Volunteer roles in kingston upon thames, somerset

Organisation: Support U is a leading LGBTQIA+ resource and support service based in the Thames Valley area. 

Location: Work from home but ideally based in Bracknell / Reading / Wokingham  

Commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours a week alongside any training and volunteer team catch ups / planning meetings 

Overview: 

Sometimes, you just need someone to listen without judgement. That’s why we’re launching a brand-new telephone support service for the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to help make it happen. As a Volunteer Support Mentor, you’ll answer pre-booked calls from service users, creating a safe space for them to speak openly, offering emotional support, guidance, and signposting to other resources. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• This is a home based volunteering role, but you’ll need to be based in Berkshire, ideally in the Bracknell, Reading, or Wokingham area. 

• The telephone support service will run twice a week within a 2-hour time slot. You’ll ideally commit to 2–4 hours per week. 

• Service users will pre-book telephone appointments via our website. 

• You’ll answer calls, providing a safe, non-judgemental space for users to talk openly, offering emotional support, guidance, and signposting to other relevant services. 

• After each call, you’ll complete a short record noting what was discussed, any guidance given and any safeguarding concerns. 

• Support U’s designated safeguarding leads will be available during service hours for any immediate advice or escalation. 

Who This Role Would Suit 

• Someone looking for a long term volunteering opportunity. 

• Qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, or other talking therapy practitioners who wish to give back to the community. 

• Students or trainees in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work, or mental health nursing seeking practical experience. 

• Individuals with experience in mentoring, coaching, befriending, or other listening based support roles. 

• People with strong empathy, good listening skills, and an interest in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community. 

What’s In It for You 

• Make a direct and positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. 

• Help create a safe, judgement free space for those who may never have experienced one before. 

• Offer meaningful support, even a short 30 minute conversation can impact someone’s day or outlook. 

• Contribute to a wider effort to foster safety, inclusion, and understanding within the community. 

• Gain valuable experience in active listening, support work and working with diverse communities. 

• Be part of a welcoming, passionate and supportive team. 

Requirements 

• Based in Berkshire (preferably Bracknell, Reading, or Wokingham). 

• Able to realistically commit to a minimum of 2-4 hours per week for the long term. 

• Basic administrative skills and strong communication and organisation skills. 

• Some experience in a similar line of work (e.g. counselling, mentoring, support work) or willingness to learn and undertake training. 

• Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check. 

• Evidence of completed safeguarding training or willingness to complete safeguarding training organised by Support U. 

• Comfortable using basic technology to answer calls/log call notes. 

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding best practice. 

Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for patients and families affected by a chronic pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)?

We're looking for 5 qualified counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists volunteers ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients or lived experience of chronic illness, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our adult service users (aged 18 & over) and help us to continue developing a mental health support service. 

As a Volunteer Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote counselling/therapy support services to adults aged 18 and over many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling/therapy sessions online via Zoom or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our services users.  

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, our volunteer counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling) or integrative counselling, or specialist services such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT, CFT and EMDR for CRPS patients, or their families & close relatives.

People will be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having patients and carers themselves referring into to the service.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your counselling and therapy skills, organisation, communication and team working skills.

Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.

What the role involves

This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:

• Undertake a client assessments, followed by person-centred counselling (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 sessions for each client plus 4 psychometric assessments

• Providing one-to-one counselling sessions to clients aged 18 & over

• Update our database with the client’s information, sessional notes and session attendance

• Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these confidentially and securely in acccordahce with GDPR

• Attending and participating in peer supervision support

• Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current

• Participating in volunteer meetings
• Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle

• Attend monthly Supervision and peer support sessions to ensure safe working practices

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including a full induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us. We can offer you a supervisor as well as expenses for annual insurance and an external supervisor if required.

What you need for this role

Essential

• Be a member (including student membership) of one of the recognised membership organisations (see below)
• Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum (unfortunately no students at this time), Degree or Masters in Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, EMDR 
• Minimum of 100 hours supervised
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
• A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection

• Able to support a minimum of 3 clients a week, being three hours of your time for therapy sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a minimum commitment of six months.

Desirable

• Knowledge of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS counsellor or psychologist 
• Committed to our values
• Willing to develop skills and experience
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
• Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic

We also welcome training counsellors and counselling/clinical psychologists who are looking for placements.

Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Recognised Organisations You Must Be A Member of:

• British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
• EMDR Association UK
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• British Psychological Society
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period where referrals are on the rise and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for our clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our CRPS patients & their families who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.

What's in it for you as the volunteer? 

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is rapidly expanding, you would have a key role in developing our counselling and psychotherapy programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in our clients' life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.

We are partnering with the Social Interest Group (‘SIG’) to appoint a new Treasurer to join their board. SIG brings charities together to work under one umbrella focusing on delivering good quality social and health care services. They build powerful partnerships and creative solutions providing bespoke person-centred health and social care services through six subsidiaries, bridging gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement, supporting thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential services, drop-in centres, community floating support settings (including people's own homes), criminal justice and probation settings, and hospitals awaiting discharge. SIG’s Mission is to create solutions that bridge the gaps in local health and social care, getting people out of hospital, out of prison and off the streets.

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation (the parent company), who together with their subsidiary charities SIG Penrose, SIG Housing Trust, SIG Equinox, SIG Pathways to Independence and SIG Safe Ground, SIG delivers a diverse range of specialist services designed to support people facing complex challenges. From substance use and mental health to homelessness, criminal justice, and personality disorders, SIG’s residential and community-based programmes are tailored to meet individual needs in order to ensure that people in our society have every opportunity to live fulfilled, healthy and constructive lives. SIG also offer dedicated services for women, ensuring gender-responsive support across multiple regions.

They do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, and Kent. They also support people in prisons, currently delivering services in London and Liverpool.

Through their values they are committed to:

• Delivering excellence and innovation
• Promoting equality and mutual respect
• A belief that positive change is possible
• Involving and consulting service users
• Active citizenship and community involvement
• Valuing staff, harnessing their full potential

They are keen to have an inclusive board, therefore backgrounds and experience though important is matched by the need for the passion, ambition and interest to help SIG fulfil its mission.

As mentioned, your background is less important but if you are either within the charity or non-profit sector or within an organisation that operates in a similar environment, engaged in the housing profession or a service user or carer, this is of particular interest to the current board.

The successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A clear commitment to the charity’s mission and values, with a genuine passion for making a positive impact in the community
• The capacity to participate actively and from an informed position
• A willingness to use personal networks and resources of relevance to SIG’s charitable purpose
• A passion for their work, and to promoting SIG and its subsidiaries as an organisation
• A firm understanding and respect for the Nolan Principles of Public Life

There are 4 board meetings per year, both online and face-to-face plus contributions to planning, Awaydays and specialist areas. The total time commitment is in the region of four hours per month.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

This role is subject to a DBS check, which will be carried out by the charity.

Closing date for applications: 2nd November 2025

Note: Please apply asap as the client will be reviewing candidates and may close earlier if a suitable candidate is appointed.

Volunteers Facilitators for elop’s Training & Education Service
elop’s Training and Education Service delivers workshops; training programmes; and consultancy to professionals and organisations working with the LGBT+ community. As a specialist in LGBT+ Mental Health and Wellbeing, we want to raise awareness of the challenges faced by our community and help organisations become more LGBT+ inclusive and affirmative. Our training programmes get people talking, thinking and planning for change that makes a real difference to LGBT+ people’s lives.
All our volunteer facilitators must positively identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or trans (Schedule
9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies).
We are looking to better represent the diversity of our community and actively encourage
 applications from people that identify as male, trans/ non-binary and/or from Black Asian and
Minority Ethnic Groups.

Training Facilitator Volunteer Role Description
By joining the Training & Education Team you will have the opportunity to:
• Facilitate and co-facilitate workshops and training programmes to a range of external
organisations, including schools
• Design and deliver learning activities and presentations, both online and in-person
• Support organisations to improve their services for LGBT+ people
• Be given relevant training and supervision to ensure your development
• Be part of a dynamic team that offers a range of learning opportunities
Induction training will be provided alongside line management support.
Training Facilitator Volunteer Person Specification
Applicants should:
• have experience of presenting to groups, either online or in-person
• be a confident communicator
• be able to think on their feet and respond to questions that can feel challenging
• have awareness of key issues that LGBT+ people face
• understand the impact of discrimination and stigma on mental health

Are you a Christian with a passion for addressing the climate and biodiversity crises? Do you believe the Church has a vital role to play in this work?

One of the UK’s first faith-based climate charities, Operation Noah was established in 2004 as an ecumenical Christian response to the climate crisis. Over the past twenty years, we have become known as a small charity that makes a big impact – not only in the UK, but around the world.

From our environmentally-themed Bible study Tenants of the King, to the creation of the Climate Sunday service, to getting nearly every UK denomination to divest from fossil fuels, Operation Noah has engaged with thousands of Christians on the climate and nature crises, built coalitions to lobby the government, and moved millions of pounds out of oil, gas and coal.

Operation Noah is looking for new trustees to help lead our mission to inspire and equip the Church to take action on climate change. In this voluntary position, you will play an active role in shaping the strategic direction of the charity and supporting its growth. We are especially looking for people with skills in Human Resources or Fundraising.

Commitments from our Board of Trustees include:

• Attending approximately six board meetings per year (held via Zoom or hybrid from London, lasting around two hours)
• Using your professional skills to support strategic decision-making
• Some of your time. Trustees on average give 2-4 hours per month to the charity, though some trustees with increased levels of responsibility give 5-10 hours of their time monthly

Nicky Bull, Operation Noah Trustee from June 2012 to December 2023, said this:

‘My time in post was a hugely rewarding experience. I had very little specialist knowledge but I was concerned that climate change was not seen as a crucial issue within the Christian Church and it has been really encouraging to see the changes that have taken place over the last decade and to be part of an enthusiastic team helping to bring about those changes. I have learned a great deal and would really recommend anyone to join the inspirational group of people who are the trustees of Operation Noah.’

Bright Futures UK is looking for compassionate and knowledgeable beauty professionals to mentor a young person living with long-term illnesses. 

What will you be doing? 

• Run six mentoring sessions online for one hour a week, supported by our Programme Team
• Offer advice and insights related to nail tech skills
• Help the young person explore potential career paths in the beauty/nail tech industry
• Share your own experiences and knowledge to inspire and motivate. 
• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report any concerns to BFUK

What are we looking for? 

• Expertise in beauty industry: Profound knowledge and experience in beauty, preferably in areas like nail design, techniques and trends. 
• Mentoring and Communication: Ability to mentor effectively, offering guidance and support to a young person with clarity and empathy. 
• Flexibility and Commitment: Willingness to commit to at least 5-6 weeks of 1-hour sessions 

What difference will you make? 

• By volunteering as a Mentor, you’ll play a vital role in empowering a young person to take control of their health and future, helping them to achieve their goals despite the challenges they face. 

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

About Bank.Green

Since the Paris Agreement, global banks have poured a staggering $5.5t into the fossil fuel industry. At Bank.Green, our mission is to lower this vast carbon footprint via technology and consumer action. We empower bank customers with the tools and insights they need to influence their banks towards sustainable lending, or switch to greener alternatives. To date, our bank-checking tool has been used over 400,000 times by bank customers worldwide, while we have shifted a at least $30m towards bank who are financing a greener future. Through transparency, engagement, and innovation, we aim to redefine the role of banks in the fight against climate change.

Role Overview

As our Social Media Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in spreading awareness about banks' environmental impacts, amplifying our successes, and encouraging bank customers to demand more sustainable policies from their financial institutions. Success in this position means efficiently managing our online presence, producing compelling content, and engaging effectively with our community. Your work will drive our message, facilitating a broader understanding and tangible change within the banking sector.

Commitment

This role is currently volunteer-based and we are seeking a commitment of 5-10 hours per week. We are looking for somebody to come on long-term, but are open to shorter-term applicants.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive social media strategy to align with company goals and objectives.
• Manage and curate content for all social media platforms, ensuring consistent brand messaging and tone.
• Create engaging and shareable content, including text, image, and video posts.
• Monitor social media channels for industry trends, competitive insights, and engagement opportunities.
• Analyze and report on social media metrics to measure the success of campaigns and identify areas for improvement.
• Stay informed about industry changes and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate social media into overall marketing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in content creation, social media management, or a similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of social media platforms, trends, and best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Creative mindset with the ability to generate innovative content ideas.
• Proficiency in social media management tools and analytics.
• Basic understanding of finance or banking (optional but beneficial).

Volunteer Benefits

As a volunteer-driven organization, we are very focused on making all of our opportunities as valuable as possible for our volunteers. In this spirit, we will offer you:

• Opportunities to gain insights into sustainable banking practices and advancements in environmental advocacy through continuous learning.
• The chance to network with other sustainability professionals and advocates, enhancing your professional connections.
• Valuable experience in a critical climate-focused role, which will enhance your resume and skill set.
• Recognition for positive performance with supportive references and recommendations for your future career growth.
• A significant role in driving impactful changes in the banking sector to accelerate a sustainable future.

About Us

Since the Paris Agreement, global banks have poured a staggering $6.9t into the fossil fuel industry. At Bank.Green, our mission is to lower this vast carbon footprint via technology and consumer action. We empower bank customers with the tools and insights they need to influence their banks towards sustainable lending, or switch to greener alternatives. To date, our bank-checking tool has been used over 400,000 times by bank customers worldwide, while we have shifted a at least £30m towards bank who are financing a greener future. Through transparency, engagement, and innovation, we aim to redefine the role of banks in the fight against climate change.

Role Overview

As our Director of People Team your role will be vital in sculpting the workforce that will carry our mission forward. You will help us grow by hiring passionate volunteers who are eager to contribute to our cause. Your work will ensure that our remote team members are well-integrated into our organisational culture and are kept abreast with all necessary processes and tools to make a tangible impact in our advocacy efforts.

Commitment

This role is currently volunteer-based and we are seeking a commitment of 5-10 hours per week. We are looking for somebody to come on long-term, but are open to shorter-term applicants.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the hiring of volunteers, from job posting to working with Directors on candidate selection, to conducting interviews.
• Continue refining our existing processes to align with our remote work environment.
• Working with People Coordinator to ensuring a smooth transition for volunteers beginning and ending their tenure.
• Foster a positive organisational culture that supports our mission and values, even in a fully remote setting.
• Design occasional virtual team-building activities to promote engagement and a sense of community among volunteers.
• Provide ongoing support to volunteers to familiarise them with organisational processes and digital tools.

Desired Skills

• Experience in Human Resources, particularly in hiring, onboarding, and culture-building.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with a diverse, remote team.
• Organisational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
• Knowledge of remote work tools and best practices to effectively onboard and train volunteers.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and creating a supportive work environment.
• An advocate for environmental sustainability, passionate about making a difference in the financial sector.

Volunteer Benefits

As a still volunteer-driven organisation, we are very focused on making all of our opportunities as valuable as possible for our volunteers. In this spirit, we will offer you:

• Opportunities to gain insights into sustainable banking practices and advancements in environmental advocacy through continuous learning.
• The chance to network with other sustainability professionals and advocates, enhancing your professional connections.
• Valuable experience in a critical climate-focused role, which will enhance your resume and skill set.
• Recognition for positive performance with supportive references and recommendations for your future career growth.
• A significant role in driving impactful changes in the banking sector to accelerate a sustainable future.

About CAAS

CAAS provides an Autism and ADHD Support Service across the 8 boroughs of NW London from our base in Eastcote and offices around London. We offer information, advice, and support to ADHD/Autistic people, their families, and professionals, with the aim of improving quality of life and building neurodivergent-aware communities.

We are incredibly fortunate to be in a sound financial position, with income of around £1.7m per year, and around 40 staff.  We offer 60 different services, including personalised one2one support, social groups, psycho-education courses and specialist workshops.  We also have a thriving training and awareness raising service, providing ADHD and autism training to statutory services, schools and voluntary sector organisations across NW London.

We’ve grown steadily over the last 25 years, and last year we supported more than 9,000 people, across 18,000 attendances.  Looking ahead, our priority is making sure everyone who could benefit from CAAS knows we’re here for them. We’re investing in outreach, inclusivity, and accessibility - breaking down barriers so our support reaches every corner of our community.

In this role, you will be leading the established (and lovely) Board of Trustees, who provide operational governance for the charity, determine its strategic direction, and help shape a positive, sustainable future for CAAS and the communities we serve.

Most importantly, you will be contributing towards our impact intention, which is that ADHD and autistic individuals, and those who support them, have improved mental wellbeing, are better able to engage with home-life, school, or work, and need less support from NHS/statutory services.  Ultimately, we want to help people to thrive.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement of no more than 2 sides of A4.  Your supporting statement should cover why you are interested in applying for the role, and how you fit the role and person specification.

About The Role

Charities like CAAS can only exist with the help of Trustees, and we are hugely grateful to everyone that volunteers to take on this role.  The Chair plays a unique role in guiding the Board, leading strategic discussions, supporting and challenging the CEO, and fostering a culture of inclusion, transparency, and good governance. 

We work hard to ensure the Chair is supported effectively to discharge their responsibilities and feel a sense of pride – and of enjoyment – in leading the Board of CAAS.

As Chair, you will work closely with fellow Trustees to ensure the Board fulfils its responsibilities, and with the CEO to provide support, oversight, and thought partnership. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the future of a thriving, impactful organisation, and to champion the rights and wellbeing of neurodivergent people across NW London.

We know that every Chair is unique, and bring their own range of skills, experience, and perspectives to support the organisation’s leadership and development.  We are therefore looking for someone who has a passion for what CAAS is trying to achieve and a willingness to commit to attending our meetings and leading our discussions.  You don’t need to have chaired a Board before. We’re looking for someone who can lead with integrity, listen well, and help us make thoughtful, inclusive decisions.

Having a Diverse Board

CAAS recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and we are particularly seeking applications from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities, from disadvantage socio-economic backgrounds, and from people who identify as being autistic or having ADHD. 

We have recently completed a skills audit of the current Trustee board, and as well as looking to increase the diversity of our board, we would also particularly welcome applications from those who identify as having particular skills in the areas of HR & legal, digital & IT, statutory services provision, or marketing & communications. 

Please don’t be put off applying if you don’t have one of these skills or attributes or are worried that you don’t meet all of the points noted in this role description.  Every trustee who joins will receive a comprehensive induction and training package, and be supported by current trustees, so there will be lots of opportunity to learn ‘on the job’ for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance

· Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight.

· Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring all voices are heard and decisions are made collectively and transparently.

· Ensure the Board operates within its Terms of Reference and complies with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Support the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plan and monitor progress against agreed objectives.

· Take urgent decisions between Board meetings where necessary, in line with delegated authority and in consultation with trustees

· Ensure the Board regularly reviews its own performance and effectiveness

· Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s governance and culture.

Support and Mentoring

· Act as a mentor and support to the CEO, providing guidance and challenge as appropriate.

· Facilitate strong working relationships between trustees and the senior leadership team.

· Act as Vice Chair during the transition period, supporting succession planning, continuity, and building relationships with the Board and CEO.

Representation and Advocacy

· Represent CAAS externally, where appropriate, including at events, meetings, and with key stakeholders.

· Act as an ambassador for the charity’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Board Development

· Lead on trustee recruitment, induction, and development, ensuring the Board has the necessary skills and diversity.

· Conduct annual Board performance reviews and support continuous improvement in governance practices.

Board Participation

· Attend and actively participate in quarterly Board meetings and relevant sub-committees or working groups.

· Prepare for meetings by reading papers and contributing to discussions.

· Participate in Board development activities, including training and annual reviews.

· Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s governance and culture.

Person Specification

Essential

· Demonstrable leadership experience, ideally within a governance or strategic context.

· Passion for CAAS work

· Capacity to attend meetings, and willingness to devote the time and commitment required.

· Strong understanding of charity governance and the role of trustees.

· Commitment to CAAS’s mission, values, and strategic pillars.

· Excellent communication and facilitation skills.

· Ability to build consensus and manage differing views constructively.

Desirable

· Lived or professional experience of ADHD or autism.

· Being from a disadvantaged socio-economic background, or from a minority ethnic background

· Previous experience as a trustee or Chair.

· Understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion principles and their application in governance.

Commitment

The Board meets 8 times a year, mostly by video call, and Board meetings are usually around 2hrs in length.  Once a year we meet for a longer session, in person, to consider strategic items in more depth.

All Trustees will be asked to read a few papers in advance of the meeting, which could take 1-2hrs each meeting. 

All Trustees are also encouraged to engage with the organisation between meetings, for example attending events, meeting staff, or supporting specific initiatives.

The Chair will need to take on additional responsibility for preparing for Board meetings, supporting through transition periods and strategic planning cycles, or representing CAAS at external events.  As such, the total time commitment for a Chair is around 1 day per month. 

The successful candidate will initially join as Vice Chair, working alongside our longstanding Chair, whose term ends in November 2026.  Appointment to Chair will be mutually agreed with the Board, on or before that date

Trustee Terms are ordinarily for 4 years, and Trustees can be appointed for a 2nd 4-year term if desired. Chairs will serve within their normal Trustee Terms.

Exclusions

Please note that Section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993 disqualifies anyone who:

· has been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty, unless the conviction is spent

· is an undischarged bankrupt

· has previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the court or the Charity Commissioners

· is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986

It is an offence to act as a charity trustee while disqualified unless the Charity Commission has given a waiver under section 72(4) of the Charities Act 1993.

CAAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure.

We are currently recruiting volunteers to support our Mental Health services, which include group co-facilitators, initial appointment hosts, activity facilitators, mental health plan facilitators.

HeadsOut is a strengths-based crisis prevention, intervention and wellbeing LGBT+ support service.

Our aim is to enhance people’s wellbeing and functioning by focusing on their strengths and resources, reinforcing resilience and enhancing protective external factors, including creating safe spaces, community connection, a sense of belonging, empowerment and affirmation. 

By joining the HeadsOut Team you will:

• Support people who experience mental distress
• Make a positive contribution to the LGBT+ community
• Be given relevant training and support 

Our services are delivered on various days and times across the week and weekends, plus during the day and evenings, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. 

Respecting diversity, understanding and upholding professional boundaries and confidentiality are of course fundamental to all of our work and you will be required support this. 

All our volunteer facilitators must positively identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or trans (Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies).

sheRebuilds

sheRebuilds is a nonprofit project that supports women who have experienced domestic violence by helping them rebuild their lives through psychological support, coaching, and career development.

sheRebuilds addresses social challenges faced by women who have experienced domestic violence, focusing on the long-term impact that abuse has on their emotional well-being, self-confidence, and economic independence. Many survivors struggle with trauma, social isolation, and limited access to opportunities for education and work. By offering psychological support, coaching, and career development guidance, the project helps women rebuild stability, regain their voice, and re-enter society with renewed strength and professional skills.

sheRebuilds provides a holistic, free support system for women who have experienced domestic violence. We combine psychological care, and professional coaching to help survivors heal from trauma and rebuild their lives with confidence. Through sessions with psychologists, interview preparation, and LinkedIn profile guidance, participants gain the emotional resilience and career tools they need to enter the job market and create sustainable independence. Our closed, safe community ensures that every woman feels supported, connected, and empowered to take her next step.

Join sheRebuilds and help empower women who have survived domestic violence! Your skills in social media, content creation, or partnership outreach can make a real difference. Together, we can raise awareness, connect with more women, and create a supportive community. Be part of a project that changes lives.

Content Creator

At sheRebuilds, we believe that words and stories can change lives. Our project supports women who have gone through difficult circumstances, helping them find guidance, learn new skills, and rebuild their careers.

What you’ll do

�� Create inspiring content for Instagram and LinkedIn (posts, stories, reels, carousels).
�� Contribute to the development of our content strategy.
�� Select photos, videos, and graphics in a consistent project style.
�� Keep an eye on trends and bring fresh ideas.
�� Join warm and creative team brainstorms.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Join the Board of Trustees at CAAS
Support ADHD and autistic people across NW London to thrive.

We’re recruiting four new Trustees to join the Board of the Centre for ADHD & Autism Support (CAAS), a well-established, financially stable charity supporting ADHD and autistic people across NW London.

We’re looking for people who are passionate about inclusion, mental wellbeing, and building a more neuro-affirming community.

You don’t need to have been a trustee before, we’ll support you with a full induction and ongoing training. What matters most is your commitment to our mission and your willingness to contribute to thoughtful, inclusive decision-making.

We’re particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in:

• HR & Legal
• Digital & IT
• Marketing & Communications
• Or lived experience of ADHD or autism

We also hope that one of the new trustees will take on the role of Chair in the future, so if you have leadership experience and are interested in helping guide the Board, we’d love to hear from you.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement of no more than 2 sides of A4.  Your supporting statement should cover why you are interested in applying for the role, and how you fit the role and person specification.

About CAAS

CAAS provides an Autism and ADHD Support Service across the 8 boroughs of NW London from our base in Eastcote and offices around London. We offer information, advice, and support to ADHD/Autistic people, their families, and professionals, with the aim of improving quality of life and building neurodivergent-aware communities.

We are incredibly fortunate to be in a sound financial position, with income of around £1.7m per year, and around 40 staff.  We offer 60 different services, including personalised one2one support, social groups, psycho-education courses and specialist workshops.  We also have a thriving training and awareness raising service, providing ADHD and autism training to statutory services, schools and voluntary sector organisations across NW London.

We’ve grown steadily over the last 25 years, and last year we supported more than 9,000 people, across 18,000 attendances.  Looking ahead, our priority is making sure everyone who could benefit from CAAS knows we’re here for them. We’re investing in outreach, inclusivity, and accessibility - breaking down barriers so our support reaches every corner of our community.

In this role, you will join the established (and lovely) Board of Trustees, who provide operational governance for the charity, determine its strategic direction, and help shape a positive, sustainable future for CAAS and the communities we serve.

Most importantly, you will be contributing towards our impact intention, which is that ADHD and autistic individuals, and those who support them, have improved mental wellbeing, are better able to engage with home-life, school, or work, and need less support from NHS/statutory services.  Ultimately, we want to help people to thrive.

About The Role

Charities like CAAS can only exist with the help of Trustees, and we are hugely grateful to everyone that volunteers to take on this role.  We work hard to ensure Trustees are supported effectively to discharge their responsibilities and feel a sense of pride – and of enjoyment – in being a Trustee of CAAS.

Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of CAAS, ensuring that the charity delivers its mission effectively, complies with its legal obligations, and remains financially sustainable.

Trustees bring a range of skills, experience, and perspectives to support the organisation’s leadership and development.  We are therefore looking for someone who has a passion for what CAAS is trying to achieve and a willingness to commit to attending our meetings and contributing to our discussions.  Some Trustees also bring specific skills sets which provide operational expertise, but this is not a requirement in the role.

Having a Diverse Board

CAAS recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and we are particularly seeking applications from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities, from disadvantage socio-economic backgrounds, and from people who identify as being autistic or having ADHD. 

We have recently completed a skills audit of the current Trustee board, and as well as looking to increase the diversity of our board, we would also particularly welcome applications from those who identify as having particular skills in the areas of HR & legal, digital & IT, statutory services provision, or marketing & communications.  We are also looking to recruit a new Chair during the next year, so please let us know if this is something that interests you (our Chair Role Description is also available on our website)

Please don’t be put off applying if you don’t have one of these skills or attributes or are worried that you don’t meet all of the points noted in this role description.  Every trustee who joins will receive a comprehensive induction and training package, and be supported by current trustees, so there will be lots of opportunity to learn ‘on the job’ for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Oversight

· Ensure that CAAS complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

· Contribute to the development and approval of the charity’s strategic plans and policies.

· Monitor the performance of the organisation against agreed objectives and outcomes.

· Safeguard the charity’s assets and ensure proper financial oversight.

· Declare any conflicts of interest and ensure they are managed in line with the charity’s policy.

Support and Challenge

· Provide constructive support and challenge to the CEO and senior leadership team.

· Use personal and professional expertise to inform Board discussions and decisions.

· Work collaboratively with fellow trustees, recognising that decisions are made collectively and all trustees share equal responsibility.

· Act as a critical friend, helping to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.

Advocacy and Representation

· Act as an ambassador for CAAS, promoting its work and values.

· Support fundraising and awareness-raising efforts where appropriate.

· Represent the charity at events or meetings, as agreed with the Chair or CEO.

Board Participation

· Attend and actively participate in quarterly Board meetings and occasional sub-committees or working groups.

· Prepare for meetings by reading papers and contributing to discussions.

· Participate in Board development activities, including training and annual reviews.

· Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s governance and culture.

Person Specification

Essential

· Commitment to CAAS’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

·      Passion for the work we do at CAAS

·    Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

· Ability to think strategically and contribute to effective decision-making.

· Integrity, good judgement, and a collaborative approach.

Desirable

· Lived or professional experience of ADHD or autism.

· Experience in one or more of the following areas: HR, digital & IT, communications & marketing

· Experience of charity governance or previous trustee roles

· Understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion principles and their application in governance.

Commitment

The Board meets 8 times a year, mostly by video call, and Board meetings are usually around 2hrs in length.  Once a year we meet for a longer session, in person, to consider strategic items in more depth.

Trustees will be asked to read a few papers in advance of the meeting, which could take 1-2hrs each meeting. 

Trustees are also encouraged to engage with the organisation between meetings, for example attending events, meeting staff, or supporting specific initiatives.

Some Trustees may be asked to take on additional responsibility, if they have a particular area of expertise (such as HR, fundraising etc); if so, they may be asked to commit 5-10 hours per year to support with reviewing policies or providing guidance to the management group. 

Initial 1-year term, extended by mutual agreement.Trustee Terms are ordinarily for 4 years, and Trustees can be appointed for a 2nd 4-year term if desired.

Exclusions

Please note that Section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993 disqualifies anyone who:

· has been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty, unless the conviction is spent

· is an undischarged bankrupt

· has previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the court or the Charity Commissioners

· is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986

It is an offence to act as a charity trustee while disqualified unless the Charity Commission has given a waiver under section 72(4) of the Charities Act 1993.

CAAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure.

elop runs a programme of weekly and monthly LGBTQ+ social, support and wellbeing clubs, groups, meet-ups and events; provided by and for LGBTQ+ communities.

Joining our LGBTQ+ volunteer facilitator team you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who value & appreciate the benefit of face-to-face socialising & networking, supporting LGBT people to come together in a welcoming, safe and supportive environment with opportunities to meet new people, form new friendships, gain peer support and much more. 

Each of elop’s dedicated clubs, groups or meet-ups run planned activities that supports shared interaction, positive LGBTQ+ identities and a feeling of being valued.

Volunteering in this role will give you opportunities to contribute & support the planning & promotion of group programmes, help in organising & facilitating sessions, along with supporting & enabling the involvement, voice & inclusion of all members attending, ensuring a welcome, supported, safe and comfortable environment for all.

Our clubs, groups, meet-ups and activities are delivered on various days and times across the week and weekends, plus during the day and evenings, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. 

You may already have some previous experience of activity facilitation, which is fantastic; however it isn’t necessary to come with all the skills & experiences already on board, just a friendly or outgoing personality with good communication abilities, the rest you’ll be supported to develop. 

Respecting diversity, understanding and upholding professional boundaries and confidentiality are of course fundamental to all of our work and you will be required support this. 

What you can expect as part of Team elop is to feel proud of being part of our dynamic team & volunteer community, to develop confidence, have enjoyment and know your contribution really does make a difference.

We know life can be busy, but ask all group volunteers to make a 6 month minimum commitment or around 2-3 hours a week average. 

All our volunteer facilitators must positively identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or trans (Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies).

We’re currently recruiting Outreach, Events & Fundraising Volunteers to join our amazing and dynamic volunteer team at elop!

elop is an award-winning LGBT Mental Health and Wellbeing Charity with 29 years’ experience of supporting LGBT+ communities across London and Essex borders.

Joining our LGBT+ Volunteer team you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who value & appreciate the benefit of giving back to the community and enjoy the opportunity to work with others to raise much needed funds to support our work at elop.

Supported by staff or lead volunteers, our volunteer teams plan & deliver events, organise & host varied fundraising initiatives such as karaoke nights, drag bingo, and comedy events.  If you’re someone who enjoys talking to people and have a friendly disposition, then you’d be well placed to help us reach new audiences, promote our work, and raise money.