Churches engagement officer volunteer roles

Are you passionate about Jesus and gospel outreach into London?

Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to serve as a Trustee or as an Independent Sub-Committee Member?

Then London City Mission would like to hear from you!

London City Mission serves the church of London in sharing the love of God and the good news of Jesus Christ with the communities least likely to hear the Gospel.

One in three people don’t have a Christian friend to invite them to church, open a Bible with them, or tell them the good news of Jesus. We want to see that change. The poor areas of London are incredibly diverse, in fact London is the most ethnically diverse in the world, growing at over 100,000 people a year. The world has come to London – we long to see the Gospel taken to the world by working alongside churches to visit homes and go out into the streets of London with the good news of the Gospel.

Our monthly team gatherings are full of testimonies of how God is working amongst the communities least likely to hear the Gospel, and our deep conviction is that much more needs to be done – and can be done – at this urgent hour for London.

We are seeking to make up to five appointments; a mixture of Trustees (likely time commitment: 10-12 days a year) and Independent Sub-Committee Members (likely time commitment: 4 days a year). Individuals who bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Safeguarding – someone with safeguarding expertise who can provide strategic oversight, ensure robust policies and reporting procedures, and champion a culture of safety across the organisation.

HR - someone with HR expertise who can support organisational people practices, strengthen workforce policies, and provide strategic insight on recruitment, performance, and staff wellbeing.

Fundraising – someone with fundraising expertise who can guide income-generation strategy, strengthen donor relationships, and support LCM to diversify and grow its funding base.

Property – someone with professional property expertise who can advise on asset optimisation, and support strategic decisions regarding sales, leases, and maintenance.

Finance – most likely a qualified Accountant with strategic financial leadership skills and a passion to see resources deployed for Kingdom-purpose.

Through these roles the successful candidate will be able to make a difference in London for the salvation of souls and to the glory of God.

We appreciate the rich diversity of our Trustees, Sub-Committee Members and Staff and seek to create a culture where everyone develops and fulfils their potential. We recognise the immense value of different perspectives brought by those with varied backgrounds, characteristics and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented sections of the community (specifically in our context, individuals of Global Majority Heritage and those at an earlier stage of career).

In order to support greater diversity of experience and career stages, we encourage those earlier in their career to consider an Independent Sub-Committee Member role as a pathway to Trusteeship.

These posts are subject to an occupational requirement that the postholders are practising Christians under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

The Cathedral Safeguarding Committee acts as ‘critical friend’ and provides constructive challenge to the Chapter of Worcester Cathedral regarding the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Its role is to support Chapter in meeting their safeguarding obligations for the Cathedral and its activities, including safer recruitment, and to provide assurance to Chapter that the Cathedral’s safeguarding arrangements are fit for purpose.

The duties and responsibilities of the Safeguarding Committee are laid down in the Safeguarding Committee Terms of Reference.

Responsibilities

• to provide independent perspectives on safeguarding policy and practice at Worcester Cathedral.
• to work with the chair and Cathedral staff to ensure that the Cathedral’s safeguarding functions are being carried out effectively.
• to offer support and challenge to executive members of the committee to ensure the centrality of a robust safeguarding culture in the Cathedral’s mission and its operations.
• to take a full part in Safeguarding Committee meetings and in agreeing and monitoring of strategic and operational plans to ensure effective performance and achievement of national standards.

Commitment 

Meetings: The Safeguarding Committee meets formally 4 times per year (usually during the daytime, although times may vary). The duration of meetings is a maximum of two hours.

Papers are received in advance and all members of the Safeguarding Committee are expected to have read the papers and be prepared to contribute as needed to discussion.

Expenses can be claimed for attendance at meetings or carrying out functions on behalf of the Committee.

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

1. Recent, direct and extensive professional safeguarding experience and expertise at a senior level in a relevant statutory, voluntary or judicial agency (for example Local Authority Children and Adult Service, Police, National Children’s Charity).
2. A willingness to promote and represent as needed the work of the Safeguarding Committee in the Cathedral and outside.

Desirable

1. Experience of child or adult safeguarding in a church / faith context.
2. Experience of case reviews, risk management and engagement and leadership of strategic partnerships.

Skills, competencies and abilities

Essential

1. Experience of analysing complex situations and advising appropriately.
2. Experience of working constructively with a wide range of parties, including staff in the statutory and voluntary sectors.
3. Experience of dealing sensitively and appropriately with confidential information.

Personal Qualities

Essential

1. A strong commitment to safeguarding as an essential part of the Cathedral’s work.
2. To be supportive of the mission and ministry of the Church of England and the vision and values of Worcester Cathedral. This does not mean that attendance at or membership of any Church of England worshipping community is required.

Candidates need not meet all of the person specification criteria to apply. However, there is an expectation that all candidates will be able to demonstrate suitable knowledge and experience

Could you speak up for hungry children?

What is the role of a Speaker Volunteer?

Help us share the story of Mary’s Meals and our life-changing work feeding hungry children at school in some of the world’s poorest communities by giving Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds.

What difference will i make?

• You will enable us to reach more people with the story of Mary’s Meals
• You will support our staff in their work to feed the next hungry child
• You will promote Mary’s Meals’ in your community 
• You will ensure our records are up-to-date and accurate
• You will help us provide a good service to supporters

What support and resources will i receive?

• Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
• Resources to fulfil your role, including presentation slides, notes and talk scripts
• A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
• Public speaking training
• A regular volunteer update e-mail
• Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings

What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?

• Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
• Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
• Meeting new like-minded people
• Increasing confidence and team-working skills
• Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
• Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.

Our Community Volunteers are vital in enabling us to continue to feed the 3 million children we feed every day and to help us reach the next child. They use their talents in their communities to spread the story of Mary’s Meals.

What is the role of a Community Volunteer?

Some of the things you can do as a community volunteer:

• Help us to share our story – arrange and give Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds
• Use your networks and contacts to book talks, stalls and events and help us share our story
• Organise fundraising events in your local area such as coffee mornings, quizzes, supermarket bag packs and bucket collections
• Organise film screenings in your community to show Mary’s Meals films
• Volunteer at local fundraising and awareness events such as film screenings, bucket collections or concerts
• Promote Mary’s Meals’ fundraising campaigns and events in your community and across their networks and contacts
• Distribute and display promotional materials
• Place collection tins in local community areas
• Host community engagement events about Mary’s Meals’ work
• Come together as a group with other local volunteers to support each other with this work
• Lead a group in your community to fundraise for Mary’s Meals

What support and resources will I receive?

• Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
• A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
• Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
• Training and if desired, public speaking training
• Resources to fulfil your role
• A regular volunteer update e-mail

What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?

• Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
• Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
• Meeting new like-minded people
• Increasing confidence and team-working skills.
• Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
• Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.

CAFOD Advisor Recruitment  - Strategy Performance Committee (SPC)

Role

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

Essential Criteria

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

Advantageous

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

Time commitment

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

Location: Shepherd’s Bush, West London

Time Commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month (including quarterly board meetings and annual Away Day)

Type: Voluntary

Start Date: Early 2026

Join a unique West London charity creating lasting change in people’s lives

The Upper Room is seeking a Chair of Trustees (Designate) to join our Board in 2025/26 and, after a year of active trusteeship and shadowing, to step into the role of Chair when our current Chair reaches the end of their tenure in 2027.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate, values-led individual to help shape the next phase of our work, from strategic resilience to community innovation.

About Us

From small beginnings more than 35 years ago The Upper Room has grown into a thriving charity with an annual budget of around £650K.

Food provision has always been at the heart of what we do. UR4Meals serves approximately 40,000 meals a year, operating five days a week.

UR4Driving works with ex-offenders and young people identified as at risk of offending. We help them pass their driving theory test, and then provide free driving lessons. Last year 37 students gained a full driving licence with us. This has a significant impact on their employability and self-esteem, and dramatically reduces re-offending.

UR4Jobs helps people become work-ready, and supports their wellbeing.

We are still based in our original home at St Saviour’s Church near Shepherd’s Bush in west London.

About the Role

As Chair, you’ll lead a committed and skilled Board of Trustees, working closely with our CEO and senior team to guide strategy, ensure good governance and champion our impact.

You’ll also play a key role externally, acting as an ambassador to funders, partners and supporters.

We’re looking for someone who can

• Provide strategic leadership through a period of growth and innovation
• Foster a culture of inclusion and respect, both on the Board and across the organisation - Support and challenge the CEO, acting as a critical friend and sounding board
• Ensure excellent governance, compliance and risk management
• Represent the charity publicly, building relationships and influence

About You

We welcome candidates with prior Board experience as a Trustee, Chair or Non-Executive Director, and a strong commitment to social justice.

We especially encourage applications from those with lived experience of disadvantage, as well as those from under-represented backgrounds, including individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

We’re interested in candidates with

• A clear understanding of charity governance and the role of a Chair
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• A collaborative, values-driven approach
• The time, energy and commitment to make a lasting difference

Additional experience in fundraising, partnerships, organisational development or public sector engagement would be welcome, though not essential.

Time Commitment

• As a Trustee in 2025/ 26 (approx. 1–2 days per month)
• Transition to Chair in 2027, subject to mutual agreement and Board approval
• Quarterly evening Board meetings (in person in London)
• Annual summer Away Day with staff and trustees
• Optional involvement in sub-committees or events depending on interest and availability
• Representing the charity at local events

Why Now

By inviting a prospective Chair to join our Board as a Trustee in 2025/26, we can ensure a smooth, informed transition, with the support and handover of our current Chair, and plenty of time for deep onboarding and relationship-building.

The new Chair will help consolidate our growth, and lead our Board through the next chapter, ensuring our mission continues to serve those who need us most in the years ahead.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter explaining your interest and suitability to the Upper Room.

If you would like to have an informal conversation before applying, feel free to reach out via email to arrange a call.

Because we are planning for the long term we are not placing a deadline on this process. However, we aim to appoint in the first quarter of 2026.

Interviews will be held in two stages, including an in-person meeting with key Board and staff members.