Volunteer roles in south woodford, greater london

Build a Community of Connection with SUNSHINE

We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!

Loneliness is a quiet crisis. It doesn’t shout—it whispers. It hides behind closed doors, in empty chairs, in the silence of a phone that never rings. In London, thousands of people are facing this reality every day, and the emotional toll is devastating—impacting mental health, physical wellbeing, and the very fabric of our communities.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run grassroots charity on a mission to change that. We’re creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. But to do that, we need a vibrant, empowered volunteer community—and that’s where you come in.

Why This Role Matters

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SUNSHINE. They’re the ones who bring warmth to coffee mornings, compassion to befriending calls, and energy to community events. As our Volunteering Development Manager, you’ll be the architect of this community. You’ll design systems, nurture relationships, and create a culture where every volunteer feels proud, supported, and inspired, feeling the SUNSHINE Experience deep within them that bonds us all as family.

This is more than recruitment—it’s about building belonging.

What You’ll Do

• Develop inclusive, emotionally resonant volunteer pathways.

• Create role descriptions and onboarding processes that reflect SUNSHINE’s values.

• Foster a culture of appreciation, growth, and connection among volunteers.

• Collaborate with programme leads to match volunteers to meaningful roles.

• Help shape the long-term strategy for volunteer engagement and retention.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in volunteer management, HR, or community development (professional or volunteer).

• A deep belief in the power of people to create change.

• Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit.

• A passion for building inclusive, values-driven spaces.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to build a volunteer community that transforms lives.

• A role at the heart of a charity that’s rewriting the story of loneliness.

• A team of visionary changemakers who value your voice and leadership.

• Purpose, legacy, and the joy of watching connection bloom.

Let’s build a volunteer community that radiates warmth. Let’s be the sunshine.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Be the SUNSHINE in people’s lives.

Design the Feeling of Belonging. Shape the Look of Hope.

We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!

SUNSHINE is a new grassroots charity tackling loneliness in London. We’re building spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued—through coffee mornings, digital inclusion, fitness, and befriending programmes. But before anyone walks through our doors, they’ll meet us through a poster, a flyer, a social post.

We’re looking for a Graphic Designer to volunteer some time to help us craft the visual language of SUNSHINE: one that speaks of warmth, dignity, and human connection.

Why This Role Matters

Design is how people feel us before they meet us. As our Graphic Designer, you’ll shape the imagery, colours, and layouts that invite people in—from volunteers and donors to those we serve. You’ll help us build a brand that feels like a hug, a spark, a welcome.

This is a vital role for someone who believes visuals can move hearts—and mobilise action.

What You’ll Do

• Design flyers, posters, social media graphics, and digital assets for campaigns and programmes.

• Develop a cohesive visual identity that reflects our values and mission.

• Collaborate with other volunteers to ensure messaging and design work hand-in-hand.

• Create templates and toolkits that empower volunteers to share SUNSHINE’s story.

• Help us make every visual feel like an invitation to belong.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in graphic design (professional or volunteer), with a portfolio that shows emotional impact.

• A strong sense of visual storytelling and brand cohesion.

• Familiarity with design tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.).

• A heart for grassroots change and a belief in the power of beauty to uplift.

What You’ll Gain

• A central role in shaping the look and feel of a charity that transforms lives.

• The joy of seeing your designs spark connection, action, and hope.

• A team of visionary changemakers who value your creativity and care.

• Legacy, purpose, and the chance to design something that truly matters.

Let’s design a charity that feels like home. Let’s be the sunshine.

JOIN OUR TEAM

BE THE SUNSHINE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES.

Build the Bridges That Bring Us Together

We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!

Loneliness is not just a personal struggle—it’s a community-wide silence. SUNSHINE is a new grassroots charity committed to breaking that silence by creating spaces of connection, dignity, and joy. We’re launching programmes that bring people together—but we can’t do it alone.

We’re looking for a Participation and Partnerships Manager to help us grow our reach, deepen our relationships, and ensure that SUNSHINE is powered by collaboration.

Why This Role Matters

Connection is our mission—and you’ll be its ambassador. As Participation and Partnerships Manager, you’ll lead on building relationships with local organisations, community groups, and potential collaborators. You’ll also ensure that the voices of those we serve are heard, valued, and reflected in everything we do.

This is a vital role for someone who believes in people power—and knows how to harness it.

What You’ll Do

• Forge partnerships with local charities, councils, health services, and community groups.

• Develop outreach strategies to engage underrepresented communities.

• Create feedback loops so participants help shape our programmes and priorities.

• Represent SUNSHINE at events, forums, and collaborative initiatives.

• Help us build a community rooted in trust, dignity, and shared purpose.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in community engagement, partnership development, or outreach (professional or volunteer).

• A warm, relational approach and strong communication skills.

• Strategic thinking with a heart for grassroots change.

• A belief in co-production and the power of lived experience.

What You’ll Gain

• A central role in shaping a charity that listens, learns, and leads with compassion.

• The joy of building relationships that spark real change.

• A team of visionary changemakers who value your insight and care.

• Legacy, purpose, and the chance to turn connection into action.

Let’s build a charity that listens deeply and partners boldly. Let’s be the sunshine.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Be The SUNSHINE In Peoples Lives

Company/Charity Secretary (Volunteer Trustee Role)

Help Us Build a Charity That Connects the Forgotten and Uplifts the Invisible

We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!

Loneliness is a quiet ache. It doesn’t always cry out—but it weighs heavy. In London, thousands of people are living in isolation, and the consequences are profound: deteriorating mental health, loss of confidence, and a fading sense of purpose.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run grassroots charity dedicated to changing that. We’re creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. But before we can deliver life-changing programmes, we need a strong, ethical, and well-governed foundation. That’s where you come in.

Why This Role Matters

Behind every compassionate charity is a Company Secretary who ensures clarity, compliance, and continuity. As our Company/Charity Secretary, you’ll be the anchor of our governance—making sure our mission is supported by structure, our values are reflected in our operations, and our trustees are empowered to lead with confidence.

This is a trustee role with real heart. You’ll help us stay legally sound, ethically grounded, and emotionally attuned to the communities we serve.

What You’ll Do

• Ensure SUNSHINE meets its legal and regulatory obligations as a UK charity.

• Support the Board of Trustees with meeting coordination, documentation, and decision-making processes.

• Maintain accurate records and filings with Companies House and the Charity Commission.

• Help shape policies that reflect our values of inclusion, dignity, and transparency.

• Be a guiding voice in our governance, helping us grow with integrity.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in charity governance, administration, or legal compliance (professional or volunteer).

• A meticulous eye for detail and a heart for grassroots change.

• Strong communication and organisational skills.

• A belief in the power of structure to support compassion.

What You’ll Gain

• A meaningful role in launching a charity that transforms lives.

• The satisfaction of knowing your work is enabling real connection and healing.

• A team of visionary changemakers who value your expertise and care.

• Purpose, legacy, and the joy of building something beautiful from the ground up.

Let’s build a charity that’s as strong as it is kind. Let’s be the sunshine.

JOIN OUR BOARD

Be the SUNSHINE in people’s lives.

Design the Programmes That Bring People Back to Life

We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!

Loneliness doesn’t always look like silence. Sometimes it’s a smile that doesn’t reach the eyes, or a voice that hasn’t been heard in days. SUNSHINE is a new, grassroots charity built to change that—by creating spaces where people feel connected, confident, and cared for.

We’re launching coffee mornings, digital inclusion workshops, fitness groups, and befriending programmes—all designed to rebuild community from the ground up. But we need someone to lead the charge.

Why This Role Matters

As our Programme and Projects Manager, you’ll be the architect of impact. You’ll take our vision and turn it into real-world programmes that combat isolation and foster belonging. From planning to delivery, you’ll help shape the heartbeat of SUNSHINE.

This is a vital role for someone who wants to make things happen—and make them matter.

What You’ll Do

• Design and launch community programmes that address loneliness and promote wellbeing.

• Coordinate volunteers and partners to deliver impactful, inclusive activities.

• Develop project plans, timelines, and feedback loops to ensure continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with our Founder and our Trustees to align programmes with our mission and values.

• Help us measure impact—capturing the stories and statistics that show real change.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in project or programme management (professional or volunteer).

• A creative, compassionate mindset and a drive to make things better.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to turn ideas into action.

• A belief in the power of community to heal and uplift.

What You’ll Gain

• The chance to shape a charity from the ground up.

• A meaningful role in transforming lives and building connection.

• A team of passionate changemakers who value your leadership and care.

• Legacy, purpose, and the joy of seeing your work make a real difference.

Let’s build programmes that bring people back into the light. Let’s be the sunshine.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Be The SUNSHINE In Peoples Lives

Protect the Vulnerable. Safeguard the Heart of SUNSHINE.

We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!

Loneliness can leave people vulnerable—not just emotionally, but physically and socially. At SUNSHINE, we’re building a grassroots charity that offers connection, care, and community to those who feel forgotten. But to do this well, we must ensure that every person we serve—and every volunteer who serves—is safe, respected, and protected.

We’re looking for a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to help us build a culture of safety from the ground up.

Why This Role Matters

Safeguarding isn’t just a policy—it’s a promise. As our DSL, you’ll be the guardian of that promise. You’ll ensure that our programmes, volunteers, and governance uphold the highest standards of protection, especially for vulnerable adults and those at risk of harm.

This is a vital role for someone who leads with integrity, listens with empathy, and acts with courage.

What You’ll Do

• Lead on all safeguarding matters, ensuring SUNSHINE meets legal and ethical obligations.

• Develop and implement safeguarding policies and procedures tailored to our grassroots context.

• Provide guidance and training to trustees, volunteers, and programme leads.

• Be the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns, ensuring swift and sensitive action.

• Help us build a culture where safety is felt—not just promised.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in safeguarding, social care, or community protection (professional or volunteer).

• A deep understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practice in the UK.

• Emotional intelligence, discretion, and a calm, decisive approach.

• A belief that dignity and safety are the foundation of connection.

What You’ll Gain

• A vital role in shaping a charity that puts people first.

• The satisfaction of knowing your work protects and uplifts those most in need.

• A team of visionary changemakers who value your expertise and care.

• Purpose, legacy, and the chance to build a charity that feels safe, warm, and welcoming.

Let’s build a charity where everyone feels safe enough to belong. Let’s be the sunshine.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Be The SUNSHINE In Peoples Lives

Charity Treasurer (Volunteer Trustee Role)

Help Us Build a Legacy of Connection and Compassion

We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!

Loneliness is more than silence—it’s a slow erosion of confidence, wellbeing, and hope. In London, thousands of people are quietly struggling with isolation, and the effects ripple through every part of life: mental health, physical health, and the ability to thrive.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run grassroots charity on a mission to change that. We’re creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued—through coffee mornings, befriending programmes, digital inclusion, and more. But before we can launch these life-changing services, we need a strong foundation. That’s where you come in.

Why This Role Matters

Behind every impactful charity is a Treasurer who ensures integrity, transparency, and sustainability. As our Charity Treasurer, you’ll be the guardian of our financial health, helping us grow responsibly and ethically. You won’t just manage numbers—you’ll enable connection, healing, and hope.

This is a trustee role with heart. You’ll be part of a visionary team shaping the future of SUNSHINE, ensuring we can deliver real change to those who need it most.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee SUNSHINE’s financial strategy, planning, and reporting.

• Ensure compliance with charity regulations and best practices.

• Support budgeting for programmes that combat loneliness and promote wellbeing.

• Advise fellow trustees on financial matters and risk management.

• Help us build trust with donors, funders, and the community.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in finance, accounting, or charity treasury (professional or volunteer).

• A commitment to transparency, ethics, and grassroots impact.

• Strategic thinking and a collaborative spirit.

• A belief in the power of community and connection.

What You’ll Gain

• A meaningful role in launching a charity that changes lives.

• The satisfaction of knowing your skills are building something beautiful.

• A supportive team of changemakers and visionaries.

• Purpose, legacy, and the joy of giving back.

Let’s turn loneliness into belonging. Let’s build SUNSHINE together.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Be The SUNSHINE In Peoples Lives

Build the SUNSHINE Experience. Uplift the People Who Uplift Others.

We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!

At SUNSHINE, we believe that connection heals. We’re a new grassroots charity tackling loneliness in London through coffee mornings, digital inclusion, fitness, and befriending programmes. But none of this happens without our volunteers—the everyday heroes who bring warmth, kindness, and community to life.

We’re looking for a Volunteer Coordinator to volunteer and help shape the SUNSHINE Experience: a culture where volunteers feel valued, uplifted, and part of something bigger than themselves.

Why This Role Matters

Volunteers are the heartbeat of SUNSHINE. As our Volunteer Coordinator, you’ll lead recruitment, selection, induction, and training—ensuring every volunteer feels confident, supported, and inspired. You’ll help us build a family, not just a team.

This is a vital role for someone who understands people, believes in belonging, and wants to create a legacy of care.

What You’ll Do

• Design and deliver volunteer recruitment campaigns across platforms and communities.

• Create inclusive role descriptions that reflect our values and welcome diverse applicants.

• Lead onboarding and training to ensure volunteers feel prepared and appreciated.

• Develop systems for ongoing support, recognition, and feedback.

• Help shape a culture of kindness, dignity, and shared purpose.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in volunteer coordination, HR, or community engagement (professional or volunteer).

• A warm, people-first approach and strong organisational skills.

• Creativity in designing training and induction materials.

• A passion for building inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong.

What You’ll Gain

• A central role in launching a charity that transforms lives.

• The joy of building a volunteer family rooted in care and connection.

• A team of visionary changemakers who value your leadership and heart.

• Purpose, legacy, and the chance to uplift those who uplift others.

Let’s build a volunteer experience that feels like coming home. Let’s be the sunshine.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Be the SUNSHINE in people’s lives.

Be the Light in Someone’s Darkness!!!

We are a brand NEW start-up Charity and WE need YOUR Help!

Volunteer with SUNSHINE – A New Charity Combating Loneliness in London

Loneliness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a silent crisis. It creeps into the corners of everyday life, leaving people disconnected, unheard, and unseen. It’s linked to depression, anxiety, physical illness, and even premature death. In London, thousands suffer in silence. But together, we can change that.

We are SUNSHINE, a brand new, 100% volunteer-run grassroots charity on a mission to bring warmth, connection, and hope to those facing loneliness and social isolation. We believe that no one should feel invisible. And right now, we’re building something extraordinary—but we can’t do it without you.

Why SUNSHINE Matters

Loneliness is more than being alone. It’s the ache of not belonging, the weight of silence, the absence of touch, laughter, and love. It affects mental health, physical wellbeing, and the soul of our communities. SUNSHINE exists to change that—through coffee mornings, befriending programmes, digital inclusion, fitness groups, and more. We’re creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected.

But before we can launch these life-changing services, we need a team of passionate volunteers to help us build the foundation.

Charity Trustee - Make a Real Difference

Whether you're a strategic thinker, a creative soul, or a community builder—there’s a place for you in our founding team.

Help shape our vision, ensure good governance, and guide us toward lasting impact. You will support in the set-up, registration and launch of SUNSHINE across London and beyond. You will use your skills, experience, connections and abilities to help SUNSHINE on its journey to spreading it rays of sunshine.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to be part of something truly meaningful from the ground up.

• The joy of knowing your time and talents are transforming lives.

• A community of like-minded changemakers.

• Experience, purpose, and the satisfaction of building legacy.

Join Us - Be The SUNSHINE

If you’ve ever felt the world needs more kindness, more connection, more light—this is your moment to SHINE with us. SUNSHINE is more than a charity. It’s a community. And it starts with you.

Together, we can turn loneliness into belonging. Together, we can be the sunshine.

SUNSHINE

Fostering Connections. Enhancing Wellbeing. Transforming Lives

InStudents

A global social enterprise that empowers students in India and beyond to lead local projects, dismantling educational barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities for all.

We help address:

• Lack of Access: Students in rural and underserved regions lack quality career guidance and opportunities equivalent to their privileged peers.

• Employability Gap: Students from less prestigious universities often struggle to gain the real-world work experience and confidence needed for employment.

• Ineffective Aid: Many top-down educational solutions fail because they lack crucial local context, cultural understanding, and input from the communities they aim to serve.

Solution

We are building a global, student-led movement for educational equity, empowering local leaders to solve local challenges.

• Equal Opportunities Project (EQOP): We deliver free, career-focused courses to students in underserved regions using accessible technology like WhatsApp. The content is co-created with UK university and corporate partners.

• Impact Champions Project: We are establishing a global network of student-led societies on university campuses. Each society identifies and tackles local education issues with our support, creating a sustainable, "locally led, globally connected" model for change.

Brand Associate (Gen Z Marketing)

We are about to launch the Impact Champions Project (ICP), our global initiative to build a network of young people solving education challenges on their university campuses. We don’t just want to announce it; we want to ignite a movement. Your mission is to make ICP the most compelling social impact opportunity for Gen Z. In this role, you will: Architect the Launch: Develop and execute a social media strategy from the ground up to build the ICP brand across platforms where young people live, like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Create Buzz: Design exciting content (short videos, graphics, stories) that captures the energy of a new global project and inspires the first wave of applicants. Drive Recruitment: Your primary goal is to promote our first global cohort, turning awareness into applications from passionate young leaders around the world. The impact is massive: You will be the architect behind the brand that launches a global network. The content you create will be the reason the founding members of the Impact Champions Project sign up and start making a difference. You will not be alone and will be supported by a group of people who are passionate about the cause.

Minimum Hours per Week

2-3 hours per week

Duration

3-5 months

This is an exciting new volunteering role in the Peri team, supporting the daily operations of the internal training team and assisting with weekly tasks, mainly administrative.

SWA trains staff and volunteers in Domestic Abuse support, including frontline care, psychologically informed frameworks, advocacy, and working with complex needs SU. We expect volunteers to be proactive, bringing forth ideas to improve training processes, and handle various tasks independently. The team is open to suggestions for upskilling in relevant areas that are feasible for the volunteer and welcome them.

About the role

1. Assist with key administrative tasks to help keep training materials and resources organised and up to date with relevant information such as:

• Research
• Updating statistics
• Creating activities or resources for trainings
• Reviewing the accessibility of training (adding audio descriptions for example)
• Send out training invites and materials
• Shadow our trainers and learn the ins and outs of our different training processes.
• Encouraged to bring your own creative ideas to the table, helping us design engaging and interactive trainings and activities.
• Potential to co-facilitate trainings

Who are we looking for?

• Ideally confident and expert in IT – but will consider
• Someone who is comfortable with different software and tools and willing to learn
• Strong communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• Willing to be creative and do own research

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role you will have the opportunity to:

• Gaining hands on experience in training and development
• Developing organisational and administrative skills
• Engage with staff and volunteers across the organisation
• Opportunity to build confidence within training/public speaking etc

EI&P is a multidisciplinary team that provides advocacy and counselling to CYP survivors of VAWG, as well as education and training to CYP, parents, and professionals.

About the role

The EI&P Volunteer will support the team, with particular focus on the development and update of educational programmes and resources for POW and Community Engagement. This will include: 

• Support research into new legislation and literature to ensure our programmes are up to date. 

• Support the creation of educational resources including presentations, learning booklets, leaflets, etc. 

• Support development of session plans. 

• Support the development of feedback and programme evaluation tools.

• Ensuring programmes and resources are accessible to a wide range of audiences and needs. 

• Supporting other members of the team. 

• Identifying and reaching out to relevant external professionals to raise awareness of our services and referral pathway.

Who are we looking for?

• Knowledge of HRSE

• Some previous experience developing educational materials. 

• Some previous research experience. 

• Some previous facilitation experience.

• Expert use of Office packages, including PowerPoint, Publisher, or comparable platforms.

• Passionate about education as a key to change VAWG narratives. 

• Clear Understanding of VAWG issues, intersectional feminism, and handling of sensitive information, confidentiality, safeguarding. 

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role you will have the opportunity to:

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team towards early intervention and prevention of VAWG. 

• Access professional trainings. 

• Acquire tangible experience and knowledge in the development and delivery of educational programmes and resources directed at CYP, parents, and professionals.

• Shadow opportunities around facilitation, 1:1 advocacy, as well as other departments the Volunteer might be interested in. 

• Flexible time-commitment and possibility to work from home.

• Target skill development and mentorship.

• Professional supervisions with the service manager. 

About ASCO
The Association of Special Constabulary Officers (ASCO) is the nationally recognised professional body representing Special Constables (who are volunteer police officers) across the UK.Our mission is to ensure every Special Constable has a positive, safe and rewarding volunteer career which contributes to improving public safety, trust and confidence in policing. We do this by championing professional development, advocating for civic engagement through Citizens in Policing programmes, and influence decision-making at the highest levels.

Role Overview
We are looking for a creative and proactive Volunteer Communications Support Advisor to help us amplify our voice, engage our members, and showcase the incredible work of Special Constables. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful communications campaigns that make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in creating compelling social media content (graphics, posts, short videos).

• Draft and edit articles, newsletters, and website updates.

• Monitor engagement across digital platforms and suggest improvements.

• Help develop campaigns that celebrate Special Constables and promote key initiatives.

• Support the development of press releases and external communications.

Skills & Attributes

• Passion for communications, media, or marketing.

• Strong writing skills with an eye for engaging storytelling.

• Basic knowledge of social media platforms (LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram).

• Creativity and confidence to bring fresh ideas.

• Ability to work collaboratively with a small but dedicated team.

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in communications and media within a national organisation.

• A chance to support volunteers who give thousands of hours to policing each year.

• Networking opportunities with policing, charity, and government stakeholders.

• Exposure to a national charity operating with national policing and government senior stakeholders.

Raising Futures Kenya is looking for an enthusiastic, committed Trustee, with a passion for supporting our small but mighty international NGO through a journey of shifting power to our partner NGO.  We are particularly looking for individuals with experience in fundraising in the international development sector, and a strong understanding of the international fundraising landscape. 

Responsible to: Chair, Raising Futures Kenya

Purpose: To guide and advise on the international fundraising landscape, and shifting the power (including fundraising) to our Kenyan partners.

Hours: Approximately 6-8 hours a month. 

Salary: This is a voluntary role. 

We currently have seven Trustees across the UK, USA and Kenya and three paid, part-time staff. Board meetings are every 6-8 weeks in the evening via Google Meet.

About Raising Futures Kenya

For 22 years, Raising Futures Kenya (England & Wales charity no.1181670) has worked alongside local people, and our partner NGO, in Kenya to develop projects which are owned by the community and create long-term, sustainable change to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods. 

Through our Seed of Hope training and support programme we enable 14-25 year olds (75% girls) to secure employment or start a small business, generating enough income to live above the poverty line. We provide free technical vocational and business skills training, alongside mental health and wellbeing support which has led to over 90% of graduates being in employment, self-employment or further education. Seed of Hope offers young people opportunity, dignity and hope. 

All training is combined with 3 key elements of support which makes our project unique and more successful than vocational training alone. 

1. Daily life skills and mental health wellbeing curriculum which includes topics on common mental health issues to challenge stigma and signpost students to the free counselling sessions we offer, gender equality, knowing and asserting your rights, family planning, health, hygiene and nutrition. 

2. Practical help is provided to ensure we remove any barriers young people may face in gaining an education and attending lessons, such as; free cooked lunches, support with travel costs, childcare vouchers for young mothers and free menstrual hygiene packs. 

3. Graduate support helps young people set up their own business and generate a sustainable income. This includes tailored business and financial literacy training, access to the Seed of Hope Business Hub providing computers, tools, and materials for graduates to use to launch their business, plus an ongoing peer mentoring scheme from former successful Seed of Hope graduates. 

If students are traumatised, hungry or can’t afford sanitary products, they won’t be in a position to learn. We treat every student as an individual and personalise our support to their specific needs and circumstances to set every student up for success. We know this holistic approach is more successful than vocational training alone, and has the most meaningful impact for young people.

Achievements

Some of our achievements include:

• Over 3,100 young people in Kenya have received free skills training.

• Since 2021 we now support more young people in a year than our first 15 years combined.

• 91% of our graduates are in full time employment, self-employment or further education.

• Received multi-year funding from the Department for International Development (now FCDO) and other reputable grant givers, including a US funder who has granted us $100,000USD a year to go directly to our Kenyan partner as part of our journey to shift power to our partner.

• Awarded the ‘Small Charity, Big Impact’ award by the Foundation of Social Improvement 2019 for achieving disproportionate impact to our size.

• Awarded ‘Charity Governance Award for Improving Impact’ in May 2022.

• Shortlisted for ‘Diversity and Inclusion Award for Best NGO on Promotion of Human Rights’ in Kenya in March 2022.

The future of Raising Futures Kenya

We are in Year 3 of our 2022-2026 year Strategic Plan. The focus is on shifting the decision making power to our partner NGO in Kenya.  It’s an exciting time to join as we think about our plan for the next strategic era.

Role Summary

Responsibilities of all Trustees

• Ensuring the organisation pursues its charitable objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document. 

• Ensuring strategic objectives are developed and met in order to provide greater public benefit, namely to the young people and communities we work alongside in Kenya.

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public.

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.

• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the CEO.

• In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. 

Networking and partnership development

• All Trustees are expected to assist Raising Futures Kenya to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation, from seeking funding opportunities to galvanising personal and professional networks to generate income.

• Act as a proud ambassador for Raising Futures Kenya, representing the charity at meetings and facilitating networking and funding opportunities as these arise. 

• Join relevant networks and associations to further your understanding of the sector we are in, and to promote the work and best practices of the charity. 

Advise on fundraising 

• Support the strategic direction of how funds are raised by the UK and Kenya, in terms of shifting the power.

• Provide direct feedback to fundraising staff on approaches, bids or key organisations.

• Link Raising Futures Kenya with key contacts or organisations in the fundraising sector.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience;

Essential:

• Experience as a fundraiser in an international development organisation.

• Understanding of the localisation or shift the power agenda.

• A commitment to the organisation, and willingness to devote approximately 6 hours a month and attend Board meetings.

• Understanding of the regulatory responsibilities of a Charity Incorporated Organisation (or willingness to learn) 

• A willingness to speak your mind with respect, tact and diplomacy. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Honesty and integrity. We’re a values led organisation and want to ensure that everyone who joins us shares our values of honesty and integrity.

• Teamwork and commitment. We’re a small organisation and rely on each other to lean in and play a part in achieving our objectives. We believe in getting the work done, but having fun along the way so our meetings are often light-hearted.

• Passionate about furthering the impact of our work, in whatever way you can. For example utilising your networks to share the work we do or to seek donations.

Desirable: 

• Competent in understanding finances.

• Knowledge and experience of programmes in;

• Education, Technical Vocational Training or Entrepreneurship

• Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Young people

• Girls and women

• Income generation

• Farming/agriculture

• Programmes in Kenya

• We are always looking for candidates who have lived experience of any of the following;

  • Kenya

  • East Africa

  • Technical Vocational Training

We are committed to a culture of inclusivity.  We are able to grow and learn better if we have a diverse organisation formed of the collective sum of individual differences, lived experiences, knowledge and self-expression.  We don’t want to exist in an echo chamber.  In recruiting for our team we welcome the unique perspectives you can bring in terms of culture, education, opinions, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, values, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, beliefs, nation of origin and languages spoken.

Normally Trustees are asked to commit to a 3-year term on the Board and serve for a maximum of 2 terms.  All appointments are subject to completion of a successful 3 month probationary period. For more details about the legal obligations of Trustees visit the Charity Commission website and read its publication CC3, The Essential Trustee. 

Please note: the law places certain restrictions on becoming a charity Trustee (for example, you cannot be under the age of 18, or been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonestly).  If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, visit the Charity Commission website.