Beyond volunteer roles

Could you help bring moments of joy to families facing cancer?

Families supported by the Young Lives vs Cancer Service are going through some of the most challenging times of their lives. With the care, time, and compassion of our volunteers, we can help them feel supported and less alone.

As a Charity Support Coordinator, you’ll work directly with young people children and their families to help them access grants, treats, wishes, and special opportunities that can make a real difference. You’ll help open doors to practical help and meaningful moments.

What you give as a volunteer goes far beyond practical support — it’s reassurance, kindness, and hope at a time when it’s needed most. Your time and commitment can help make the cancer journey a little lighter and leave a lasting, positive impact on the families you support.

What you’ll be doing

• Helping young people and families access grants, treats, wishes, and special opportunities
• Researching and approaching charities and organisations that offer extra support
• Guiding young people and families to access the right support for them

What skills or experience you’ll need

• Lots of enthusiasm and a genuine passion for our work
• You need to be 18 or over to join us in this role.

Experience working with families with a child with a life threatening or limiting illness, or working with a family support organisation is desirable but not essential

Community Liaison Officer

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. We are looking for an individual who embodies the spirit of CAG and continually keeps the integrity and goals of the organisation at the forefront of every decision that they make as part of their role.  To ensure we meet our goal of improving the well-being of young people and being a part of our local community we need to increase our reach. We’re looking for a volunteer Community Ambassador to play a vital role in helping us reach new audiences, form new partnerships and maintain current arrangements, raise awareness and generate income.

You will seek out opportunities to speak to and build relationships with community groups, organisations and businesses, raising awareness of our work and encouraging action through giving, campaigning and volunteering.

In addition to public speaking opportunities, you may attend events on our behalf, such as business networking meetings, fundraising events, community fetes, galas and more.

You will work closely with the CAG Management Committee for support and help mapping out opportunities within the local community and beyond.

Description

Responsibilities:

• Communicating and building relationships with current and potential community contacts.

• Promoting CAG in the local area.

• Attending meetings and events.

• Delivering talks about CAG’s aims and activities.

• Contacting existing supporters to encourage continued support.

• Researching new opportunities to build relationships in the local area, for instance: local places of worship, the Round Table, the Lions, local businesses.

• Working in close conjunction with our Social Media Volunteer and our Fundraising Volunteer.

• Communicating frequently with CAG Management Committee to keep them up to date.

We are looking for a volunteer who ideally should have / be:

• Commitment to CAG and its ethos.

• Organised, self-motivated, proactive and good at managing your own time.

• Someone who enjoys meeting new people and networking, and is comfortable with public speaking.

• The ability to build and maintain relationships. 

• A proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. 

• The ability to influence others using excellent communication skills. 

• The ability to motivate others and work as part of a team. 

• Resilience, particularly when faced with setbacks.

• A willingness to carry out a range of administrative tasks. 

• Strategic vision and an ability to think creatively.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings.

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the day to day running of CAG as well as securing its future.  You will have a big impact because this role is essential to ensuring that CAG remains healthy and sustainable and able to navigate changing times and economic climates.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.  Additionally we can offer you:

• The chance to be part of a charity at an exciting time in its development.

• The opportunity to make a difference to young people’s lives through outdoor trips, activities and adventures.

• Expenses, so you are not out of pocket.

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer will work from home and will be required to attend meetings within the Solihull area.

Travel Limit

This role is partly remote but ideally the candidate should be available for face to face Committee and other meetings.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Flexible to suit you.

• You would need to be available to attend Committee meetings which normally take place in the evening.

• Occasional weekends and evenings to attend events.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 3 hours / week – the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

The food system is unsustainable and unjust, and it’s damaging the health of a generation. We are a youth activist movement set up to challenge a food system that’s been set up to fool us all. We're looking for a new Chair who shares our passion for empowering youth leadership and transforming our food system

We are a Theatre Without Walls, have imagination without limits and exist to make extraordinary, relevant theatre by, with and for contemporary Scotland.

As we continue our journey, we are seeking to recruit at least two Non-Executive Directors who share our passion for theatre and the arts to support our collective responsibility to develop our vision and our people.

In line with our strategic framework, one of our priorities in the coming years is the development of our artistic programme at home and internationally.

We know that to achieve this, we will need to find new ways of working and continue to diversify our revenue, optimising the commercial and financial guidance the Board can offer.

We are also looking to maximise our strategic communications in this current fast-changing landscape, and considering how evolving technology can best extend our programming and reach, engaging learners, supporters and wider audiences. We are excited by the prospect of Board members who can support the governance requirements of this journey.

We also welcome a diversity of voices around the table, reflecting the audiences and communities we serve. Applications from divergent and collaborative thinkers from all walks of life are welcome and we strongly encourage applications from candidates of colour, gender diverse and disabled people.

If this is of interest, please read the full Information Pack, which contains further information and details of how to apply.

Role Description

The role of a Non-Executive Director Board member is to ensure that: The National Theatre of Scotland, as a registered Charity fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries and delivers on its Vision, Mission and Values.
The statutory duties of a Non-Executive Director Board member are:

• To ensure that the company complies with its governing documents - Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• To ensure that the company pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure that the company applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives - the company must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how ‘charitable’ and ‘worthwhile’ those activities are.
• To contribute actively to the Board's role in giving firm strategic direction to the company, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the reputation and values of the company.
• To ensure the effective and efficient operation and administration of the company.
• To ensure the financial stability of the company
• To protect and manage the property of the company and to ensure the proper investment 
  of the company’s funds.
• To appoint the Co-Chief Executive Officers and monitor their performance.

Remuneration: The role is voluntary, so there is no salary or payment for being on the Board but expenses for travel may be claimed.

Location: Board meetings take place in Rockvilla, our creation space located in Glasgow, and we strongly encourage attending these in person whenever possible. However, we absolutely welcome candidates from all over Scotland and beyond and can facilitate online attendance if required.

Time commitment:We have four Board meetings per year and up to four Committee meetings depending on the membership of the Committee. Committee membership is not a requirement to be a Board member, but on this occasion, we are seeking to appoint at least one new trustee to the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee.

Board members are also expected to see as much of the company’s work as possible including performances (tickets are provided) and events and to occasionally represent the company at these.

Reporting to: Chair of the Board.

 Welcome to the NHS Retirement Fellowship

Thank you for your interest in becoming the new chair of the NHS Retirement Fellowship. We are halfway through a five-year plan which is transforming the way we operate, how we engage with the NHS and other key stakeholders, and how we support our members currently and in the future. We have already come a long way from where we started and we are now beginning an ambitious plan of doubling our membership and raising awareness so we can continue with our mission of supporting retired and retiring NHS, health and social care staff. We are seeking a dynamic and professional chair with significant senior leadership experience in the NHS (or the broader health and social care sector) and/or extensive experience of governing a charity to work with us to deliver our vision.

Our Board is made up of a variety of professionals from across the NHS and beyond, a number of whom are members of the Fellowship. We work closely with our dynamic senior leadership team, branch officers and volunteers and have fostered an excellent working relationship for the benefit of our members.

The Fellowship has a small executive team of seven part time staff who all work remotely from home.

The potential for the NHS Retirement Fellowship is immense, and I very much look forward to welcoming you and working with you on this exciting journey.

Julia Hickey

Acting Chair

NHS Retirement Fellowship.

About the NHS Retirement Fellowship

“One of things that makes the NHS a special place to work is the sense of togetherness, belonging and family. So, when colleagues come to retirement, the Fellowship is a wonderful way of maintaining these things and allowing colleagues to continue their connection with the service. I think more can be done to help retired colleagues share experiences, perspectives and support and the Fellowship is ideally placed to do this.” Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive, NHS England

Our motto is fun, friendship and fellowship and it sits at the heart of everything we do.

The NHS Retirement Fellowship began in 1978 when retiring nurse Irene James recognised that for significant numbers of retiring NHS staff, their colleagues and friends had also become their family and that those pivotal connections could be lost. Our role has changed during that near 50 years as the NHS has changed and more latterly with the seismic transformation into a digital world. We now have almost 100 branches from the Highlands of Scotland to the north Devon coast and from Swansea in west Wales across to Norwich in East Anglia. About a third of our members are now national members, often choosing to engage on a more remote, digitally based basis. All our members have access to a portfolio of benefits which we offer, including our flagship travel insurance policy, and we are actively pursuing a partnership which would bring a huge range of benefits and discounts to our members. We also have a special fund to support members at a time of need.

Our branches run semi independently from our main charity with their own committees and bank accounts. Volunteers arrange a variety of activities for their members at local and regional level. National members, who choose not to join a specific branch, can join in with local activities and also have access to an increasing number of online based activities. We also hold an annual conference and AGM where the Board, staff and our members can all come together.

We are increasingly working with the NHS and other stakeholders in partnership to see how we can support employers and retain connections, experience and expertise at local level. We’re helping foundation trusts with governors, hospitals with volunteers and NHS charities with supporters. We’re looking to grow so that we are the voice of the retired NHS and wider health service community and see how our members can offer mentoring, support and guidance to the younger generations of NHS staff. 

Our charity is looking to become a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) over the next year.

Our values and mission are unchanged from when Irene James recognised the need to continue to support NHS staff when they retired to enable them to retain links, mutual support and understanding and friendships built over the years in their shared working lives. The NHSRF supports people in retirement to maintain friendships and make new ones, from the NHS, health and social care sectors from a diverse background irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation and to support each other through friendship.

Role description and time commitment

Our Chair will lead the Board in developing and delivering our strategy, working closely with, and providing line management and support to, our chief executive. They will also support our chief operating officer in preparation for Board meetings and our head of communications in the planning of our conference and other duties. Our Chair will also be a key representative of the Fellowship in meeting and liaising with key stakeholders.

Our Board meets remotely three times a year and once a year in person. We also have two strategy days a year and our AGM and conference which takes place over a weekend in October. There is also a standing invitation to our Members Council meetings, which are three times a year remotely and once a year in person.

Timeframes

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 1 June. Shortlisting will take place in the following week with interviews to take place in London on Thursday 2 July.

Term of office

We are looking to appoint for a three-year period initially. This will take us through 2028 when the NHS will mark its 80th anniversary and the NHS Retirement Fellowship will celebrate its 50th birthday.

Our chair role is unpaid, but we will reimburse you for reasonable travel expenses.

We’re Searching for a Changemaker — Could It Be You?

Our new East London charity is building something powerful: a movement that helps adults unlock confidence, skills, and real opportunities through career coaching, employability training, mentoring, and community support. We’re here to open doors that have been closed for too long — and we’re doing it from the ground up.

To make this vision real, we need someone with heart, curiosity, and a passion for people.

We’re looking for a volunteer Careers & Employability Skills Programme Development Manager

Just a few hours a week — but with the potential to transform hundreds of futures.

This is your chance to design and shape the programmes that will support adults across East London to step into new careers, build confidence, and access opportunities they’ve never had before.

What this role means

• You’ll help us create a programme that is practical, empowering, and rooted in the real needs of our community.
• You’ll bring structure, ideas, and insight to the workshops, mentoring pathways, and employability support we’ll deliver.
• You’ll help us build something that doesn’t just tick boxes — it changes lives.

Who we’re hoping to find

Someone who:

• Has experience within the careers/employability skills sector or area

• Cares deeply about people and community

• Believes in second chances and fresh starts

• Loves developing ideas and turning them into something meaningful

• Wants to give back in a way that creates long‑lasting impact

• Can offer a few hours a week to help shape a programme with purpose

Why your contribution matters

Your work will become the backbone of our charity — the programmes, sessions, and support that help adults gain confidence, skills, and direction. You won’t just be volunteering. You’ll be building a pathway to opportunity for people who need it most.

If you’re passionate about people and want to make a real difference in East London and beyond, this is your moment.

Join us. Help design the programme that unlocks someone’s future.

We’re Looking for a People‑Powered Trailblazer — Could It Be You?

Unlock YOUR Potential is a brand‑new East London charity with a bold mission: to open doors for adults who need support, confidence, and real opportunities to move forward in their careers and lives. We’re building programmes, mentoring pathways, and community‑driven support that will give people the foot‑up they deserve.

But to make this mission real, we need the right people — and the right person to help us find them.

We’re searching for a volunteer HR Manager to build our volunteering programme, recruit and onboard our team, and help prepare us to become an employer.

Just a few hours a week — but with the power to shape the culture, community, and future of our organisation.

What this role is all about

You’ll help us:

• Design and set up our volunteer programme from scratch

• Recruit passionate volunteers who believe in our mission

• Create a warm, structured, meaningful onboarding experience

• Put in place the HR foundations we need as we grow

• Prepare us for the exciting transition from volunteer‑only to becoming an employer

• Ensure we follow good practice, safeguarding, and people‑centred policies

Your work will help us build a charity that feels welcoming, safe, and inspiring for every person who joins us.

Who we hope to find

Someone who:

• Has HR experience

• Loves people and believes in their potential

• Is passionate about community, fairness, and inclusion

• Enjoys building systems, processes, and positive culture

• Wants to give back in a way that creates long‑lasting impact

• Can offer a few hours a week to help shape our people strategy

• Feels energised by helping a new charity grow with heart and integrity

Why your contribution matters

• You won’t just be setting up HR processes — you’ll be shaping the soul of our organisation.
• You’ll help us build a team that reflects East London’s diversity, energy, and resilience.
• You’ll create the environment where volunteers feel valued, supported, and inspired.
• And you’ll lay the groundwork for us to become an employer that truly puts people first.

If you’re passionate about people and want to make a real difference in East London and beyond, this is your moment.

Join us. Help build the volunteer community that unlocks someone’s future.

Are you passionate about sustainability and making a real difference in people’s lives?

Join Life Cycle’s Bikes Beyond Bars project, an award-winning environmental and social initiative that combines bike recycling, skills training, and rehabilitation.

What you’ll do

• Work alongside course participants in prison workshops, helping them to refurbish a wide range of donated bikes.
• Support learners to develop practical cycle maintenance skills and work towards an industry-recognised professional qualification.
• Provide hands-on assistance alongside experienced Prison Bike Mechanic Tutors.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive learning environment that boosts confidence, employability, and community integration.

By helping refurbish bikes that would otherwise go to waste. You’ll also make a meaningful impact on the participants’ journey toward rehabilitation, helping them gain training that can open doors to future employment.

"Life Cycle helped me massively in prison, keeping me occupied and out of the cell… I contacted Life Cycle when I was released because I wanted to give back something to the people that helped me. I felt respected and treated as a valued member of society, not just an ex-con." – Jon (name changed)

About you

• Someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work
• Good mechanical skills (if you’re unsure, get in touch!)
• Sympathetic to working with people in prison
• You believe in the possibility of change for those who have been involved in the criminal justice system
• Enthusiastic about Life Cycle’s charitable mission, vision, and values. 

Please note, applicants need to be aware that due to the nature of this role you will be required to be vetted up to Enhanced Level 1 security clearance.Having a criminal record will not necessarily exclude you from volunteering in this role.Give us a ring if you would like to talk about it first. 

About Life Cycle

Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry.

We are looking for volunteers to spend some time with our clients  in and around Central London or  to speak to them over the phone.  Our current needs are in Tulse Hill, Stockwell, Annerly, Barnes, Luton and Stepney Green.  If your time is more restricted, you could potentially offer a weekly phone call rather than a visit. Locations change as new referrals come in, so if you are interested in befriending and want to make positive difference to  an older persons emotional well being, please contact us, we may have a client in your area!  

 Meetings are regular, usually weekly or fortnightly, for at least six months although most of our volunteers stay involved for  longer, only because they enjoy what they do!  Phone calls can me made from any quiet space at your home or workplace. 

Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who feels lonely or is socially isolated.  Your gift of time and companionship will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once said,“this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”  

Meetings are held in our client's home or in the community, chatting in coffee shops or talking while you walk - this really depends on what our client wants to do.  Our clients are Scots aged 60 and over, who simply want to do the activities that most of us take for granted.

We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters. 

This could be the ideal opportunity gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyonewhoenjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter. You will both look forward to your meetings. 

Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must live in or around the London area for meetings, or in the UK for phone calls. 

Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!

Skills & characteristics required for befriending are:

• English speaking, clear communication for coversation
• Good listening skills
• Friendly, warm and non-judgemental 
• Honest, reliable and committed
• Empathy 
• Understanding of the need to maintain confidentiality (covered in training) 

An enhanced DBS check will be processed  for successful applicants and two references are required. 

We’re Searching for a Storytelling Superstar — Could It Be You?

Unlock YOUR Potential is a brand‑new East London charity with a bold mission: to open doors for adults who need support, confidence, and real opportunities to move forward in their careers and lives. Through employability skills, mentoring, coaching, and community‑driven programmes, we’re here to help people step into their future with pride and possibility.

But to spark a movement, people need to hear us. To feel us. To believe in what we’re building.

And that’s where you come in.

We’re looking for a volunteer Marketing & Communications Manager to help us raise our profile, build excitement, and tell a story that resonates across East London.

Just a few hours a week — but with the power to shape how a whole community sees us.

What this role is all about

You’ll help us:

• Craft a compelling brand voice that feels energetic, hopeful, and human

• Build awareness of our mission across East London

• Create engaging content that inspires people to get involved

• Tell stories that highlight careers, employability, mentoring, and opportunity

• Develop simple marketing strategies that help us grow with purpose

• Bring creativity, consistency, and clarity to our communications

Your work will help us connect with the people who need us, the volunteers who support us, and the partners who can help us grow.

Who we hope to find

Someone who:

• Has Marketing and/or Communications Experience

• Loves storytelling and understands the power of a strong narrative

• Is passionate about community, opportunity, and social impact

• Enjoys creating content that feels alive and authentic

• Wants to give back in a way that amplifies real change

• Can offer a few hours a week to help shape our voice and presence

• Feels energised by building a brand from the ground up

Why your contribution matters

• You won’t just be posting content — you’ll be shaping the heartbeat of our charity.
• You’ll help us reach adults who need support.
• You’ll help us inspire volunteers who want to make a difference.
• You’ll help us build a brand that feels warm, empowering, and full of possibility.

Your creativity becomes the spark that helps someone take their first step toward a new future.

If you’re passionate about storytelling and want to make a real difference in East London and beyond, this is your moment.

Join us. Help tell the story that unlocks someone’s potential.

Location: Birmingham | Commitment: 3-8 hours per week (working week) | Work style: Hybrid

Since 2024, we’ve been honoured to support over 800 individuals on their journey toward a better future. Looking ahead, our 2026 strategic vision is bold. We want to be recognised as a collaborative support service that truly transforms lives. To help make that happen, we’re looking for a passionate team of fundraisers to work alongside one another, supporting the Creative Director, each contributing in different ways to support the organisation’s sustainability and impact.

The Social Fundraiser supports the online and digital side of fundraising, helping promote our fundraising platforms and campaigns. This includes JustGiving, EasyFundraising, and future initiatives such as a fundraising Vinted page. You will also help us to inspire supporters through engaging social content that shares our mission, stories and fundraising activities.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys social media, digital storytelling, and helping causes reach wider audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Promote fundraising platforms such as JustGiving and EasyFundraising

• Support the launch and promotion of new fundraising initiatives (e.g. Vinted)

• Help create and share simple, engaging fundraising content

• Support social media activity linked to fundraising campaigns

• Encourage community engagement and online donations

What difference will you make:

• An opportunity to make a real impact on a grassroots organisation.

• Your work will help raise awareness, increase donations, and connect more people with our mission, ensuring our fundraising efforts reach beyond face-to-face events.

• Ultimately your input will help turn good intentions into meaningful, lasting change.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in online fundraising

• Experience with social media

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong organisational and time

• Experience working with vulnerable groups or in the homelessness/charity sector.

• Experience creating content for social media or marketing purposes.

We’re Looking for a Project‑Leading Powerhouse — Could This Be You?

Unlock YOUR Potential is a brand‑new East London charity with a bold mission: to open doors for adults who need support, confidence, and real opportunities to move forward in their careers and lives. We’re building programmes, mentoring pathways, and community‑driven support that will give people the foot‑up they deserve.

But every great mission needs someone who can turn vision into action. Someone who can bring order to the chaos of a start‑up charity. Someone who can help us launch with purpose, clarity, and good practice at the heart of everything.

We’re searching for a volunteer Project Manager to lead our set‑up to launch phase.

Just a few hours a week — but with the power to shape the entire foundation of our organisation.

What this role is all about

You’ll help us:

• Build a clear project plan and timeline

• Create structure, strategy, and accountability

• Keep us on track as we move from idea to launch

• Ensure we follow good practice and strong governance

• Turn our early‑stage vision into a well‑organised, ready‑to‑deliver charity

Your leadership will help us launch confidently, professionally, and with the systems we need to support adults across East London.

Who we hope to find

Someone who:

• Loves planning, organising, and bringing clarity to big ideas

• Cares deeply about people, community, and social impact

• Wants to give back in a way that creates long‑lasting change

• Can offer a few hours a week to guide our early development

• Feels energised by building something meaningful from the ground up

Why your contribution matters

1. You won’t just be managing tasks — you’ll be shaping the backbone of a charity that will change lives.
2. Your project plan becomes the roadmap.
3. Your structure becomes our stability.
4. Your leadership becomes the reason we launch strong and ready to serve.

If you’re passionate about people and want to make a real difference in East London and beyond, this is your moment.

Join us. Help build the launch that unlocks someone’s future.

Treasurer Roles & Responsibilities 

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial health. The Treasurer plays a key governance role, strengthening financial literacy at Board level and supporting sustainable growth. The Board is responsible for governance and strategy and does not manage day-to-day operations.

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) is a growing charity registered with the Charity Commission (Charity No. 1189561). For the financial year ending 31 March 2025, RBB reported a total income of £423,041 and total expenditure of £373,007. As a charity with income above £250,000, we prepare annual accounts in accordance with the Charities SORP and undergo independent examination.

As our current treasurer prepares to step down, we are expanding our Board of Trustees to support the growth and future plans of our ambitious small charity. Board meetings take place every 12 weeks via video call, with opportunities for in-person gatherings throughout the year. Additional meetings may occasionally be required, either more frequently, in smaller groups, or one-to-one, depending on specific needs or exceptional circumstances. 

• Responsible to: Chair, Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

• Purpose: To oversee the management and reporting of charity finances.

• Hours: Approximately six to eight hours a month.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary, unpaid Trustee role. Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteer policy.

Role Summary 

The Treasurer will work closely with our team members including volunteers, other Trustees and with the CEO, advising on all financial matters including regulatory compliance. The Treasurer will be expected to attend Board meetings which last approximately an hour and a half every twelve weeks. The Treasurer will: 

• Actively participate as a key member of the Board of Trustees. 

• Act as an ambassador for Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

• Oversee and analyse the development of the annual budget and cash flow forecasts, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and sustainability.

• Support with fundraising and financial strategic planning 

• Advise on all financial matters, including regulatory compliance. 

• Oversee the development and observation of financial policies 

• Advise the board on fund management and ensure an appropriate reserves policy

• Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity and where necessary recommend action. 

• Oversee and administer financial processes including Gift Aid claims and payroll, ensuring appropriate financial controls, transparency and board oversight are maintained. (There is currently only one person on payroll.)

• Work collaboratively with the CEO and Chair to ensure appropriate financial segregation of duties within the constraints of a small charity.

• Support the Board in monitoring financial risk, reserves policy and international financial compliance.

• Ensure appropriate internal financial controls are in place and regularly reviewed.

• Work with professional advisors including any contracted accountants 

• Review financial transactions on a monthly basis via digital accounting software, Xero

• Arrange the compilation and agreement of Refugee Biryani & Bananas’ annual report

• Lead Trustee liaison with the independent examiner and oversee the preparation and Board approval of the annual accounts and report.

The Treasurer will play a key role in strengthening financial sustainability as RBB continues to grow its international programmes and funding base.

Person Specification 

The ideal candidate will have innovative ideas and sound financial knowledge. All Trustees are expected to assist Refugee Biryani & Bananas to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation. 

Essential 

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

• Support for the values and mission of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas

• Familiarity with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), or willingness to develop this knowledge.

• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information 

Desirable 

• A qualified accountant (formal qualification preferred) with financial and commercial awareness, experienced in managing finances, payroll, and the needs of smaller organisations. 

• An understanding of the voluntary sector and previous experience as a Trustee or Treasurer. 

• Good communication and competent IT skills 

• Extensive experience in senior strategic management and leadership, combined with strong analytical and evaluation skills. 

About Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) began as a grassroots movement in 2015, in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. What started as a group of friends distributing 2,500 portions of biriyani and bananas in the unofficial camp for displaced people in Dunkirk, Northern France, has grown into a community-driven humanitarian organisation. Initially working under the umbrella of another organisation, RBB became independent to better address gaps in aid and advocacy for displaced people worldwide. 

What We Do 

RBB supports people facing displacement, war, and inequality, tailoring actions to the needs of each situation. From food distributions to medical support and human rights advocacy, our work is versatile and responsive. We have provided aid in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, squats, and other unstable settlements along migratory pathways, including: 

• France: Calais, Dunkirk & Paris 

• Greece: Idomeni, Thessaloniki, Athens, Lavrio, Samos & Chios (our main base) 

• Northern Iraq: Duhok 

• Serbia: Belgrade Barracks 

• Bosnia & Herzegovina - Croatia Border: Vucjak Camp 

• Turkey: Istanbul 

• Poland, Belarus & Lithuania Border

• Ukraine Border (Poland and Ukraine sides) 

• Palestine: Gaza

• Egypt: Cairo

Our Approach 

RBB is a mobile grassroots organisation, designed to respond rapidly and flexibly to emerging crises. Our main base of operations is on Chios Island, Greece, where we provide ongoing support to people who are displaced.

Since October 2023, we have also established community-led initiatives to support people affected by the war in Gaza, Palestine, as well as Sudanese and other displaced communities in Cairo, Egypt.

Beyond emergency relief, we remain committed to ongoing support through volunteers, translation services, medical care, aid, and advocacy until either local capacity builds or the situation changes. In addition, our Community Humanitarian Leaders Programme (CHLP) plays a vital role in this approach by strengthening the leadership of people who are displaced by building on their existing skills, networks and lived experience in humanitarian efforts. 

Our field team comprises 90% individuals from refugee and asylum-seeking communities, representing Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Gambia, Ethiopia, Palestine, and Yemen. This diverse team is led by our founder and CEO, Ruhi Akhtar, alongside field coordinators / project managers. 

We prioritise dignity and equity, involving displaced individuals in decision-making and collaboration. RBB's direct aid includes food, water, shelter, medical supplies, clothing, hygiene packs, and season-specific items like sunscreen or firewood. Needs assessments and communication with affected communities guide our actions, ensuring targeted, person-centered care. 

Advocacy & Awareness 

RBB amplifies the voices of displaced people by sharing their stories and raising awareness about often-overlooked realities. Through storytelling and advocacy, we aim to challenge injustice and inspire action. 

The Organisation

London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) is the UK’s largest charitable childcare social enterprise, with an ambition of changing the world, one child at a time. With 43 nurseries across 13 London boroughs, we deliver high quality early years education and care to children and families across the capital. Founded in 1903, LEYF has evolved into a purpose driven organisation that combines financial sustainability with a clear social mission, reinvesting all surplus into our nurseries, our people and the communities we serve.

Together with families and communities, we give London’s children, especially those most in need, the best start in life through access to affordable, high quality early years education and care. We focus our work in areas of disadvantage, where it can have the greatest impact, supporting children’s development and strengthening communities. Our approach centres on learning through play, creativity and exploration, delivered by skilled and passionate teams. Through our apprenticeships and the London Institute of Early Years, we provide industry leading learning and development opportunities, equipping our people with the skills and knowledge to deliver excellent outcomes for all children. Through strong partnerships and a commitment to continuous improvement, we extend our impact beyond our nurseries and play an active role in shaping the early years sector, while creating inclusive environments where every child and colleague can thrive.

The Role

LEYF is seeking a Chair of Trustees to lead its Board and support the organisation in achieving its charitable objectives and strategic priorities. The Chair plays a central role in ensuring strong governance, enabling LEYF to deliver high quality, cost effective services to children, families and partners, and to maximise its social impact as it grows. Through strong leadership of the Board, you will help guide the organisation as it continues to expand its reach, strengthen its model and deliver meaningful, lasting impact for children and families across London.

This is an opportunity to make a significant difference to the life chances of disadvantaged children by contributing your skills, judgement and strategic insight within a mission driven organisation. You will work alongside a passionate and committed team, leading a Board of Trustees that is collaborative, professional and deeply engaged in LEYF’s purpose. As Chair, you will play a key role in shaping strategy, supporting sustainable growth and ensuring effective governance at an important and exciting stage in the organisation’s development.

The Person

We are seeking an experienced, values led individual who can provide strong leadership to the Board and support LEYF in delivering its social mission at scale.

Experience and Knowledge

• Senior leadership and Board level experience, with a strong understanding of governance
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how a social enterprise operates
• Ability to navigate the balance between social purpose and financial sustainability
• Experience of complex or growing organisations, ideally across the UK
• Understanding of, or interest in, the early years sector and wider social impact landscape
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders across a politically neutral environment

Skills and Capabilities

• Strategic, pragmatic and calm, with sound judgement and the ability to absorb complexity
• Strong influencing and networking skills, with the ability to build partnerships
• Confident communicator, able to represent LEYF with credibility at a senior level
• Financial awareness, with the ability to balance sustainability and risk in decision making

Leadership Style and Personal Qualities

• Values driven, with a strong commitment to LEYF’s mission
• Supportive and appropriately challenging, acting as a constructive critical friend
• Agile and not risk averse, comfortable supporting innovation and growth
• Inclusive and emotionally intelligent, able to foster effective Board dynamics

Commitment

• Willingness to be visible and engaged, including attending meetings, events and visiting nurseries in London
• Ability to commit sufficient time to the role and support LEYF externally where appropriate

Diversity and Inclusion
We warmly welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds,  particularly those underrepresented at Board level. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and believe this strengthens our impact.

Further Information

For further information about LEYF, the role responsibilities and the person they are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of others, please submit an application which includes the following:

• An up to date CV with details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A supporting statement, which addresses your suitability against the criteria in the Person Specification, and details your motivations for applying.