Service support officer volunteer roles

Positive Futures is seeking a Trustee with professional experience in children’s social care to join our Board. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced practitioner or leader to bring expertise in safeguarding, residential care, and Ofsted-regulated services to the strategic oversight of our organisation. The successful candidate will provide critical insight into care planning, permanence, and supporting excellence in residential settings, ensuring that Positive Homes continues to deliver safe, high-quality services as it grows and responds to national legislative changes.

We seek a professional with experience in:

• Children’s social work
• Safeguarding
• Ofsted-regulated services
• Care planning and permanence
• Supporting residential care excellence

​This trustee will provide critical insight and oversight as Positive Homes grows and adapts to national legislative changes.

If you are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people, and want to contribute your expertise to shaping the governance and strategic direction of a growing, values-led organisation, we would be delighted to hear from you. 

How To Apply

To apply, please submit:

• Your CV
• A short covering letter (max 2 pages) outlining:

           – Why you want to join Positive Futures

           – Which role you are applying for

           – How your experience aligns with our mission and needs

Closing date: 1st March 2026

THE OPPORTUNITY

Do you have an interest or experience in mental health care service design and delivery? Join us in supporting services in the Lambeth community as Chair of Mosaic Clubhouse!

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your senior leadership skills at a charity impacting the quality of life for so many in our community. You'll also work closely with our executive team while providing sound judgement for our Board.

Can you bring a great understanding of governance to our decision-making? If you are keen to act as an ambassador for a mental health charity, then we'd love to hear from you!

WHO IS MOSAIC CLUBHOUSE?

Mosaic Clubhouse is a unique, internationally renowned, mental health recovery community provider. We are right in the heart of Lambeth and wider south-east London, supporting the mental health system. We help over 400 Lambeth residents living with poor mental health each year through our work.

Mosaic people are not defined by their diagnosis but by their potential. They are our members, working side by side with staff to run every part of the Clubhouse. From reception to communications, café operations to fundraising, our model builds a sense of belonging.

WHAT MATTERS TO US

Our community reflects the heart of Brixton and Lambeth; diverse, creative, and resilient.

Mosaic runs on collaboration, not hierarchy. Our members both shape decisions and co-deliver our programmes and services. They also serve on our Board of Trustees, ensuring lived experience drives everything we do.

Our vision is for people, from all walks of life facing mental health challenges, to achieve their potential and feel respected.

IF YOU JOIN US…

You'll be joining us at an exciting time for Mosaic Clubhouse! We just celebrated our 30-year anniversary of proudly holding a positive reputation at the heart of our community.

As Chair, you'll lead on developing a new strategy to improve the mental wellbeing of our members, extending our reach to help more people.

Are you ready to guide us through this invigorating time in our history? This is a great opportunity to lead on our priorities over the coming years through a person-centred approach. 

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for someone who is motivated by our purpose and mission – to change the lives of people affected by poor mental health. You'll need to bring successful board leadership experience to ensure effective operation of our governance.

We are particularly looking for:

• effective decision-making in line with Charity Commission and International Clubhouse standards
• clear commitment to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout our work.
• goals for financial sustainability and increased employment opportunities for our members

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining Mosaic Clubhouse!

WHAT’S NEXT?

Eastside People is supporting Mosaic Clubhouse in the recruitment of this role. You can follow the link to apply today.

The closing date for applications is Mon 2nd March. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will then have an interview with Mosaic Clubhouse shortly after this.

We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from you!

Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. As a Trustee at Behind Closed Doors, you will work alongside our Trustee Board and CEO to drive our new strategy forward, finding opportunities to expand our income generating activity and building our capacity to deliver a range of quality services to everyone who needs our help. This is a pivotal role for our charity, helping to shape our future and support our vision: to build lives free from domestic abuse.

This is an exciting time to join our organisation, as we look to begin implementing a new strategy. You will be joining an established trustee board made up of dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive individuals. We welcome applications from all who resonate with our organisational values and objectives, and specifically from those with skills or experience in fundraising and income generation, and charity governance and risk management. Please note that we are also currently recruiting to the Treasurer role, find out more on our website.

Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experience and strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit of your career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for.

As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:

• Strategic planning
• Governance
• Budgeting and financial analysis
• Risk management
• Chairing meetings

As you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gain confidence in:

• Acting as a 'Critical Friend'; asking questions and providing support
• Experiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operational role
• Absorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contribute value
• Finding your feet with a brand new team of people

Please download the recruitment pack for full details, including how to apply and who to contact for an informal discussion about the role and organisation.

As a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communities we serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalised groups. We also recognise hugely the value that lived experience brings to our board, so would welcome further representation in this area, but only when it is safe for you to engage with us in this way.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitment practices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interest in an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require any adaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up this position.

ABOUT US

AkiOke Music Club is a CIO run by a small group of like-minded individuals, passionate about empowering young people with disabilities through music.

The AkiOke vision is to provide a fun and inclusive social environment for attendees to explore music, build confidence, and connect with others by singing.

Our aim is to provide a regular music/vocal training session using a range of technology to enhance singing experiences that encourages participation and social interaction for vulnerable young adults.

JOB FUNCTION

The post-holder will co-lead on the setup and delivery of AkiOke, a grassroots music and karaoke club. This joyful and inclusive weekly music-based social group is for adults with mild learning difficulties. You will work closely with a young adult with lived experience, who initiated the project and serves as its creative lead.

This role also involves collaboration the Volunteer Coordinator and Trustees, ensuring that all operations are guided by the lived experiences of participants and supported by sustainable outreach and funding strategies.

You will develop strategic and campaign plans and assist marketing volunteers in delivering effective, inclusive campaigns.

The Right to work in the UK is required for this post.

DBS will be required

Please see attached the full job description

We are a dynamic charity, focused on helping survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable freedom by providing invaluable training, coaching, work experience and advocacy across the UK.   It is now two years since we launched a new strategy from which we have increased our impact whilst strengthening and broadening our services for survivors of modern slavery.  In these challenging times it is even more important that we continue to be bold, resilient and effective.  We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who has the vision, passion and expertise to collaboratively lead the organisation during this exciting period.   The Chair together with the trustees will work to ensure effective governance and provide guidance and support to the executive to ensure that we continue to support and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.

Chair Role & Responsibilities

SHF aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner, and the Chair will play an important part in setting the tone and bringing all the stakeholders together.  We are looking for someone who has considerable experience of leadership at an executive or board level in the charity or corporate sector and has an understanding of the modern slavery sector.   

The people that we work with come from all over the world and have a wide variety of beliefs, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to sharing in and reflecting this rich diversity amongst our staff, volunteers and trustees and would strongly encourage applicants from minority and under-represented groups, and from those with lived experience. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are.   

Governance and Culture

• Provide leadership and oversight to the board and executive team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities, including but not limited to governance structures, financial responsibilities, ethos and charity law.
• Ensure that the charity is acting in accordance with its constitution and uses its resources responsibly and exclusively to further its charity objects.
• Support the strengthening of accountable and effective practice within the charity’s governance, helping to cultivate clear commitments, regular learningSustainable freedom from modern slavery 6 focused reviews, and a transparent understanding of impact against strategic priorities. 
• Ensure effective scrutiny of finance at board level and that the charity is financially sustainable.

Board Effectiveness

• Facilitate and guide conversations in a way that enables constructive discussion, draws out diverse perspectives and supports informed, shared decision-making. 
• Encourage full participation from all trustees, recognising and valuing different skills, identities and lived experiences.
• Work with the Chief Executive and committee Chairs to ensure that board meetings are well planned with agendas that reflect the priorities of SHF and the responsibilities of the trustees.
• Meet as appropriate with the treasurer and Chairs of any board committees. 
• Build strong, respectful working relationships between trustees, addressing challenges or conflict with openness and fairness.
• Model and promote a positive and collaborative board culture based on mutual respect rooted in SHF’s values and an appropriate balance of support and challenge

Advocacy and Strategic Development

• Work with the CEO and trustees to strengthen understanding of modern slavery issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers.
• Support the CEO when required to strengthen SHF’s advocacy impact.
• Ensure our strategy is ambitious and financially sustainable and that risks are identified and effectively managed by the executive.
• Bring strategic and planning expertise to the process of ongoing evaluation and refreshment of the strategy.

Development/Fundraising: 

• Act as an ambassador for SHF by raising its profile through your networks.
• Build, maintain and develop partnerships which reflect our values and directly benefit our mission. 
• Play an active role in supporting the executive to reach its revenue goals.

CEO Mentor and Constructive Friend to the Managing Executive

• Provide a supportive, confidential space for the CEO as a sounding board and constructive friend. 
• Build a strong working relationship with the CEO to maintain an overview of SHF’s affairs, to support as necessary the management of sensitive, complex or contentious issues and, where appropriate, provide constructive challenge to the CEO.
• Build a strong working relationship with the executive, offering constructive advice and support whilst maintaining the boundary between the operational decisionmaking of the executive and governance oversight of the Board.
• Lead the annual appraisal for the CEO in line with SHF’s appraisal process and in consultation with other trustees.  Ensure that any identified professional development needs are put in place.

Safeguarding Ensure that:

• A Safeguarding Policy and Procedure is in place, is reviewed as least annually and is available to and understood/applied by staff.
• A culture of safeguarding is championed, where wellbeing and psychological safety is prioritised and staff, volunteers and people with lived experience can raise concerns without fear of judgement or reprisal.
• There is a staff Code of Conduct and policies such as Speaking Out (formally Whistleblowing) and Safer Recruitment are in place.
• Safeguarding concerns are managed effectively; there are systems in place for its management; safeguarding resources including training; a DSL is appointed whose role is stated in their job description.
• Regular feedback on safeguarding activity is received (such as gaps, threats, risks), oversee a risk register and the remedial actions required and the track progress.
• Chair of Trustees undertakes enquiries in the event of an allegation being made against the CEO  
• Compliance with the Charity Commission serious incident notification requirements, and other bodies such as regulators, commissioners, grant makers, and insurance companies 

Mind in Haringey is an independent charity organisation providing vital mental health services to our community in Haringey for over 35 years.

We have a broad and exciting range of services and projects running in a dynamic, evolving environment. We are constantly striving to develop and improve our services through listening to our community, peers, and staff team to evaluate and deliver the best possible projects for our community. 

We particularly encourage applications from those with lived experience of mental health, from racialised communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and residents of Haringey who are passionate about changing things for the better in the borough. 

Haringey is a melting pot of culture, history, and resilience. Though there is much that needs to be improved, we are proud to work as part of a community that has displayed great strength in hardship both in the past and in more recent years. Interested in joining us in this work? We look forward to receiving your application for the role.  

We are currently looking for new trustees to join our board of trustees to support with continuing the positive work being undertaken to ensure Mind in Haringey’s sustainability as an organisation. 

Our trustees are the individuals who collectively make decisions on behalf of Mind in Haringey and oversee the general management of the charity. They ensure that Mind in Haringey has a clear purpose and direction, is financially solvent, well run and delivers its goals for the people we serve. Trustees are expected to undertake duties in a manner that reflects Mind in Haringey’s values and ethos.

Our charity has an ambitious agenda and is committed to reducing the racial and health inequalities that exist in Haringey. We support all people across the borough with mental health issues, providing a range of services to meet the diverse needs of our community.  

We are looking for a Communications Officer who can strategically identify and post engaging content for our social media feeds and other communication channels, which will inspire people to support our work with refugees and asylum seekers in Epirus. You are the person who thinks “this would make a good post”, while activities are taking place. More than that, your interest and belief in digital communications as a force for good should be backed with an interest in data and analytics, using them to influence our overall communication strategy.

Your role would include:

• Interacting with our digital communities to increase engagement, followers and the quality of user experience.

• Identifying key influencers and conversations that we should engage in to better showcase our work and expand our reach.

• Managing our other channels of communication, including newsletters, donor engagement, website and press service.

You should be able to:

• Manage communication channels in a professional capacity

• Create and deliver communication strategies for specific programmes and campaigns

• Produce regular data reports using Facebook Insights, LinkedIn Analytics, Google Analytics or similar tools, analysing data and adapt strategies accordingly 

• Keep up-to-date with the latest trends/developments in digital communications

• Identify key influential external figures and agencies to further our reach and impact

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working in a refugee context or with a vulnerable population

• Experience working in an NGO, Charity or in the field of human rights

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow; investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Have experience leading a team of this type?

Consider applying to become a Communications Coordinator. Whether your experience lies in the humanitarian sector or elsewhere, we are looking for people with expertise that can drive us forward as an organisation.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

Go remote

This position is also open to remote candidates. If you wish to apply for a remote role, mention this in your application.

About Us

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil CIC is a grassroots movement committed to confronting and eradicating Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) across the UK. We give survivors, families, and allies the power to speak out, heal and educate communities through storytelling, outreach, and collective action. We work across all communities - Black, white, Asian, Caribbean, African and beyond, ensuring no survivor feels alone or silenced. Our CIC operates through a community-driven, volunteer-led structure, built by people who believe in truth, justice, and love as law.

This Role Is Not Symbolic. It Is Structural.

Safeguarding is not a policy document; It is not a checkbox; It is not a compliance exercise. In this CIC, safeguarding is the infrastructure that allows the work to exist at all.

We work with:

• Survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA)

• Vulnerable adults

• Young people

• Ex-offenders

• Volunteers with lived trauma

• Communities historically failed by institutions

If safeguarding fails, everything fails. This role exists to make sure that never happens.

Purpose of the Safeguarding Officer Role

The Safeguarding Officer is responsible for designing, implementing, and protecting the safeguarding framework that allows the CIC to operate safely, ethically, and lawfully at scale.

This role ensures:

• Survivors are protected, not re-exposed

• Volunteers are supported, not exploited

• Risks are identified early, not ignored

• Safeguarding is embedded into every system, not bolted on

About the role:

To design and uphold safeguarding systems that protect survivors, volunteers and the organisation, ensuring safety, ethics and legal compliance are built into every practice as the CIC grows. Safeguarding is the infrastructure that allows the work to "SAFELY" exist at all.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Experience in safeguarding within:

 Charity; Statutory services; Education; Health; Grassroots or community settings

• Experience working with vulnerable adults and/or children.

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice.

• Ability to respond to disclosures calmly and appropriately.

• Experience writing and implementing safeguarding policies.

• Risk assessment and incident management experience.

• Understanding of UK safeguarding legislation and guidance.

• Confidence challenging unsafe practice at any level.

• Ability to balance care with boundaries.

• Strong judgement under pressure.

• Clear written documentation skills.

• Capacity to work unpaid and full-time during build phase.

• Emotional regulation and professional restraint.

• Integrity, steadiness and clarity.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Design, implement, and maintain a safeguarding framework that protects survivors, volunteers, members and the organisation.

• Develop and own safeguarding policies, procedures and reporting pathways covering:

  •  Adults and children at risk
  • Volunteers and peer supporters
  • Digital spaces, storytelling, and online engagement
  • Ensure safeguarding is embedded into:
    • Recruitment and onboarding
    • Training and supervision
    • Programme design and delivery
    • Digital systems and data handling

• Establish clear risk assessment processes for activities, campaigns, and content.

• Act as the safeguarding lead for concerns, disclosures, and incidents, ensuring:

  • Timely, appropriate responses
  • Accurate recording
• Correct escalation to statutory agencies where required

• Build systems that prevent re-exposure, re-traumatisation, or exploitation of survivors.

• Ensure volunteers are supported, supervised and not placed in unsafe or inappropriate roles.

• Advise leadership on safeguarding risks, capacity limits and ethical boundaries.

• Deliver safeguarding guidance and training proportionate to role and risk.

• Monitor safeguarding practice across teams and intervene early where drift appears.

• Work closely with Digital, Membership, Fundraising, and Social teams to manage risk in:

  • Storytelling
  • Online engagement
  • Data use

• Maintain professional distance and emotional steadiness when handling complex situations.

• Review and update safeguarding systems as the CIC scales.

• Contribute to external accountability and transparency where appropriate.

You must:

• Be able to commit 80% dedication during the build phase

• Be comfortable working unpaid while the CIC is being built

• Be emotionally grounded and professionally boundaries

• Understand trauma without centring yourself

• Be able to hold complexity without collapsing into control or avoidance

You should have experience in some of the following:

• Safeguarding (statutory, charity, education, health, or grassroots)

• Working with vulnerable adults and/or children

• Trauma-informed practice

• Policy development and implementation

• Risk assessment and incident management

Formal qualifications are welcome but not essential - Integrity, clarity and steadiness are.

This role is not for you if:

• You want safeguarding to be “light touch”

• You avoid difficult conversations

• You seek authority without responsibility

• You are uncomfortable challenging leadership when needed

• You are looking for a title rather than accountability

What You Gain:

• A founding leadership role in a CIC tackling real harm

• The chance to build safeguarding the right way

• Influence over how protection, care, and accountability coexist

• The opportunity to shape a future paid safeguarding role

• Deep purpose-driven work that actually protects people

As the CIC scales, this role is expected to evolve into a paid senior safeguarding position, shaped by the person who built it.

Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation

• A practical discussion about event planning, coordination, and execution

If you believe that well-organised, purposeful events can change communities, and that experiences inspire action, this role is for you.

A Final Word

Safeguarding is an act of love.
It is also an act of discipline.

If you know that:

• Survivors deserve better systems

• Vulnerable people deserve real protection

• Community work must be safe to be sustainable

Location: Remote (with occasional in-person meetings)
Time commitment: Approx. 6–10 hours per month
Term: 2 years (renewable)
Deadline to apply: Friday 6 February 2026

About MS Together

MS Together is a charity focused on supporting young adults (18–35) living with multiple sclerosis. We provide peer support, accessible information, and inclusive events to help young people feel less alone and more empowered to live well with MS. We're a small, dynamic charity rooted in lived experience. Our work is shaped by the voices of our community, and we’re passionate about creating spaces that are welcoming, empowering, and genuinely life-enhancing.

Why join us as a Trustee?

As a trustee, you’ll play a key role in helping shape our strategy, support our growth, and ensure we’re delivering our mission effectively and sustainably. You’ll bring your experience, insights, and passion to a supportive board and have a real impact on the lives of young people with MS.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people who have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising or income generation
• Marketing, communications and digital engagement
• Finance and accounting
• Legal and governance
• Data protection and data management
• EDI in service design / delivery
• Lived experience of MS or a strong understanding of long-term health conditions and the challenges faced by young people

However, you don’t need to have previous board experience – we welcome first-time trustees and offer support and training to help you thrive in the role

Your key responsibilities as a trustee:

• Attend and contribute to quarterly board meetings (held remotely)
• Provide strategic guidance and oversight of our activities and finances
• Support the CEO and staff team where relevant, using your skills and experience
• Act as an ambassador for MS Together and promote our work
• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, and best practice
• Help safeguard the long-term sustainability and integrity of the charity

We are committed to building an inclusive board and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, with a particular interest in hearing from underrepresented voices.

How to apply

Please complete our expression of interest form.

We are seeking a new Treasurer with experience as a qualified accountant, to drive the financial sustainability our charity supporting unpaid carers.

What will you be doing?

Our Board of Trustees is made up of 11 trustees from a range of backgrounds including, health, social care, education and the private sector. 

Demand for our services is higher than it has ever been. Cases are increasingly complex and resources stretched. Changes to the funding landscape, including the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and North East Combined Authority (NECA) present both challenges and opportunities for the organisation.  As the ICB looks to make savings, new regional opportunities are arising with NECA, which require collaboration across a number of carer organisations. 

We are one year into our 5 year strategic cycle, which sets out clear priorities and goals. To help us grow and thrive, and, deliver our Corporate Strategy, we need a Treasurer who can:

• Oversee our finances and keep us sustainable
   
• Ensure we meet charity requirements 
   
• Support the management team with budgets, reporting, and good financial practice.

The Treasurer will play a vital role in guiding our Trustees in overseeing our finances and helping us succeed. We’re looking for someone who is a qualified accountant and is willing to give a few hours a month to support the work we do.

This is a great opportunity to put your skills to use in a meaningful way, and work with a committed and motivated board of trustees and senior leadership team, to help meet the needs of unpaid carers and work towards a more sustainable future.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who is a qualified accountant who can oversee the organisation's finances and provide sound financial advise to aid the board of trustee in their decision making. 

Ideally we are looking for a Treasurer who has lived experience as a unpaid carer, but this is not essential.

What difference will you make?

As Treasurer, this is a great opportunity to put your financial skills to use in a meaningful way, and work with a committed and motivated board of trustees and senior leadership team, to help meet the needs of unpaid carers and drive our strategic vision and priorities. 

Before you apply

We will contact potential applicants, within 5 working days of their expression of interest, to arrange an informal meeting with the Chief Executive to talk through the role.

Following this and upon receipt of an application form, an interview will be arranged within 4 weeks.

Trustee Opportunity at Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking new trustees to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.

With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.

As a trustee, you’d join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Prior Board experience is not required.

We welcome expertise in digital media, finance, fundraising, HR, IT, law, marketing, PR, risk management, senior management, local government, or strategy.

What do you need to become a trustee?

Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have six core skills:

● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public benefit strategically

● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought

● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; planning ahead

● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and shortterm; prioritising value

● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; supporting a healthy culture

● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating everyone with respect.

The Board also values specialist skills as assets among its members:

● experience or qualifications in:

 ‣ business or charity leadership

 ‣ equity, diversity and inclusion

 ‣ facilitation

 ‣ finance and accountancy

 ‣ human resources

 ‣ IT, AI or digital media

‣ law or governance

‣ local government

‣ marketing, PR or communications

‣ risk management, or

‣ strategy development

● past experience as a client or service user of this (or a similar) organisation

● a track record of charitable fundraising, or

● being an effective chair. 

Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours:

● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role.

● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective responsibility.

● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on continuous improvement.

● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and seeks consensus.

● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses opinions courageously.

● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges the status quo

Founded in 1997, the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants provides a place for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum to rebuild their life with support and community. From classes to casework to financial assistance, the Centre has a wide offering available for our community of over 200 people. Our approach is compassionate and human and the support we offer is long term - on average people stay with us around four years.

The current Board brings a wide range of charity and public body experience including strategy and fundraising and we are looking for skills to both enhance and complement these strengths.

The Centre has a dedicated and talented staff team led by our CEO, Andy Ruiz Palma, who joined in 2000 as an English teacher. In addition to this staff resource we have around 40 volunteers who provide direct support through activities. We also have in place accountancy support to the executive and a dedicated fundraising team.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong empathy with our client group and who understand how to work with organisations rooted in a local community. You will bring excellent people and communication skills and demonstrate good team-working.

We are open to applications from people looking for their first Trustee role or who may not have considered being a Trustee before and will provide mentoring to help trustees find their feet.

We are looking to recruit a deputy treasurer with:

A good understanding of financial management and reporting

A recognised accounting, finance or similar qualification

Ability to analyse and communicate financial information to the wider Board

Willingness to provide financial advice and support to the management team as needed

Knowledge and experience of fundraising finance practice in voluntary and community organisations (desirable)

THE OPPORTUNITY

Are you a progressive and inclusive leader?  If you’re able to shape and influence an organisation with a strong foundation and a compelling ambition, then you could be our next Chair here at the Eikon charity.

This is a chance to employ your passion, commitment and bold leadership to support the lives of young people. You will have strong interpersonal skills and influencing capabilities, and a deep commitment to the charity’s mission and values

We need someone to engage and influence stakeholders internally as our Chair as well as able to be a strong ambassador externally.

If this sounds like you, then you might be the right person to join as our Chair.

WHO ARE THE EIKON CHARITY?

Now in our 30th year, The Eikon Charity supports children and young people across Surrey to feel safe, heard, and supported.

Growing up in today’s world can be incredibly challenging. That's why we empower children and young people to find the inner and external resources they need as they develop and navigate life.

We create spaces where they can be themselves and talk about their thoughts and feelings. They understand better than anyone what’s happening in their own lives, so we listen, without judging.

WHAT MATTERS TO US

We believe there should be more investment in empowering young people to prevent them from needing help with their mental health.  The needs of young people guide everything we do, shaping every decision and action we take.

We are committed to investing in preventative services and use our influence to persuade others to do the same.

We are also committed to diversity that supports young people and our volunteers to fulfil their personal potential.

IF YOU JOIN US…

You will lead us with confidence in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. We know that what we do has an impact on our children who, tragically, need more of everything we offer as their challenges increase. This is an opportunity to really make a difference to the next generation.

Becoming our Chair will be a fascinating and compelling way to engage with a highly successful charity poised to achieve so much more. Ensuring that the Board governs The Eikon Charity wisely will be a rich and rewarding opportunity.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The Chair will provide strategic leadership and governance oversight to ensure the charity delivers maximum impact for the children and young people it works with. We need someone to demonstrate bold thinking and the ability to inspire and guide our Board.

We are particularly seeking:

• commitment to mission: passion for the charity’s purpose and a deep understanding of its social impact
• inclusivity & collaboration: fosters a collaborative and inclusive Board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and constructive challenge
• influencing & advocacy - skilled in representing the charity and influencing key stakeholders

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining the Eikon Charity.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Eastside People is supporting the Eikon Charity in the recruitment of this role. You can apply by submitting your CV and Cover Letter. 

The closing date for applications is Mon 23rd February. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will then have an interview with the Eikon Charity shortly after this.

We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from you!

Are you passionate about helping people from Afghanistan feel welcome and supported in the UK? Do you have the language skills and cultural understanding to assist Afghan refugees as they navigate the challenges of building a new life? If you’re adaptable, resilient, and dedicated to making a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

About us

Gulab Sorkh Foundation (GSF) is an independent charity supporting Afghan nationals resettled in the UK under the ARAP scheme. We are a small but impactful organisation, dedicated to helping those who worked closely with British forces in Afghanistan and their families integrate successfully into British life.

Job description

We are looking for two volunteer interpreters—one fluent in Dari and one fluent in Pashto — to join our team at the Gulab Sorkh Foundation (GSF). You will play a key role in supporting Afghan refugees who have resettled in the UK, assisting them in accessing essential services and communicating effectively in their daily lives.  This is an influential volunteer opportunity where you will make a real difference by helping Afghan refugees integrate into British society, providing crucial interpretation during interactions with service providers such as healthcare professionals, housing officers, and legal advisors.

As a Volunteer Interpreter, you will:

• Provide interpretation services (Dari or Pashto) to Afghan refugees, ensuring clear 
• communication between them and various UK service providers.
• Assist refugees in understanding key information related to housing, healthcare, 
• education, and other public services.
• Facilitate communication during meetings, appointments, and community events to 
• support their integration journey.
• Offer support and cultural understanding to ensure refugees feel comfortable and 
• respected throughout their resettlement process.

Key responsibilities:

• Interpret accurately and sensitively between Dari/Pashto and English during one-on-one 
• and group interactions.
• Help beneficiaries understand and complete necessary paperwork or official forms in 
• both languages.
• Collaborate with case managers and external partners to ensure the refugees’ needs are 
• effectively communicated.
• Be aware of and sensitive to the needs of individuals who may have experienced trauma 
• and displacement.
• Follow data protection laws and policies

Essential skills:

• Fluency (written and verbal) in Dari and/or Pashto and in English.
• A high level of cultural sensitivity and empathy towards Afghan refugees.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information clearly 
• and accurately.
• Ability to remain neutral and impartial in all interactions.
• Commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and confidentiality.

Desirable skills:

• Level 3 in Interpretation.
• Previous experience working with refugees or vulnerable communities.
• Knowledge of UK systems such as healthcare, housing, and immigration.
• Understanding of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Please note:

This is an unpaid voluntary position, offering flexibility to fit around your other commitments.

This is a completely remote role, and as such you will need to ensure that you have access to a confidential, quite space during your working hours.

To apply please upload your CV and covering letter (max. 2 A4 pages each) 
In your application, please explain how you meet every point on the essential criteria with examples. If you meet any of the desired criteria, please do the same for these.  We actively encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences of migration or refugee resettlement.

Please get in touch with us if you have any queries.

We look forward to hearing from you