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!
Role description and purpose: The role involves offering moral and some practical support to a client of WTRRP. Any complex needs are addressed by WTRRP Case Workers and professional organisations, not befrienders. Befrienders will give client extra support to combat isolation, extra language support and help them to integrate into UK society and the Watford community.
How a befriender will be allocated: The Befriending Coordinators and the Volunteers’ Coordinator will allocate a befriender to a client with his/her explicit agreement. An initial meeting between the client, the befriender and one of the coordinators will be organised to set up parameters and ensure that both parties are happy to continue. Client support can be terminated at any time by mutual agreement and in consultation with one of the Befriending Coordinators.
Key responsibilities:
· Provide moral support to allocated client.
· Make regular phone calls and visits (in a neutral place such as cafes, libraries, St Mary’s as agreed with the client) – once a week or every other week.
· Listen, encourage and empower clients. (It is important not to create mutual dependency)
· Maintain a friendly but neutral approach.
· Help client integrate into UK society by sharing local knowledge, for example facilitating access to Children Centres, libraries etc.
· Accompany client to social events organised by WTRRP.
· Help client be aware of WTRRP services
· Offer practical help such as lifts to medical appointments (if comfortable with this), finding clothes, furniture, moving (if agreed and organised by WTRR) etc.
· Report to a Befriending Coordinator after each meeting with the client.
· Identify more complex needs/issues and relay these to the Befriending Coordinators.
· Report any safeguarding concerns immediately as per WTRRP policy. Liaise with the Safeguarding Lead and/or members of the Committee.
· Represent WTRRP and work constructively as part of a WTRRP team.
Other Requirements of the Role:
· Willingness to commit to a 6 months period (an extension may be granted but we would like to see clients become self-reliant)
· Reasonable availability, particularly during weekdays.
· Attend regular Befrienders’ training and volunteers’ training essential.
Skills and personal qualities:
· Strong communicator and interpersonal skills (including ability to convey information in simple English).
· Patience
· Reliability and flexibility
· Awareness of non-verbal communication such as body language.
· Awareness of cultural differences/unconscious bias and their effects on the clients we support. Training will be given on these.
· Awareness of boundaries.
· Ability to work as part of a team.
· Empathy for the plight of refugees and asylum seekers.
Experience:
· Previous volunteering experience an advantage
Registered Charity 
51 - 100
Thank you!
As a charity, our Trustees are the governing body of our organisation. They fulfil a vital role and help ensure that the Mayor’s Fund for London delivers on its mission and purpose and uses its resources effectively. Much more than that, they help set and shape the strategy of the Charity, they live its values, and they are ambassadors on its behalf.
We are currently recruiting for 3 new Trustees.
As a charity that supports and champions better outcomes for young people in London, we are especially interested in recruiting some new trustees aged 24-30. This may be through direct experience of the challenges young Londoners are facing, through experience and knowledge of our programmes and activities, and/or a desire to take a step into a strategic governance role with a charity whose mission matters to them.
The Board already has a wide range of diversity, experience and expertise, and we are keen to continue to broaden that experience through this recruitment. In particular, we are looking for some knowledge in:
- Charity Finance
- Data and Technology
- Funding and Income Generation
At the Mayor’s Fund for London, we want our Trustees to feel part of our team. To bring insights and experience into our organisation, and to be prepared to work collaboratively with staff and young people, to shape opportunities for the future.
The Board meets four times per year (March, July, September, and December), and has one sub-committee covering Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR), which meets two weeks before the Board. Trustees are expected to attend all full Board meetings, and those nominated to join the FAR Committee are expected to attend those meetings too. All of our meetings are currently online to allow flexibility, and there is an expectation that, from time to time, Trustees will engage with the staff team and be present at our events.
How to apply
Please provide a copy of your CV and, in no more than 1-2 pages, a written response to these two questions:
- Why are you interested in becoming a Trustee of the Mayor’s Fund for London, including your interest and connection with our mission and values?
- What are the particular attributes, experience and/or expertise you can bring to the role of Trustee?
Application deadline: midday on Tuesday, 11th August 2026
Full details and further information, including support during the application stage, can be found in our recruitment pack.
