Politics volunteer roles

Trustee – Ukrainian Institute London

Ukrainian Institute London (UIL) is an independent charity dedicated to advancing public education in the United Kingdom by broadening knowledge and understanding of Ukraine. It champions Ukrainian culture and shapes the conversation about Ukraine in the UK and beyond, bringing together experts, creatives, policymakers, and active citizens to explore Ukrainian perspectives on global challenges. Through its programme of public events, projects, educational courses, and digital content, UIL works across the fields of arts, culture, language, and current affairs. The UIL highlights Ukraine’s expertise and experience to emphasise the urgency of international solidarity in support of democratic security in Europe and beyond.

UIL is seeking to appoint two new Trustees. As a Trustee, you will help shape the strategic direction of the organisation, ensure strong governance, safeguard UIL’s independence and integrity, and support its long-term sustainability. Trustees also act as ambassadors for the Institute, helping to build relationships, raise our profile, and support funding and partnership opportunities.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• knowledge of Ukraine and its place within wider European and international cultural contexts;

• fundraising and income generation, including trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate sponsorship, or individual giving;

• developing or supporting fundraising strategies; 

• charity governance and trustee experience;

• arts, culture, heritage, or international cultural relations;

• finance, law, organisational development, or strategy;

• communications, marketing, partnerships, or audience development;

• digital engagement and organisational sustainability.

We value a wide range of perspectives and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Time commitment:

• Four Board meetings per year, each approximately 2 hours, plus preparation time.

• Review and input into key governance documents, such as the Annual Report.

• Fundraising support, including meetings with potential donors and strategic advice to the Director and the UIL operations team.

• Attendance at key UIL events, where possible.

• Representation of the UIL at occasional meetings with partners or public-facing events. 

• Occasional ad hoc engagement, such as strategic advice on issues within the individual trustee’s area of expertise. 

Overall, the commitment is expected to average approximately 1-2 days per month ​​(which includes attendance at UIL events) and can easily fit in with other commitments.

This is a voluntary and unpaid role. Expenses are not reimbursed.

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in strengthening a leading cultural charity and supporting its mission to promote Ukrainian culture, knowledge, and dialogue in the UK and beyond.

How to apply

Please read the Trustee Role Description before submitting your application.

To apply, please complete the online application form and upload your CV (PDF format). We do not require a separate covering letter.

CV Submission

Please upload your CV as a PDF file:

• Saved using your full name (e.g. Firstname_Lastname_UIL_Trustee.pdf)

• Including your full contact details, including phone number

Key dates

Closing date for applications: 31 March 2026
Interviews: April 2026
We aim to appoint at least one trustee by 15 April 2026.

Please note

Files submitted will be used solely for recruitment purposes. 

All application materials will be handled in accordance with data protection requirements and deleted after the recruitment process has concluded.

You will receive confirmation once your application form has been submitted successfully.

We are looking for a volunteer befriender to visit a lovely, chatty older gentleman with a learning disability in Wimbledon. All he asks for is somebody with a listening ear, and a kind attitude, ready for a lively conversation. He’s keen to natter about politics and current affairs, as well as sharing with you stories of his time spent in South Africa and London. If you’re up for building companionship and a 1-2-1 connection over an hour or so every 2 months, this would be a great volunteering opportunity for you.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. As you get to know each our you may choose to ‘go out’ either with or without support from the staff that supports the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity, offering a range of support to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants seeking refuge in and around Oxford. We provide everything from advice, visits, legal support, education, assistance finding employment and even helping secure free bus passes.

We currently have a strong and capable Board with a wide-ranging skill set and we are seeking a Chairperson who can provide strong leadership and a collaborative approach.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxfordshire community to help strengthen our governance and our approach. We are seeking a new Chair with a range of skills and experience. In particular, we are looking for people who can demonstrate :

· Experience of leadership

· Commitment to the aims and values of Asylum Welcome

· Tact and diplomacy

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Good facilitation skills

· Impartiality, fairness and discretion

· Empathy with the challenges of running a highly diverse. largely volunteer-based organisation in a subject area which is both topical and challenging.

As Chair you will play a key role in enabling us to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers, primarily in the Oxfordshire area, empowering them to rebuild their lives here in safety.  This role offers a valuable opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.

We welcome expressions of interest from people of all ages and backgrounds, and a job share arrangement would be considered. The role is currently shared by two Trustees as Co-Chairs who are retiring as Trustees after many years of service.

The Chair position is not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Teams and in-person) 6 - 8 times a year, currently early evening on a Thursday. Dates are agreed a year in advance.

This is an exciting time to join the Trustee Board at Asylum Welcome and a fantastic opportunity to influence the growth and future of a dynamic charity.

For more information see the full role description.