Chief leader - volunteer role volunteer roles

Open Country is a Charity that helps people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside. We are always looking for volunteers to support our conservation and gardening groups, walking group and our weekend outings.

- Conservation group meet on a Tuesday and is made up of adults with learning disabilities who carry out practical conservation tasks each week at various locations. We work with organisations like Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and RSPB. Tasks can include meadow creation, tree planting, pond maintenance and invasive species removal to name but a few. 

- Walking group meet on a Thursday and is made up of adults with learning disabilities or sensory impairments. We walk between 5-7miles each week at different locations around Yorkshire and normally finish the walk with a pub or cafe stop. 

- Gardening and arts group meet on a Friday, and is made up of adults with learning disabilities, where we learn about gardening and various natural craft like willow weaving. We also regulary work with organisations like the National Trust and the National Coal Mining Museum.

We also run weekend outings for people with all kinds of disabilities providing experiences and a chance to socialise and explore new places. Our activities range from a gentle amble round a country house and gardens, wildlife watching at a nature reserve to axe throwing and abseiling. 

As a volunteer you would be helping our members stick together as a group, or carry out the conservation tasks, making sure they are happy and safe.

No experience is required, just a willingness to get stuck in! We will provide all relevant training for the role. 

We meet at Thornes Park Nursery, Wakefield at 10am and head out in our accessible minibus to site. 

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. 

We are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee role here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.

The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our Sabbatical and Student Trustees foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student-focused service.

You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are within the first year of our 2025-2030 Strategy.  If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.

We are especially keen to hear from applicants based in the South West, with experience in any of the below areas:

· Finance:

o Financial planning and management

o Development of income streams and financial sustainability

· Law and Compliance:

o Charity Law

o Employment Law

· People:

o HR management 

o Learning and development

· Fundraising:

o Grant fundraising 

o Social investment and enterprise

o Developing commercial income streams 

For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below. 

Why Should You Become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees. This is dependent on vacancies for these roles.

You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.

Job Description

We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our Board of Trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.

Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.

Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:

· Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.

· Additional four (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 1 hour.

· There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).

Term of office: three years, up to three terms.

Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.

Role Purpose:

The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy, approving and monitoring delivery plans.

How To Apply

Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Monday 13 April. Applications will be considered and shortlisted upon receipt, with interviews to take place (online) on a rolling basis.  

Ideally, you will be available to attend a Trustee Induction on the morning of Tuesday 23 June, ahead of the first Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday 24 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Wednesday 01 July.

For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below. 

Make a difference where it matters most. Help save young women’s lives.

Georgia’s Voice is a suicide prevention charity providing vital mental health support to young women aged 18–25 across Cornwall. Founded in 2020 following the tragic death of 19-year-old Georgia, the charity exists to ensure that no young woman feels unheard, unsupported or alone at her most vulnerable moment.

Georgia’s Voice offers safe, compassionate and non-judgemental support through weekly groups, a welcoming drop-in hub, counselling, workshops and community-based activity. Our work is grounded in lived experience, empathy and trust, and for many young women our services are a lifeline

As the charity enters an exciting new phase, with an ambitious five-year strategy focused on strengthening impact, sustainability and reach, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair and several Trustees to help shape our future and strengthen our governance at this critical time

The Opportunity

This is a powerful opportunity to join a values-led organisation making a real and measurable difference to young women’s lives in Cornwall. We are refreshing and growing our Board to ensure it has the breadth of skills, experience and perspective needed to support the charity’s next stage of development.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who share our commitment to equality, safeguarding and lived-experience-informed practice, and who are motivated by the opportunity to contribute their skills to a cause that truly saves lives.

Chair of Trustees

Purpose of the role
The Chair will provide leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, strong decision-making and a constructive, supportive relationship with the Founder and senior team.

We are seeking someone who brings:

• Board-level experience, ideally within a charity or purpose-driven organisation
• Strong leadership, facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Confidence handling risk, complexity and sensitive issues
• A values-driven approach aligned with Georgia’s Voice’s mission

The Chair role is suited to someone able to take an active, hands-on governance role.

Trustees

We are particularly interested in Trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance or accounting
• Fundraising and income generation
• Marketing, communications or PR
• Legal, regulatory or government
• Digital and technology

We also warmly welcome applicants with lived experience relevant to our work, who can help ensure the voices of young women remain central to our governance.

Commitment and Practicalities

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, renewable up to three terms
• Time commitment is approximately one day per month (Chair slightly more)
• The Board meets four times per year, in person or online
• An annual in-person Strategy Day is also held
• Reasonable expenses are reimbursed

Are you passionate about using your skills and expertise to help support and develop a UK-wide relationships and sex education charity?

Sexpression:UK provides high quality, comprehensive relationships and sex education workshops to young people between the ages of 11-18 in schools and youth groups. We operate across the UK through our unique network of affiliated branches and volunteers based at universities and students’ unions in 15 towns and cities.

You will have strong empathy with our mission to educate and empower young people to make individual, informed decisions about their bodies and their health. You will be committed to using your expertise to contribute to the future development of the charity and ensuring high quality governance of the organisation.

We are looking for a motivated individual with demonstrable experience in leadership or governance to join our board as Chair of Trustees.This is an exciting time to join our charity with the opportunity to contribute to a unique youth-led charity playing a leading role in some of today’s biggest issues.

RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside & District Branch

We are looking for a Branch Trustee & Treasurer to help us manage the RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside and District Branch. As a Trustee you will be a full and equal member of our leadership team, making strategies, deciding what we focus on, how we raise and spend money, organising events, working as a team to improve animal welfare in our community. As Treasurer you will take the lead in ensuring compliance, control and sound financial management of the charity.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

Trustees manage the charity. Like any organisation we get involved in people, finance and legal topics, making strategies and assessing which projects to support, tracking progress on animal welfare programs, working with local vets to offer more support out of hours, or making sure our volunteers are well managed and motivated. More importantly, we focus on raising funds, managing volunteers and spending money where it is needed to support animals in our community - YOUR community. So, whatever your background or skills there is a role you can play.

As Treasurer you will take the lead on developing a sustainable financial strategy, managing financial reporting, bank accounts, investments and liaising with the RSPCA national finance team. In addition, you will oversee external processes such as payroll, audit and reporting to HMRC and Charities Commission.

You may be an experienced Trustee or new to the role (we can help with training). You will be an experienced finance professional (preferably a qualified accountant) who can provide expert financial leadership and translate complex topics for those without a finance background. You will bring the ability to lead people, motivate teams of volunteers, collaborate with partners and manage change. You will be able to understand complex topics, ask logical questions and be willing to hold an organisation accountable for fulfilling its responsibilities. You will be willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into the details, make decisions and speak up.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we undertake significant expansion and conversion to CIO. Your voice will be heard, and you can significantly influence the direction and focus of the charity. Together we can make a huge impact on animal welfare in our community.

Benefits to becoming a RSPCA Branch Trustee:

• Using your existing skills to do something useful and learning new ones.
• Delivering a real leadership experience.
• Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in our community.
• You’ll have access to the RSPCA Learning Hub and a wide range of training materials
• You’ll be a leader, not a follower - you’ll shape our future direction and make your mark.

Please note that Trustees must be at least 18 years of age. This is a volunteer role (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed).

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

The British Home

Location: London (Streatham) – a mixture of online and in-person meetings

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Closing date: Monday, 13 April 2026

For more than 160 years, British Home has supported people living with complex neurological conditions, providing specialist neurorehabilitation and long-term care.

British Home is now entering an exciting new phase of clinical development. Recent investment has enabled the launch of a Level 2b intensive neurorehabilitation service and a specialist tracheostomy care ward, supporting British Home’s ambition to become a leader in neurorehabilitation and therapeutic care.

As the organisation continues to strengthen and expand its services, the Board is seeking to appoint three new Trustees with expertise in the following areas:

· Clinical

· Technology and Digital

· Property and Asset Management

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring The British Home delivers on its mission while maintaining the highest standards of governance, quality and accountability.

Working collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the executive team, you will help ensure the organisation delivers against its strategic objectives, operates effectively, and meets the expectations of its residents, patients and wider stakeholders.

Above all, we are looking for individuals who share The British Home’s commitment to excellent care, dignity and independence for those it supports, and who can bring thoughtful challenge, sound judgement and constructive support to Board discussions.

This is an opportunity to contribute your expertise to an organisation delivering life-changing rehabilitation and care, while helping to shape the future of specialist neurological services for those who need them most.

Further information

For an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact Alex Williams at Giving Back Recruitment

Commitment to inclusion

British Home is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities it serves. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals with lived experience of disability, and from candidates from ethnically diverse and other under-represented communities.

Join Richmond Foundation as a Non-Trustee Grants Committee Member and help shape a fairer, healthier future for our community.

Richmond Foundation is a long-established local charity with a proud history of supporting residents through grant-making, property management, and community initiatives. We are seeking new Non-Trustee (volunteer) members to join our Grants Committee and contribute to our vision: Everyone in Richmond has opportunities to build healthy and fulfilling lives.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to add Non-Trustee members to our Grants Committee to increase the breadth of knowledge and to provide different fresh perspectives into our grant making. We welcome applications from individuals who share our values of integrity, excellence, collaboration, agility, and ambition.

We are aiming to have six members of the Grants Committee with at least one being a non-trustee member, who will participate alongside our Trustees.

Our goal is to recruit people from a wide range of backgrounds, with different expertise, experience and knowledge. We want to make our committees more diverse and representative of the groups and people we support. You can read more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here.

We are keen to receive applications from people who:

• Are aged between 16 and 35
• Are from lower-income socio-economic backgrounds
• Have lived experience relevant to our work
• Are disabled or have a long-term health condition
• Are from communities experiencing racial inequity

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to support applicants at any stage.

The role of a Non-Trustee Grants Committee Member

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Richmond Foundation team to participate in important decisions around awarding funding and to influence policy and strategic direction.

Terms of appointment

Appointments will be for a two-year term, with the possibility of renewing for an additional two-year term.

You will need to:

• Uphold Richmond Foundation’s vision, mission, objectives, and values
• Attend at least four Grants Committee meetings per year at our central Richmond location (1.5 hours from 5:00pm to 6:30pm)
• Prepare for meetings by reading all relevant documentation and reviewing minutes
• Attend relevant training and at least one event/visit hosted by a grant-funded organisation each year
• Attend our annual AGM meeting in November

Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic direction and expert guidance on our developing grants portfolio
• Maintain oversight of grant giving activities to ensure: it is in line with our strategic objectives and within agreed budget; grant giving practices are in line with agreed policy, legislation and good practice
• Receive and feedback on impact and other reporting
• Provide support and challenge to the Grants Director and team
• Occasionally attending internal briefings and training and other relevant external events on behalf of Richmond Foundation
• Contribute relevant specialist experience

General experience:

• Contribute to the discussions and decision-making that take place during meetings from a general point of view, as someone who has knowledge and experience relevant to the work of the committee
• A keen interest and understanding of the charitable sector
• An understanding of, and commitment to, safeguarding and diversity, equity and inclusion in the charitable sector and how this relates to grant-making
• Ability to take an independent view which varies from that of other committee members
• Relevant knowledge, perspective, insight, and understanding gathered through lived experience

To support you, we will:

• Provide background information to be discussed in an introductory session and supported by the Trustee and Committee Member Handbook
• Give initial training about Richmond Foundation and our grantmaking, with further training and support to enable you to fully take part in committee meetings
• Ongoing annual training and access to document library
• Link you with a Richmond Foundation Trustee who will act as a buddy. Before each committee meeting, they will offer support with preparing for the meeting and discuss any key issues with you
• Cover reasonable childcare, carer and travel costs if these are required to enable you to attend committee meetings

How to Apply

If you are interested in making a difference in Richmond and can contribute your time and expertise to help us deliver our charitable objectives, we would love to hear from you.

Full details, person specification and requirements, and application instructions are available in the Non-Trustee Grants Committee Member Recruitment pack.

Richmond Foundation are hosting a Webinar and Q+A for interested applicants on 18 March 2026. This will be an opportunity to learn more from our CEO, Chair and Trustees and ask questions. Details will be posted on our website.

The application deadline is 10:00am on Monday 13 April 2026

Interviews: Scheduled in May/June 2026

Term Commences: 23 September 2026 (with a short induction period beforehand)