Charity support volunteer volunteer roles
The opportunity
We are seeking a dynamic Chair of Trustees to lead East London Waterworks Park for three years, with the possibility to remain on the board for two further terms of three years. This is a rare opportunity to join a pioneering environmental charity and to work with the first paid Chief Executive Office to shape this next phase of our development.
The new Chair will have the opportunity to recruit new and additional trustees to create a board that provides appropriate strategic scrutiny of the charity’s work, strengthening our ability to realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot side in East London, and our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders. This could involve appointing Nature to the board.
About East London Waterworks Park
East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.
Our work includes:
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co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces
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co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship
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hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.
East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it.
East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers, and volunteers involved in day-to-day operations also sit on the board of trustees. However, we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure and introduce a formal separation between the board of trustees and day-to-day operations. We are recruiting for a paid Chief Executive Officer and also want to appoint a new Chair of Trustees to ensure we have the capacity and strategic oversight to deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.
More information
If this sounds exciting, please review the attached recruitment package.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a Trustee with expertise in income generation and sustainability to
help guide the charity through its next stage of development.
You will join a committed Board of Trustees who work closely with our small
operational team. Together, we ensure that Tackle remains financially resilient,
strategically focused, and deeply rooted in the lived experiences of those we
support.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight, particularly around fundraising andl ong-term income development.
- Support the Executive Team to explore and strengthen diverse income streams, including grants, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and trading opportunities.
- Help shape our sustainability plan as we transition from growth to consolidation.
- Champion good governance and ensure that fundraising aligns with our values and ethical standards.
- Act as an ambassador for Tackle, using your networks to open doors, raise awareness, and build partnerships.
- Attend quarterly Board meetings (online and in person) and occasional away days or events.
If you’d like an informal chat about the role before applying, we’d be delighted to
arrange one in the New Year.
Visit our website to learn more about Tackle.
To ensure that everyone living with and affected by prostate cancer can access peer support, information, and the power of shared experience.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for horse-experienced volunteers and/or volunteers with experience working with people with disabilities to help support our RDA participants during their weekday riding as therapy sessions.
Horse-based roles would include:
1) Support catching and bringing horses in from field or stable.
2)Helping groom and tack up
3)Leading horses (if experienced with horses or have completed internal training)
4)Side-helping - Walking alongside the participant on the ride to support them emotionally and help pass on instructions given by the Coach
Other roles would include:
1)Meets and greets with participants and parents and/or carers as they arrive for activities
2)Setting up the school before sessions and helping break down the school after sessions
3)Completing registers and helping with rotas
There are also opportunities for volunteers to undertake further training towards becoming a registered RDA Instructor. Our sessions are run entirely by volunteers. We are looking for positive, friendly and forward thinking individuals to join us!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, 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:
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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:
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Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;
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Helping learners build confidence in digital literacy;
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Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;
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Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;
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Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the lessons;
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Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;
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Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;
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Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management, online communications and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
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To be 18 years or older;
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An interest in education and English language teaching;
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To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;
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To be reliable and punctual;
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Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;
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The ability to volunteer on Tuesday mornings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months;
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Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *
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Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to start of role
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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
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Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).
Through volunteering with us you will:
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Meet new members of your local community;
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Learn about different cultures;
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies;
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Be able to access relevant training, including ESOL safeguarding training;
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Gain experience in teaching and interpreting.
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Grant Officer
Southwark Tenants’ Federation – Grassroots Housing Advice Charity
Location: Southwark / Remote (hybrid available)
Time commitment: Flexible (approx. 4–8 hours per week)
Contract: Volunteer
About Us
We are a small grassroots charity based in Southwark and the only surviving tenants’ federation in London. For decades, we have supported tenants and residents to defend their housing rights, challenge poor conditions, and have a collective voice in decisions that affect their homes and communities.
Our social housing advice service supports people facing homelessness, disrepair, evictions, and housing management issues, with a strong focus on empowerment and tenant-led action.
The Role
We are seeking a Volunteer Grant Officer to help us secure funding to sustain and grow our vital work. This role is crucial to keeping an independent, tenant-led voice alive in London.
You will work closely with a small, committed team and help ensure our advice service remains accessible to local residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Research grant funding opportunities suitable for a grassroots, tenant-led organisation
- Draft and submit grant applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
- Maintain a simple funding pipeline and track deadlines
- Work with staff and volunteers to gather service data, outcomes, and case studies
- Assist with basic funder monitoring and reporting
About You
Essential:
- Strong written communication skills
- Good organisational skills and reliability
- Commitment to social justice and housing rights
Desirable (but not essential):
- Experience of grant writing or fundraising
- Knowledge of social housing, tenant organisations, or advice services
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing.
What We Offer
- Flexible volunteering hours
- Support, supervision, and guidance
- The opportunity to contribute to a unique and historic tenant-led organisation
- Experience in grant writing within the voluntary and housing sectors
- References provided where appropriate
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing. We are very flexible, so still apply even if you don't have a lived experience but can write a bid
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Wheels for All is a national charity that helps people of all abilities enjoy cycling in a way that works for them. Supporting more than 100 inclusive cycling hubs with over 30 years of experience, we’ve seen first-hand how cycling can change lives - improving health, confidence and community connection.
We’re now growing our national reach and impact, and we’re looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide us through this exciting next stage.
About the role
As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the direction of the charity, support good decision-making, and make sure we stay focused on our mission to make cycling accessible for everyone. We’d especially like to hear from people who:
- Have experience in communications, PR, campaigning or public engagement, and can help us share the power of inclusive cycling with more people across the UK
- Have strong networks or local knowledge in areas that are currently least well served by inclusive cycling - especially the North East, East Midlands or South West
If that’s not your background, please don’t be put off. We welcome people from all walks of life who share our passion for inclusion and want to make a difference.
Our Trustees also get involved in one or more of our focus groups, including:
- Governance and Risk
- Nominations, People and EDI
- Welfare, Safety and Safeguarding
- Finance
- Income Generation
We follow the Tier 3 Code for Sports Governance, which means we’re serious about running the charity to the highest standards - but we do it in a supportive, friendly and collaborative way. Full induction and training is provided.
Who we’re looking for
You don’t need to have been a Trustee before - we’ll help you learn the ropes. You just need to bring:
- A thoughtful, practical approach
- Willingness to ask questions and share ideas
- The ability to work well with others
- Commitment to equality, inclusion and fairness
- A bit of time and energy to get involved
How to apply
- Apply via othe link, and please upload your CV and a cover letter showcasing how you’re the perfect fit for the role
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Listening Place is a volunteer-led charity aiming to transform how we support people who feel suicidal. Our trained volunteers are part of a team delivering face-to-face, confidential, ongoing support to thousands of people each year. They help create the warm and welcoming environment that encourages people struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings to talk openly without being judged or given advice.
Listening volunteers provide ongoing face-to-face support to visitors on regular, fortnightly 4-hour shifts during which they meet with up to 3 visitors (for up to 50 minutes each). In order to ensure continuity for our visitors we require a one-year minimum commitment from our LVs, as well as three months’ notice of intention to leave.
No experience or qualifications are necessary – we provide full training in active listening. We look for warmth, empathy and resilience in our volunteers and the ability to be non-judgemental and avoid giving advice.
We are primarily recruiting Listening Volunteers for our Hammersmith and Liverpool Street sites.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
If you are over 18 and have been impacted by suicide loss, you could help make a difference.
- Have you been impacted by suicide?
- Do you have a desire to help others?
- Are you comfortable with listening to and supporting people with similar experiences to your own?
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) is the leading charity providing peer-to-peer support for adults who have been bereaved or impacted by suicide. We believe that no one should face their loss alone, so we create safe spaces across the UK for people to share and process their grief.
We are seeking compassionate volunteers looking to start up a new peer support group in Aberystwyth.
Who are we looking for?
- Over the age of 18.
- Bereaved by suicide over 18 months ago and confident in your own progress. The impacts of a death by suicide are far-reaching - this could have been a family member, friend, colleague, client, or even a stranger.
- Passionate about supporting others in your community.
- Friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, with good active listening skills.
- Respectful, sensitive, and non-judgmental approach to survivors.
- Comfortable in supporting conversations and managing group dynamics.
- Good communication skills – both spoken & written English.
- A commitment to support the group, your team, and the surrounding community.
How do groups work?
Each group is facilitated by a team of three volunteers who have all been bereaved by suicide themselves. Their role is facilitating meetings, group administration, fundraising and communication for the group as a team. All volunteers are provided with full training before they begin the role and receive support from head office throughout their volunteering journey.
SoBS groups usually meet once a month for around 2 hours, and provide people with an opportunity to listen, share, ask questions, and connect with others in a safe and non-judgemental space.
There is no set structure to a meeting – people are free to talk and listen as much or as little as they want. Topics discussed vary from month to month but often include people sharing their story, how they are feeling, what has happened since their last group visit, questions about coroners and discussions about common challenges such as flashbacks, supporting children or facing neighbours. Established groups may occasionally organise guest speakers, go on walks, or arrange craft workshops.
What will you do?
- Facilitate group sessions – meeting survivors, starting off conversations, allowing space for people to talk (if they want to), and looking out for others.
- Administration & communication – managing enquiries from survivors, providing information and signposting where needed, submitting information to the national office.
- Provide signposting to head office, as well as other local charities and services.
What do we provide?
- Robust training and a commitment to development.
- Annual volunteer assembly: talks, forums, guest speakers, celebrations, and socials.
- Peer support from over 500 other volunteers with regular opportunities to meet and share ideas.
- Regular check-ins & catch-up sessions with a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator for your region, and our team in the national office.
- Travel & group expenses for your volunteering role.
- Coverage by SoBS’ Public Liability Insurance whilst you’re carrying out the role.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide welcomes people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments that enable volunteers with disabilities to access our opportunities.
As a group facilitator, you will play a vital role in supporting others bereaved by suicide. If you are passionate about supporting others through their grief journey, please do apply.
Our mission is simple - that no one has to go through losing someone to suicide alone. We work to break the isolation and stigmas around suicide loss.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Impact Initiatives is seeking a trustee with financial expertise to join our Board at an exciting time of growth and innovation.
This is an opportunity to support a values-driven charity working creatively to address complex social issues and to learn and work with a motivated committed team to make a positive difference to thousands of peoples lives each year.
As a Trustee, you will:
- Contribute to long-term financial planning and resilience in a changing funding environment
- Ask the right questions at the right time, helping the Board understand risks, explore options, and make well-balanced decisions
- Support responsible innovation that aligns with Impact Initiatives’ values and risk appetite
Being an Impact trustee is a great way to:
- Support a cause you believe in
- Develop new skills,
- Enhance your CV
- Work with a wide range of people,
- Gain work experience
- Give yourself a new challenge
- Use skills for for purposes other than financial gain
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,
About VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility
Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!
We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!
Volunteer positions currently available:
Support Session Volunteer
You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities. Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis. The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual.
As a support session volunteer, you might:
- help people have their say when it matters most
- Helping individuals navigate challenges and ensuring their needs are met
- help people to make complaints and use local services
All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00. You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.
Safeguarding Commitment Statement
VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.
ED&I Statement
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.
To find out more click “Apply Now”.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
Join us as a Cat Welfare Support volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of cats and their owners. Whether it’s taking cats to the vet, helping to maintain cat welfare standards, or supporting other volunteers to keep everything organised, your support will help us take care of more cats. Help us create a better life for cats and their families with your compassion and dedication.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a really flexible role. We’ll help you choose what you’d like to get involved with, making sure it benefits both you and the team, for example:
- supporting the team to maintain high standards of cat welfare
- transporting cats to vet appointments or to new homes
- entering records for cats and cat-related activity to track the impact of the team
- supporting with cat admissions and matching cats with prospective owners
- ordering, collecting and delivering cat-related supplies, for example, food, litter, medical supplies
- communicating with the public, offering support with cat ownership or lost and found cats
- supporting the volunteer neutering team
Time expectation
Our Cat Welfare Support volunteers typically volunteer for two to four hours per week. This role is flexible and can fit around your other commitments.
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team.
On site we have two shops to volunteer in. The Showroom is Martlets primary furniture and home goods store and the Discount Shop is home to our £1 clothing rails. Both are hubs for our local community to share stories and bag a bargain! We work together with the warehouse to take in the majority of donations for the charity.
Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trustee and Treasurer
Rainbow Migration, the longest-running UK charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is seeking a trustee who will also serve as the organisation’s Treasurer.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about our vision that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives, and our mission to support LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system and influence policy and practice.
At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We particularly encourage applications from people who have sought asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.
The role of trustees and the Treasurer
Being a trustee is a rewarding role. Trustees are volunteers who bring their expertise to shape our strategy and direction, and help ensure we remain an authoritative organisation on LGBTQI+ asylum and immigration. They have overall legal responsibility for the charity, make sure our finances and resources are well used to implement our mission, and are required to participate fully in the governance of the charity. Trustees also play a role as ambassadors for the organisation and our work.
The Treasurer takes a lead role in ensuring Rainbow Migration’s financial affairs are conducted within legal requirements, accounting conventions and good practice to ensure the financial viability and sustainable development of the organisation. A detailed role description for the role of Treasurer is appended.
Time commitment
We are looking for people who can commit to being a trustee for at least three years.
Trustees meet on a weekday evening five times per year. Meetings are usually held on Zoom except in December when we meet in person in London.
Preparation for the meetings involves a time commitment of two to four hours for detailed reading of papers, which are provided several days in advance.
The Treasurer also chairs the Finance Subcommittee, which meets on a weekday evening at the end of each quarter. The present Treasurer prepares the primary financial statements and notes, from the underlying accounting records at the year-end, for inclusion in the Annual Report and Accounts; the successful candidate will need to decide whether to continue with this approach or if there is a suitable alternative.
Key responsibilities
Financial oversight:
- Support the Trustee Board to maintain a clear and timely picture of the financial health of the organisation
- Ensure the Trustee Board and management team fulfil all required fiduciary and regulatory responsibilities
- Keep up to date on developments in charity finance regulations and best practice
- Chair the Finance Subcommittee to oversee Rainbow Migration’s financial management, ensuring robust processes and controls are in place
- Ensure the committee develops a long-term financial strategy (including a reserves policy) for the organisation, with objectives which can be monitored
- Advise the Board on financial strategy, risk management and resource allocation
- Support the Executive Director and Operations and Office Manager to develop and improve financial policies and procedures
- Work with the Executive Director, Operations and Office Manager and Fundraising Manager to monitor budgets, cash flow and financial performance
- Oversee the production of clear and accessible financial reports to the Board and its sub-committees by Rainbow Migration staff, and lead discussions during meetings
Reporting:
- Ensure regular financial reports (i.e. management accounts, annual budgets, cash flow projections, etc) are accurate, comprehensible, timely, correctly formatted, and properly discussed and understood by the Trustee Board (as required by law)
- Ensure the timely preparation of annual accounts in accordance with charity regulations (UK SORP)
- Oversee the appointment of the Independent Examiner or auditors and provide overall oversight of the annual examination or audit process
Systems and controls:
- Ensure the charity has proper systems in place for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting
- Ensure compliance with all HMRC tax requirements, as appropriate
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are a dynamic charity, focused on helping survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable freedom by providing invaluable training, coaching, work experience and advocacy across the UK. It is now two years since we launched a new strategy from which we have increased our impact whilst strengthening and broadening our services for survivors of modern slavery. In these challenging times it is even more important that we continue to be bold, resilient and effective. We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who has the vision, passion and expertise to collaboratively lead the organisation during this exciting period. The Chair together with the trustees will work to ensure effective governance and provide guidance and support to the executive to ensure that we continue to support and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.
Chair Role & Responsibilities
SHF aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner, and the Chair will play an important part in setting the tone and bringing all the stakeholders together. We are looking for someone who has considerable experience of leadership at an executive or board level in the charity or corporate sector and has an understanding of the modern slavery sector.
The people that we work with come from all over the world and have a wide variety of beliefs, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to sharing in and reflecting this rich diversity amongst our staff, volunteers and trustees and would strongly encourage applicants from minority and under-represented groups, and from those with lived experience. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are.
Governance and Culture
- Provide leadership and oversight to the board and executive team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities, including but not limited to governance structures, financial responsibilities, ethos and charity law.
- Ensure that the charity is acting in accordance with its constitution and uses its resources responsibly and exclusively to further its charity objects.
- Support the strengthening of accountable and effective practice within the charity’s governance, helping to cultivate clear commitments, regular learningSustainable freedom from modern slavery 6 focused reviews, and a transparent understanding of impact against strategic priorities.
- Ensure effective scrutiny of finance at board level and that the charity is financially sustainable.
Board Effectiveness
- Facilitate and guide conversations in a way that enables constructive discussion, draws out diverse perspectives and supports informed, shared decision-making.
- Encourage full participation from all trustees, recognising and valuing different skills, identities and lived experiences.
- Work with the Chief Executive and committee Chairs to ensure that board meetings are well planned with agendas that reflect the priorities of SHF and the responsibilities of the trustees.
- Meet as appropriate with the treasurer and Chairs of any board committees.
- Build strong, respectful working relationships between trustees, addressing challenges or conflict with openness and fairness.
- Model and promote a positive and collaborative board culture based on mutual respect rooted in SHF’s values and an appropriate balance of support and challenge
Advocacy and Strategic Development
- Work with the CEO and trustees to strengthen understanding of modern slavery issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers.
- Support the CEO when required to strengthen SHF’s advocacy impact.
- Ensure our strategy is ambitious and financially sustainable and that risks are identified and effectively managed by the executive.
- Bring strategic and planning expertise to the process of ongoing evaluation and refreshment of the strategy.
Development/Fundraising:
- Act as an ambassador for SHF by raising its profile through your networks.
- Build, maintain and develop partnerships which reflect our values and directly benefit our mission.
- Play an active role in supporting the executive to reach its revenue goals.
CEO Mentor and Constructive Friend to the Managing Executive
- Provide a supportive, confidential space for the CEO as a sounding board and constructive friend.
- Build a strong working relationship with the CEO to maintain an overview of SHF’s affairs, to support as necessary the management of sensitive, complex or contentious issues and, where appropriate, provide constructive challenge to the CEO.
- Build a strong working relationship with the executive, offering constructive advice and support whilst maintaining the boundary between the operational decisionmaking of the executive and governance oversight of the Board.
- Lead the annual appraisal for the CEO in line with SHF’s appraisal process and in consultation with other trustees. Ensure that any identified professional development needs are put in place.
Safeguarding Ensure that:
- A Safeguarding Policy and Procedure is in place, is reviewed as least annually and is available to and understood/applied by staff.
- A culture of safeguarding is championed, where wellbeing and psychological safety is prioritised and staff, volunteers and people with lived experience can raise concerns without fear of judgement or reprisal.
- There is a staff Code of Conduct and policies such as Speaking Out (formally Whistleblowing) and Safer Recruitment are in place.
- Safeguarding concerns are managed effectively; there are systems in place for its management; safeguarding resources including training; a DSL is appointed whose role is stated in their job description.
- Regular feedback on safeguarding activity is received (such as gaps, threats, risks), oversee a risk register and the remedial actions required and the track progress.
- Chair of Trustees undertakes enquiries in the event of an allegation being made against the CEO
- Compliance with the Charity Commission serious incident notification requirements, and other bodies such as regulators, commissioners, grant makers, and insurance companies
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
Join us as a Cat Welfare Support volunteer and make a real difference to the lives of cats and their owners. Whether it’s taking cats to the vet, helping to maintain cat welfare standards, or supporting other volunteers to keep everything organised, your support will help us take care of more cats. Help us create a better life for cats and their families with your compassion and dedication.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a really flexible role. We’ll help you choose what you’d like to get involved with, making sure it benefits both you and the team, for example:
- supporting the team to maintain high standards of cat welfare
- transporting cats to vet appointments or to new homes
- entering records for cats and cat-related activity to track the impact of the team
- supporting with cat admissions and matching cats with prospective owners
- ordering, collecting and delivering cat-related supplies, for example, food, litter, medical supplies
- communicating with the public, offering support with cat ownership or lost and found cats
- supporting the volunteer neutering team
Time expectation
Our Cat Welfare Support volunteers typically volunteer for two to four hours per week. This role is flexible and can fit around your other commitments.
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


