Social work volunteer volunteer roles

DIGITAL & IT LEAD (VOLUNTEER)

Build the Digital Systems That Power SUNSHINE — and Help Us Reach People Facing Loneliness Across London

About SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE is a small but ambitious grassroots charity on a mission to reduce loneliness and help people feel truly seen, valued and connected. Every week, our volunteers bring warmth, joy and human connection to people who feel isolated, overlooked or alone.

To support this work, we need strong, safe, reliable digital systems — and that’s where you come in. As our Digital & IT Lead, you’ll help build, configure and maintain the tools that keep SUNSHINE running smoothly: our cloud‑based case management system, CRM, Google Workspace, devices, and the digital infrastructure that supports our volunteers and protects the people we serve.

Your work will never be “just tech”. It will be the foundation that allows SUNSHINE to grow, expand and reach more people who need us.

What You’ll Be Doing

1. Building SUNSHINE’s Digital Infrastructure

• Set up, configure and maintain our cloud‑based case management system.

• Build and manage our CRM to support volunteers, participants and partnerships.

• Ensure our digital tools are safe, secure and easy for volunteers to use.

2. Managing Google Workspace & Core Systems

• Configure Google Workspace accounts, permissions and shared drives.

• Keep our systems organised, accessible and aligned with best practice.

• Support volunteers with simple, friendly digital onboarding.

3. Device Configuration & Security

• Configure laptops, tablets and other devices for SUNSHINE‑only use.

• Ensure devices are safe, compliant and ready for volunteers.

• Maintain strong data protection and digital safeguarding standards.

4. Troubleshooting & Volunteer Support

• Provide light‑touch support to volunteers when they need help.

• Create simple guides, checklists or instructions to make tech feel easy.

• Help build volunteers’ confidence with digital tools.

5. Helping SUNSHINE Grow Across London

• Recommend tools and systems that support our expansion.

• Ensure our digital infrastructure can scale as we grow.

• Build the foundations for a future‑proof, volunteer‑powered charity.

This Role Is for You If…

• You enjoy building digital systems that make life easier for others.

• You care deeply about loneliness, wellbeing and community.

• You’re organised, reliable and confident with IT and cloud‑based tools.

• You want to help a new charity grow from the ground up.

• You’re based in or connected to London.

• You want to develop your skills in digital leadership, IT management or charity tech.

Practical Details

• Location: Hybrid/Flexible — remote with occasional London meetups.

• Time: Approx. 3-5 Hours per Month (This is a fully flexible volunteer role with no set hours)

Why This Role Matters

Every system you build helps a volunteer support someone facing loneliness. Every device you configure helps a team member deliver connection and care. Every digital safeguard you put in place protects people who may be vulnerable. Every improvement you make strengthens SUNSHINE’s ability to grow, expand and reach more people across London.

Your work will help create a London where more people feel seen, supported and valued. Your leadership will help SUNSHINE become a movement. Your impact will be felt in every programme, every volunteer, every person we support.

This is not just IT. It’s infrastructure for hope.

How to Apply

Send a CV and a short note about why this role speaks to you. We review applications on a rolling basis — join us and help build the digital foundations of SUNSHINE.

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are seeking Event Doctors to respond and manage emergency calls/incidents at events which may include venues such as stadia, concert halls, motorsports tracks, road races etc. Event doctors shall provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care while undertaking clinical assessment and interventions in the pre-hospital environment. This will mainly involve working in mobile treatment centres or temporary event medical centres.

 Successful candidates will be registered medical practitioners with the GMC, without cautions or restrictions, and hold a licence to practice outside of an approved practice setting.

Volunteer locations: Epsom and Mole Valley Network - Epsom; Rushmoor and South West Surrey Network- Farnborough, Guildford, Working and Cranleigh Network - Guildford; East Surrey Network - Redhill or North West Surrey - Weybridge

The closing date for this role is: 31/10/2026

Interview dates, time and location to be advised

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are seeking Event Paramedics to respond to and manage emergency calls/incidents whilst attending events. At all times provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care to undertake clinical assessment and interventions those individuals in the pre-hospital environment, which may include stadia, concerts, motorsports, road races etc. This may encompass working on both ambulances / FRV’s and within treatment units as required.

Successful candidates will be registered Paramedics with the HCPC and be able to provide evidence of CPD activity within the previous 12 months.

Volunteer locations: Epsom and Mole Valley Network - Epsom; Rushmoor and South West Surrey Network- Farnborough, Guildford, Working and Cranleigh Network - Guildford; East Surrey Network - Redhill or North West Surrey - Weybridge

The closing date for this role is: 31/10/2026

Interviews date, time to be advised

Job description

�� Guardian Light Foundation Board of Directors – Roles, Expectations & Benefits ��

Our Mission

Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless and abused children, teenagers, and struggling single-parent families. We provide safe housing, education, career pathways, legal aid, and life-skills support to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

We are building not just an organisation — but a movement of hope, empowerment, and social impact.

�� BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

�� Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

�� OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

�� IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Vice-Chairperson (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Responsibilities:

• Support the Chairperson and act in their absence.

• Ensure all board decisions are actioned efficiently.

• Oversee special committees and task forces.

• Assist with performance evaluations of executive staff.

• Provide leadership continuity during transitions.

Requirements:

• Strong leadership and organisational skills.

• Prior experience in management or board governance.

Benefits:

• Executive leadership recognition.

• Key role in succession planning and governance strategy.

• Access to leadership networks and visibility opportunities.

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices (CWV) is a grassroots charity supporting children, young people, and families through alternative education, life-skills programmes, wellbeing activities, and community food hubs.
Our mission is to empower children with confidence, resilience, and the tools they need to thrive. We work closely with local schools, families, and partners to create safe, supportive learning environments where every child is valued and heard.

Role: Youth Mentor / Support Worker

Location: Community sites / schools
Hours: 2–4 hours per week (flexible)
Contract: Volunteer
Reports to: Head of Programmes & Education

Role Overview

As a Youth Mentor, you will provide emotional, practical and wellbeing support to young people who need a positive role model. You will help build resilience, confidence, and healthy life-skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 mentoring and group support

• Encourage positive behaviour, engagement and wellbeing

• Support workshops, activities and trips

• Build safe, trusting relationships with young people

• Report safeguarding concerns appropriately

• Log basic session notes and progress

Person Specification

Essential:

• Empathy, patience, and strong listening skills

• Experience supporting young people (formal or informal)

• Commitment to safeguarding and boundaries

Desirable:

• Experience in youth work, coaching or education

Benefits

• Safeguarding, mentoring and youth-work training

• Flexible volunteering

• Excellent experience for education, youth work, or social care careers

• Meaningful impact on young people’s lives

Role Title: Graphic Designer

Role Purpose

Quilombo UK is looking for a Graphic Designer to join the team. Quilombo UK is a not for profit social enterprise that challenges people to think differently and bridge gaps between communities, with the aim of building a culturally rich society, where differences are accepted and celebrated. As chosen among 160 other organizations to work in collaboration with the Home Office on the “Building a Stronger Britain together” project, you will be joining a team, which not only supports the community but also stands up to extremism in all of its forms.

Quilombo UK works in collaboration with QMC Capoeira School, giving you the chance to support QMC Capoeira which is one of the most awarded Capoeira Schools in UK (UK Coaching Awards, Gillette Sports Awards, Kingston Council Sports Awards).

By joining QuilomboUK you will be supported and guided by experienced staff and volunteers, who are willing to share their skill set and will provide you with great opportunities for development in many different areas.

Ideal candidates will use their passion to promote Quilombo UK and raise its profile, while attracting new members. They should create engaging and on-brand graphics for a variety of media.

Main Responsibilities

• Study design briefs and determine requirements
• Schedule projects and define budget constraints
• Conceptualize visuals based on requirements
• Prepare rough drafts and present ideas
• Develop illustrations, logos and other designs using software or by hand
• Use the appropriate colours and layouts for each graphic
• Work with copywriters and creative director to produce final design
• Test graphics across various media
• Amend designs after feedback
• Ensure final graphics and layouts are visually appealing and on-brand

Essential Skills

• Proven graphic designing experience
• A portfolio of illustrations or other graphics / CV
• Familiarity with design software and technologies (such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Suite)
• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of tasks
• Focused, organised and able to prioritise and execute tasks independently
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• A keen eye for aesthetics and details
• Excellent communication skills
• Degree in Design, Fine Arts or related field is a plus
• Must be UK resident

Desirable

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

Job Type: Volunteer

WMS is looking for a treasurer trustee and director (volunteer role)

WMS is a small, award-winning charity with a bold vision! Our mission is to help people navigate through conflict towards peace. We’ve been running for over 20 years on a social enterprise model. Commercial mediators gift their time and expertise in commercial and workplace mediations, and their fees help to fund our office costs. Community mediations and conflict coaching are also delivered by volunteers.  We provide skills training in our local community, in schools across London and organisations nationwide.  We have a committed Trustee board and a part-time CEO who co-ordinates a team of skilled, experienced freelancers doing case-work, communications, projects and training.

In 2025, we directly supported just under 1,000 people. We processed 286 conflict resolution cases, achieving a 93% resolution rate, and trained over 400 adults and young people in conflict resolution skills.

Over the next three years we want to grow sustainably while maintaining our impact. We are looking for a volunteer with budgeting and forecasting expertise to join the trustee Board because our Treasurer is resigning shortly due to other commitments. 

We need a “hands on” trustee who can act as a key strategic advisor to the CEO and the Board, guiding growth, funding, and major financial decisions.  Currently there are: 

• 4 in person 2 hour evening board meetings per annum, in Clapham Junction

• 4 Zoom meetings per annum for 90 minutes over lunch time

• Annual strategy morning, usually on a Saturday in November

As we don’t have a CFO, the Treasurer also has a short monthly meeting in person or on Zoom with the CEO to discuss financial targets, budgets and forecasts. They support the CEO with the submission of statutory annual accounts and are available for ad hoc advice on financial queries which may arise.

We’d like to hear from people who are motivated by our mission to build peace in a polarized world. We need expertise and experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and accounting and a willingness to support and challenge the CEO and the Board.

Whilst a knowledge of Charity SORPS would be an advantage, we are open to applications from people who are willing to learn! 

Please send a CV and covering letter outlining your experience and why you’d like to join us.  We aim to interview in March and for the Treasurer to join us in time for the new financial year on 1 April 2026.

Memory Lane is here for anyone living with dementia (whether they have a diagnosis, are an unpaid carer or friend or family member). Our social support cafes enable people to meet friends, get support, access information and simply have fun.

The impact of what we do can be best summed up by some quotes from our members:-

“has been of tremendous help to me personally with all the advice and encouragement they have given me”

“my husband comes alive at the cafe”

“improves the way I feel – my mental health”

We are now looking for an enthusiastic and committed volunteer to join our Trustee team as Treasurer to help us continue to grow and develop what we do. You'll need to attend meetings (quarterly plus other meetings from time to time) and also be able to work at home on managing the finances and providing reports etc to the Trustees.

This job is for you if you have:-

• good communication skills

• ability to use spreadsheets

• awareness of accounting practices

• willingness to learn - we'll provide training as necessary and there will be other opportunities for learning and personal development as part of our team.

Our accounts are currently well-managed by our present Treasurer who will be leaving us after completing the 25/26 financial year (31-3-26). She will be available to familiarise and induct the new Treasurer into the role for a seamless transfer.

As a health professional volunteer, you would support our First Aid teams with patients who need more complex assessment or treatment, prescription medications or admission to hospital. 

We would warmly welcome you into our clinical team, provide all your training, uniform and equipment and offer you a great chance to work as part of a friendly prehospital care team, with good clinical support from experienced colleagues. You would join our group of over 20 Kent doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and paramedics who already give their time to volunteer with St John Ambulance. 

We have clinicians of all specialities in our teams and are happy to provide clinical supervision for those in training grades. 

We understand how tiring your work shifts can be, and that your duty to your NHS patients will always come first, and we can offer you flexibility around volunteering shifts as well as paid travel to, and accommodation at events. 

Please note, this is a Kent County wide advert for health professional volunteers, and once you are onboarded to the organisation you will be managed by one of the local networks and supported by the County Clinical Team. Kent Network locations are: St John North Kent (Rochester) - Unit 22, Castle View Business Centre, Gas House Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1PB St John Central Kent (Maidstone) - Dunk Memorial Hall, Church Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 IEL St John South Kent (Ashford) - Furley Hall, Maidstone Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8TX St John West Kent (Royal Tunbridge Wells) - 160-162 Silverdale Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9HU St John East Kent (Canterbury) - Suite 1C Orchard House, Orchard Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AJNo one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are seeking Event Nurses to respond to and manage emergency calls/incidents whilst attending events. Event nurses shall provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care and undertake clinical assessment and interventions in the pre-hospital environment, which may include venues such as stadia, concert halls, motorsports tracks, road races etc. This will mainly involve working in treatment units or temporary event medical centres.

Successful candidates will be registered nurses with the NMC and be able to provide evidence of CPD activity within the previous 12 months.

For more information about this role please contact X

The closing date for this role is:

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are seeking Event Doctors to respond and manage emergency calls/incidents at events which may include venues such as stadia, concert halls, motorsports tracks, road races etc. Event doctors shall provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care while undertaking clinical assessment and interventions in the pre-hospital environment. This will mainly involve working in mobile treatment centres or temporary event medical centres.

Successful candidates will be registered medical practitioners with the GMC, without cautions or restrictions, and hold a licence to practice outside of an approved practice setting.

As a health professional volunteer, you would support our First Aid teams with patients who need more complex assessment or treatment, prescription medications or admission to hospital. 

We would warmly welcome you into our clinical team, provide all your training, uniform and equipment and offer you a great chance to work as part of a friendly prehospital care team, with good clinical support from experienced colleagues. 

You would join our group of over 20 Kent doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and paramedics who already give their time to volunteer with St John Ambulance. 

We have clinicians of all specialities in our teams and are happy to provide clinical supervision for those in training grades. 

We understand how tiring your work shifts can be, and that your duty to your NHS patients will always come first, and we can offer you flexibility around volunteering shifts as well as paid travel to, and accommodation at events. 

Please note, this is a Kent County wide advert for health professional volunteers, and once you are onboarded to the organisation you will be managed by one of the local networks and supported by the County Clinical Team. Kent Network locations are: St John North Kent (Rochester) - Unit 22, Castle View Business Centre, Gas House Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1PB St John Central Kent (Maidstone) - Dunk Memorial Hall, Church Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 IEL St John South Kent (Ashford) - Furley Hall, Maidstone Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8TX St John West Kent (Royal Tunbridge Wells) - 160-162 Silverdale Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9HU St John East Kent (Canterbury) - Suite 1C Orchard House, Orchard Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AJ

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - XXXXXXX details of times, venue, etc.
Training for role - XXXXXXX details of course including dates, time & venue.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 07/02/2027

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. Our Cadet programme gives young people aged to 11-18 years, to get involved in: • learning first aid • volunteering at local and national events • engaging in social action and helping their local community • learning about health and wellbeing • developing confidence and communication skills through Cadet leadership training • enjoying a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities. We currently have vacancies in the following areas: Bilsthorpe on Monday evenings Hucknall on Tuesday evenings Mansfield and Worksop on Wednesday evenings.

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. Relevant training for the role will be given. The cadet group meets on Monday evenings in term time.

Pursuing the role

We are looking to run a volunteering interview selection session, dates and venue to be confirmed

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role, dates, time & venue to be confirmed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 
31/05/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Based right in the heart of the city, Shopmobility is a vital and much loved service for all of our customers.  A place where they know they will be listened to, treated with dignity and provided with the best assistance we can offer them, to live their lives independently.

Equal Lives is a user led Disabled People's Organisation and we're really proud of Shopmobility!  It's the part of our organisation which is people facing, the part where our staff and volunteers get to represent us and interact with our customers on a daily basis.  So, it's vital that we have the right people on hand and that's where you come in!

If you've got a passion to help the Disabled community by empowering them to live the life they deserve, then you're our kind of person.  We're looking for those compassionate individuals who want to help others, who are happy to give a few minutes to listen to someone's story, to ask how their day was and to support them in working out the best solutions to suit their needs.

Shopmobility is a scheme that supports people to hire mobility aids during their visit to the city. We're based in Chantry Place (previously Chapelfield Shopping Centre) and we are looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of the day-to-day running of the shop.This is a great opportunity to volunteer, build your skills and meet new people! 

Role overview: 

 As is typical of working with the community, no one day is the same.  As such, the role may include, but is not limited to: 

• Opening the site ready for business and helping to prepare the shop 
• Closing the shop at the end of the day 
• Greeting customers and acting as a friendly, supportive and welcoming face 
• Supporting customers to work out what they need, and to hire the equipmen
• Keeping the site looking presentable and welcoming
• Handling cash and taking card payments
• Supporting people to sign up as Shopmobility members and to join Equal Lives as members
• Responding to queries on social media, email and telephone
• Taking future bookings for the equipment 
• Cleaning and maintenance of vehicles when they’re returned 
• Marketing and promoting the shop 
• Some other occasional ad hoc tasks as required

We’ll give you: 

• Comprehensive training, including Customer Service, GDPR, Safeguarding and Data Protection 
• The opportunity to choose your days and hours (within our opening times of Tuesday to Friday)
• An accessible city centre location 
• A variety of activities to challenge you and develop your skills 
• The opportunity to take on additional responsibilities as you gain experience 
• Specific tasks focusing on the skills you want to gain 
• A friendly and supportive team of staff and volunteers 
• A mapped out plan of personal development to help you evidence your professional progression

You will be doing really important work with this role, supporting those with mobility issues access the City to lead more independent lives. This opportunity gives you a fantastic chance to learn and develop great transferable skills. 

If you are looking for a volunteer role which gives you the chance to make a real difference to people's lives, this role could be for you. 

Volunteering Arrangements 

 The site will follow the COVID19 safety guidelines and volunteers will be reimbursed reasonable expenses incurred whilst supporting us.

All volunteers are required to undertake our core training programme. This covers basic safeguarding and other key features, such as data protection.

New volunteers will have an opportunity to ‘shadow’ experienced volunteers and members of staff 

Potentially, depending on the candidate, there may be additional opportunities to participate in a variety of accredited training courses. Please ask a manager for further details. 

Volunteers are required to adhere to the organisation’s policies and practice guidelines. 

Reasonable expenses, including travel whilst undertaking this role will be reimbursed. This includes mileage (currently £0.45 p/mile) and parking costs. 

Person specification 

• Honesty
• An ability to be empathic, whilst maintaining professional boundaries 
• Reliability, and only committing to a level of volunteering which is realistic 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• The ability to be non-judgemental 
• Good verbal and written communication skills 
• Excellent listening skills 
• Commitment to attend training courses and team meetings 
• Ability to follow organisational policies and procedures including safeguarding, data protection and health and safety
• Dedicated to the empowerment of Disabled people 

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. 

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our cat adoption team leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our cat adoption team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Acting as the main point of contact within the team for cat adoption enquiries via email/telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the volunteer committee, being part of the team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat welfare team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

Time expectation

The cat adoption team leader role is vital within our busy volunteer teams. Our current volunteers spend around 10 to 12 hours per week in this flexible role, which can be shared by more than one volunteer if required.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.