Health advocacy advisor volunteer roles in Bristol
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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!
Unreal offers support and information to people with lived experience of Depersonalisation and Derealisation (DPDR) - including people experiencing symptoms themselves and their carers, friends and families. We aim to raise awareness of DPDR, provide up-to date clinically-validated information, signpost people to relevant resources, push for policy change, assist in research studies and enable people living with DPDR to speak with others through our flagship Peer Support Programme to help support each other.
We are supported by a dedicated network of volunteers and ambassadors whose expertise and lived experience are central to what we do.
Despite being a small and relatively young charity, officially founded in 2019, we have established ourselves as the leading voice on DPDR in the UK and are proud of what we have achieved.
Unreal enters this next chapter from a position of real strength. We have established ourselves as the leading charity for DPDR in the UK, with a peer support programme that continues to grow in demand, strong relationships with clinicians, policymakers and researchers, and a clear strategic direction.
We have recently set our key priorities for 2026 to 2030, and we are looking for new board members who are excited to help us deliver on that ambition.
This is a significant moment for the charity. We are recruiting for trustees at a time when we have strong foundations, a clear sense of purpose, and real momentum. The people who join us now will help shape the next chapter of Unreal.
At such a pivotal time for the charity, and to help achieve our ambitions, we are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Trustees.
We are currently recruiting:
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A HR/Governance Trustee
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A Finance Trustee
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A Fundraising Trustee
We welcome applications from people with or without previous trustee experience. What matters most is your commitment to our mission and the skills and perspectives you bring.
We have attached our recruitment pack with details of the individual roles.
Time commitment
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Board meetings: monthly (9 per year), held online
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Full trustee days, held in person: twice a year
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Online Trustee meetings, twice a year
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Additional time required for specific projects or sub-committees
Support for new trustees
We are committed to making trusteeship at Unreal as accessible and rewarding as possible. All new board members will receive a full induction and training
Expenses
All reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out your role as a trustee will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy.
What we are looking for
We are not looking for a particular type of person. We are looking for the right people. Within our trustees and board, we aim to bring together a range of skills, backgrounds and perspectives.
Full role specifications for each position are included below. These set out the specific skills, experience and qualities we are looking for, alongside the responsibilities of the role.
In addition to the specified roles below, we will also be recruiting more widely, and welcome applications from anyone who fulfils the below general criteria.
We particularly welcome applications from:
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People with lived experience of DPDR, including carers, friends and family members.
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Clinicians and researchers working in the field.
Skills and experience that are valuable to us include:
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Finance
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Fundraising
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HR
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Governance
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Expertise in the mental health or charity sector.
We ask all trustees to commit to a term of three to four years. The Chair may be appointed for a term of up to five years.
Before you apply
Trustees of Unreal must meet the following eligibility criteria. Please check these before applying.
You must:
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Be 18 years of age or older
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Not be automatically disqualified under the Charities Act 2011. This includes any person: with undischarged bankruptcy those who has been declared bankrupt; that has entered into an IVA; been disqualified as a company director; or that has certain unspent criminal convictions relating to dishonesty, fraud or contempt of court
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Have no safeguarding restrictions that would prevent you from working with vulnerable people
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Be willing to declare any conflicts of interest and to complete a DBS check
If you are unsure whether any of the above applies to you, the Charity Commission website has further guidance.
All trustees are expected to uphold Unreal's Code of Conduct for Board Members. A copy will be shared with shortlisted candidates and must be signed on appointment.
General Trustee Responsibilities
Candidates should demonstrate:
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Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
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Integrity, sound judgement and professionalism.
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Ability to contribute to effective governance and strategic decision-making.
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Willingness to act in the charity’s best interests at all times.
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Ability to work collaboratively and constructively as part of a board.
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Good communication and interpersonal skills.
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Understanding of confidentiality, accountability and conflicts of interest.
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Awareness of safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion responsibilities.
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Financial awareness and responsible oversight of resources.
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Sufficient time and commitment to fulfil trustee duties and attend meetings.
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Willingness to undertake training and ongoing development.
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Relevant professional, leadership, governance or lived experience would be advantageous.
How to apply
To apply, please send the following:
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A CV or brief summary of your relevant experience
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A short personal statement of up to 250 words setting out what you would bring to Unreal and why the role appeals to you
We ask that any applications submitted are in the candidate’s own words.
Deadline
The closing date for applications is 27 August 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place in September 2026.
The Recruitment Process
We want to make this process as straightforward and human as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal conversation with one or more of our trustees, giving you a chance to find out more about us and for us to learn more about you. Successful candidates will then be invited to a formal panel interview with set questions.
Interviews will be held virtually, though if you would prefer to meet in person we will do our best to accommodate this.
We are committed to making this process as accessible as possible. If you require any adjustments to support your application or participation in the interview process, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you.
We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, including in how we recruit. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of DPDR, and from those who are underrepresented in charity leadership.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Unreal offers support and information to people with lived experience of Depersonalisation and Derealisation (DPDR)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank 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!
Could you use your financial expertise to help shape the future of a community-focused charity, at a pivotal moment of change?
Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is an established infrastructure charity supporting, connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond. With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future, VANS plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together, amplifying collective voice, and enabling others to deliver impact.
We’re looking for a new Finance Trustee to help ensure the charity remains financially resilient, sustainable and well-positioned for long-term growth.
Location: Based in North Somerset, working across the South West and beyond
Remuneration: Voluntary, with expenses covered
Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 days per month. Currently, 4 Board meetings and 2 Development Days per annum, 4 Finance Committee meetings, plus occasional ad-hoc meetings, preparation and support around budgeting, annual accounts and financial planning.
About the opportunity
You'll join a committed Board and work alongside the Chief Executive, Finance Committee and external finance support to help oversee the charity's financial health and sustainability.
As Lead Finance Trustee, you'll also chair the Finance Committee, helping to ensure robust financial oversight, effective governance and informed decision-making.
You'll play a key role in:
- Providing strategic financial oversight and assurance to the Board
- Supporting long-term financial sustainability and organisational resilience
- Chairing the Finance Committee and strengthening financial governance
- Ensuring financial information is accessible for non-financial trustees
- Supporting budgeting, forecasting, reserve management, risk oversight
About you
We're open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Finance Trustee, Treasurer or Finance Committee Chair, or you may be a senior finance professional looking to take on your first board-level governance role. What matters most is your ability to provide relevant strategic financial leadership and support effective decision-making.
We're particularly interested in people who can:
- Bring a recognised accountancy qualification and strong financial management experience
- Interpret financial information and translate it clearly for non-financial audiences
- Support strategic thinking around growth, sustainability and income diversification
- Balance scrutiny and challenge in a collaborative and supportive way
- Operate confidently at both a strategic and governance level
Previous charity trustee experience would be welcome, but is not essential. Experience of charity finance, accounting regulations and SORP is also highly valuable.
How to apply
A CV or short profile is a great first step. We'd also welcome an informal conversation if you'd prefer to ask some questions first. Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search.
Deadline: Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. If you feel this approach disadvantages you in any way, please get in touch with Amelia, who will ensure you are given full and fair consideration and do not miss out.
Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background, including age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
A CV or short profile is a great first step. We'd also welcome an informal conversation if you'd prefer to ask some questions first. Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search.
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Thank you!
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.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to get involved in an impactful charity making a tangible difference to the lives of refugees here in the UK.
Our work is simple – we refurbish unwanted bikes and donate them to refugees and people seeking asylum, many living on less than £7 a day, giving them freedom and independence whilst they rebuild their lives.
A bike makes a huge difference – not only is it a practical tool for tackling poverty, those who receive bikes from us report they are more connected in their community, happier and healthier as a result:
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91% of people use their bikes weekly for essential journeys
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84% of people are better able to access legal and other vital support services
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93% report better physical and/or mental health
Alongside our core Bike Donations Programme, we support refugee women to learn to cycle through our Pedal Power Programme; provide ongoing support with bike maintenance through our Repair or Replace Programme; and offer the opportunity for connection and friendship through our volunteer-matching Bike Buddy Programme.
“The Bike Project has given me so much more than just a bicycle — it has given me confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Receiving a bike as a gift allowed me to feel free in society, explore my community, and even join a cycling group where I’ve met wonderful people.
Thank you again for everything you do. Your work changes lives, including mine.”
Ladan, Bike Recipient
About You and the Role
You don’t need to have experience of being on a Board, in fact the role would be ideal for someone considering taking on their first role as a trustee. We will work with you to understand your duties and support you.
You will, however, have an excellent understanding of charity finance and understand the unique set of challenges charities of our size face in delivering impact and ensuring financial resilience. You will be an excellent communicator – able to provide constructive feedback and scrutiny at the same time as helping the team to articulate financial information to others who may not have a finance background.
You will be joining a highly committed group of trustees who give their time, expertise and contacts to support the charity. Our trustees are critical in enabling us to thrive and this role plays a key role in supporting the wider board to fulfil its financial responsibilities.
You will work together with the board and wider staff team to set our strategic direction and improve our work with refugees. At the heart of everything we do is the real and immediate impact a bike makes to the lives of those who have been through so much. You will be part of us achieving that.
The time commitment for a trustee generally totals approximately 8 hours per month. Please see the role description for further details.
We particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of the asylum process, women, people of colour / people of the global majority, and people with disabilities.
Application Process
Deadline for Applications: Friday 28th August 2026
Interviews: Late September - Early October 2026
Appointment: October 2026
Feedback will be provided to all applicants whether taken to interview or not.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact hradmin [at] thebikeproject [dot] co [dot] uk.
All candidates should complete the application form, including the scoring matrix, and the Trustee declaration as part of this process. Candidates require completing both the CV and application form to be considered for interview. If you have any issues with accessing or editing the document please contact hradmin [at] thebikeproject [dot] co [dot] uk.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.