Assistant community manager volunteer roles

Ready to Make a Difference in 2026? Then come and Volunteer with Us.....

We are thrilled to be opening a brand-new Charity Shop in Langney Road, Eastbourne – and we are looking for volunteers to come and join our Team…

Our shops are a hive of activity and the heart of the local community. They raise funds to support our vital work and provide a place for local people to find out more about how we help older people in their area. Our volunteers always enjoy being part of our shop teams; chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do.

As a Customer Service Volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus play a vital role in helping to raise funds to support local older people.

You will be working on the shop floor as the welcoming face of our charity. Serving customers with a smile, using the till (don't worry, we will show you how) and handling money and sales.

When people come in to donate items you will be thanking them for their support and helping them to complete Gift Aid signups on our Gift Aid system.

You will help to make our shops look amazing; putting out items that the sorting teams have prepared, helping with merchandising, labelling and ensuring the shop is clean and always looking its' best.

You will need to be ok using a touch screen device as our tills run on a tablet, though we will always provide full training and some time for you to get used to using this first.

Lastly, you may have people enquiring about our work, or asking for help and we will provide you with all the details of where to refer them to within the charity.

It would be ideal if you could volunteer one shift a week, which is about four hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times. No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need.

It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old please apply now.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About the CARAS ESOL Team:

Our ESOL team offer English language classes to adults at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling people to attend college and access other services in the future.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our online Zoom classes on Monday mornings: 

• ESOL Entry 2+ level: 1:30am to 2:30pm (plus a 10-minute debrief) 

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

As a volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistant your role is flexible and varied. It will involve supporting the Adult ESOL Teacher in the delivery of online Zoom classes, as well as providing learners with one-to-one or small-group support. 

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes; 

• Helping learners build confidence in digital literacy; 

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session; 

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class; 

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the lessons; 

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential; 

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements; 

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, online communications and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements:  

Essential  

• To be 18 years or older; 

• An interest in education and English language teaching; 

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds; 

• To be reliable and punctual; 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English; 

• The ability to volunteer on Tuesday mornings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months;  

• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; * 

• Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to start of role 

• UK resident; has asylum-seeker or refugee status 

*DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable  

• Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish). 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including ESOL safeguarding training; 

• Gain experience in teaching and interpreting. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering. 

ECT is looking for new trustees to join our existing enthusiastic and dedicated board who share our ambition to provide top-quality, safe, affordable and accessible transport services for every community we serve. The range of perspectives and experience diversity brings is an asset to ECT and we want to create an inclusive, welcoming environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly those who share our values but may be new to a role as a trustee.

Our Board is forging exciting plans for the future, alongside our top-notch team of committed, professional managers, drivers, assistants and administrators. As new trustees, you will help steer our charity on the next stage of its important journey. 

We are based in Greenford, West London, and also operate in Dorset and Cheshire. There are no specific skills required, and we are very keen to hear from people new to the role of being a trustee who are active in their local communities and we are determined to provide better representation for the people we support. ECT has been going for over 30 years and we do a lot of work with young people, the elderly, community groups and charities but we are also very keen to see what other services we might be able to offer.

We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience in finance, charity management or governance, transport or have a personal connection in some way to community transport but above all else, we want you to feel motivated to be involved and make a difference.

CHARITY SHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED in LEWES – (STOCK PREPARATION)

We are currently looking for volunteers to help in our stock room sorting donations both during the week and at Weekends.

Please get in touch if you would like to help and become part of our amazing Volunteer Team!

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE

To assist the Shop Manger in the running of an Age UK East Sussex Charity Shop with a focus on sorting and preparing donated goods

ROLE OF THE VOLUNTEER

· Greet and assist customers in a polite and friendly manner

· Receive donations and complete Gift Aid paperwork

· Sort donations for resale, recycling or rubbish

· Label and price goods, referring to the internet for specific price guides if required

· Steam and hang clothing

· Replenish and display stock in the shop throughout the day

· Assist in keeping the shop clean and tidy following the cleaning rota

· Undertake other tasks as required by the Shop Manager

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES NEEDED

· Basic numeracy and literacy skills

· IT and internet skills

· Tidy and organised

· Enjoys working as part of a team

· Trustworthy and reliable

· Specialist in an area, i.e. fashion, books etc – desired but not essential

AS A VOLUNTEER WE WOULD ASK YOU TO

· Support the Mission and Vision of Age UK East Sussex by helping us to ensure that our county is a place where people in later life flourish

· Be available to volunteer for at least one regular shift each week. This could be a morning, afternoon or whole day. Depending on the store we open Monday – Sunday.

· Adhere to Age UK East Sussex confidentiality and equal opportunities policies maintaining discretion and confidentiality at all times

· Be reliable and conscientious

· Attend all training and information days, group meetings and supervision

· Exercise patience and understanding when dealing with customers

AS A VOLUNTEER WE WILL OFFER YOU

· An induction and ongoing training with support sessions if required

· Reimbursement of out of pocket travelling expenses

· Full recognition of the time, energy and skills volunteers freely give - for example long service and merit awards

· The opportunity to be part of a friendly team

· Respect for volunteer’s limitations, both in time and emotional involvement

· The opportunity to meet other volunteers and attend occasional social events

· The opportunity to be involved in the planning and development of Age UK East Sussex

· Appropriate insurance cover - to protect you whilst you are acting on behalf of Age UK East Sussex

· The opportunity to enhance your skills in a retail environment.

We place great value on our volunteers - who bring so much to the organisation. Their time, energy and commitment are recognised and greatly appreciated.

Ready to Make a Difference in 2026? Then come and Volunteer with Us.........

We are thrilled to be opening a brand-new Charity Shop in Langney Road, Eastbourne – and we are looking for volunteers to come and join our Team.

Our shops are a hive of activity and the heart of the local community. They raise funds to support our vital work and provide a place to find out more about how we help older people in the local area.

Our Stock Preparation Volunteers always enjoy being part of our shop teams; making new friends and helping the charity to maximise the income from the amazing items people donate to us.

In this role you will usually be working in our donation sorting area, which is off the shop floor. Here you will help the team process, prepare and price the items people donate.

We receive hundreds of bags of clothing, bric-a-brac, toys, games and all sorts of items every week. You will help us to turn these into vital funds to support our work.

After full training you will be part of our processing team; sorting through the donated items, identifying those which we should sell, preparing them and pricing before they are put onto the shop floor.

You may have a particular area of experience, such as clothing, books or antiques. Your skills and knowledge will help us to gain the best value for each item and some of our volunteers even coordinate entire sections, such as a book rooms within our stores.

When people come in to donate their items you will be helping to thank them for their support. Many items are Gift Aided so when processing the items you will ensure that Gift Aid labels are attached so that we can gain this additional vital income.

You will help to make our products look amazing; steaming clothes (if this is your area) and helping to clean and make every item look great and ready for sale.

It would be ideal if you could volunteer at least one shift a week, which is about three hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times. No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need.

It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old please apply now!

Are you an experienced leader with a finance background and the passion for making a difference?

Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is seeking a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer to help guide the charity’s strategy including a focus on financial responsibilities. This voluntary role is ideal for someone with strong knowledge of accounting, audit and risk management who can balance strategic thinking with attention to detail. If you are a confident communicator with extensive financial experience and a desire to use those skills to support a local charity, we’d love to hear from you.

Your expertise, insight and judgment could make a real difference to the lives of the local people we support.

Role requirements:

• Extensive senior financial leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards, audit and risk management
• Understanding of best practice in governance
• Exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Strategic thinker with sound independent judgement 
• Commitment to the mission, vision and values of Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care

The benefits of joining our Board of Trustees include:
• Professional recognition.
• Networking opportunities with fellow trustees as well as access to forums and communities of likeminded trustees at other organisations.
• Training and support to get the best out of the role.
• Career development: Diversify your experience and demonstrate leadership, governance expertise and commitment to public service.

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support. 

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games.

Youth club takes place at Tooting Hub- Beechcroft Road, Tooting, SW17 7B

About the Role:

CARAS is looking for volunteer Football Assistants to support our Football sessions on Mondays, 5.30-7pm in Balham.

Football coaching sessions are led by Fulham FC Kicks programme weekly, supported by CARAS volunteers to offer welcome to young people.

Volunteer tasks and responsibilities

· Welcoming young people to the session;

· Helping young people to register for sessions;

· Join in and be role model for young refugees and asylum seekers;

· Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

· Following FULHAM FC safeguarding policy and CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, online communications and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

Essential

· To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Monday evenings for a minimum of four months;

· Currently resident in the UK;

- A love of football, and wanting to encourage others to play.

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check (residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to start of role

Desirable

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

- Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

Trustee of Sandhurst Day Centre Association, with a focus on strategic oversight of facilities & building management 

Do you want to support and improve the running of our services for older people, with an oversight of our building?

You could be a trustee for Sandhurst Day Centre Association, our charity that provides activities and social time for local older people, in our bespoke Centre.

Developed in the 1970s and first Registered in 1983, the charity is an unincorporated Association, with work in progress to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

In 2024, the Centre turned over ~£300k, an increase from previous years, with a small surplus made. The Centre Manager, employees and volunteers are responsible for day-to-day running, while trustees offer strategic oversight of operations, planning for the future.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience in services for older people, and we’d expect all trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

We are looking for a new trustee to add additional professional input to the running of the building and its facilities. The role will aid the Centre Manager by offering analyses of Health & Safety, building management and the physical environment. You will bring relevant knowledge, skills and experience in these and associated areas.

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees, volunteers and employees is expected.   

We ask for about five hours per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification is attached to this advert, with more further information and application to Brian Wilson, SDCA trustee, via Apply Now, below.

Your CV (or similar) and Cover Letter will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

As a Fundraising Trustee, you'll play a key role in shaping and supporting Let's Play Project's fundraising vision and strategy. Working with the charity manager and fellow trustees you'll help us build sustainable income streams to support our mission.

f you have experience in fundraising, marketing, running a business or non-profit organisation, strategic thinking and understanding of income growth and sustainability as well willingness to use your skills, time and networks to make an impact for our pretty incredible team and service, you will be able to add plenty of value.

We play to each other strength and everyone has a lot of transferable skills that are incredibly useful in this setting. Come and meet us, let us share our vision and aspirations - and we guarantee there will be plenty of fun and challenges but equally you will feel how your input makes a difference in the lives of our young people and their families.

Main duties and responsibilities 

• Provide Strategic input on fundraising plans and campaigns
• Support and advise on income generation, donor engagements, and partnerships
• Champion a fundraising culture across the charity
• Use your networks to open doors to new supporters and opportunities
• Ensure the charity complies with fundraising regulations and best practice
• Guide and support staff and volunteers
• Assist in recruitment (when required)

As a member of the Board of Trustees 

Participate in quarterly meetings and annual strategy day, to help set Let’s Play’s strategic direction, goals, and targets, particularly in relation reaching a very challenging fundraising target to ensure the sustainability of our organisation.

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.

CAFOD Advisor Recruitment  - Strategy Performance Committee (SPC)

Role

Committee member, providing expert fundraising expertise to this Committee of the Board, alongside Trustees and other expert advisors. The SPC exercises governance activities on behalf of the Board and provides recommendations to the Board. The remit of the SPC covers CAFOD’s strategy to recruit and engage donors and supporters, and its global programmatic work, so covers both CAFOD’s international activities as well as the work within the Catholic Community in England and Wales.

Essential Criteria

• Professional fundraising expert with experience in the Charity sector
• Experience of multiple income portfolio management and strategy - particularly fundraising from the public (individual giving, legacy fundraising, community fundraising, major donor engagement etc.)
• Respect for the goals, ethos and culture of CAFOD

Advantageous

• An understanding of fundraising in a faith context
• Familiarity with Fundraising Regulator best practice & or a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising
• Knowledge of fundraising for international causes

Time commitment

• Four half-day meetings a year, currently two at CAFOD HQ, Romero House, London and two online.
• Some preparatory reading time is required before meetings
• No specific minimum term but a commitment to give approximately 2-3 years would be preferable.

Become a Trustee at Dougie Mac Hospice. Help shape the future of palliative and end-of-life care in Staffordshire. We’re seeking committed individuals who share our CARE values to support strong governance and help guide our all-age hospice serving our local community.

What will you be doing?

The Board requires a broad mix of skill, experience and attributes to achieve the efficient and effective governance of the organisation. Trustees need the knowledge, experience, aptitude and commitment to make a significant contribution to the Board. The hospice’s governing document allows for 6 – 15 trustees at any one time. We are committed to building a diverse Board that reflects the community we serve.

The voting members of the Board are responsible for the governance of the organisation. They must ensure that it operates in a manner that:

• Enables it to fulfil the objectives set out in the governing document
• Utilises assets and resources for charitable purposes in line with the governing document
• Gives due attention to charitable and company law
• Adheres to the organisation’s philosophy and values
• Upholds the reputation of the organisation.

Trustees must always act in the best interests of Dougie Mac, working together to put patients, families and the wider community at the heart of every decision. This is a voluntary role and Trustees cannot pursue their own professional and business interests, to personally benefit from their position.

As a Trustee of Dougie Mac, you will play a key role in ensuring the hospice is well-governed, financially resilient and able to meet the needs of our community now and in the future. Trustees collectively:

• Provide strategic leadership and help shape organisational priorities.
• Ensure our resources are used effectively and in line with charitable objectives.
• Oversee organisational performance, risk management and financial sustainability.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to deliver high-quality care.
• Uphold our values and safeguard the reputation of the hospice.
• Act as ambassadors for Dougie Mac in the community and within their networks.

This is a voluntary role that requires integrity, sound judgement, teamwork and a genuine commitment to supporting excellent hospice care.

�� Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills and lived experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience — just the right mindset, values and ability to contribute at Board level.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:

• Senior leadership or board-level decision-making
• Strategy, governance or risk management
• Healthcare, palliative care or wider public sector services
• Finance, investment or commercial management
• HR, workforce, organisational development or culture
• Digital, data or information governance
• Community engagement, fundraising or voluntary sector work

Above all, you should bring curiosity, integrity, compassion, and the confidence to both support and constructively challenge.

⏰ Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend:

• 4 Board Meetings per year
• 2–4 Committee or Trading Board meetings
• The AGM
• The Annual Trustee Away Day

Additional preparation time and occasional hospice events are also expected.
Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

What are we looking for?

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills and lived experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience — just the right mindset, values and ability to contribute at Board level.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:

• Senior leadership or board-level decision-making
• Strategy, governance or risk management
• Healthcare, palliative care or wider public sector services
• Finance, investment or commercial management
• HR, workforce, organisational development or culture
• Digital, data or information governance
• Community engagement, fundraising or voluntary sector work

Above all, you should bring curiosity, integrity, compassion, and the confidence to both support and constructively challenge.

What difference will you make?

Why Join Dougie Mac?

As a Trustee, you will:

• Make a real, lasting difference to local families at the most difficult times in their lives.
• Help shape services across a unique all-age hospice.
• Join a values-driven Board that works collaboratively and respectfully.
• Become part of a warm, passionate, community-centred organisation.

Before you apply

• If you have any questions or would like an Application Pack, please email

About Charity Right

Charity Right is an international food charity - Registered Charity No. 1163944 in England & Wales

The Objects of the Charity are

1. To relieve poverty worldwide by
   • Providing food supplies, items, grants and services to individuals in need and other groups or organisations that are working to prevent and relieve hunger and poverty
   • Providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare projects and all the necessary support designed to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient
   • Undertaking and supporting research into factors that contribute to poverty and the most appropriate ways to mitigate these
   • The provision of grants to enable young people to participate in healthy recreational activities that they could not otherwise afford
2. The relief of financial need and suffering among victims of natural or other kinds of disaster in the form of money (or other means deemed suitable) for persons, bodies, organisations and/or countries affected.

Our work centres on breaking the cycle of poverty through sustainable school meals programmes. We currently provide daily school meals in displaced communities affected by extreme food insecurity. Our programme has helped save thousands of young peoples’ lives by freeing them to get an education, develop new skills into adulthood and lift themselves out of poverty.

With millions still going hungry worldwide, our vital work is needed now more than ever. We are at an exciting stage of growth and seek a trustee who can help us deepen our impact, strengthen our strategic direction, and ensure our programmes continue to transform lives for decades to come.

Our Commitment to Diverse Leadership

We strongly encourage applications from women and younger Muslim professionals who can bring fresh perspectives, sectoral expertise, and a long-term strategic vision to our board. We recognise that diverse leadership strengthens our governance, deepens our understanding of the communities we serve, and ensures our programmes remain relevant and impactful.

Age, gender and background diversity is not just important to us in principle, but it is essential to fulfilling our mission effectively. We actively seek to build a board that reflects the breadth of our supporter base and the communities we serve.

About the Role

We are seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our board of trustees. Our mission is to provide school meals to children in developing countries, with the goal of reducing hunger and improving educational outcomes.

As a trustee, you will work collaboratively with fellow trustees to provide strategic guidance and oversight to the charity. You will help ensure our activities align with our mission and values. The trustee will work closely with other members of the board and staff to develop and implement plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and maximise the positive impact of its work.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the board of trustees, providing governance and oversight to the organisation
• Uphold Charity Commission and legal responsibilities as a trustee and company director
• Collaborate with fellow trustees and staff to develop and implement strategies, plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and values
• Champion the charity to external stakeholders and partners
• Attend and actively participate in board meetings and events
• Ensure robust compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, using your network to advance our mission

Person Specification

• Genuine passion for international development and our mission to end child hunger
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: [AK1] finance, programmes, marketing, fundraising, technology, and operations
• Strong analytical, strategic and critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to contribute constructively to board discussions
• Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team
• Willingness to dedicate time and energy to the charity’s success
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements for charitable organisations, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and commitment to collective decision-making
• Demonstrates highest standards of personal integrity, honesty and ethical behaviour, avoiding conflicts of interest and prioritizing the charity's mission
• Engages respectfully and collaboratively with board members, staff and stakeholders, fostering an inclusive environment and modelling the charity's values
• Understanding of the cultural and economic contexts of the countries where the charity operates is a plus.

Organisation Structure

The board of trustees provides strategic oversight and governance to the Executive team, who manage day to day operations. Trustees work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, offering guidance while respecting operational independence

Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings which are scheduled to accommodate trustee’s availability. Most meetings are done via video conferencing, and on occasion we meet in person at a suitable location. Individual commitments are agreed between each trustee and the Chair of the board.

Commitment

• Board meeting – quarterly
• 2-hour meetings with reports to read one week in advance
• Telephone meetings – as required
• 30-minute conference calls occasionally required in between board meetings
• Staff away day – once yearly
• A day of in-person workshops, planning and Q&A with staff
• Events – as required
• Occasional participation in promotional events – usually early evening
• Project groups – as required
• Occasional working alongside staff to complete projects – as fits expertise and diaries

Application Process

If you would like to formally apply for the role, please include a letter of application along with your current CV.

In your letter, please outline:

• Your motivation for applying and connection to our mission
• Your relevant experience, expertise, or perspective that you would bring to the board
• What you hope to contribute to Charity Right and gain from the trusteeship
• Your commitment to championing diversity and inclusive leadership
• Declaration of any potential conflicts of interest

We are happy to discuss the role in more detail and answer any questions you may have about the board service.

Charity Right is an equal opportunities organisation. We are committed to building a diverse board and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in charity governance.

Shop Volunteering Opportunities

Kensington

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 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 11:00-17:00

Location: 211 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6BD 

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 the community

Our Van Driver’s mates are out and about supporting drivers with delivering and collecting stock throughout the local area. They play a key part in getting donations to and from shops. This role does require the ability to lift heavy items. 

• 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 volunteering team