Human rights advocacy officer volunteer roles in Bethnal green, greater london

Proxy by IWI Overview

Proxy by IWI is dedicated to fostering thoughtful and engaged feminist responses to mainstream media, popular culture, legal issues, and advocacy.

Published daily, Proxy is committed to delivering ambitious and distinctive journalism. The publication covers topics that are of greatest significance to women’s human rights, focusing on people, ideas, laws and institutions from a feminist viewpoint and extending beyond. Proxy features original investigative reporting, insightful analysis, compelling arguments, and personal reflections, all designed to offer a multifaceted feminist take on current affairs.

Principal Responsibilities

· Maintain a thorough understanding of global trends and developments concerning women's human rights.

· Submit two articles per month for publication, each typically between 600 and 800 words in length.

· Ensure accuracy by obtaining supplementary material and further information from archives, reference libraries, and                  interviews with informed individuals.

· Conduct interviews in a variety of circumstances as required.

· Establish and maintain contacts to facilitate news gathering, including relationships with the police, emergency services,            local councils, community groups, health trusts, press officers from various organisations, and members of the public as            needed.

· Work collaboratively with the IWI and Proxy team to produce clear and precise content in accordance with house style              guidelines.

· Undertake research and write feature articles, occasionally contributing to subsidiary publications and supplements.

Requirements

· A minimum of four years’ experience in research and/or reporting.

· Proven interpersonal and collaborative abilities, able to work independently as well as part of a team.

· Flexibility, initiative, and robust problem-solving skills.

· Experience within multicultural settings and an awareness of cross-cultural differences.

· Dedication to promoting women’s human rights.

· Strong listening skills.

· Outstanding writing skills, including adaptability in writing styles and responsiveness to editorial guidance.

· Excellent analytical capabilities for precise understanding of subject matter.

· Superb organisational skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and adhere to tight deadlines.

· Creative thinking in conveying messages innovatively.

· Rigorous attention to detail, including proficiency in proofreading one’s own work.

· Exceptional written English skills.

Recruitment blurb

The Vavengers is looking to expand its Board of Trustees.  We are The Vavengers. We are a women and survivor-led movement working to end FGM and intersecting Violence Against Women and Girls. We campaign, convene and connect to end Gender-Based Violence.

As a led by and for movement, we encourage female candidates and candidates who have lived experience of Gender-Based Violence, migration, war and poverty to join our movement. 

The Vavengers is a proud Living Wage Employer, Certified Halo Workplace and member of the Sunflower Network for Hidden Disabilities.

The Vavengers Board

As Trustee terms come to an end, we are seeking a number of new Board members. We are a small charity, and our Board provides a vital role in supporting the CEO, including providing specialist expertise in areas such as fundraising, Human Resources, charity/donor finance, events and volunteer management. We are also seeking specific Legal, Treasurer and Co-Chair roles (see below).      

All Trustee Candidates must have 

• Personal integrity, sound judgement and a commitment to robust governance

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships

• A leadership style that reflects empathy, accountability and the values of The Vavengers, which underpin everything we do

• Strong commitment to social and racial justice, gender equality and ending all forms of Gender-Based Violence 

In return, we will provide you with a comprehensive induction and the opportunity to work with an extraordinary team of staff, ambassadors and volunteers, to gain experience in a governance role and to contribute towards the goal of ending FGM and intersecting violence everywhere. 

Time commitment:  As a Trustee, you will commit to attending 4 Board meetings per year and providing ad hoc support if required between meetings. You will leverage your professional networks to support the goals of the charity. 

The Vavengers Co-Chair designate

The Vavengers has recently transitioned to a Co-Chair approach to better support our small but dedicated team, and in recognition of the heightened risk of isolation and burnout in small charities. This dual-leadership model allows the Co-Chairs to prioritise staff well-being and offer more robust, active support to The Vavengers staff.  Our Co-Chairs and CEOs work as close partners, using frequent, informal check-ins to ensure rapid decision-making and a collaborative culture.

One of our Co-Chairs will step down in the coming months; therefore, The Vavengers is seeking a new Trustee to join the Board and step into the Co-Chair role.  A full handover will be provided.

The Co-Chair will:

• Co-led the Board of Trustees, planning and chairing meetings, setting agendas and ensuring all trustees contribute to effective and inclusive decision-making

• Ensure the Board meets the highest standards of governance and compliance in line with charity law and Charity Commission requirements.

• Lead the board in setting the charity’s strategic direction and monitoring implementation of The Vavengers ' 3-year strategic plan, which was launched in July 2025

• Support the CEO, acting as a critical friend and leading the CEO’s annual appraisal process.

• Oversee Trustee recruitment and ensure Board effectiveness through regular performance review.s

• Represent the charity in external forums, as directed by the CEO

The ideal candidate will bring integrity, diplomacy and emotional intelligence to this Co-Chair role.  They will have previous Board experience, ideally as a Chair or Vice-Chair and a strong understanding of charity governance and the distinction between governance and operational management.  They will have a proven ability to build strong relationships with the CEO, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and external stakeholders.  They should have experience in navigating risk and uncertainty at the organisational and sector level.  They must be committed to building an open, collegiate co-leadership relationship with their Co-Chair.

Time commitment:  The role involves working with your Co-Chair and CEO to prepare and deliver 4 Board meetings per year, regular check-ins with the CEO, routine check-ins with Trustees, a strong partnership and open communication with your Co-Chair to divide tasks and ensure The Vavengers team is supported.  One Board meeting per year will be in person.  All other Board meetings will be via Google Meet. 

The Vavengers Treasurer

We are seeking a Treasurer to join the Board and oversee financial governance. The Treasurer will:

• Provide strategic financial support to the CEO

• Establish and chair a new Audit and Risk sub-committee

• Monitor financial performance, ensuring appropriate controls and compliance are in place and advising on risk.

The ideal candidate will be a senior finance professional with strong experience in governance, audit and risk. Candidates should be comfortable operating at the Board level, providing constructive challenge and communicating financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues. Knowledge of charity finance and the SORP would be an advantage, but is not essential.  

A full handover will be provided by our current Treasurer, who is stepping down in the summer. 

Time commitment:  The role involves Board meetings 4 times per year, Finance Committee meetings 4 times per year and some ad hoc support between meetings.  One Board meeting per year will be in person.  All other Board meetings will be via Google Meet. 

The Vavengers, Legal Trustee

We are seeking a legal trustee for the Vavengers Board.  The legal trustee will already have or will be willing to develop a strong understanding of charity governance and will be eager to grow and amplify the charity’s significant public advocacy work.   

The right candidate would bring professional legal experience from one or more areas relevant to our work, which may include human rights, immigration and asylum, media and communication, employment and equality, defamation, risk management, compliance and data protection.  Experience in charity law and governance would be an advantage, but is not essential.

A full handover will be provided by our current Legal Trustee, who is stepping down in the summer. 

Time commitment:  The role involves Board meetings 4 times per year, with additional meetings should the Trustee join one of the charity’s committees.  Some ad hoc support may be required between meetings.  One Board meeting per year will be in person.  All other Board meetings will be via Google Meet. 

To apply

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter which answers the following questions:

• Why do you want to become a Trustee of The Vavengers

• What expertise and experience will you bring to the Vavengers Board

You can read full job descriptions at our website under get involved - join our board of trustees.

—

"When women and girls rise, we all thrive."

The Vavengers is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in England and Wales | Registration number: 1184202 | The Vavengers Headquarters: 59-60 Cornhill House, First Floor, London EC3V 3PD United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Young Enterprise is the UK’s leading youth charity for enterprise and financial education, helping young people develop the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to thrive in work and life.

Since our founding, we have supported 7.2 million young people through financial and enterprise education opportunities. Through our ambitious 2024–2030 Transforming Futures strategy, we are working to ensure every young person has access to the financial education, enterprise capability, and work readiness they need to succeed.

We are seeking to appoint three new Trustees to join our Board at an exciting and pivotal time for the charity.

We are particularly interested in candidates with senior expertise in one of the following areas:

• Finance – ideally a qualified accountant interested in chairing our Risk and Audit Committee

• Governance – with experience in employment law and/or charity law

• Human Resources – senior-level HR leadership experience

We are looking for strategic and community-minded individuals who can help strengthen our governance, guide our future direction, and support our mission to improve life chances for young people across the UK.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting strategic leadership and governance

• Safeguarding the charity’s financial stability and reputation

• Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance

• Providing specialist expertise to Board discussions and decision-making

• Acting as ambassadors for Young Enterprise and our mission

We are particularly interested in applicants who offer:

• Strong strategic thinking and sound judgment

• Commitment to young people and social mobility

• Collaborative leadership and communication skills

• Understanding of good governance

• A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and safeguarding

We strongly encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience of disadvantaged communities or supporting young people facing barriers to opportunity.

This is an unpaid role with reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed. Trustees are expected to attend Board meetings (primarily London-based), undertake training, be willing to participate in committee work if applicable, and contribute approximately 7–10 days annually. Appointments are for an initial three-year term, with potential reappointment for up to six years.

Keeping Young People Safe

We are committed to keeping young people safe. All successful candidates will undergo an enhanced DBS (England & Wales) check and receive safeguarding training.

At Young Enterprise, safeguarding is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All successful candidates will receive ongoing safeguarding training throughout and be expected to uphold excellent safeguarding practice at all times.

How to Apply:

Please refer to our information pack for full details.

To apply, please send:

• An up-to-date CV (PDF format)

• A supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) outlining your suitability for the role, based on the essential criteria in the person specification

Applications should be received by 23:30 on 31 July 2026. We will be assessing applications on a rolling basis and may shortlist and invite candidates to interview before the closing date.

At YE we are passionate and committed to keeping your data safe and secure.  Full details can be found in the YE People’s Privacy Notice.

Join us in shaping brighter futures for young people across the UK.

About the role

UK Feminista is looking for people committed to feminism and women’s equality to join our volunteer Board of Directors.

Founded in 2010, UK Feminista is a charitable organisation working for a society free from sexism and violence against women and girls. We campaign for systemic change so that women can enjoy their rights as enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. We exist to tackle the root causes of sex inequality. Our core programmes are combating commercial sexual exploitation; and tackling sexism and sexual harassment in education. Please read more about our programmes of work on our website.

The role of the Board of Directors is to:  

• Take legal and financial responsibility in order to safeguard the assets and the continuity of UK Feminista.  

• Be satisfied that financial information is accurate and that financial management systems and controls are robust and defensible.  

• Ensure that UK Feminista complies with its Articles of Association, company law and other relevant legislation and regulations.  

• Ensure that the policies and practices of UK Feminista meets the organisation’s needs, are in keeping with its charitable objects and strive to achieve best practise.

• Further the charitable objects of UK Feminista.  

In carrying out the collective responsibilities of the Board, the role of the individual Director is to:  

• Follow UK Feminista’s Code of Conduct at all times.  

• Declare conflicts of interest and exercise confidentiality and independent judgement at all times.  

• Contribute relevant knowledge and expertise to the organisation’s activities at the request of the Director.  

• Be a proactive advocate for UK Feminista.  

• Act as an ambassador to UK Feminista, including building the profile of the organisation; seeking relevant fundraising connections and support; and representing the organisation at meetings and acting as spokesperson when requested by the Director.  

• Contribute to the development of the organisational strategy through providing support, constructive challenge and ideas, in collaboration with the Director.  

About you 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and do not require previous board experience. We particularly encourage applications from Black and ethnically minoritised, disabled and neurodivergent individuals.   

Person specification:

• Strong commitment to the aims of UK Feminista.  

• Strong understanding of sex inequality and commercial sexual exploitation.  

• An ability to work effectively as part of a team.  

• An ability and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to complete Board Member duties. 

• An ability to think strategically and exercise good judgement.  

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Board Member. 

• An understanding of and commitment to upholding the Board’s governance role as distinct from the operational role of staff.  

• Knowledge, skills and experience in a field or practice of relevance to UK Feminista’s activities.  

• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.  

We are seeking particular expertise in these areas: 

• Data protection 

• Finance and fundraising – in particular, fundraising areas outside of grants, and strategic partnership development

• Digital, marketing and public relations 

• Experience completing organisational transition to CIO 

Level of commitment 

UK Feminista is a small organisation, so this is a hands-on Board Member role. As well as four 90-minute online board meetings a year and attending an annual in-person Away Day in London, Board Members attend additional adhoc meetings, events and provide organisational support as needed. 

UK Feminista is a non-profit company limited by guarantee. No one on the Board of Directors is personally liable. 

Help Shape the Future of Amour Destiné

Amour Destiné CIC is seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our voluntary Board.

This is an exciting opportunity to use your professional expertise, lived experience and strategic thinking to help shape the future of an award-winning, survivor-led organisation supporting Black African, Carribean and Mixed Heritage women, girls and families affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, harmful practices and other forms of gender-based violence.

As a Board Director, you will play a vital role in providing strategic leadership, strengthening good governance and helping Amour Destiné continue to grow sustainably while remaining true to our survivor-led values, mission and the communities we serve.

Why Join Our Board?

Joining the Board of Amour Destiné is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of Black African, Carribean and Mixed Heritage women, girls and families.

You will work alongside passionate professionals, survivors and community leaders who are committed to creating lasting social change. As our organisation continues to grow, your expertise will help strengthen our governance, shape our strategic direction and ensure we continue delivering high-quality, culturally responsive services to those who need them most.

Whether your background is in governance, finance, safeguarding, fundraising, communications, legal services, health, human resources, lived experience or community leadership, we welcome individuals who share our values and want to make a meaningful contribution.

What You'll Do

As a Board Member, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership, direction and oversight.
• Support the Chief Executive Officer while maintaining appropriate governance and accountability.
• Ensure strong governance, sound decision-making and compliance with legal and regulatory responsibilities.
• Support the organisation's financial sustainability and long-term growth.
• Contribute your professional expertise to Board discussions and strategic planning.
• Act as an ambassador for Amour Destiné and champion our mission and values.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and survivor-centred practice throughout the organisation.
• Build positive relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders where appropriate.
• Uphold the legal duties and responsibilities of a Company Director.

We're Looking For People Who Have

We welcome applications from individuals with a wide range of professional backgrounds and lived experiences.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise in:

• Fundraising and Income Generation
• Human Resources and Organisational Development
• Law or Governance
• Marketing, Communications or Digital Media
• Health and Social Care
• Domestic Abuse or Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
• Public Policy or Research
• Community Leadership
• Business/Charity Development
• Charity Leadership
• Lived experience that will strengthen our Board and support our mission

Previous Board experience is welcomed but not essential. We are committed to supporting new Trustees and Board Directors through a comprehensive induction and ongoing development.

What We Offer

As a Board Member you will have the opportunity to:

• Help shape the future of an award-winning survivor-led organisation.
• Influence services that make a real difference to the lives of women, girls and families.
• Develop your governance and strategic leadership experience.
• Work alongside experienced professionals and passionate community leaders.
• Contribute to meaningful social change across London and beyond.
• Receive a comprehensive induction and ongoing support throughout your Board journey.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Amour Destiné is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and representative Board.

We particularly welcome applications from Black African, Carribean and Mixed Heritage women, individuals with lived experience, and people whose skills and perspectives reflect the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from allies who share our commitment to equity, social justice and ending violence against women and girls.

Appointments will be made on merit while recognising the importance of lived experience, diversity of thought and representation in strengthening our governance.

Expenses

This is a voluntary Board position.

Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst undertaking Board duties will be reimbursed in accordance with Amour Destiné's Expenses Policy.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage early applications. We reserve the right to close recruitment early should sufficient suitable applications be received.

Successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with members of the Board and the CEO. References, eligibility checks and any other appropriate pre-appointment checks will be completed before an appointment is confirmed.

Join us in creating a future where every Black and Black Mixed Heritage woman, girl and family can live free from abuse, be heard, heal and thrive.

Together, we can create lasting change.

About IRMO

IRMO works to enable the development, agency, and participation of Latin Americans and other Spanish and Portuguese speakers, by responding to both immediate needs and structural inequalities. We do this by offering high-quality information and advice services, opportunities for development and training, and a platform to seek social and systemic change. Our work is organised across three main operational areas - Advice and Casework; Education, Training and Employment; Children and Young People, and a cross-cutting area - Advocacy, Research and Campaigning. 

About the role

The Communication & Outreach Volunteer will work closely with the Communications, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (CMEL), assisting in a variety of outreach and communication tasks. This new role will support the communication of the impact of IRMO’s work externally and, crucially, spend time in the community promoting our services directly. 

By supporting this area of our work, you will play a key role in promoting our services, projects and activities to the Latin American community both in-person through outreach activities such as flyering and attending events, and online through the creation of social media posts. 

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to develop their communication, design or promotional skills and professional experience. They will also be able to use their language, creative and interpersonal skills in a positive and impactful way. 

This role is particularly suited to someone who wants to volunteer with IRMO but wants the flexibility to complete their volunteering tasks on a schedule that best suits their availability and enjoys a flexible working environment. The post-holder will be expected to travel to community hubs regularly, but will also be able to complete tasks at IRMO’s offices or remotely. 

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Personally distributing flyers, posters and informative material to key community hubs such as libraries, shops, cafés and churches

• Support with the creation, translation and dissemination of informative material, such as social media posts, videos and printed leaflets

• Create visuals, flyers, posters and other materials using online tools such as Canva or Adobe Photoshop

• Occasionally accompany the CMEL officer to events or activities to take photos and videos, which can be used online

• Assisting the CMEL officer in actively promoting activities, services and events through different channels

We are looking for someone who is/has:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Spanish or Portuguese and good written English

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Experience or interest in using creative tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite 

• Experience or interest in social media management 

• Experience or interest in creating video or photo content

• Ability to work individually and a willingness to engage with community members 

• Confident and enthusiastic about working in a multicultural and multilingual environment

• Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision

• Commitment to IRMO's mission, vision and values

Additional requirements

• Two references from current/previous employers

• Basic DBS check (completed through IRMO)

• Safeguarding Level 1 certificate (completed through IRMO)

• One-month trial period

Benefits of volunteering at IRMO

• You will get the opportunity to help others and to give back

• You will learn new skills and gain experience working in a multicultural, cooperative and inspiring environment

• You will get involved with the Latin American Community and increase your knowledge of the situation of Latin American migrants in the UK

• You will gain valuable experience and strengthen previous skills to help prepare yourself for the UK’s competitive job market

• You will enhance your CV and get references (after a 3-month period) for further support with employability

• You will have the opportunity to participate in training sessions with high-quality learning outcomes (in-house and external) in areas related to the role

• You will receive regular supervision and support

At IRMO, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We actively encourage applications from individuals with protected characteristics, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and age. 

We particularly invite Latin Americans, those who identify as members of underrepresented and marginalised communities, and individuals with lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, to reflect the community we serve. 

We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility in our recruitment process and volunteer opportunities. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know, and we will make necessary accommodations.