Housing management volunteer roles

Position Title: Language Programme Lead
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team - Chair
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Organisation Overview
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR) was founded in 2017 and became a registered charity in 2019. Initially focused on supporting Syrian refugees resettling in the Sevenoaks district under the UK Government Resettlement Scheme, SWR’s mission has since expanded to assist 16 refugee families from Syria and Afghanistan, as well as 50 Ukrainian families. In 2023-24, SWR raised over £70,000 to further its work, collaborating closely with local councils and partner organisations to achieve its objectives. With seven trustees, 110 active volunteers, and a supporter base of approximately 750 people, SWR is poised for a new phase of growth.

Role Overview:
As the Language Programme Lead, you will provide leadership in developing and delivering tailored language learning plans for refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Your role is crucial in promoting independence and successful integration into society for these individuals and families, aligning with the charity’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
● Manage the delivery of language support tailored to the individual needs of each refugee through a team of 30 or so well-motivated language volunteers, usually, but not always operating one to one. This team have delivered at least 8,000 hours of language support since the charity started.
● Be actively involved in the recruitment of new language volunteers as required.
● Oversee necessary training for language volunteers and develop the promotion of best practice across the language programme group.
● Arrange for initial assessments on the arrival of all new families into the area and producing suitable teaching programmes that link with whatever other family support is required and what other stakeholders are providing.
● Work with the Volunteer Leadership Team to provide an effective overall support for our refugee beneficiaries.
● Liaise with key stakeholders such as Kent Adult Education(KAE), and the Kent ESOL Networking Group to maintain good relationships that support the provision of our language programme.

Qualifications
A working knowledge of ESOL and associated exams and qualifications would be beneficial.
Driver’s licence and access to a car would be extremely useful, given the geographical spread of the beneficiaries in the wider Sevenoaks area. This is not a role that can be performed online.

Impact and reward:
The Language Programme Lead will play a critical role in empowering refugees to achieve greater independence and integration within their new communities. You will help our refugee beneficiaries gain the language skills, confidence, and vocational training necessary to navigate daily life, access employment opportunities, and participate fully in society. You will play a big role in transforming the lives of refugees. In some cases of refugees who are illiterate in their own language, this will be genuinely life changing.

Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!

Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life, preventing it from being burned, chipped, or dumped in landfill.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Preparing wood for resale

* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture

Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.

Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.

The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!

Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.

Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.

Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm.
We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). The site is served well by buses, and we have free parking onsite, as well as secure storage racks for pushbikes.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Membership and Community Lay trustee

The Membership and Community Lay Trustee provides strategic oversight and expert guidance on membership growth, engagement and community development. Workingalongside fellow trustees, you will support the organisation to build a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable professional community, that reflects its values and supports its charitable purpose. Acting as a critical friend to management, you will help shape policy, identify opportunities and risks, and support strategies that strengthen member value, retention and participation.

We’re seeking a senior professional with experience in membership strategy, stakeholder engagement or community development, ideally with board-level experience or experience advising boards or working at a similar strategic level.
You will bring insight into how professional communities thrive, how member needs evolve, and how digital and
data-driven approaches can support engagement and growth. Experience developing and evaluating membership models, including subscription-based approaches, is highly desirable. Experience within a regulated, professional or charitable membership environment is also desirable.

A collaborative approach, high integrity, and alignment with the organisation’s vision and values are essential.

To view the role profile please click on this Membership and Community Lay Trustee| RCOT 

To apply, please submit a CV and suitability statement aligned with the role profile with no more than 600 words, via this Membership and Community Lay Trustee| RCOT by Sunday 15 February 2026.

Summary

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces at our sites across Hertfordshire and Bucks including

Brindle Court, Watford
Northgate End, Bishop's Stortford
Our smaller sites in Stevenage, Hoddesdon and Hemel Hempstead 
Crest Rd, High Wycombe

Detailed description

Having access to a secure garden or outdoor area can be crucial for providing opportunities to socialise and relax, which can be invaluable for the mental well-being of our residents.

The gardening and growing volunteer will support our accommodation sites in maintaining their outdoor spaces, including:

·Weeding

·Sweeping

·Pruning

·Clearing leaves and large twigs

·Watering plants

·Planting bulbs and tidying up flower beds

We would love for this to be an opportunity to involve our residents and potentially lead a gardening activity with them, equipping them with knowledge and skills to maintain their own green spaces in the future. 

You will need:

• Enjoy working outside in all weathers.
• An interest/basic knowledge of gardening
• Role requires some degree of physical work and lifting/manual handling
• To work under your own initiative.
• Good communication skills
• Opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills

A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided as well as access to training and events throughout the year!

Some sites have basic tools however any additional tools and material required can be discussed with your volunteer manager .

What volunteers need:
You will be required to under go a Disclosure and Barring Service check and provide details of 2 x referees

What we will provide to volunteers:

• Reimbursement of costs
• Full training and induction
• Access to events and celebrations throughout the year 

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about physical activity and community wellbeing.

Project Resilience provides easily accessible opportunities for our hostel residents to take part in a variety of social and sporting activities to boost overall health and wellbeing.

You will play a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles by delivering fun, inclusive, and accessible physical activity sessions for people of all ages and abilities.

We would welcome qualified instructors from a range of activities such as:

·Boxercise

·Yoga

·Pilates

·Dance

·Football

·Basketball

·Circuit Classes

·Supported Gym workouts

However if you have another sport or activity that you would like to offer our residents, please get in touch!

This role offers a dynamic and rewarding opportunity to inspire and mentor vulnerable residents, contributing to their health and personal growth. Your commitment to excellence in coaching and resident engagement will not only enhance your professional skills but also make a significant impact on the community. 

You will :

·Plan and lead, safe, engaging fitness sessions for small groups of residents

·Adapt exercises to suit varying levels of mobility, ability, and health conditions.

·Monitor participants' safety and wellbeing during sessions.

·Encourage participation and build confidence through motivation and support.

·Log attendance and feedback as required.

·Work in line with safeguarding, health and safety, and risk assessment protocols.

Skills required:

·Recognised Fitness Qualification, Exercise Class Qualification or Sports Qualification, recognised in the UK 

What we will provide:

·Access to communal garden area and nearby fields for outdoor activities

·Access to a small internal gym (bench, weights, exercise equipment)

·You will be required to undertake mandatory e-learning and a menu of optional training will be made available

·Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager

·Travel expenses reimbursed (if applicable).

·Access to events, networking, and training and development opportunities.

Please note, you will be required to undergo a DBS check and we will need details of 2 x referees.

As a Volunteer Health Walk Leader, you will play a key role in supporting our residents to become more active and improve their wellbeing through social walks!

Project Resilience provides easily accessible opportunities for our hostel residents to take part in a variety of social and sporting activities to boost overall health and wellbeing.

You’ll help lead short, safe, and friendly group walk, especially for those who may be inactive, recovering from illness, or looking to improve their physical and mental health.

You will:

·Plan and lead regular health walks in your local area

·Welcome and support all participants, ensuring a positive and inclusive atmosphere

·Carry out basic safety checks and risk assessments for walk routes

·Encourage conversation and connection among walkers

Monitor attendance and report back to the coordinator as required

Skills required:

·First Aid Qualification

·Friendly, approachable, and reliable

·Good communication and people skills

·An interest in walking and promoting healthy lifestyles

·Able to walk at a steady pace for 30–60 minutes

What we offer:

·A full induction to the role and site will be provided

·Access to communal garden area and nearby fields for outdoor activities

·You will be required to undertake mandatory e-learning and a menu of optional training will be made available

·Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager

·Travel expenses reimbursed (if applicable).

·Access to events, networking, and training and development opportunities.

Please note, that you will be required to undergo a DBS check and we will require details of 2 x referees.

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.

Do you have experience in digital and social media? Can you help us improve our communications and raise the profile of the work we do?

We are seeking an expert, creative Volunteer Digital and Social Media Lead. You will help us promote our programmes supporting people in prison and young people at risk of entering the justice system, as well as our Community Bike Shop, which funds and strengthens this work.

What you’ll do:

• Design and schedule engaging posts, stories, and reels across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more to grow our audience.

• Develop strategies for viral campaigns and collaborations to boost awareness and donations and share your expertise with our team.

• Analyse metrics (engagement, reach, growth) and refine tactics based on what resonates.

• Create eye-catching visuals using tools like Canva.

• Update our website as required and make suggestions for improvements.

• Work with our expert Trustee to consider how we can use online retail platforms to sell our refurbished bikes.

What we’ll provide:

· Creative freedom within agreed priorities and tone of voice.

· Access to the right tools plus shared photos, stories and impact stats.

· A named contact, light-touch sign-off, and occasional check-ins to remove blockers.

Time commitment: we’ll agree a realistic scope with the right volunteer based on their availability.

Reasonable agreed expenses will be paid.

Thank you

Mark Flannagan
Chief Executive

About us

UpCycle, works with individuals in prisons and young people at risk in marginalised communities.  We use bicycle maintenance workshops to help build life skills, enhance employability, prevent offending and reoffending, and foster social reintegration.  We also offer lead rides, bike fit-it sessions and other ways to engage with vulnerable people.

In prisons

· We delivered 956 un-refurbished bikes and received back 768 refurbished bikes across eight prisons and one Young Offenders Institution, training over 238 individuals.

In the Community

· Over 1034 bikes were donated to our Community Bike Shop, of those we refurbished and distributed more than 612 to underserved communities locally and overseas.

· Workshops in Bradford engaged 361 participants in diverse cycling-related activities across the area.

· "Bike to the Future" and other initiatives reached 220 young people with more complex needs.

NFYFC is seeking a trustee with strong finance experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector to join its Board and support delivery of our five-year strategy.

This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on support. Following a sustained operating deficit since the Covid period, NFYFC is focused on strengthening financial sustainability, improving financial discipline, and building long-term resilience. We are looking for a trustee who is willing to roll up their sleeves, work constructively with the Executive team, and help guide the organisation through this recovery phase.

Make a difference – become a school governor

You do not have to be a parent or member of staff to be a school governor – applications are appreciated from all with an interest in the local community. School governors come from all walks of life and specialist knowledge is not always needed. What IS essential is a desire to get involved in children’s education and make a difference to their lives.

We welcome applications from those with educational, health & safety and safeguarding experience but school governors are all volunteers and training and support is provided. The University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust partners new governors with a ‘buddy’ – a trusted and more experienced colleague on the governing body – who initially acts as their mentor. Briefing information and assistance is also available through newsletters, websites and helplines provided by the Department for Education.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Do you have an interest or experience in mental health care service design and delivery? Join us in supporting services in the Lambeth community as Chair of Mosaic Clubhouse!

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your senior leadership skills at a charity impacting the quality of life for so many in our community. You'll also work closely with our executive team while providing sound judgement for our Board.

Can you bring a great understanding of governance to our decision-making? If you are keen to act as an ambassador for a mental health charity, then we'd love to hear from you!

WHO IS MOSAIC CLUBHOUSE?

Mosaic Clubhouse is a unique, internationally renowned, mental health recovery community provider. We are right in the heart of Lambeth and wider south-east London, supporting the mental health system. We help over 400 Lambeth residents living with poor mental health each year through our work.

Mosaic people are not defined by their diagnosis but by their potential. They are our members, working side by side with staff to run every part of the Clubhouse. From reception to communications, café operations to fundraising, our model builds a sense of belonging.

WHAT MATTERS TO US

Our community reflects the heart of Brixton and Lambeth; diverse, creative, and resilient.

Mosaic runs on collaboration, not hierarchy. Our members both shape decisions and co-deliver our programmes and services. They also serve on our Board of Trustees, ensuring lived experience drives everything we do.

Our vision is for people, from all walks of life facing mental health challenges, to achieve their potential and feel respected.

IF YOU JOIN US…

You'll be joining us at an exciting time for Mosaic Clubhouse! We just celebrated our 30-year anniversary of proudly holding a positive reputation at the heart of our community.

As Chair, you'll lead on developing a new strategy to improve the mental wellbeing of our members, extending our reach to help more people.

Are you ready to guide us through this invigorating time in our history? This is a great opportunity to lead on our priorities over the coming years through a person-centred approach. 

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for someone who is motivated by our purpose and mission – to change the lives of people affected by poor mental health. You'll need to bring successful board leadership experience to ensure effective operation of our governance.

We are particularly looking for:

• effective decision-making in line with Charity Commission and International Clubhouse standards
• clear commitment to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout our work.
• goals for financial sustainability and increased employment opportunities for our members

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining Mosaic Clubhouse!

WHAT’S NEXT?

Eastside People is supporting Mosaic Clubhouse in the recruitment of this role. You can follow the link to apply today.

The closing date for applications is Mon 2nd March. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will then have an interview with Mosaic Clubhouse shortly after this.

We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from you!

Are you based in the West or East Midlands and looking for an opportunity to create positive social change, meet new people and learn new things? Music Therapy Works is looking for three-to-four committed, motivated people to join the Board as Trustees, enabling even more people to benefit from Music Therapy.

We are looking, in particular, for one or more of the following skills/experience to complement our existing Trustees:

• Finance
• Digital
• Safeguarding
• Fundraising
• Company Secretary
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
• Environmental sustainability

If you don't have any of these skills or experience please consider applying anyway! We're keen to hear from people with time and energy to commit to the valuable work of our charity.

We also want our Board to reflect the diverse community that Music Therapy Works supports.

We would really like to hear from you if you:

• Have a background in social care and/or safeguarding     
• Have a background in Music Therapy or a related field 
• Reflect MTW’s beneficiaries. For example: are you a disabled person? Do you have mental health needs? Are you a parent or teacher of a young disabled person, or a young person with mental health needs? Are you part of an adoptive family or do you work with children in care? Are you a carer for a person with dementia?

We’re seeking committed new trustees to help guide a small but ambitious charity supporting children and young people with cerebral palsy, ensuring our funds deliver meaningful, life-changing impact.

Our Board is made up of a small, committed group of trustees who bring a mix of professional expertise and personal connection to our cause. Together, we oversee a grant-making charity that has a long heritage and a clear ambition: to increase our income and ensure we can support more children and young people with cerebral palsy in meaningful, practical ways.

Like many small charities, our challenge is balancing strong governance with growth. We are financially stable and well run, but we want to think more strategically about our future: how we prioritise funding, how we grow awareness and income, and how we ensure every grant we make delivers real, lasting benefit for families. The new trustee will play an active role in shaping these conversations and helping the Board move confidently from steady state to sustainable growth.

The role is hands-on and collaborative. Trustees are expected to attend four board meetings a year, contribute thoughtfully to discussion and decision-making, and engage between meetings when specific issues arise. Depending on interest and experience, the new trustee may also be invited to take a lead role in an area of work or join a small working group, for example around fundraising development, investment oversight, or grant assessment.

This is an opportunity to influence how limited charitable funds are used where they matter most. Trustees are directly involved in decisions that enable children to access therapy, specialist equipment, and support that may not otherwise be available. For someone who wants to make a tangible difference, this is a role where your contribution can be clearly seen in the lives of the children and families we support.

The Board values open discussion, shared responsibility, and a supportive culture, making this an especially rewarding role for someone who wants their time and judgement to have genuine impact.

Finance Lay Trustee

The Finance Lay Trustee will provide strategic financial and commercial leadership to RCOT, ensuring robust governance, financial sustainability and effective oversight of commercial initiatives. As the lead trustee on financial matters, you’ll guide the Board’s understanding of financial strategy, risk and performance, and act as a key link between the Board and the Audit, Investment and Risk Committee (by sitting as a member and/or Chair of the Committee). Your insight will help shape RCOT’s long-term financial health and its ability to deliver on its mission.

We’re seeking a senior finance professional with board-level experience or significant experience reporting to boards. You will bring deep expertise in financial strategy, as well as experience in one or more of: commercial
operations; regulatory compliance; or not-forprofit organisations. You will be confident in interpreting complex financial information and communicating it clearly to non-finance colleagues, and you will take a collaborative,
values-led approach to inclusive and purpose-led leadership.

To view the role profile please click on this Finance Lay Trustee | RCOT 

To apply, please submit a CV and suitability statement aligned with the role profile with no more than 600 words, via this Finance Lay Trustee | RCOT  by Sunday 15 February 2026.