for the shop.

Skills and Experiences Required:

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in a shop before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow Shelter’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for Shelter. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of bad housing or homelessness.

Induction, Learning and Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Welcome you with a Volunteer Handbook
• Provide training, induction, and ongoing support from your Shop Manager to help you feel confident in your role
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter…

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable experience in a retail environment
• Getting involved in your local community and being part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

We aim to respond to all applications within 14 days

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunity before applying, why not pop into the shop, or contact the shop manager.

Volunteer with us at Aston Villa FC Takeover on Saturday 31st January 2026!!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, and our fundraising is vital to enable us to continue providing care and support to the children: it costs around £13 million a year to run our care services.

What's involved?

Be part of the buzz and help create an unforgettable match day!

We are looking for Bucket Collecters to energise the crowd by collecting donations around the stadium before and after the match.

Volunteers will be starting at 1:00 PM.

Are You the Right Fit?

We’re looking for volunteers who:

• Have a friendly and approachable personality to connect with fans.
• Feel confident spreading awareness and working outdoors during the event.

Why Volunteer with Acorns?

• Make an Impact: Every pound you help raise supports vital work in your local community.
• Boost Your Skills: Gain valuable experience to add to your CV.
• Join a Team: Be part of something bigger, with opportunities to grow into other rewarding roles.

Note: Volunteers must be 18 years or older. If under 18, a parent or guardian must apply and accompany you during your activities.

Be a part of the match day magic and make a difference with Acorns!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer - role is in Cheshire West

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

· Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

· Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes

· Raise concerns

· Keep detailed notes and records

· Make a real difference to someone’s life

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

ABOUT US

AkiOke Music Club is a CIO run by a small group of like-minded individuals, passionate about empowering young people with disabilities through music.

The AkiOke vision is to provide a fun and inclusive social environment for attendees to explore music, build confidence, and connect with others by singing.

Our aim is to provide a regular music/vocal training session using a range of technology to enhance singing experiences that encourages participation and social interaction for vulnerable young adults.

JOB FUNCTION

The post-holder will co-lead on the setup and delivery of AkiOke, a grassroots music and karaoke club. This joyful and inclusive weekly music-based social group is for adults with mild learning difficulties. You will work closely with a young adult with lived experience, who initiated the project and serves as its creative lead.

This role also involves collaboration the Volunteer Coordinator and Trustees, ensuring that all operations are guided by the lived experiences of participants and supported by sustainable outreach and funding strategies.

You will develop strategic and campaign plans and assist marketing volunteers in delivering effective, inclusive campaigns.

The Right to work in the UK is required for this post.

DBS will be required

Please see attached the full job description

The Engineering Council is the UK regulatory body for the engineering profession and its board provides governance oversight and direction to the organisation, alongside support and constructive challenge. While the majority of Trustees are nominated by Professional Engineering Institutions, EngineeringUK has the important responsibility of appointing 7 trustees to ensure representation from across the wider engineering community and other related sectors. The Engineering Council and EngineeringUK were created with complementary missions in 2001 and work closely alongside each other, sharing core funding from the registration fees of the members of Professional Engineering Institutions who are professionally registered engineers and technicians.

EngineeringUK is looking for new trustees that can bring their skills and experience to support the Engineering Council in delivering its new 5-year strategy.

Both EngineeringUK and the Engineering Council are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognise the need for trustees and staff to reflect a diverse range of people and views. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates including from outside the engineering or technology sectors.

About the role

The Engineering Council

As the UK regulatory body for the engineering profession, the Engineering Council ensures that employers, government, and wider society - both in the UK and overseas - have confidence in the knowledge, qualifications, experience and commitment of professionally registered engineers and technicians. We work with international partners to enhance the mobility of engineering graduates as well as professionally registered engineers and technicians.

Our mission is to maintain internationally recognised standards of competence and commitment for the engineering profession and to license competent institutions to champion the standards for the deliverance of public benefit.

Our vision is that society continues to have confidence and trust in the engineering profession. 

Our values apply to all our activity. At the Engineering Council, we always strive to act with:

· Fairness: we are inclusive and equitable, working collaboratively with each other and external stakeholders. 

· Integrity: we act professionally, accountably and ethically, so that engineers, the wider engineering community and society can have confidence in us.

· Transparency: we are open and honest in everything we do, across all aspects of the organisation. 

EngineeringUK

The Engineering and Technology Board, trading as EngineeringUK, is an independent, not-for-profit organisation which works to enable more young people from all backgrounds to be informed, inspired and progress into engineering and technology. We work with

hundreds of businesses, professional engineering institutions and providers of education and outreach, gaining and sharing insight through research and evaluation, leading a collective effort to improve the impact of activities for schools, and advocating to improve the related policy environment.

Person specification

Candidates should have at least one of the following experiences:

• International engineering regulatory experience and/or knowledge

• Legal approach to regulation and self-regulation

• Digitalisation and AI

• Technician-related experience, as a technician or supporting delivery of the pathway

• Lived experience or current knowledge of those at an early career stage

All candidates should have the following attributes:

1. Demonstrates a genuine interest in engineering and technology
2. Open, collaborative and curious
3. Demonstrate strategic mindset

4. Commitment to the Engineering Council’s mission and values including its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Education / level of experience

· You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

The Engineering Council is an equal opportunities employer that values the benefits of a diverse workforce and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. The recruitment process is designed to be as accessible and inclusive as possible and to ensure people are individually assessed regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics.

Responsibilities/Commitment

Board members are expected to attend four half-day meetings per year in London/online and to prepare for these meetings by reading papers circulated in advance.

Board members are encouraged to contribute more widely where possible, including on committees and panels relating to specific initiatives.

This is an unpaid role, but reasonable travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed. The successful candidate will be appointed for an initial three-year term, which is extendable for a second three-year term depending on contribution and considerations around succession planning.

Applying for this role

Applications

If you would like to request to submit your application in an alternative format to support accessibility, please let us know.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on 7th December

Interviews

Applications will be assessed against the requirements for the post as set out in the advertisement. Please note that in the shortlisting phase of the application, answers to the individual questions will be considered in isolation, before being considered as a whole alongside your cv.

We guarantee an interview to any disabled people who meet the minimum requirements of the role. Additionally, if there are any reasonable adjustments that would make this process easier for you then we are happy to do so. Just complete the relevant sections of the online application form. 

We aim to notify candidates who have been shortlisted on 11th December 2025. If you have not heard from us after this date, please assume that you have not been successful.

Interviews will be held on 18th December 2025.

Period Reality

Period Reality fight for gender equity through system-level change by educating about and advocating for living in sync with your cycle.

Period Reality aims to address period related issues and stories by sharing the real life stories from girls and women globally. Although half the population experiences a menstrual cycle, the stark contrast in the different realities of girls and women is very real and through storytelling we aim to educate and provide relatable content.

Through sharing stories from girls and women focused on their common humanities. Even though our realities might be very different depending on many factors (physical, geographical, socio-economical, mental etc.) we all share a lot of the same questions, worries, dreams, anxieties, ambitious etc. Making these stories relatable and accessible will educate and inspire and create a movement of girls and women being able to first and foremost understand their own cycle, in order to be kind to themselves.

Nutrition & Food Lead (Nutritionist)

Why this role matters

Food is power, nourishment and healing. We want someone who can help us connect nutrition with menstrual health and everyday living.

What you’ll do

• Take the lead on designing and running our Nutrition practices.
• Share insights on how nutrition supports different phases of the menstrual cycle.
• Suggest practical, accessible food tips for our community.
• Contribute to campaigns and resources where food intersects with equity and health.
• Be our go-to for all things nourishment-related.

What we’re looking for

• A nutritionist or dietitian.
• Passionate about making food advice inclusive, realistic and culturally sensitive.
• Someone who loves translating knowledge into everyday practices.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is seeking to recruit enthusiastic new Trustees to join our existing Board and actively contribute to the existing strength and growth of the charity!

About

Trustees typically attend monthly board meetings, with occasional activities between meetings. The estimated time commitment is around 2 hours per typical month. New trustees will be supported with induction and access to ongoing training, including safeguarding and governance. We particularly welcome applications from women with lived experience of the issues we work on, and from those connected to the communities we serve in Hillingdon and surrounding boroughs. As a trustee, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of the Centre and ensure we continue to provide vital, trauma-informed support to women in Hillingdon and beyond.

About Hillingdon Women’s Centre

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is a women’s charity based in the London Borough of Hillingdon. For almost 40 years, we have been supporting the needs of women in our community. We provide access to services and work with women to help them overcome barriers in their lives and thrive. We are a proudly feminist, safe, and women-only space, inclusive of all women.

We are passionate about gender equality and ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Our services are client-led; we listen, provide information, and enable women to make their own choices and take control of their lives.

Purpose of the Trustee role: 

Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. As such, they are required to:
 

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for public benefit

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

• Act with reasonable care and skill

• Ensure the charity complies with statutory accounting and reporting requirements

Key Trustee responsibilities: 

• Definition and review of a strategy/business plan for the charity in line with its objectives

• Set and maintain the vision, mission and values.

• Definition and review of charity policies and procedures

• Review and management of risks

• Attendance at board meetings, including the AGM

• Recruitment and management of the Centre Manager

• Review of financial processes and accounting

• General oversight and management of the charity premises

• Generation of funding for the charity, i.e. completion of grant applications, execution of fundraising activities, securing donors and ambassadors for the charity

• Promotion of the charity externally

We’re particularly seeking individuals with expertise in:

• Fundraising and income generation (e.g. donor engagement, campaign development, marketing strategy)

• Financial audit and compliance

• HR and people management

• External/public affairs and advocacy

• Governance and charity finance

• Strategic thinking and change management

• Lived experience of domestic abuse or connection to the communities we serve

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Integrity

• Strategic thinking and the ability to see the bigger picture

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of a Trustee

• Willingness to devote the time and effort to the role

• Good independent judgement and creative thinking

• Ability to constructively contribute to conversations

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

We are committed to creating a board that reflects the diversity of our community. If you have access needs or require support with the application process, please let us know.
 

How to apply

• Please send a short expression of interest and your CV 

• If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to arrange a chat.

• Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone with transferable experience and a passion for our mission, we would welcome your application. If you’re passionate about gender equality and want to help shape the future of HWC, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: This is a voluntary role, open to local female UK residents only. This is to ensure compliance with governance, legal, and operational requirements relevant to our charity’s work. 

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of Easing Anxieties’ financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

Treasurer role

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees. 

• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place. 

• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management. 

• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity. 

• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with Chief Executive. 

• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process 

• Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.

• Lead on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors. 

• Oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk. 

• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.

• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chief Executive to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

What we are looking for

• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.

• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.

• Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists. 

• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on Easing Anxieities’ purpose, vision, goals and activities. 

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee Easing Anxieties’ financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress. 

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve Easing Anxieties’ financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to Easing Anxieties’ CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in Easing Anxieties’ operating environment.

•  Contribute to regular reviews of Easing Anxieties’ own governance.

• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to  discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Easing Anxieties’ interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party  interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of Easing Anxieties’ objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions,  focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Attributes and qualities

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. 

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as  trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. 

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values [charity values]

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a 2 year term of office, renewal for 4 further terms to a maximum of 10 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment (Estimated at 7hours per week)

• Attending 4 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely.

• Monthly scheduled meeting with the CEO with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.