Housing advice officer volunteer roles

Chair of the Board of Trustees — Alliance for Youth Justice

The Alliance for Youth Justice is seeking a new Chair to lead our experienced and knowledgeable Board of Trustees. The AYJ Chair will provide leadership and strategic oversight, foster an inclusive board culture, and support our Chief Executive Officer to build on AYJ’s success into the future.

We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to social justice and achieving positive change for children and young people in the youth justice system. You will have knowledge and understanding of how to govern a charity and bring strong strategic leadership skills to ensure the AYJ is able to achieve its vision, mission, and purpose.

Commitment to equity and inclusion

As an organisation committed to anti-oppressive practice and anti-racism, we recognise the need to consider and rebalance where power lies in our organisation, and we are particularly keen to hear from applicants who are:

• Racially minoritised
• From working-class or intermediate socio-economic backgrounds
• Aged 18–34
• Have lived experience of the youth justice system
• Female

We also aim for 50% of our board members to be representative of our membership, and we are therefore also keen to receive applications from representatives of Alliance for Youth Justice member organisations.

Volunteer Grant Officer

Southwark Tenants’ Federation – Grassroots Housing Advice Charity

Location: Southwark / Remote (hybrid available)
Time commitment: Flexible (approx. 4–8 hours per week)
Contract: Volunteer

About Us

We are a small grassroots charity based in Southwark and the only surviving tenants’ federation in London. For decades, we have supported tenants and residents to defend their housing rights, challenge poor conditions, and have a collective voice in decisions that affect their homes and communities.

Our social housing advice service supports people facing homelessness, disrepair, evictions, and housing management issues, with a strong focus on empowerment and tenant-led action.

The Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Grant Officer to help us secure funding to sustain and grow our vital work. This role is crucial to keeping an independent, tenant-led voice alive in London.

You will work closely with a small, committed team and help ensure our advice service remains accessible to local residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Research grant funding opportunities suitable for a grassroots, tenant-led organisation
• Draft and submit grant applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
• Maintain a simple funding pipeline and track deadlines
• Work with staff and volunteers to gather service data, outcomes, and case studies
• Assist with basic funder monitoring and reporting

About You

Essential:

• Strong written communication skills
• Good organisational skills and reliability
• Commitment to social justice and housing rights

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience of grant writing or fundraising
• Knowledge of social housing, tenant organisations, or advice services

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing.

What We Offer

• Flexible volunteering hours
• Support, supervision, and guidance
• The opportunity to contribute to a unique and historic tenant-led organisation
• Experience in grant writing within the voluntary and housing sectors
• References provided where appropriate

Citizens Advice Winchester District is a dynamic, values-led, and award-winning local charity which is passionate about creating a fairer society for all.

We do this by helping people to resolve a wide range of problems they’re facing, so that everyone can achieve a good quality of life.Every year, we provide free, confidential and impartial advice on issues such as debt, housing, benefits and employment advice to people across the Winchester district, many of whom are in desperate or challenging situations and have nowhere else to turn. We may also suggest to our clients' other agencies that may be helpful to them, depending on their individual circumstances.

Our greatest asset is our dedicated team of staff, volunteers and trustees, who also advocate for lasting policy change both locally and nationally. To help us in our work, we are seeking an additional 3-4 trustees to complete our board and help us lead the charity over our next phase of strategic development.

The role  

We want our board to have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds and are looking for strategic thinkers with a commitment to good governance and a willingness to work collaboratively and challenge constructively. Previous experience of Citizens Advice, or of being a Trustee (or equivalent), would be advantageous, but the commitment and enthusiasm to help us shape the work and strategic direction of our forward-thinking charity is essential. 

We would be particularly interested to hear from people with experience in HR (especially those with current CIPD membership), Charitable Trust and Foundation fundraising, and change management.

We are committed to being an inclusive workplace and we value diversity - we welcome and encourage applications from all walks of life, whatever your background or situation.

This is an exciting opportunity to be able to influence the direction of our charity, making a real difference. You will work alongside passionate and skilled colleagues and use your experience to create positive change for thousands of people in the Winchester district every year.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Role: Trustee 
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings six times a year, with reading and preparation before meetings
No Salary:  Unpaid volunteer role, expenses paid
Location: Meetings held on zoom or at our head office in London SE20
Deadline:  17th May 2026
Interviews:  In person in London SE20

ABOUT US

Bromley & Croydon Women's Aid (BCWA) aims to empower anyone suffering domestic abuse so they can make informed choices about their future. Our services are confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

BCWA puts anyone who contacts us for support at the heart of decision making, so that they can gain the confidence, strength and self-respect needed to free themselves from abusive relationships

Our Ethos

BCWA believe in providing high-quality services to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. We have been working since 1975 to:

• focus on maintaining the independence, confidence and self-esteem of anyone we help
• be responsive to the needs of individuals in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way
• treat our residents, clients, staff and partners with integrity, honesty and respect.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community.  Our vision is to support and empower women to create change in their lives, so that they and their children can live free from domestic abuse and improve their quality of life.

OUR SERVICES

BCWA provide a wide range of services including:

Refuge

We provide safe accommodation for any woman and her children who is experiencing domestic abuse, or who is at risk of abuse.

Children are welcomed by Child Support Officers. Refuges have fully-equipped playrooms, where the project workers organise activities, after-school clubs, play sessions, fun days and one-to-one therapeutic activities.

BCWA is a registered housing provider with the Regulator or Social Housing (i.e. a Housing Association) and operates supported housing in a mix of owned and leased properties, some as managing agent for other housing associations, some operated independently.

Advice & Support

BCWA telephone Helpline supports women in the community who want to know what their options are around domestic abuse, or who need a non-judgmental listening ear. We run 12-week ‘Keys to Freedom’ support groups which offer a path to recognising abuse and peer support for recovery.

We offer advice to the friends and families of anyone experiencing domestic abuse. We give our expertise to legal and social services professionals, and we support women at appointments, accompany them to court, and also put them in contact with other services that can help them.

Our other services include:

Japanese service - BCWA, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy in London, offers outreach advice in Japanese to survivors of domestic abuse

NRPF/EEA service - Our specialist advisor works with migrant women without recourse to public funds (NRPF) and those from the EEA to regularise their immigration status and access benefits & support.

Men's service - All BCWA locations are women-only spaces, but men can be supported via our One Stop Shop service or by the IDSVA (high-risk) service in Bromley.

Our Approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Our work is based on building meaningful, supportive, enduring and respectful relationships with women from all cultures. We cannot do this without a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. BCWA’s approach is to try to make sure that EDI is central to everything we do and informs both our services and our organisational culture. 

Our goal is to develop and deliver consistently inclusive programmes, projects and services that support and bring together survivors of domestic abuse and their children and facilitate empowerment and recovery. We believe this enables best practice domestic abuse support, hope this will make everyone's experiences richer, and ultimately lead to more inclusive communities and sector best practice. 

BECOMING A TRUSTEE

What is a Trustee?

Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.

Why become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee can be very rewarding. As a Trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of an organisation, and you can make a significant difference to a cause that matters to you.

Being a Trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. You will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.

Why join our board?

BCWA was founded by a group of local women in Bromley who wanted to do something practical to support women in their local community and has been run by women and for women ever since. Over the past few years the organisation has grown considerably but still operates very much in the spirit of grassroots feminist women’s movement of the 70s, out of which it was founded.

Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers have lived experience of domestic abuse, and the organisation actively welcome survivors at all levels. We are a supportive, warm and friendly group and we genuinely strive to foster great relationships. Our Board is made up of a diverse group of women with a broad range of backgrounds, skills and experience. This team operates on mutual respect and true collaboration in order to provide the best leadership possible to the charity. We are solutions oriented, creative, forward-thinking and passionate about working to end domestic abuse.

BCWA has seen sustained growth over the last few years and has increased its property portfolio to provide a range of dispersed ‘move on’ accommodation for women leaving refuge, with continued support.

The charity is also committed to an ongoing process of service improvement via stakeholder feedback and analysis of needs and gaps in provision. Our local knowledge and specialist expertise positions us very well to innovate in co-producing new services.

In addition to trauma-informed accommodation and community-based services, BCWA has developed a therapeutic service alongside, which encompasses child play therapy and a specialist in-house counselling service for women. This supports the health and wellbeing of survivors going forward as well as working towards the prevention of repeat victimisation.

A trusteeship with BCWA is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation, contribute to the local community and impact thousands of women’s lives for the better. It is a truly pivotal time to join the board at BCWA, as we develop and implement innovative new services that will add significantly to the breadth and impact of support available to survivors of domestic abuse in Bromley & Croydon.

What skills are we looking for?

We are looking for a range of new trustees with a range of different skills to shape and steer the future of this dynamic organisation, as well as bring wisdom, energy and new perspectives to our governance.  We would particularly welcome applications from women with knowledge of or experience working in the following sectors:

· Social housing, social investment, housing, company or charity or general legal background

· Provision of mental health services

· AI expertise

ROLE DESCRIPTION

We are looking for strategic-minded individuals with a variety of skills to join our board. Our trustees play an essential role in making sure that BCWA achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

Trustee duties

• To ensure the BCWA is carrying out its purposes, as set out in its governing document.
• To ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and any other applicable laws.
• To act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets (including evaluating performance against set targets).
• To provide guidance using previous experience and expertise on a range of aspects of BCWA's business, including support to set up new initiatives.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Organisation.
• To monitor the financial, strategic and operational performance of BCWA.

In addition to the above responsibilities, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they possess, to enable the Board to reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising reports, providing advice and guidance on new issues, particularly where a Trustee has specific expertise. Our board meets bi-monthly and holds an Annual General Meeting.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision: working to end domestic abuse.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What impact will you have?

You will be joining an organisation actively opposed to all forms of discrimination providing a service that is confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as learn new ones.

We are a feminist organisation and recognise the gendered nature of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at board meetings which take place six times a year. Meetings are held in the early evening, mostly on-line, with one or two held in-person at our south-east London Head Office.
• Trustees will also need to carry out any pre-meeting reading and preparation and may be contacted occasionally for advice.

Further Information

We are very happy to have informal discussions about the role and warmly welcome candidates to visit us or observe a board meeting if they wish.

New Trustees are assigned an existing member who is responsible for their induction and support for a period of 6 months.

As our organisation works with extremely vulnerable clients, safeguarding is one of our key priorities. Please contact us if you would like more info or to view our SG policies. In light of this, offers are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve. 

BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Reg. Charity No.1068007. 

The Nehemiah Project is a small charity that supports men with experience of addiction to break the cycle of addiction and crime. We do this through supported living, programmes, key worker support, rebuilding family connections and providing move-on support to aid transition to independent living. We currently operate from houses in Streatham and Croydon.

We are a Christian-based charity open to men of all faiths and none. We have a partnership with the British Association of the Order of Malta who provide expertise, funding and volunteer support.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Nehemiah Project (TNP) achieves its core purpose of breaking the cycle of addiction and reoffending. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that TNP has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable TNP to grow and thrive.

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of the Nehemiah Project' s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Nehemiah Project is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

Treasurer Role

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with Chief Executive
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.
• Lead on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.
• Oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chief Executive to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

What we are looking for?

• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists. Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors
• We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees. Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on TNP' s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee TNP' s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve TNP’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to TNP’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. Keep abreast of changes in TNP’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of TNP' s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect TNP’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of TNP’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Personal skills and qualities

• To be sympathetic to and supportive of our Christian ethos. Practising Christian preferred.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission

Trustee Role Overview

Term: 4 years, renewable up to 7 years, with possible extension in exceptional cases under the Memorandum and Articles.

Remuneration: Voluntary role; reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Meetings: Attend four Board meetings a year (in person in Putney, with remote option).

Strategy Days: Up to one per year.

Events: Four annual celebration events at our houses; Trustees are encouraged to attend where possible

Committee Membership

Trustees may join one of three sub-groups — HR, Finance, or Fundraising — which meet remotely four times a year, with occasional ad hoc support to working groups or the executive team. 

Financial Commitment No donation is required, though regular modest giving is encouraged.

More Information can be found in the Trustee Pack below.

Family Advice Line Volunteer

This is a volunteer opportunity supporting families through our advice line. As a volunteer, you’ll contribute your time to help us offer reliable information and a listening ear. Volunteers are a valued part of our mission, and we aim to make the experience supportive, enjoyable, and meaningful.

Role Overview:

Are you looking for an opportunity to use your speech and language therapy expertise in a voluntary capacity to support children and families?

As an Advice Line Volunteer, you will contribute to our mission by sharing information about typical development and guidance on how families can support their child’s speech and language needs. You will help families by offering clear information, resources and a listening ear as they navigate concerns around speech and language challenges.

How do our Volunteers help?

• Helping to provide evidence‑based information and resources to address families’ concerns.
• Listening empathetically to families and offering supportive guidance.
• Taking part in volunteer training and learning sessions to stay updated on best practice

What we are looking for:

We welcome volunteers who are:

• Passionate: Committed to supporting children and families facing speech and language challenges.
• Empathetic Communicators: Able to actively listen and respond sensitively to callers' needs.
• Reliable: Volunteers take part in a shared rota to ensure the line is covered.
• Team Players: Comfortable volunteering alongside others in a supportive environment.
• Learners: Open to volunteer training and opportunities to develop confidence as a Speech and Language UK volunteer.

About Us:

We are Speech and Language UK – we want every child to face the future with confidence. For 2 million children in the UK, learning to talk and understand words feel like an impossible hurdle. Without the right help, this can destroy their world. They feel disconnected from their family. Unable to make friends. Unfairly punished for not following instructions they don’t understand. What does the future hold for them?

Why Us?

Speech and Language UK is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for children and young people with speech and language challenges. If you’re ready to make a difference in a supportive, mission-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you.

What can you gain from volunteering with us?

• The chance to apply your existing skills in a new way
• You’ll receive regular support and contact from our Advice Line team.

What we’re looking for in a volunteer

Skills and Experience

• Qualified speech and language therapists with 3 years experience and direct clinical practice in the last 12 months
• Qualified speech and language therapist aware of current practice in their area of experience
• Experience across two or more of the following age ranges – Early Years, Primary, Secondary, FE
• RCSLT registration
• HCPC registration is welcome for practising clinicians.
• Experience offering supportive advice to families or practitioners
• Comfortable volunteering independently from home.

Technology

• Comfortable using email and Word.
• Able to follow simple digital instructions.
• Familiarity with other Microsoft tools is helpful.

Other

• Available to take part in a shared rota to ensure the line is covered. We ask for a commitment of 4 hours per week or fortnight.
• Interest in ongoing learning is welcome.
• Ability to volunteer from a quiet, confidential space.

Practical considerations and time commitment:

You’ll receive a full induction, role specific training and ongoing support from your named contact. All regular volunteers are asked to provide references and complete internal training.

We ask for most volunteers to offer around 4 hours a week or fortnight. We rely on volunteers giving regular time so families know when we’ll be there for them. All volunteers take part in a shared schedule of volunteer time.

How to Apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, addressing how you meet the criteria outlined in this advert.

Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday, 2nd March 2026 with interviews being held via Teams w/c 2nd March and 9th March

Accessibility Support:
We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team and we will be happy to assist you.

We are Disability Confident Committed under the Disability Confident Scheme.

This is an unpaid voluntary role intended for individuals who want to contribute their professional expertise to support families. It is not an employed position.

Citizens Advice is a national charity working to ensure people don’t face problems alone. We support millions of people every year with advice on issues including debt, housing, employment, benefits and immigration.

The Board of Trustees provides the high-level governance and strategic direction for Citizens Advice. Working alongside our Executive Team, Trustees offer guidance and constructive challenge to ensure we deliver our strategy in line with our mission and regulatory responsibilities.

We are currently recruiting for two Trustee positions with the following specialisms:

Trustee: Local Government

As local government undergoes fundamental reorganisation and devolution, you will help us navigate this shifting landscape. We are seeking a senior leader (e.g., CEO, Director, or senior elected member) to serve as a strategic bridge between our mission and the public sector.

• Sector Authority: Deep knowledge of the pressures and statutory responsibilities facing local authorities.

• Strategic Insight: A vision for how government and civil society can partner to change lives.

• Influential Networks: Established relationships across the local government and devolution landscape.

Trustee: Systems Change & Reducing Inequality

Citizens Advice has transitioned to a mission-based model, focusing on providing advice fit for the future, closing the gap for marginalised communities, and taking earlier action. We need an inspirational leader to help us drive this systemic change.

• Systemic Impact: Experience delivering change in complex environments, such as public service delivery aimed at poverty prevention or community-led initiatives tackling structural inequities.

• Creative Strategy: A sounding board for movement-building, "power-shifting," and navigating change within federated or group-based organisations.

• Collaborative Power: A passion for mobilising collective action to achieve meaningful change for people struggling to find a way forward.

What We Expect of All Trustees

• Governance Excellence: Familiarity with financial oversight, risk management, and regulatory scrutiny in a large charity.

• Mission Alignment: A deep commitment to social justice, equity, and the values of Citizens Advice.

• Collaborative Leadership: Diplomacy, integrity, and the ability to foster open, non-hierarchical ways of working.

• Community Focus: Experience working in or alongside diverse communities to drive social change.

We hope you will consider making an application to join our Board as a Trustee of Citizens Advice.
To apply, please provide:

• A CV (no more than three sides)
• A short covering letter that explains your motivation, suitability, availability and confirms that you would not be subject to any conflict of interest.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is of strategic importance within the organisation and recognised as integral to all we do as a service.

Central to pursuing our EDI mission is building diverse and inclusive teams in which everyone has a sense of belonging. We believe inclusion is a social justice issue - a principle that underpins our all EDI work. To that end, we particularly welcome applications from people we would like to see better represented in our organisation and sector - people of colour, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people. We follow the social model of disability. We will offer an interview to disabled candidates who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident Interview Commitment, where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of application,s and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.

This vacancy closes at 23.59 on the closing date.

Trustee Opportunity at Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking new trustees to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.

With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.

As a trustee, you’d join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Prior Board experience is not required.

We welcome expertise in digital media, finance, fundraising, HR, IT, law, marketing, PR, risk management, senior management, local government, or strategy.

What do you need to become a trustee?

Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have six core skills:

● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public benefit strategically

● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought

● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; planning ahead

● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and shortterm; prioritising value

● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; supporting a healthy culture

● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating everyone with respect.

The Board also values specialist skills as assets among its members:

● experience or qualifications in:

 ‣ business or charity leadership

 ‣ equity, diversity and inclusion

 ‣ facilitation

 ‣ finance and accountancy

 ‣ human resources

 ‣ IT, AI or digital media

‣ law or governance

‣ local government

‣ marketing, PR or communications

‣ risk management, or

‣ strategy development

● past experience as a client or service user of this (or a similar) organisation

● a track record of charitable fundraising, or

● being an effective chair. 

Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours:

● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role.

● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective responsibility.

● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on continuous improvement.

● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and seeks consensus.

● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses opinions courageously.

● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges the status quo

You will welcome clients and visitors, and support the smooth running of our local office at our drop in sessions on Mondays or Thursdays (or both)

Commitment: 6 hours/week (flexible)

Receptionists are the first point of contact for clients, welcoming visitors. You’ll record client details on our computer system, explain waiting times, and help ensure the service runs smoothly. The role builds communication, IT, and teamwork skills while making a real difference in the community. Full training and expense reimbursement are provided.

What you gain: Communication skills, admin experience, confidence using IT, and full training.

You'll gain valuable transferable skills in communication, problem solving, teamwork.

Whether you are starting out, changing career, retired, or returning to work, volunteering strengthens your CV and provides practical experience.

The Organisation

Changeworks is Scotland’s leading environmental organisation, driving the decarbonisation of homes and supporting a just transition to net zero. With over 35 years of experience, the organisation works with individuals, communities, businesses, and partners to deliver energy advice, retrofit solutions, and innovative decarbonisation services that reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and tackle fuel poverty. In recent years, Changeworks has assisted tens of thousands of households in installing energy efficiency measures, provided thousands with expert energy support, and saved hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon, making low-carbon living a tangible reality across Scotland. 

The Role

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of Changeworks. The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees in providing strategic direction and ensuring effective governance, guiding the organisation through an important period of growth while championing its environmental and social values.

The Chair will serve as a statutory trustee and non-executive director, offering strategic leadership, guidance, and robust governance oversight across Changeworks and its subsidiary organisations, driving meaningful impact in communities, households, and businesses throughout Scotland.

The Person

The role requires a strategic and analytical thinker capable of balancing social impact with commercial success and long-term sustainability. The Chair will communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice, while fostering inclusive governance by valuing diverse perspectives.

Required Experience and Capabilities

Senior Leadership and Governance Experience
The ideal candidate will have leadership experience demonstrating strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset, and an understanding of governance complexities in charitable and commercial sectors. This may include:

• Senior management, executive, or non-executive roles in mission-driven organisations.

• Experience serving on boards or committees across sectors.

• A track record of leading teams through organisational transformation and growth.

• Experience engaging diverse stakeholder groups, including social housing, local government, or minority communities.

• Proven experience in trustee or non-executive roles, with strong governance and oversight capabilities.

The Chair is expected to have:

• A proven track record of chairing boards or high-level committees, ideally in a purpose-driven or hybrid commercial-social environment.

• Experience as a charity trustee or non-executive director.

• The ability to navigate complex political and economic landscapes to advocate for decarbonisation and a just transition.

• A commitment to decarbonising homes in Scotland and addressing fuel poverty.

• Experience overseeing organisational growth or transformation aligned with Changeworks’ scaling objectives.

• Exceptional diplomatic, mediation, and relationship-building skills to manage board dynamics and the CEO partnership.

Strategic Growth & Risk Management

• Experience driving or enabling organisational growth and development.

• Understanding of risk management in complex organisations.

• Knowledge of good governance practices in regulated sectors.

• Demonstrated success in purpose-driven organisations.

Specialist Knowledge Areas

• Experience in the social housing sector.

• Experience in rural communities.

• Background in entrepreneurship, innovation, or research & development commercialisation.

• Understanding of technical aspects of retrofit.

• Experience in public affairs, government engagement, or lobbying.

• Access to networks beneficial to Changeworks is desirable.

Additional Considerations

• Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged.

• Candidates should share a commitment to environmental action and bring diverse perspectives.

• New Board members are expected to serve on at least one sub-committee, including Strategy, Audit and Risk, or Nominations.

The Organisation

Rethink Mental Illness is a leading mental health charity in England, dedicated to supporting people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives, regardless of how challenging circumstances may feel. The charity works to create lasting change across health and social care systems, public attitudes, and the everyday experiences of people living with mental illness across the country.

People with lived experience of mental illness are central to everything Rethink Mental Illness does. Their insight shapes trusted advice, information, and more than 200 services, including housing and employment support, carer services, and legal advice. These voices also drive campaigns to challenge discrimination and influence legislative change, while their diverse experiences help ensure services are inclusive and accessible. Rethink Mental Illness believes that people severely affected by mental illness can have a good quality of life and is committed to making this a reality.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of Trustees of Rethink Mental Illness as Chair of the Audit and Assurance Committee. This role operates alongside, and does not replace, the broader responsibilities and duties of charity trusteeship.

Responsibilities of the Audit & Assurance Committee Chair

Leadership and Direction

The Chair will:

• Chair all meetings of the Audit and Assurance Committee and provide effective leadership and direction.

• Maintain a clear understanding of the committee’s duties and responsibilities.

• Commit the necessary time and bring strong business, financial, communication and leadership skills.

• Demonstrate excellent working knowledge of corporate governance, accounting practices, internal control functions and risk management frameworks.

• Champion open and constructive discussion, while maintaining appropriate discipline and ensuring meetings are effective and complete their agendas.

• Be prepared to ask challenging and, where necessary, difficult questions with tenacity.

• Ensure committee members understand their responsibilities and feel able to raise matters of concern.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Chair of Trustees, Vice-Chairs, Treasurer, Chief Executive and executive team, External Audit Partner and Internal Audit Lead.

• Plan the work of the committee in conjunction with the executive team, agreeing a rolling forward plan and agendas in advance of meetings.

• Review the effectiveness of each meeting, seeking feedback from members and attendees.

Governance

The Chair will:

• Ensure the committee maintains its independence and avoids assuming responsibilities beyond its remit.

• Act as the Charity’s Whistleblowing Champion, ensuring regular review of the effectiveness and operation of the Whistleblowing Policy.

• Lead oversight of external and internal audit arrangements, including appointment and performance review.

• Ensure the committee holds at least annual private sessions with the CFO, External Audit Partner, Internal Audit Lead and the Treasurer (ex-officio member).

• Promote and participate in regular formal self-assessment of the committee against appropriate professional standards.

• Ensure that the committee’s work and key issues are clearly communicated to the Board.

Development of the Committee

The Chair will:

• Work with the Honorary Officers Committee to ensure an appropriate balance of skills and experience within committee membership.

• Meet at least annually with each committee member to review engagement, gather feedback, address performance issues and identify development needs.

• Foster the right culture within the committee, encouraging constructive challenge and positive questioning.

• Ensure appropriate induction and training support is provided for both new and existing committee members.

The Person

Rethink Mental Illness is seeking individuals who can confidently balance strong commercial awareness and financial sustainability with a deep commitment to the charity’s purpose and values, bringing a thoughtful perspective that looks beyond profit alone.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A good understanding of the mental health sector and the wider challenges facing charities supporting people with severe mental illness.

• Strong financial literacy, with qualified accountant status desirable, and experience overseeing financial reporting, risk management, internal controls and audit.

• A strong understanding of charity governance, with experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector desirable.

• An analytical and constructive approach, with the confidence to provide appropriate challenge while supporting collaborative, values-led decision-making.

Rethink Mental Illness warmly welcomes applications from people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages and from disabled people, and actively encourages applications from groups that are underrepresented.

How to Apply

Applicants are invited to submit:

• An up-to-date CV, including details of two referees (who will not be contacted without prior permission).

• A supporting statement outlining how they meet the criteria in the person specification and their motivation for applying.

Settled is recruiting new trustees to join its Board and support EU citizens and Ukrainian refugees to access their rights in the UK. This is a voluntary role, open to first-time trustees and those with board experience. We are particularly interested in skills relating to finance, fundraising, governance, or equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as lived experience. Meetings are mainly online, with one in-person away day per year. Closing date: 5pm, Monday 2 February 2026.

We’re looking for a Treasurer to provide financial leadership to our charity that supports the VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) sector in Wakefield District through high-impact contracts and grant making.

Nova is a charity that works with charities, community groups and social enterprises to help them thrive and continue their important work across the District. We do this by:

• Providing free specialist support on development and growth
• Ensuring the VCSE sector has a voice in decision-making
• Securing resources and funding for the VCSE sector

We have several opportunities open to join our Board of Trustees, including a Treasurer.

The Treasurer works closely with the Board, CEO, Finance Manager, and accountant to ensure our organisation’s finances are well-managed, transparent, and aligned with strategic goals. This involves:

• Guiding financial decisions
• Helping the Board understand and act on financial information
• Contributing to planning for the future, including budgets, reserves and exploring new incomes streams and enterprising approaches to strengthen Nova’s financial resilience

While previous experience as a Treasurer or Trustee is welcomed, it’s not essential. What matters most is commitment to Nova’s values, financial integrity, and supporting the VCSE sector.

As a trustee, you’ll have:

• An induction, training and reimbursable expenses
• Professional development with new skills and experience
• Influence to shape innovative projects
• Opportunity to make a difference to hundreds of organisations facing challenging times
• Chance to make new connections and learn about the local VCSE sector

To find about more about the role, download the Information Pack and Role Description. We can arrange an informal chat with Hayley (Vice Chair and Chair of HR Subcommittee) if you'd like to ask any questions before applying.

Applications close at 9am on Monday 2 March 2026.

The diversity of our board is important as it leads to strong leadership and governance. This is a priority for Nova and we are committed to removing barriers that often exclude people from applying or staying on boards. We are striving to be an accessible and inclusive organisations and will work proactively on adjustments requested. Please contact our team if you need support or adjustments throughout the recruitment process to make it accessible for you.

RSPCA Surrey East Branch

We are looking for fosterers in the Surrey East area, including Redhill, Reigate, Dorking, Horley, Lingfield, Oxted and Caterham.

We’re looking for cat-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of the cats in our care whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their purrfect forever home?

Overview of the opportunity

As a cat fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing our cats with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in a cat’s wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Once everything is in place, the branch will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your fostered cat.

Our Animal Welfare Officer, Robyn, is the fostering coordinator, so she will provide our fosterers will all the help and support they need. We are a small, remote branch, so fostering will be the backbone of our rehoming operation. Volunteers will play an integral part to our branch. We don't operate at a large capacity, so we will always be on hand to support fosterers and navigate the fostering process with them. They will be joining the branch at a very exciting time, as we have only just launched our cat fostering scheme.

Whilst our cats are in your foster care, you will:

• Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.

• Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.

• Transport them to any veterinary appointments (if required)

• Provide them with your time and patience.

• Help us spread the word about the cats in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.

• Playing and cuddles are also a must!

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cat Fosterer

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for cats.

• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.

• For their wellbeing, our cats need to be kept in a separate room, so the whole family should be on board.

• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case).

What we can offer you as a volunteer Cat Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the cats in your care.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

It is worth mentioning that our cats do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster cat.

If you would like to know more about fostering our cats and review our fostering process, including the changes we have made in light of Covid-19 to protect our staff and volunteers, please contact the Surrey East Branch.

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.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Surrey East Branch.

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 depending on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.