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.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Our vision is a world where LGBTQI+ people can settle safely in the UK and lead fulfilling lives
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Willats Trust is a grant-making, cross-denominational Christian charity with a vision to see our estates and most deprived communities around the UK transformed by the love of Jesus.
Our mission is to fund relational evangelism through local expressions of church, by working with like-hearted partners to share the good news of Jesus in the areas of greatest deprivation across the UK.
Since our establishment in 1858, sharing the Gospel in these communities has always been our priority. Thanks to the generosity of Mr Willats, who gifted a significant property portfolio to the charity at its inception, we have been able to use funds generated from this property portfolio to finance grant-making to support evangelists, church planters, or other activities related to evangelism and making disciples in the top 20% areas of deprivation across the UK.
Following a strategic review in 2025, we have an ambition to more than double the amount we award in grants from £500,000 to £1m a year. Over the next ten years, we want to see more thriving Jesus-centric churches planted in our areas of greatest deprivation and led by people who look like the communities they are serving. This means part of our grant-making supports immediate tactical needs, but part of our grant-making also seeks to influence the underlying factors which will enable the long-term fulfilment of our vision.
We believe the kingdom of God works best when we all bring what is in our hand and let God do the multiplication. Our posture is to come alongside like-hearted partners who share the same vision and work together in partnership to support and equip those God has called to these communities.
We are seeking to make two Trustee appointments. Individuals who bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Mission-related: someone with lived experience of planting, leading or supporting Jesus-centric churches in communities experiencing significant deprivation. You will probably also carry a sense of calling that is bigger than a single geographic area and will be able help us think strategically about how we use our resources to contribute to increased church planting and evangelism in our areas of greatest deprivation, alongside others, over the next decade and bring deep relationships with others already serving in this space.
- Commercial property: someone with professional property expertise relating to exiting portfolios of residential and non-purpose-built HMO properties, or property development, who can advise on asset optimisation and property exits over the coming years, which will enable us to give more money away.
- Legal, financial or HR: individuals with strategic leadership skills and a passion to see resources deployed for Kingdom-purpose.
The time commitment required of a Trustee is usually likely to equate to approximately 6-8 days per year.
It’s a crucial and exciting time in the history and further development of The Willats Trust. By being a Trustee you will be able to make a difference across the UK and get to have a ringside seat to see what God is doing, as we know his heart is always for the most overlooked and forgotten. We are full of expectancy for what God is going to do in this current season and want to play our small part in this, alongside others.
We appreciate the rich diversity of our Trustees and Staff and seek to create a culture where everyone develops and fulfils their potential. We recognise the immense value of different perspectives brought by those with varied backgrounds, characteristics and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented sections of the community (specifically in our context, women, individuals of Global Majority Heritage and those from non-Anglican church worshipping backgrounds).
Please note that this role has an Occupational Requirement to be a committed Christian as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010.
Closing date: 12 noon BST on Friday 8th May 2026.
Thank you!
Creative Support is a national not-for-profit social care and supported housing provider with charitable status. We deliver personalised care and support for younger and older adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities and those at risk of homelessness or social exclusion.
Creative Support is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees with expertise across social care, health, housing, finance, legal and related fields. As our current Chair approaches the end of her term, we are seeking a new Chair with senior social care experience and a strong understanding of commissioning, quality, risk, workforce, regulation and partnership working. The ideal candidate will champion our values and mission and lead with clarity and compassion.
About Creative Support:
We are one of the UK’s largest social care providers, supporting over 6,000 people each year across 70 local authorities and employing around 5,000 staff. With an annual turnover of £197 million, we are also a registered social housing provider with over 1,000 supported housing units and significant housing assets.
Creative Support is an Investor in People Gold employer, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and an inclusive organisation committed to increasing Board representation from BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, with zero tolerance for discrimination.
Our Mission and Values:
Creative Support promotes independence, inclusion, and wellbeing. We do this by working with the people we support, their families and others to meet individual needs and aspirations in a person-centred way. We provide high quality homes and support, enabling people to say:
- I live my best life in a place I call home
- I feel listened to, respected and valued
- I enjoy choices and rights and have control over my life
- I am supported to feel safe
- I am doing the things that matter to me
- I enjoy relationships with others
- I am connected to my community
- I am supported with my wellbeing
- I feel able to reach my full potential
Our We Care values underpin everything we do at Creative Support. We are: Welcoming, Empowering, Compassionate, Aspirational, Respectful, Effective.
About the Role:
The Chair is responsible for leading the Board, ensuring effective governance, and holding the Chief Executive and Board to account for delivering our mission, vision and strategy. The role involves providing inclusive leadership, ensuring Trustees understand their responsibilities, and working closely with the Executive Team to offer oversight, support and constructive challenge.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with senior-level social care expertise, a commitment to our charitable purpose and person-centred values, and a belief in co-production with the people we support. The Chair must demonstrate vision, sound judgement and an inclusive, respectful leadership style.
The Chair is expected to commit sufficient time to:
- Attend six annual Board meetings, and relevant committee meetings (typically 2–3 hours in duration);
- Prepare thoroughly for meetings, including reading papers in advance;
- Lead the induction, support and supervision of Trustees;
- Undertake appraisal and support of the Chief Executive Officer;
- Act as an ambassador for Creative Support at internal and external events.
- Visit national services and engage with staff, the people who we support, and tenants.
The estimated time commitment for the Chair is approximately 4 days per month/48 days per year, although this may increase in response to organisational needs or during periods of change. Appointments are made for an initial period of 3 years and are subject to an annual appraisal. Terms begin at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in which the Chair is appointed.
The role of Chair of the Board of Trustees is remunerated in recognition of the significant time, responsibility and contribution required. The current remuneration for the Chair is £12,000 per annum, payable in monthly instalments of £1,000. This payment is taxable and is processed through the organisation’s payroll. Trustees, including the Chair, are appointed as office holders and are therefore neither workers nor employees. Remuneration arrangements are subject to periodic review in line with the organisation’s governance and remuneration policies.
We also pay all reasonable expenses associated with the role, including travel, overnight accommodation, subsistence and child care expenses if needed. Appointment will be made subject to the following satisfactory checks:
- References
- Declarations of Interest
- Fit and Proper Person Check
- Personal Declarations
- Enhanced DBS
- A £1.00 payment for shareholding membership (this can be provided in person when you first attend our Head Office)
We can send you a copy of our most recent Annual Report & Accounts - details on how to request this can be located on this roles listing on our company website or consult the FCA Mutuals Website, type in Creative Support and search under ‘documents’. You will find all previous annual reports and accounts listed and these can be viewed or downloaded at no cost.
Please note that Creative Support is a Community Benefit Society with charitable status registered with the FCA, not a company or registered charity so you will not be able to access information about Creative Support via Companies House or the Charity Commission.
Recruitment Timeline:
Closing Date for Applications: 13 May 2026
Meet and Greet and Stakeholder interview panel: 17 June 2026
Final panel interviews: 30 June 2026
Offer and recruitment checks: July - August 2026
Co-opt at Board meeting: 10 September 2026
Formal vote at Annual General Meeting: 24 September 2026
Please keep these dates available upon application
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Creative Support is a not for profit provider of person centered care and support
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.