Communication intern volunteer roles in Leeds

Starfish is an international development charity aiming to bring life, hope and opportunity to children in South Africa who have been orphaned or made vulnerable through HIV/AIDS and poverty. Starfish are looking for an enthusiastic person who is passionate about international development with good writing skills. The internship will be varied and include: researching trusts and foundations, writing applications, sending out applications & reports, managing data, and supporting event preparations. The Starfish UK London office is small and therefore you will become very much part of the team, being able to experience the operations of a dynamic international charity. This is a great opportunity to gain invaluable experience and enhance your CV. Desired experience - Use of Microsoft packages, organisational skills, good communication skills, research skills and the ability to work well in a team. Role starting February 2026. 

This position is for minimum 3 days a week, working from home with a March event in central London. 

About Charity Right

Charity Right is an international food charity - Registered Charity No. 1163944 in England & Wales

The Objects of the Charity are

1. To relieve poverty worldwide by
   • Providing food supplies, items, grants and services to individuals in need and other groups or organisations that are working to prevent and relieve hunger and poverty
   • Providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare projects and all the necessary support designed to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient
   • Undertaking and supporting research into factors that contribute to poverty and the most appropriate ways to mitigate these
   • The provision of grants to enable young people to participate in healthy recreational activities that they could not otherwise afford
2. The relief of financial need and suffering among victims of natural or other kinds of disaster in the form of money (or other means deemed suitable) for persons, bodies, organisations and/or countries affected.

Our work centres on breaking the cycle of poverty through sustainable school meals programmes. We currently provide daily school meals in displaced communities affected by extreme food insecurity. Our programme has helped save thousands of young peoples’ lives by freeing them to get an education, develop new skills into adulthood and lift themselves out of poverty.

With millions still going hungry worldwide, our vital work is needed now more than ever. We are at an exciting stage of growth and seek a trustee who can help us deepen our impact, strengthen our strategic direction, and ensure our programmes continue to transform lives for decades to come.

Our Commitment to Diverse Leadership

We strongly encourage applications from women and younger Muslim professionals who can bring fresh perspectives, sectoral expertise, and a long-term strategic vision to our board. We recognise that diverse leadership strengthens our governance, deepens our understanding of the communities we serve, and ensures our programmes remain relevant and impactful.

Age, gender and background diversity is not just important to us in principle, but it is essential to fulfilling our mission effectively. We actively seek to build a board that reflects the breadth of our supporter base and the communities we serve.

About the Role

We are seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our board of trustees. Our mission is to provide school meals to children in developing countries, with the goal of reducing hunger and improving educational outcomes.

As a trustee, you will work collaboratively with fellow trustees to provide strategic guidance and oversight to the charity. You will help ensure our activities align with our mission and values. The trustee will work closely with other members of the board and staff to develop and implement plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and maximise the positive impact of its work.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the board of trustees, providing governance and oversight to the organisation
• Uphold Charity Commission and legal responsibilities as a trustee and company director
• Collaborate with fellow trustees and staff to develop and implement strategies, plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and values
• Champion the charity to external stakeholders and partners
• Attend and actively participate in board meetings and events
• Ensure robust compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, using your network to advance our mission

Person Specification

• Genuine passion for international development and our mission to end child hunger
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: [AK1] finance, programmes, marketing, fundraising, technology, and operations
• Strong analytical, strategic and critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to contribute constructively to board discussions
• Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team
• Willingness to dedicate time and energy to the charity’s success
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements for charitable organisations, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and commitment to collective decision-making
• Demonstrates highest standards of personal integrity, honesty and ethical behaviour, avoiding conflicts of interest and prioritizing the charity's mission
• Engages respectfully and collaboratively with board members, staff and stakeholders, fostering an inclusive environment and modelling the charity's values
• Understanding of the cultural and economic contexts of the countries where the charity operates is a plus.

Organisation Structure

The board of trustees provides strategic oversight and governance to the Executive team, who manage day to day operations. Trustees work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, offering guidance while respecting operational independence

Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings which are scheduled to accommodate trustee’s availability. Most meetings are done via video conferencing, and on occasion we meet in person at a suitable location. Individual commitments are agreed between each trustee and the Chair of the board.

Commitment

• Board meeting – quarterly
• 2-hour meetings with reports to read one week in advance
• Telephone meetings – as required
• 30-minute conference calls occasionally required in between board meetings
• Staff away day – once yearly
• A day of in-person workshops, planning and Q&A with staff
• Events – as required
• Occasional participation in promotional events – usually early evening
• Project groups – as required
• Occasional working alongside staff to complete projects – as fits expertise and diaries

Application Process

If you would like to formally apply for the role, please include a letter of application along with your current CV.

In your letter, please outline:

• Your motivation for applying and connection to our mission
• Your relevant experience, expertise, or perspective that you would bring to the board
• What you hope to contribute to Charity Right and gain from the trusteeship
• Your commitment to championing diversity and inclusive leadership
• Declaration of any potential conflicts of interest

We are happy to discuss the role in more detail and answer any questions you may have about the board service.

Charity Right is an equal opportunities organisation. We are committed to building a diverse board and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in charity governance.