Reading volunteer roles

Role description

The Open Spaces Society, Britain's oldest conservation body, needs additional trustees to broaden our reach.If you are keen to develop strategy and policy for creating, defending, and maintaining commons, greens, and paths, and to develop new approaches to make open spaces available to all, this role is for you. 

Trustees may be co-opted by the present board, but are expected to offer themselves for election by the membership at the first available opportunity.

Working collectively, trustees have three main responsibilities. These are to:

1 set a direction for the society,

2 ensure the society’s plans are carried out appropriately,

3 ensure the society meets its legal responsibilities.

The duties of a trustee are to:

4 ensure the society complies with its articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,

5 ensure that the society pursues its objects as defined in its articles of association,

6 ensure that the society directs its resources exclusively towards its objects,

7 in association with the general secretary, ensure that the organisation is adequately staffed, and that the staff and volunteers have appropriate support and resources to pursue organisational goals,

8 contribute actively to the board’s role of developing strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets,

9 safeguard the reputation and values of the society,

10 ensure effective and efficient administration and financial stability, 1

1 appoint the general secretary and monitor her performance,

12 act in the best interests of the society at all times.

Person specification

• Commitment to the society’s mission

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Strategic vision

• Objective and insightful judgement

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).

We are looking for a friendly, patient, female volunteer to befriend a lovely lady in Maidenhead. On cosy days in, she loves to have a chat, listen to music, paint her nails or a do a jigsaw puzzle. When feeling up to it, she would love to be taken in her wheelchair to her favourite treat, McDonalds.

She takes a little while to warm up to new people, so can sometimes display behaviours which may come across as challenging, such as making short, sharp noises. It would be great if her new volunteer has some experience with this or is someone who isn’t fazed easily. It’s important to know that her care team would always be a helping hand away, and that her not-so-secret kryptonite is chocolate!

Please note this person’s residence have a pet cat.

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.

Organisation: Easy Housing Association (EHA) – Registered Social Landlord
Location: Remote
Type: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Closing Date: 5th April 2026

Join EHA’s board of trustees – provide strategic oversight for a safer, stronger social housing future.

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a progressive, mission-driven Registered Social Landlord (RSL), committed to delivering safe, secure, and affordable homes for those who need them most. As we continue to grow, we are strengthening our governance and seeking two experienced and strategic individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will provide high-level oversight, ensuring strong leadership, regulatory compliance, and financial resilience.

We are specifically looking for trustees with senior-level expertise in one or both of the following areas:

• Health & safety within the social housing sector
• Finance and strategic oversight in the charity or housing sectors

As a trustee, you will advise, challenge, and support EHA’s leadership, helping us meet our legal obligations, protect tenant wellbeing, and maintain long-term sustainability.
 

��️ Trustee oversight role: health & safety (social housing focus)

We are seeking a trustee to provide strategic oversight and governance on health and safety systems across EHA. You will help ensure we meet the highest safety standards for tenants, staff, and volunteers, and remain fully compliant with housing regulations.

Key areas of expertise include:

• Interpreting and overseeing compliance with H&S laws relevant to RSLs
• Ensuring robust systems for fire, gas, asbestos, and communal area safety
• Providing risk management insight across housing stock and services
• Understanding the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) expectations
• Reviewing inspection, audit, and incident-reporting frameworks
• Championing a strong, proactive safety culture across the organisation

Your contribution will help ensure EHA protects people and property through effective governance.

�� Trustee oversight role: finance & charity sector governance

We are also recruiting a trustee with the financial acumen to guide EHA’s strategic financial direction, ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainability across operations.

This role suits someone with financial leadership experience in charitable housing providers, housing associations, or social enterprises.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring long-term financial strategy, planning, and risk
• Understanding Charity SORP and RSL financial standards
• Overseeing reserves policy, budgeting, and funding management
• Ensuring compliance with the Charity Commission and RSH
• Supporting transparent and effective financial reporting
• Holding executive teams to account while enabling performance

Your insight will strengthen the board’s ability to govern with integrity and impact.

⏱️ Time commitment

Trustees are expected to attend monthly board meetings (approximately 2.5 hours online) and commit an additional 4 hours per month to board-related duties, including reading papers, joining sub-committees, or contributing expertise.

�� What you’ll gain

• A high-impact role in a values-led, tenant-focused RSL
• Opportunities to shape policy, compliance, and social impact
• Professional development in governance, housing, and regulation
• The fulfilment of helping improve lives through safe, secure housing

EHA is proud to be an inclusive and tenant-focused RSL. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds especially those with lived experience of social housing.

Your leadership and strategic oversight can help us build homes and futures that are safe, equitable, and resilient.
By joining our Board, you will help change lives—ensuring that safe, secure, and affordable housing is not a privilege, but a right.

We are Looking for 1 – 2 Exceptional Volunteers! Use your expertise to help shape the future of care for children and families who need us most. Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is recruiting Non-Executive Members for our Income Generation Committee – inspiring leaders who can bring sharp insight, sector know-how and big-picture thinking to drive our fundraising, marketing and communications strategies forward. If you are experienced in the charity sector, passionate about fundraising and ready to make a strategic impact that genuinely changes lives, we would love to hear from you.

Duties and Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic insight, constructive challenge and guidance across income and marketing priorities.
• Share sector knowledge to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the income portfolio.
• Support the development of ambitious, innovative and sustainable fundraising approaches.
• Champion best practice in fundraising and marketing.
• Work collaboratively with Trustees, senior leaders and fellow committee members.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experienced in the non-profit sector, with substantial insight into the realities, challenges and opportunities of income generation today.
• Specialised in at least one (ideally more) of the following areas: Digital fundraising: digital acquisition, online giving, digital optimisation. Supporter journeys and engagement: insight-led supporter experience design. High-value fundraising and major campaigns: strategic planning, mobilisation, creative development, impact storytelling
• Forward-thinking: able to consider the bigger picture and ask the right questions to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborative and values-led, contributing constructively while upholding the organisation’s mission and values.
• Committed to volunteering, motivated to use their expertise to make a meaningful difference.

RSPCA Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch

We are looking for volunteers to join our Trustee board with expertise in any of these areas:

• Charity finance/ Treasurer
• Marketing/ Social Media
• Fundraising/Retail
• Project management

You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help animals in our area.

Overview

We are looking for enthusiastic people to take the role as a Charity Trustee, who could devote some time to volunteer for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch and support us in boosting our local animal welfare work. Alongside using your expertise, this role will enable you to enhance how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow Trustees, in the running of the Branch and the implementation of a development plan. At a minimum, you would normally be expected to attend a monthly online committee meeting and to spend further time driving forward our activities.

The Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield RSPCA Branch

We are the local branch of the national RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area.

The Branch is in an enviable financial position and employs an experienced member of staff as Branch Manager. Once additional Trustees are in place, we expect to move towards CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) status.

Our main current activities are:

• Providing financial assistance to local people unable to afford unexpected vets’ bills. In the past year, we have allocated £40,000 to this area.
• Collecting petfood donations, which we collate and then pass to our local foodbanks.
• Re-homing cats in the Alton part of our area, organised in co-operation with the neighbouring RSPCA Branch.
• Some fundraising activities, including organising fun Dog Shows.
• We are looking to recruit at least three new trustees to work on significantly developing the Branch over the next few years. Initiatives we are considering are:
• Establishing a comprehensive fostering and re-homing network, across the entire Branch area.
• Major income generation initiatives, including opening our own shops.
• Developing our own animal centre resources, possibly in co-operation with private sector providers in the Branch area.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow Trustees and Branch Officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interests of the Branch and the RSPCA.
• Assist the Branch, as appropriate, to work with and assist national RSPCA staff, including but not limited to Inspectors.
• Actively participate in Branch committee meetings and to attend the Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new Trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with fellow Trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions.

What we are looking for in a volunteer

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and encourages people from any background to apply. You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• Ongoing support provided by our Branch Manager and assistance from relevant national RSPCA staff.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that will enhance local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and have become a member of our Branch.
• Trustees are elected annually.
• You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. Please read the Charity Commission’s guidance on who can be a Trustee of a charity.
• You will need to sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act, clarifying that you are not disqualified from being a Trustee.
• References will be required.

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield branch

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Fundraising Trustee (Milton Keynes)

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much! We’re looking for a dedicated Fundraising Trustee to help us grow our impact and secure vital resources for the animals who need us most.

Overview of the Fundraising Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long terms aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch

The Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Primary responsibilities of the Fundraising Trustee

• Lead on developing and delivering fundraising strategies
• Help identify new income streams and build relationships with donors, sponsors, and community groups
• Support and advise the board on fundraising best practices
• Champion our cause and represent the branch at events and in the community
• Identify grant opportunities and apply for relevant funding streams via grants

What we are looking for in a Fundraising Trustee:

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:

• Experience in fundraising, marketing, or income generation
• Strong networking and communication skills
• A commitment to animal welfare and the values of the RSPCA
• Willingness to attend monthly trustee meetings and contribute time between meetings

Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• You’ll work alongside a passionate team and help shape the future of our branch
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Would you like to make a positive impact for rural communities across England? Would you like to help tackle rural deprivation and ensure rural areas have fairer access to essential services? Would you like to help rural communities reach their full potential?

We are seeking a finance professional to join our Board who shares our vision and will help us to deliver lasting change.

About the Role

We are seeking a Treasurer with strong financial skills and relevant qualifications to join our Board. The Treasurer will act as the lead trustee for financial oversight and provide guidance on budgeting, planning and sound financial management. With a solid understanding of the regulatory and governance landscape, they will chair the Finance Sub-Committee and provide ad hoc advice and support to the Finance Manager. The post holder will also be a member of the Officers’ Group, consisting of the Chair, two Vice Chairs and Chief Executive/Company Secretary. The group acts as an additional source of advice for the Chief Executive between Board meetings.

The Treasurer will also be expected to use their experience to oversee the delivery of ACRE’s new strategy and charitable objectives, to represent the interests of all stakeholders, and to act as an ambassador for the charity. This includes ensuring we have a robust financial model that will enable us to increase our impact and plan for the longer term. As we increase our financial resilience, we will also work with ACRE network members to help them increase their own, so that together we can make an even greater positive change for rural communities.

Requirements

• Four Board meetings a year – two online and two overnight meetings in person
• Three Finance Sub-Committee meetings a year – online
• Two Officers’ meetings a year – online and in person

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, traditions and ways of life.

The ACRE Team is home based. The meetings that take place in person are held in different locations in central England.

Appropriate expenses will be reimbursed in line with our policy.

How to apply

Please follow the link to apply for the role.

Please note that we will only accept applications submitted via the form within this link.

Closing date: 6pm, Monday 6 April

Online interviews: Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 April

Role: Trustee 
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings six times a year, with reading and preparation before meetings
No Salary:  Unpaid volunteer role, expenses paid
Location: Meetings held on zoom or at our head office in London SE20
Deadline:  17th May 2026
Interviews:  In person in London SE20

ABOUT US

Bromley & Croydon Women's Aid (BCWA) aims to empower anyone suffering domestic abuse so they can make informed choices about their future. Our services are confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

BCWA puts anyone who contacts us for support at the heart of decision making, so that they can gain the confidence, strength and self-respect needed to free themselves from abusive relationships

Our Ethos

BCWA believe in providing high-quality services to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. We have been working since 1975 to:

• focus on maintaining the independence, confidence and self-esteem of anyone we help
• be responsive to the needs of individuals in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way
• treat our residents, clients, staff and partners with integrity, honesty and respect.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community.  Our vision is to support and empower women to create change in their lives, so that they and their children can live free from domestic abuse and improve their quality of life.

OUR SERVICES

BCWA provide a wide range of services including:

Refuge

We provide safe accommodation for any woman and her children who is experiencing domestic abuse, or who is at risk of abuse.

Children are welcomed by Child Support Officers. Refuges have fully-equipped playrooms, where the project workers organise activities, after-school clubs, play sessions, fun days and one-to-one therapeutic activities.

BCWA is a registered housing provider with the Regulator or Social Housing (i.e. a Housing Association) and operates supported housing in a mix of owned and leased properties, some as managing agent for other housing associations, some operated independently.

Advice & Support

BCWA telephone Helpline supports women in the community who want to know what their options are around domestic abuse, or who need a non-judgmental listening ear. We run 12-week ‘Keys to Freedom’ support groups which offer a path to recognising abuse and peer support for recovery.

We offer advice to the friends and families of anyone experiencing domestic abuse. We give our expertise to legal and social services professionals, and we support women at appointments, accompany them to court, and also put them in contact with other services that can help them.

Our other services include:

Japanese service - BCWA, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy in London, offers outreach advice in Japanese to survivors of domestic abuse

NRPF/EEA service - Our specialist advisor works with migrant women without recourse to public funds (NRPF) and those from the EEA to regularise their immigration status and access benefits & support.

Men's service - All BCWA locations are women-only spaces, but men can be supported via our One Stop Shop service or by the IDSVA (high-risk) service in Bromley.

Our Approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Our work is based on building meaningful, supportive, enduring and respectful relationships with women from all cultures. We cannot do this without a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. BCWA’s approach is to try to make sure that EDI is central to everything we do and informs both our services and our organisational culture. 

Our goal is to develop and deliver consistently inclusive programmes, projects and services that support and bring together survivors of domestic abuse and their children and facilitate empowerment and recovery. We believe this enables best practice domestic abuse support, hope this will make everyone's experiences richer, and ultimately lead to more inclusive communities and sector best practice. 

BECOMING A TRUSTEE

What is a Trustee?

Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.

Why become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee can be very rewarding. As a Trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of an organisation, and you can make a significant difference to a cause that matters to you.

Being a Trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. You will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.

Why join our board?

BCWA was founded by a group of local women in Bromley who wanted to do something practical to support women in their local community and has been run by women and for women ever since. Over the past few years the organisation has grown considerably but still operates very much in the spirit of grassroots feminist women’s movement of the 70s, out of which it was founded.

Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers have lived experience of domestic abuse, and the organisation actively welcome survivors at all levels. We are a supportive, warm and friendly group and we genuinely strive to foster great relationships. Our Board is made up of a diverse group of women with a broad range of backgrounds, skills and experience. This team operates on mutual respect and true collaboration in order to provide the best leadership possible to the charity. We are solutions oriented, creative, forward-thinking and passionate about working to end domestic abuse.

BCWA has seen sustained growth over the last few years and has increased its property portfolio to provide a range of dispersed ‘move on’ accommodation for women leaving refuge, with continued support.

The charity is also committed to an ongoing process of service improvement via stakeholder feedback and analysis of needs and gaps in provision. Our local knowledge and specialist expertise positions us very well to innovate in co-producing new services.

In addition to trauma-informed accommodation and community-based services, BCWA has developed a therapeutic service alongside, which encompasses child play therapy and a specialist in-house counselling service for women. This supports the health and wellbeing of survivors going forward as well as working towards the prevention of repeat victimisation.

A trusteeship with BCWA is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation, contribute to the local community and impact thousands of women’s lives for the better. It is a truly pivotal time to join the board at BCWA, as we develop and implement innovative new services that will add significantly to the breadth and impact of support available to survivors of domestic abuse in Bromley & Croydon.

What skills are we looking for?

We are looking for a range of new trustees with a range of different skills to shape and steer the future of this dynamic organisation, as well as bring wisdom, energy and new perspectives to our governance.  We would particularly welcome applications from women with knowledge of or experience working in the following sectors:

· Social housing, social investment, housing, company or charity or general legal background

· Provision of mental health services

· AI expertise

ROLE DESCRIPTION

We are looking for strategic-minded individuals with a variety of skills to join our board. Our trustees play an essential role in making sure that BCWA achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

Trustee duties

• To ensure the BCWA is carrying out its purposes, as set out in its governing document.
• To ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and any other applicable laws.
• To act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets (including evaluating performance against set targets).
• To provide guidance using previous experience and expertise on a range of aspects of BCWA's business, including support to set up new initiatives.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Organisation.
• To monitor the financial, strategic and operational performance of BCWA.

In addition to the above responsibilities, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they possess, to enable the Board to reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising reports, providing advice and guidance on new issues, particularly where a Trustee has specific expertise. Our board meets bi-monthly and holds an Annual General Meeting.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision: working to end domestic abuse.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What impact will you have?

You will be joining an organisation actively opposed to all forms of discrimination providing a service that is confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as learn new ones.

We are a feminist organisation and recognise the gendered nature of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at board meetings which take place six times a year. Meetings are held in the early evening, mostly on-line, with one or two held in-person at our south-east London Head Office.
• Trustees will also need to carry out any pre-meeting reading and preparation and may be contacted occasionally for advice.

Further Information

We are very happy to have informal discussions about the role and warmly welcome candidates to visit us or observe a board meeting if they wish.

New Trustees are assigned an existing member who is responsible for their induction and support for a period of 6 months.

As our organisation works with extremely vulnerable clients, safeguarding is one of our key priorities. Please contact us if you would like more info or to view our SG policies. In light of this, offers are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve. 

BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Reg. Charity No.1068007. 

Legal Assistant

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

To learn more about our impactful work at Quilombo UK, we encourage you to explore our website and YouTube channel. 

Join us in leading positive change!

About the position

Quilombo UK is looking for Legal Assistant, who would love to join a growing organization. Quilombo UK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports and cultures to encourage an intercultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society as a whole.

Quilombo UK is looking to recruit a Legal Assistant who helps organization in various legal matters.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in the Third Sector; develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'. The role provides you flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• We are looking for an experienced lawyer to assist the organisation in overlooking projects, ensuring they are compliant with relevant and up to date legislation and regulations.

• The legal assistant will be responsible for making sure all contracts, legislations and documents are treated within correct legal standards. They are to make sure that all activities are being performed in line with contracts and the law. 

• The Legal Assistant will work closely with the HR department in overlooking the volunteer forms, legislations and documents. They should also assist the different departments within the organisation(Marketing, Funding, HR, Finance) in upholding the legal requirements needed to run the tasks that they do. 

• Provide written reports as and when required. To undertake additional duties as required for the role.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• Well-organized, proactive and able to deliver tasks efficiently.

• Excellent researching skills

• Reading and report writing skills

• You will need to be an experienced lawyer or have a good legal understanding. 

• You will be respectful of the confidentiality of the organisation.

• You will need to help deliver work that adheres to the key objectives of the organisation. 

• Able to speak confidently with a variety of stakeholders.

• Good time-management & communication skills.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments

• Strong team player

• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

• Can work without much supervision

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside & District Branch

We are looking for a Branch Trustee & Treasurer to help us manage the RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside and District Branch. As a Trustee you will be a full and equal member of our leadership team, making strategies, deciding what we focus on, how we raise and spend money, organising events, working as a team to improve animal welfare in our community. As Treasurer you will take the lead in ensuring compliance, control and sound financial management of the charity.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

Trustees manage the charity. Like any organisation we get involved in people, finance and legal topics, making strategies and assessing which projects to support, tracking progress on animal welfare programs, working with local vets to offer more support out of hours, or making sure our volunteers are well managed and motivated. More importantly, we focus on raising funds, managing volunteers and spending money where it is needed to support animals in our community - YOUR community. So, whatever your background or skills there is a role you can play.

As Treasurer you will take the lead on developing a sustainable financial strategy, managing financial reporting, bank accounts, investments and liaising with the RSPCA national finance team. In addition, you will oversee external processes such as payroll, audit and reporting to HMRC and Charities Commission.

You may be an experienced Trustee or new to the role (we can help with training). You will be an experienced finance professional (preferably a qualified accountant) who can provide expert financial leadership and translate complex topics for those without a finance background. You will bring the ability to lead people, motivate teams of volunteers, collaborate with partners and manage change. You will be able to understand complex topics, ask logical questions and be willing to hold an organisation accountable for fulfilling its responsibilities. You will be willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into the details, make decisions and speak up.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we undertake significant expansion and conversion to CIO. Your voice will be heard, and you can significantly influence the direction and focus of the charity. Together we can make a huge impact on animal welfare in our community.

Benefits to becoming a RSPCA Branch Trustee:

• Using your existing skills to do something useful and learning new ones.
• Delivering a real leadership experience.
• Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in our community.
• You’ll have access to the RSPCA Learning Hub and a wide range of training materials
• You’ll be a leader, not a follower - you’ll shape our future direction and make your mark.

Please note that Trustees must be at least 18 years of age. This is a volunteer role (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed).

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Are you an enthusiastic and skilled funding grant writer? Be a part of our small but committed team as a pro-active grant writer volunteer for a small national charity supporting people affected by a debilitating pain condition.

We are looking for 2 skilled grant writer volunteers who can take the lead in researching appropriate funds and writing grant bids to help us continue offering our support services and resources and helping us create new programmes and services to support patients and their families who have been affected by a poorly understood chronic condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

As our Grant Writer you will be responsible for identifying appropriate grant opportunities, and managing the grant development and proposal process from research to submitting grant applications with any supporting documents.

As our grant writer, you will:

• Identify appropriate sources of funding where we fit their criteria 
• Write appropriately tailored grant/funding bids that meet funders’ interests and requirements and to write any additional documents in support of funding bids
• Help develop a Trusts and Foundations strategy to help create and maintain strong and diverse income that meets Burning Nights CRPS Support’s funding needs
• Create a calendar of grant deadlines and track submitted funding proposals
• Help us develop a case for support 
• Report on grant usage and impact
• Review all grant/bid feedback and ensure knowledge is shared, so that learning informs us for future approaches to grants

If you are an experienced grant writer or you just enjoy researching and persuasive writing then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a volunteer who has:

• Experience of being a grant writer, project proposal writer and editing skills
• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential
• Creative and persuasive written and spoken communication skills 
• Self-motivated and highly-organised
• Ability to work remotely
• Ability to search online databases and other sources to identify appropriate funds
• Ability to understand and appeal to funders’ differing needs
• Ability to organise your own work, track and report back regularly 
• Experience setting up funding email templates (desirable)
• Ability to quickly understand the needs of our organisation  and our service users
• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and can work with these
• Open to feedback
• Ideally have good network with people, organisations and charities which can help us to support our projects
• Determination to get the job done

Skills

• Project proposal writing
• Grant writing and knowledge of charity grant giving culture
• Good networking skills and contacts with grant giving organisation
• Marketing and communications
• Content writing and story-telling
• Good online fundraising skills
• Good editing and proof reading skills and attention to detail
• Team player who is comfortable working with various volunteers within Burning Nights CRPS Support to collate information required to write funding applications

If you don't have the exact experience, but are interested to volunteer with us, please apply! We would be thrilled to find out about how your interests and experience match with our needs or what we are doing.

Other Information

This role is done remotely using Zoom, Slack and email. You would be working closely with the charity’s Chair and with other trustees. However we would have regular updates and remote meetings as needed so we know you are getting the support you need.

We have an induction process that will help successful applicant to understand how our Charity operates and full support of all our volunteers.

Minimum of 3-6 hours per week for this role

Ideal commitment of 3 months or more (but not specific)

Do you want to co-ordinate vegan volunteering?

As an Organiser, you would be the caretaker of your local area. This is the more time-intensive role but so rewarding! Tasks would be emailed to you directly every month by our Volunteering Coordinator, who would be your main point of contact here at The Vegan Society. It would then be your job to send out the task to Advocates in your local area and get feedback from them. You'll also be able to ask your Advocates for help with any stalls and lobbying. Every Organiser receives an outreach pack, including a table runner, leaflets and banners. We make sure you are fully supported with an Organisers' WhatsApp group for socialising and ideas. We also have a monthly gathering on video.

What does the Organiser role involve? 

Every month, you will be sent a collection of tasks to choose from. We create these from our programme of campaigns. You would be the point of contact for Advocates in your area, sharing these tasks and coordinating activities, such as stalls and lobbying councillors. We will provide you with a campaign toolkit and be in regular contact with you to ensure you have everything you need. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group and WhatsApp chat.

We would expect you to provide any updates from your group and give feedback on each task. It's vital that we measure the impact that we are having, in terms of positive conversations and leaflets handed out. You can also give us ideas you have for future outreach tasks or campaigning. Many Organisers find a huge sense of satisfaction, improvement in self-esteem and enjoy the social side of volunteering in this role.

You will also be responsible for welcoming new Advocates in your area. We will let you know when somebody new applies, and you will help them to get involved with any activities. As the main contact for Advocates, this role does require some awareness of safeguarding and data protection procedures and policy. There will be full training on your role in this, as well as a handbook and ongoing guidance and support. 

What training and support is available? 

There will be a full induction to the role, with a gradual introduction of new tasks and responsibilities. To start with, we will provide an initial training session to cover the basics of community organising, communication skills and event planning. This will be done remotely from wherever you are. Along with this, we will provide a full pack of resources that covers a range of work that we do. 

From there, there will be regular conversations and reviews, where we can discuss other training requirements. Staff are always available to Organisers for any questions, via phone or email. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Great organisational skills
• Experience of coordinating people
• Experience of working to specific dates and deadlines
• Good time keeping
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to motivate people around the topic of veganism
• Ability to stick to branding
• Ability to read emails in a timely manner and translate tasks into actions quickly
• Ability to report back on activities
• Excellent knowledge of vegan issues

How much time do I need to invest?

You should be able to commit around two days a month to carry out actions, and this is usually spread out across the month. We also expect timely responses to emails. When a new Advocate applies to work with you, we would like them to be contacted within seven days via email.

Please read the attached Trustee Information Pack for more detail

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in the governance and strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that we operate effectively, achieve our mission, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are collectively responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets, ensuring they are used exclusively to further our objectives, and overseeing the charity’s financial health, including budgets, financial controls, and reporting. Acting with integrity and in the charity’s best interests is at the heart of the role.

The Treasurer oversees the financial affairs of the charity and ensures that they are conducted legally, transparently, and in line with the charity’s governing document. Working closely with the Chair, Managing Director, Trustees, and any staff or volunteers, the Treasurer helps safeguard the charity’s financial sustainability.

We welcome candidates from professional backgrounds who share our commitment to supporting those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder. If your current or previous skills or experience align with this post, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving meaningful change.

Please note, this role is being advertised on an ongoing basis, with interviews conducted on an ad hoc basis. 

This position is a Trustee role, sitting on Hidayah's board. The IT/Tech This role will oversee Hidayah’s IT infrastructure to ensure suitability and sustainability of charitable activities.

What are the responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

● To ensure Hidayah’s IT operating systems and equipment are fit for purpose

● To drive the delivery and improvement of data protection procedures, using technology to improve the operations of the charity

● To keep the website updated, refreshed and ensure plug-ins and links are valid. This will include creating new pages, updating SEO and ensuring hosting agents are compliant with GDPR

● To take the lead in evaluating IT related proposals for the Board of Trustees

● To provide strategic oversight of implementation and project manage any IT related projects

● To assist with documentation of processes and delivery of specific tech training for volunteers

● Manage and moderate the Hidayah Discord server

● Operate as Hidayah’s Google Workspace administrator

● Work with the wider Digital Team to facilitate the technical development of Hidayah as an organization

How much commitment is required? 

We are flexible around your own schedule. However, the following commitments are in place for all members of the Hidayah Board:

● To be able to attend all Trustee meetings and to deliver a comprehensive report to the Trustee each meeting with updates and to completed actions as and when they appear

● To aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary when close to Hidayah events as well as the events themselves (where possible due to geography)

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives

● To be part of a communications group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments

● To contribute toward and to maintain the administration of our file sharing system ‘Google Drive’ so it is always up to date with clear records, templates and forms

● To check emails and to respond when needed

● Enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah

● To contribute toward the Annual Report once a year

● To be in post until the next AGM

● The role is subject to a 6 months probationary period.

What do we expect from a Trustee: IT Tech Officer

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Knowledge: 

● Educated to degree level or experience which demonstrates equivalent technical role

● Knowledge of Wordpress / Frontend development skills (Currently using Breakdance for our website)

● Adept knowledge of Discord as a communications platform and server management

● Knowledge of Google Workspace

Personal Skills:

● Ability to understand confidentiality, equality and diversity and safeguarding procedures;

● Ability to respond to resolving conflict situations if needed;

● Someone who can behave with professionalism.

Administration Skills:

● To regularly check, maintain and keep up to date Hidayah administration and data handling systems such as using Google Drive to store information

● A high degree of literacy of Microsoft Office and IT Applications

● To be part of a communications text group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments and to inform the Board Members of any developments;

● To read, understand and agree with the constitution of Hidayah (available on website).

Additional:

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives.

Ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.