Housing services officers volunteer roles in Denham green, buckinghamshire

Thames Reach Housing is the registered provider subsidiary of Thames Reach Charity, a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and South East England.

Thames Reach Housing completed the process of registration with the Regulator of Social Housing in February 2023 and has taken ownership of one of the hostels managed by Thames Reach Charity. Becoming a registered provider offers the opportunity to consider the transfer of other hostels and supported housing schemes where this is the best way to secure their future; as well as possible ownership of new hostel and supported housing developments where revenue funding is available.

The Thames Reach group (Thames Reach Charity and Thames Reach Housing) is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

The group has just over 400 employees and around 150 volunteers, and our turnover is around £28 million per year. The employees at the hostel which is owned by Thames Reach Housing are employed by Thames Reach Charity under a local authority contract. Thames Reach Housing therefore does not have any direct employees and its key function as the owning registered provider is to ensure the delivery of high-quality accommodation that supports the work carried out by Thames Reach Charity.

Thames Reach Housing has an effective and experienced non-executive board. They are supported by group sub-committees shared with Thames Reach Charity with a focus on the specific areas of Governance and People, Finance, Audit and Fundraising, and our Services. The Board meets around four times a year and participates in an annual group awayday in the autumn. There are currently three board members; one Thames Reach Housing Board member is shared with the Thames Reach Charity Board, and acts as the link between the Finance, Audit and Fundraising and Governance and People sub-committees. The Chair and other Board member are independents, not forming part of the Thames Reach Charity Board structure.

We are now looking for a new independent member, with an interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for Thames Reach Housing.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who may be considering becoming a Board member for the first time and we want to prioritise interest in homelessness and understanding of how housing associations operate above existing governance experience. We are able to provide governance support and training to new Board members and you would be joining a board with considerable governance experience aligned with a competent Thames Reach Charity senior team to support you in your role.

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

Cardinal Hume Centre is looking for two new trustees to help break the cycle of homelessness for children, young people and families.

Based in Westminster, we support more than 1,400 children, young people and families each year who are facing homelessness and poverty. Through personalised, wraparound services, we work alongside people to build stability, confidence and the foundations for longterm independence — tackling homelessness now to prevent it in the future. 

We are recruiting for two complementary trustee roles: 

• A trustee with lived experience. 
  We are looking for another trustee whose personal experience of challenges such as homelessness or insecure housing, migration, poverty or longterm unemployment can help ground our decisions in what truly works. Your insight will strengthen the voice of past, present and future clients at Board level and help us become a more inclusive, responsive organisation. 

• A trustee with senior estates, building or facilities expertise. 
  The Centre owns a large site in central London and is developing a longterm vision for how it can best support our mission over the next 10–15 years. We are seeking someone who can guide, support and challenge our thinking as we plan for the future of our buildings and facilities. 

We are deeply committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity, experience and strength of the community we serve.Around 85% of our clients are from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and many live with disabilities — perspectives that are not yet fully represented on our Board.We strongly encourage applications from people whose experiences or backgrounds are underrepresented in charity leadership. 

Trustees receive a full induction, training and ongoing support. We cover all reasonable expenses — including travel and caring costs — and can learn and make adjustments so every trustee can participate fully, confidently and on an equal basis. 

If you share our belief in dignity, welcome and potential- and want to help shape a compassionate, inclusive Centre - we would love to hear from you. 

The role closes on Monday 11 May 2026. For further information, please read the job pack.You can contact the CEO for an informal conversation

Do you believe that every person has a right to a full life, with friendship, belonging and chances to contribute their gifts? Do you want to support a global movement that shares the struggle of people with learning disabilities for voice, rights and community? If so, you could make a profound contribution to L’Arche through joining our Board of Trustees.

This is a pivotal time for L’Arche as, after 50 years in the UK, we work to deliver our 2030 Strategy for Beautiful Community, Brilliant Care and Effective Organisation. We are now looking for three to four new Trustees who can bring a depth of professional and personal experience to diversify the voices and expertise on our Board, in support of our vision to show that everyone belongs.

In particular, we would welcome people who can bring expertise in Fundraising, PR and Marketing, in Learning Disability Services and Commissioning, in Housing and Health & Safety, or Legal Expertise. We also want to strengthen the representation on the Board of people, for example in terms of age, ethnicity, lived experience of disability, gender and LGBTQ representation.

L’Arche in the UK is part of a worldwide movement of people with and without learning disabilities building community together. We aim to be a beacon for our society - of what social care can be, what life with learning disabilities can be, and what a more human society can be.

Our 11 Communities in England, Scotland and Wales offer a varied mix of adult supported living, registered care, and day services. We focus on building mutual relationships and going beyond traditional care models to celebrate the value of every individual.

L’Arche was first founded on Christian principles. These principles mean we stand for radical inclusion, and for the right of every person to flourish in their spirituality, whatever their background. To find out more about spirituality in L’Arche, have a look at our website to see what people said in our Big Conversation on Spirituality.

For further information about the role and context, including full details of how to apply, please see our Appointment Details Pack which can be downloaded from the supporting documents section below. Application is by submission of CV and cover letter via email to Laura Bagley at Macaulay Search (please see Appointment Details Pack for contact details).

The closing date for applications is Monday 11th May 2026.

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

Registered in 1999, Daybreak is a charity whose foundations are in growing the practice of Family Group Conferences in the UK. From this, we have seen the positive impact that occurs when families and communities are empowered to take action when faced with challenging situations.

People and communities often feel disempowered - especially those whose lives are influenced by the systems around them. However, we know that people can take action to support each other and choose what action to take when given the right opportunity to have their voice heard.

This is why we believe in a world where families, people’s wider social networks, and communities work together to make decisions and proactively solve the problems affecting their lives.

Now, utilising a range of family led decision making approaches and working alongside partner organisations and within the community, we bring people together to create opportunities for them to communicate, work together, and choose what actions to take, in order to move forward, be safe, and thrive.

Throughout our various programs, our work centres around the principles of voluntary participation, transparency and openness for all, advocacy for those who need it, and for our contribution to be facilitative not prescriptive.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking to welcome two new members to our Board of Trustees.

To serve as one of Daybreak’s trustees is to play a fundamental role in enabling our charity to pursue its vision, mission, and values. Your contribution to discussions and decision-making at the highest level of our organisation will ensure that we can continue to provide our services to those in need of our support.

The role is more focused on strategy than detail. You will offer crucial guidance and support to management in developing a growth strategy that will allow Daybreak to reach more people and touch more lives.

There is no requirement for you to have experience as a Trustee. All we need is a willingness to use your skills and expertise to support Daybreak, a desire to make a difference for our service users, and a commitment to active participation in the role.

We would especially welcome applications from those with experience in Data, Digital and either Children or Adult Social Services.

The time commitment involved is around thirty hours per year, though a wide range of opportunities to get involved in the Board’s work will be provided. Board meetings are usually held quarterly in Hampshire or online.

What we offer

‍ As a trustee you will be given:

• Induction and ongoing support.

• Board-level experience in a friendly environment, with the opportunity to exercise your existing skills and develop new ones. Our Board contains a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds, including business and family services, and you will be able to tap into and learn from the breadth of knowledge that they possess.

• Scope to drive a growth strategy designed to expand our services and allow us to give more families and communities the chance to take control of their circumstances. Your experience and insight will be vital in enabling us to channel the power of families and communities coming together to strengthen the bonds between them.

• A comprehensive insight into the charitable sector, the challenges it faces, and how these challenges can be overcome.

• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people, and their families. Your strategic input will help spur positive change and empower families and communities to overcome their unique challenges, and you will see the beneficial impact of your decision-making play out across our services.

• The knowledge that your contribution has helped secure the best possible results for service users and navigate the challenges our charity faces. By helping us, you will help families to find more workable solutions to their problems, while avoiding plans being imposed upon them.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Social Interest Group in their search to appoint a new Treasurer. 

This is a chance to support a values-led organisation delivering specialist services across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, and Kent, as well as in prisons in London and Liverpool.

About Social Interest Group 

Social Interest Group (SIG) is a leading UK charity providing bespoke person-centred health and social care services. They empower people by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement. The believe good care, support and well-planned services make a difference and improve lives.

Working through six subsidiaries—SIG Penrose, SIG Housing Trust, SIG Equinox, SIG Pathways to Independence, and SIG Safe Ground – SIG provides tailored support to people facing complex challenges, including homelessness, mental health, substance use, and criminal justice involvement. SIG provides thousands of people with support and care in temporary supported accommodation, drop-in centres, community floating support, criminal justice settings and hospitals awaiting discharge.

Their mission is to bridge gaps in local health and social care, helping people move out of hospital, prison, and homelessness into safer, more stable lives.

The Trustee Board is central to ensuring governance, strategic oversight and ethical leadership across the organisation. They work collectively to shape the long-term strategy, oversee organisational performance, manage risk, and ensure SIG operates with integrity, transparency, and in the best interest of beneficiaries to achieve our organisational objectives, utilising the funds entrusted to us for long-term sustainability.

About the Treasurer opportunity:

SIG is seeking a new Treasurer to join their Board of Trustees to manage the financial health of the organisation, ensuring compliance, and support strategic decision making.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Ensure organisational financial viability
• Work with Chief Executive and Finance Officer to achieve the financial sustainability of the organisation
• Oversee and approve budgets, accounts, and financial statements
• Oversee the integrity of financial planning, management, and reporting, ensuring effective use of resources and organisational sustainability
• Ensure robust internal controls, audit processes, risk management, and compliance frameworks are in place
• Provide governance, support and oversight in line with Charity Commission expectations, statutory responsibilities and legal obligations

Person Specification:

• Qualified Accountant or similar including ACT, ACCA, CIMA, CertT or ACA
• Experience in governance, senior leadership or strategic advisory roles
• Experience interpreting risk, performance and financial information
• Experience presenting complex information to non-specialists

The role involves:

• Four board meetings per year (online and in-person)
• Additional input into planning and specialist areas
• Approx. 4 hours per month

Thames Reach is a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, our services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and the South East.

Thames Reach is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

We have just over 400 employees and around 150volunteers, and our organisational turnover is around £28 million per annum.

We have an effective and long-standing non-executive Board with a wealth of relevant experience in both the public and commercial sectors. They provide valuable support to the Executive team, as well as attending around five Board meetings every year, sitting on one of the three Board sub-committees (Finance, Audit and Fundraising; Services; Governance and People) that meet around four times a year. Board members are also asked to participate in an annual away day, usually in the autumn, with separate preparatory visits to our services.

We are now looking for up to three new members. As well as interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness as a board member and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for the organisation, we are hoping to recruit members with specific skills in the following areas:

People/ Human Resources

Candidates with current understanding of the recruitment, management, retention and development of staff (and volunteers) in an organisation of Thames Reach’s size.

Lived experience

Candidates with lived experience of street homelessness and/or service use (for example substance misuse or mental health services), and an understanding of how this lived experience can improve and develop services.

Finance/accounting

Candidates with knowledge of financial management in medium large complex organisations, particularly those with knowledge of Charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) requirements.

Communications

Candidates with current knowledge of approaches to internal and external organisational communication, with understanding of both conventional and new media. 

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

VOLUNTEER POSITION – Grants Assistant

Hope and Vision Communities is a small charity based in Reading providing supported, move-on accommodation for people who have successfully completed residential rehabilitation.  We have a Christian ethos, where everyone can be loved and accepted with a sense of belonging, with the hope and opportunity of a new life. We are growing to expand who we can help to other geographical areas, as well as working on opening a women’s service.    

Growing our services means that we also need to grow our fundraising income, and to help reach this, we are looking for a skilled volunteer who could help us increase our grant submissions. The role will support the Trusts and Grants Fundraiser in managing a regular flow of grant applications to Trusts and Foundations.

Key Responsibilities

 •  Research and apply for grants and funding opportunities already identified in our CRM system - this could be potentially 3 applications a week where you prepare a customised case for support to be sent out to a funder

Key Skills and Qualifications

 •  Experience in using Microsoft Sharepoint for remote working

 •Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to inspire and engage diverse audiences.

 •  Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

Hope and Vision Communities is a small charity based in Reading providing supported, move-on accommodation for people who have successfully completed residential rehabilitation.  We are growing to expand who we can help to other geographical areas, as well as working on opening a women’s service.    

Growing our services means that we also need to grow our fundraising income, and to help reach this, we are looking for a skilled volunteer who could help us take our communications to the next level. The role will support the Trusts and Grants Fundraiser with a focus on managing the charity’s social media posts; updates to the website and supporting event admin.

Key Tasks:

• Scheduling audience-specific, engaging and shareable content in different formats 

• Regularly posting across our social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook) and monitoring engagement to increase our following 

• Creating call to actions to increase our Mailchimp mailing list 

• Book attendance at networking and fundraising events

• Help us with copy writing for the press, fundraising tools and internet site. 

Key Skills:

• Comfortable in using digital comms tools such as mailchimp; wordpress; eventbrite; canva 

• Experienced in using social media such as Facebook; Instagram; LinkedIn 

• Able to research social media management tools such as Buffer 

• A confident copywriter who can write for different comms channels 

• Confident communicator with strong organisational skills

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

EXPERIENCE 

Relevant experience using digital communications tools and creating engaging content 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES 

Ability to present written and verbal information clearly, accurately and to a standard appropriate for external presentation and communication 

Ability to work well within a team and independently 

Understanding of issues faced by those recovering from addiction 

Demonstrated commitment to the vision, mission and values of the organisation 

You will be supported to succeed and gain real workplace experience with a great group of people and the chance to make a real difference to the people in recovery we support.   

MAIN PURPOSE: 

• To support the comms/fundraising team with communication and events. 

• Help us increase our outreach in the communities and beyond, build a group of supporters and regular donors.

Estimated need for the charity: 

Roughly 4-6 hours per week, whenever is most convenient for you. For example, 3 hours, two days a week. You will be working mainly remotely from home, although volunteers are very welcome to work from our offices in Hare Hatch. You must have access to your own laptop and secure internet connection. 

We are a local charity rooted since 2007 in the Hackney community, helping and supporting migrants with their immigration status and access to services. Our long-standing and committed local volunteers work together with a small number of paid staff to deliver our work. We are looking for a Chair to come and help us to help others. We have a new Vice-Chair, an experienced Treasurer and a CEO in post for 18 months so you'll be joining a strong leadership team. We are particularly interested in applicants with lived or learned experience of migration to the UK; and/or previous experience chairing a board of trustees; and/or senior management experience. 

About The Connection at St Martin’s

No one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets and everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home. 

This is an exciting time for The Connection.  Although rough sleeping is increasing on our streets, we believe we have the solutions.  To meet the growing need for our help, we need to secure more resources.  We are planning a new fundraising strategy so that we can save lives, work more closely with health services and get more people into long term accommodation.

About the Role

To achieve this, we are looking for more fundraising expertise at Board level.  We are looking for a senior fundraising professional to join our active and skilled board.  Ideally you are a Fundraising Director working in a successful medium to large charity, with strong knowledge of highly effective, innovative fundraising teams.  You will guide us to get the best from the resources we put in and steer further investment to support ambitious growth.

We have a particular interest in major donor and corporate fundraising as these are areas where we have the opportunities for growth.  We are also keen to build relationships with senior leaders at funder organisations and encourage them to act as ambassadors to promote our cause.

The Connection has very strong brand recognition for our size due to our location in the centre of London and our long standing relationship with the BBC through the Radio 4 Christmas Appeal.  Help us with our step change in fundraising so that we can make a huge difference to people sleeping rough on our streets.

Closing Date: Tuesday 5th May
Interview Date: w/c Monday 11th May

Trainee Research and Development Officer

Are you interested in the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

Are you keen to work in the NGO/international development sector?

Do you need some practical experience in the field?

Look no further, as McAndrew Leadership is launching a fresh appeal for new research and development interns!

Come and join us for a 3-6 month internship to conduct exciting local and international development research, help design international development projects, receive training and practical experience in grant writing and other key skills, and much more!

Interested? Read on and apply!

McAndrew Leadership is looking to hire Programmes Research and Development interns to assist staff in the following areas of focus:

• Proposal Writing.

• Donor Mapping.

• Project Research.

• Organisational, Strategy and Partnership Development.

Location: Southgate

Length of Internship: Interns are required to commit to a minimum of 3 months for their internship. After 3 months, depending on performance, interns will be offered the opportunity to continue their internship on an allowance basis.

Hours of work: Interns are asked to commit to a minimum of 3 days per week. However this is flexible and we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements.

Salary: Unpaid - however upon the completion of the internship training period, paid internships will be made available if resources are available.

This is offered as a hybrid internship position. Days you are requested in office, travel allowances will be offered.

Job description

McAndrew Leadership is a UK-based consultancy that delivers services and training to international development charities, private sector organisations, individuals and others, to enable them to drive their development practices and unleash their potential. We train, mentor and empower current and future leaders, their teams and their organisations, to build the skills and knowledge needed to enhance their capacities and expand their prospects. 

For those new to the sector of international development, McAndrew Leadership is the ideal place to apply their knowledge gained from university into real-life scenarios, to deliver positive change.

This role is ideal for any individual who wants to gain invaluable experience working in the international development sector. Interns are an invaluable part of our team and will play an active role in producing proposals for development projects, conducting in-depth research on development issues, developing training sessions and much more, while making sure that client needs are met as part of their day-to-day tasks. Being exposed to multiple different organisations - each with their own unique characteristics - will give the applicant a wide range of different experiences during their internship.

Research will be focused on sourcing key data and information on international development issues, best practices and practical frameworks for NGOs operating internationally. The successful individual will play a vital role in gathering the knowledge required to achieve client organisations’ strategic objectives and priorities. They will also help to enhance the presence of our consultancy services online through social media, blog posts and website content development. 

The main tasks in the role will include the following:

1.     Conduct background research on key international development issues in relation to clients' projects.

2.     Research funding opportunities that align with the interests of McAndrew’s clients and focus areas.

3.     Designing projects for multiple initiatives with different organizations that have a UK and international focus.

4.     Writing tailored proposals and grant applications on behalf of clients, to provide them with vital funding.

5.     Deliver work to support the growth and development of our clients' membership bodies, most notably the Alliance of NGOs and CSOs for South-South Cooperation (ANCSSC). 

6.     Research innovative programmes to support clients' work to tackle development issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

7.      Assist in promoting McAndrew's online presence through social media, blog posts and our website. 

8.      Supporting the team in creative brainstorms and other tasks.

9.      Other task as required by the line manager.

10.   Attending in-house and external training workshops.

Essential Skills:

1.     Qualified to a degree level, preferably in International Development or a related field.

2.     Fluent in English.

3.     Strong written communication skills.

4.     Strong knowledge and understanding and/or previous experience in international development and humanitarian emergencies.

5.     Driven, motivated and meticulous attention to detail.

6.     Strong sense of initiative, proactive thinking and ability to work under pressure.

7.     High energy with a friendly personality.

8.     Display initiative and responsibility, with a keen willingness to learn and develop.

9.     Ability to create and innovate.

10.   Ability to work well on own initiative.

11.    Adept at using Microsoft Office.

Desirable skills:

1.     Previous experience of working with NGOs/international development agencies.

2.     Knowledge of Arabic or French is an asset due to ongoing cooperation with Arabic-speaking partners.

3.     Knowledge and understanding of current international development issues and events.

We’re looking for an outstanding trustee who is a bold and visionary leader in their field to join our Board of Trustees. You will help us achieve our vision of making sure our members have an outstanding experience during their time at UCL and at one of the best student unions in the world.

We’re looking for an inspirational leader in a field related to one of our services or values to join us in our mission. That mission is to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for better.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the mission, vision and values of the Students’ Union and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose through our 2025-2030 Strategy, Making More Happen. The Trustees ensure development of, and agree, a long-term strategy and approve and monitor plans and budgets to deliver the strategy. There are five meetings a year, and as an External Trustee you will work with our Board and Senior Management Team to affect change and ensure everything we do for our 50,000 members is led by our values to be Community Building, Empowering, Inclusive, Democratic, Bold, Sustainable and Fun.

To apply please send a CV and cover letter by email no later than 17.00 on Tuesday 5 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview on Tuesday 19 or Thursday 21 May 2026 and will join our Board for a four-year term beginning in June 2026.

Please note that this position is only open to candidates who are neither a student, alumnus or employee of UCL.

Rainbow Migration, the longest-running UK charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is seeking a trustee who is or has been a refugee due to persecution as an LGBTQI+ person. This is part of an ongoing commitment to increase leadership in the organisation by people with lived experience of the issues we work on.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about our vision that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives, and our mission to support LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system and influence policy and practice.

At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We particularly encourage applications from people who have sought asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. 

More information on Rainbow Migration is in appendix 1 of the application pack.

If you would like to find out more before applying, you can attend a webinar on Friday 17 April 2026 from 1 to 2pm. This is an opportunity to meet Rainbow Migration’s Executive Director and a trustee and ask us any questions. It is not part of the application or selection process. Please register using the form linked in the application pack and a Zoom link will be sent to you. If you cannot attend, you can still fill out the form and request a recording afterwards.

If you would prefer to have a one-to-one conversation, or have any questions about the role, the webinar or how to apply, please contact us using the email address in the application pack.

The role of trustees

Trustees are volunteers who bring their skills and experience to shape our strategic direction. They have legal responsibility for the charity, ensure good governance, and make sure our finances and resources are used well to implement our mission. Trustees also play a role as ambassadors for the organisation and our work.

Trustees do not get involved in operational decision-making. For example, decisions on which social media platforms we use or what group activities we run for service users are taken by staff.

Because trustees are volunteers, they do not receive payment for their time. Rainbow Migration can pay your costs when incurred solely for fulfilling trustee duties (e.g. travel, phone top-ups if needed exclusively for trustee work).

You can find out more information about what being a trustee involves at the links available in the application pack.

Time commitment

We are looking for people who can commit to being a trustee for at least three years. Trustees can then be re-elected for another three years. The maximum term limit for our trustees is nine years (in line with Charity Commission guidance).

Trustees meet on a weekday evening, from 6 to 9 pm, five times per year. There may be additional meetings in 2026 as part of our work on anti-oppression and to develop our next organisational strategy.

Meetings are usually held on Zoom except in December when we meet in-person in London, with an informal dinner first. For in-person meetings, travel costs (and meals and accommodation if relevant) can be covered.

You will need to spend two to four hours reading 8 to 30 papers before each meeting. Papers are provided a few days in advance of meetings. The “Board Buddy” (see below under Support for Trustees) can help with understanding them. You can also ask to meet with the Executive Director or Chair to explain them.

You can see examples of topics of discussion at board meetings in appendix 2 of the application pack.

You will also need to give some time between meetings. This includes, for example:

• Spending 10 to 30 minutes reviewing and correcting the minutes (written record) of the last board meeting
• Spending 30 to 60 minutes reviewing and giving feedback on documents, such as a new or updated draft organisational policy (e.g. data protection, safeguarding, health and safety)
• Reading and responding to emails within one or two days.

The board has two subcommittees: one on HR and one on finance. You may be asked to join one of these a few months after you become a trustee. If you do, there will be up to four more meetings a year and there will be papers to read for each of these meetings.

Support for trustees

We provide numerous resources for trustees. Below are some examples but they are not exhaustive and we are open to suggestions. Support can be accessed throughout the time someone is a trustee.

Training:

• We can pay for trustees to access training on good governance, the duties of a trustee, and charity finance.
• We give access to webinars and online training e.g. on safeguarding and cyber-security.
• We provide internal training (by staff) on areas such as safeguarding and data protection.

One-to-one support:

• New trustees have induction meetings with Rainbow Migration staff.
• An existing trustee can act as a “Board Buddy” for new trustees, which includes formal and informal meetings and support around board meetings and papers.
• We can help you to find a mentor e.g. The Experts by Experience Employment Initiative can provide mentoring for people with lived experience of migration.
• We can discuss accommodations that are needed for disabled people and other ways to ensure trustees feel fully included and able to participate

Equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-oppression

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and we know this is ongoing work. We are also reviewing what we do and how we do it through an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens, as well as investing in being more informed and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. We want our organisation — including our trustee board — to be increasingly shaped and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. That is why this trustee position is specifically for someone who has been granted refugee status in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person.

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, identities and experiences – including from people who are trans (including non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, gender non-conforming and agender) and intersex. We recognise that people have different journeys, strengths and access needs, and we are committed to removing barriers wherever we can. If you share our vision, mission and values, we encourage you to apply and let us know how we can support you through the process.

To support candidates during the interview process, we send some of the questions in advance to give applicants more thinking time. You are welcome to bring notes with you and also take notes in interviews to help process information. Please let us know if we can make other adjustments to support you through the application and selection process.

Once appointed, trustees can continue to access a range of support options throughout their time on the board.

Person specification

Essential

For this role, we are looking for someone who has been awarded refugee status in the UK on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. At this time, we are not accepting applications from people who still in the process of applying for asylum, or who have leave to remain in the UK on other grounds (e.g. work, human rights, marriage) as these experiences are already represented on our board.

We welcome applications from people who have used our services as well as those who have never interacted with us before.

In addition to having been granted asylum in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person, the following are necessary:

• Commitment to Rainbow Migration’s mission, vision and values
• Ability to work constructively with other trustees and staff
• Good English (so you can understand spoken conversations in meetings and contribute)
• Ability to read and understand long documents (e.g. trustees must be familiar with our policies, such as our safeguarding policy, and the key points in our publications such as Still Falling Short)
• Courage and enthusiasm to learn, encourage, challenge, influence and support other people and the organisation
• Confidence to ask questions (this helps everyone learn and improve) or request training or support
• Ability to analyse and scrutinise information provided by staff and trustees (the Board Buddy and other trustees can assist you in this)
• Ability to use independent judgement and share your thoughts with trustees and the Executive Director
• Willingness to share your opinion and give guidance to the board in areas where you have knowledge or experience
• Commitment to speak well about the organisation to others (e.g. funders, other charities)
• Regular access to a secure, private email account and a quiet, private space for joining online meetings and telephone calls
• Be living in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
• Aged 16 or over
• Not be previously disqualified as a trustee or company director, have an undischarged bankruptcy or have unspent criminal convictions for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud).

Desirable

It would be beneficial if you have work or volunteer experience in an area relevant to Rainbow Migration’s work (e.g. service delivery, communications, campaigning, lobbying, fundraising, HR, IT) but this is not a requirement.