Supporter care officer volunteer roles

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (VOLUNTEER ROLE)

SUNSHINE Charity – Because No One Should Live in Lockdown Forever

Do you remember lockdown?

1. The stillness.
2. The worry.
3. The long days without connection.
4. The feeling of being cut off from the world.

Now imagine living like that every single day — not because of a global crisis, but because loneliness has quietly become someone’s reality.

At SUNSHINE, we refuse to let that be anyone’s everyday life. Not in London. Not in our communities. Not while we’re here.

We’re here to bring back joy, connection and human warmth — and we need a steady, strategic, compassionate leader to help us build the charity that will make that possible.

Who We Are

SUNSHINE is a brand‑new, grassroots, 100% volunteer‑powered charity on a mission to brighten the lives of people experiencing loneliness and social isolation. We’re small, passionate, and building something hopeful from the ground up. We’re awaiting our charity number — but our purpose is already alive and growing.

Now we need someone who can help us turn that purpose into a strong, sustainable, well‑run organisation.

Your Role: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

This is not just a role — it’s a partnership.

As our COO, you will be the No. 2 in the charity, working closely with our Founder & CEO to shape, manage and grow SUNSHINE during its most exciting and fragile early stages.

You will help transform a hopeful idea into a fully functioning, impactful charity.

You will:

• Support the CEO in the day‑to‑day running and strategic development of the charity

• Oversee operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly, safely and with heart

• Help build our internal structures, systems and processes from scratch

• Support the Heads of Departments (Volunteering, Services, Marketing, etc.) to deliver their work effectively

• Ensure good governance, compliance and best practice as we grow

• Champion a positive, caring, sunshine‑filled organisational culture

• Be a key decision‑maker, helping guide the charity through its early growth

• Bring stability, clarity and leadership to a fast‑moving, hopeful start‑up environment

Your leadership will help us become a charity that people trust, love and feel safe turning to.

Who You Are

• You’re someone who thrives in building things — systems, teams, structures, solutions.
• You’re calm, organised, strategic and people‑centred.
• You care deeply about community, connection and doing things the right way.
• Maybe you’ve worked in operations, leadership, governance, project management, charity management or organisational development.
• Maybe you’ve been a No. 2 before — or maybe you’re ready to step into that space for the first time.

What matters most is your heart, your integrity, your steadiness, and your belief that loneliness should never be a life sentence.

Why Join Us Now?

Because this is the moment everything begins.

You won’t just be joining a charity — you’ll be helping to build it. Your leadership will shape our foundations. Your decisions will shape our future. Your presence will help us bring sunshine into lives that have been dark for far too long.

If you want to be part of something hopeful, human and life‑changing, this is your moment.

How to Apply

Send us your CV and a short statement about why this role speaks to you.

We welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences and walks of life.

Let’s build a charity full of sunshine — together.

Make A Smile is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Safeguarding Officer to help us ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children, families, and volunteers we support across the UK. If you have safeguarding experience and want to use your skills to make a meaningful impact, this role offers the chance to help shape safe, joyful experiences for vulnerable children.

About the Role

The Safeguarding Officer plays a central role in maintaining high safeguarding standards across all Make A Smile Chapters. You will work closely with the Recruitment Manager to deliver high‑quality safeguarding training to volunteers, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and feel confident when working with children.

You will also lead on maintaining and updating our safeguarding policies, liaising with relevant organisations to ensure they remain comprehensive, compliant, and aligned with current legislation. A key part of the role involves supporting local officers to ensure all volunteers have an up‑to‑date DBS check before attending events.

As the charity’s central point of safeguarding expertise, you will provide guidance on concerns, advise on escalation routes, and help embed a strong safeguarding culture throughout the organisation.

What We Need You to Do

- Deliver safeguarding training to volunteers
- Maintain and update safeguarding policies
- Ensure DBS compliance across all Chapters
- Provide guidance on safeguarding concerns
- Promote best practice and support volunteers
- Liaise with external organisations and stay up‑to‑date with legislation

Qualities and Experience

We are looking for someone with:

- Proven safeguarding experience (charity, education, healthcare, or social care preferred)
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practice
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A calm, supportive, and approachable manner
- The ability to coordinate processes across multiple teams
- Good judgement, discretion, and attention to detail
- A commitment to Make A Smile’s mission and values

How This Role Helps Make A Smile

The Safeguarding Officer ensures Make A Smile can operate safely, responsibly, and confidently. Your leadership protects children, supports volunteers, and strengthens trust with families and partners. By maintaining robust safeguarding processes, you enable us to continue delivering magical, meaningful experiences to vulnerable children across the UK.

Purpose of the role

Are you passionate about health justice and human rights? Join us as our new Treasurer!

The purpose of the Board of Directors is to provide leadership, guidance, checks and balances on the structure and operation of the organisation.                                                                                                                                                                           

The Board of Directors:

• Fulfils the duties and responsibilities of Company Directors

• Advises on and approves strategic plans, annual roadmaps, and budgets, and any changes to these

• Identifies any risks to the organisation and advises on these

• Advises on and approves organisational policies and commitments, including grant and commercial agreements

• Advises on and approves organisational structure, including the structure and composition of the Board and any other Boards and Committees it deems necessary

• Provides oversight on the Executive Director, including their appointment, performance reviews, remuneration decisions, and delegated powers

Additional duties as Treasurer:

• Chair the Finance and Risk committee

• Monitor the financial sustainability of the organisation

• Take a lead in interpreting financial information to fellow Directors

• Support the team in their participatory budget setting process

• Make sure that all financial policies, procedures and the appointment of external support are reviewed regularly 

• Provide guidance on the preparation of the annual accounts where necessary

• Provide ad-hoc support to the Senior Operations Officer who deals with the day-to-day finances (using Xero)

• Support the production of management accounts 

“Our dedicated Directors form a great team that I love being a part of. We really care about the work and staff team, and we're keen to add value through our expertise as well as being eager and open to learning. Through mutual respect and listening to each other our meetings and interactions are really fruitful. I know I get a lot out of being part of this team and the opportunity to support the great work of Just Treatment.”

Adina Claire, Chair

“We’re very excited to be adding a Treasurer to our board. As we’re launching into our next four year strategy we need to build our board to create a team that can help us meet this moment. Our financial sustainability and the stewardship of our treasurer are central to this.”

Diarmaid McDonald, Executive Director

The Practicalities

Time commitment:

We have four full board meetings per year. Three of these are online and last for two hours, and one longer full day meeting is in person (likely in London. All costs will be covered). Directors are expected to attend these, and come prepared, having read all board papers in advance.

We have additional committees such as Finance and Risk, and the Treasurer will be expected to chair this committee. There may be other events that Directors are invited to attend, and other opportunities to get involved. We also expect that Directors will provide ad hoc support based on their expertise and available time, with the Treasurer working with the Senior Ops Officer, Executive Director, and Chair to prepare and secure support for our budget and other key financial processes. We estimate the time commitment to be around one day per month (with peaks during the financial cycle). 

What qualities should our board members have?

Our Board members are diverse while all having:

• Alignment with Just Treatment’s values

• Commitment to Just Treatment's mission

In addition the Treasurer should bring:

• Significant senior-level financial background 

• Experience of risk management

• Confidence working at Board level

• Charity or non-profit experience is desirable 

Our Board includes people who have:

• lived experience of the issues we work on

• experience leading and growing non-profit organisations in the UK, including leading their strategy and planning cycles, and fundraising efforts

• experience with different organisational forms and governance structures

• experience with shaping organisational cultures, policies and processes

• knowledge of health policy and health justice

• understanding of campaigning, advocacy, and organising practice

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

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

What 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

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 
• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
• You’ll need to be aged 18+ to volunteer in this role. If you’re aged 16-17, you’ll need to be supervised by a friend, family member, or guardian over the age of 18 in order to carry out any fundraising activity.

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

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.

Brake is seeking experienced and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. This is an opportunity to contribute at a strategic level to shaping the future of road safety and road victim support, and to create lasting, positive change.

If you have the experience and skills outlined below, and are motivated to contribute at Board level, we’d love to hear from you.

About Brake

Every death and serious injury on the road is a preventable tragedy. Yet, on average, five people die every day on the road in the UK and 79 are seriously injured (10-year average from 2015-2024).

Our vision is a world with zero road death and injury, where we can all move in a safe and healthy way, whoever we are and however we travel. Since 1995, Brake has worked to prevent road deaths and serious injuries, make streets safe and healthy places for all, and support road crash victims through our National Road Victim Service. We campaign to prevent crashes and reduce harm when they occur. We help people affected by road death and injury get the support they need, for as long as they need it. We deliver education programmes to improve knowledge, develop skills and shift attitudes. Attached is a copy of our current strategy..

Our values are:

· Professionalism

· Collaboration

· Integrity

· Compassion

· Inclusion

· Courage

Could your strengths, skills or experience make a positive difference to Brake and our work?

The role
We are currently seeking new talent for our Board of Trustees. The Board has overall responsibility and accountability for the organisation’s governance and strategic direction, and trustees use their skills and experience to set the charity’s strategy and objectives and support their delivery and oversight.

 These responsibilities include

• Attending regular meetings of the Board and its sub-committees where required
• Contributing actively to the Board in helping set the charity’s strategic direction in line with its objectives
• Assisting in evaluating the executive team’s performance against agreed plans
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and all other relevant legislation and regulations
• Working with the Chair, other Board members and CEO/COO to ensure that the organisation uses its resources well and exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects
•  Providing strategic advice and guidance where appropriate, drawing on personal expertise, while maintaining appropriate separation from day to day operations
• Acting in the best interests of Brake while exercising independent judgement
• Safeguarding the charity’s assets and reputation
• Acting as an ambassador for Brake and using networks to promote the charity’s work and opportunities to help the charity
• Assessing and scrutinising Board papers and contributing to the work of sub-committees
• Acting as a media spokesperson for the charity when required, representing Brake’s vision, values, and work with confidence and clarity.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate:

• Firm commitment to the goals and objectives of Brake
• Collaborative and emotionally intelligent
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to think creatively
• Willingness to support the Brake operational team in their work as appropriate
• Ability to make the time commitment to perform the functions of the role
• Strategic thinking and sound, independent judgement
• Confidence to provide constructive challenge and support within a Board environment
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn, trustee responsibilities and governance

We are particularly interested in candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience, and with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Charity fundraising and income generation
• Charity governance and compliance
• Clinical risk management and person‑centred support
• Data, digital transformation and AI
• HR, people and culture
• Insurance
• Legal
• Media, comms and PR
• Policing or emergency services
• Road safety policy
• Trauma informed practice

Formal board meetings take place quarterly, although from time to time, there are additional meetings that take place that you may be asked to join and contribute to, including sub-committees. The expected time commitment is approximately 1 – 2 days per month. Trustee appointments are typically for a three-year term, which may be renewed. Meetings are primarily held virtually, with occasional in-person meetings.

The role is unremunerated; reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Equity, diversity and inclusion
Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We welcome your application regardless of your background or circumstances. We particularly welcome applications from those who are part of the global majority, the LGBTQIA+ community or disabled. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. We don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it. So, if you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we would love to hear from you.

Closing Date: Monday 4 May

This is an unsalaried volunteer role.

Are you an experienced charity fundraiser? We are looking for a new Trustee with strong fundraising experience who shares a passion for our work and who, through their professional expertise, can offer support, guidance, and strategic insight to our Board, CEO, and senior management, helping to bring about positive impact and lasting change through the work of our Christian partners.

ROLE PURPOSE

Embrace the Middle East is a Christian Development charity (registered No. 1076329), established in 1854, with a mission to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the Middle East by working in partnership with local Christians, focussing on education, healthcare and community development. Its Board of Trustees (the Board) is responsible for the overall governance, monitoring and strategic direction of the charity. It works with the charity’s management to ensure that the charity fulfils the objects defined in its Articles, acts in accordance with the charity’s vision and mission, and complies will all legal and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities of trustees are:

To formulate and regularly review the strategic aims of the charity in accordance with its legal objects and to ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims.

1. To monitor the performance of the charity against the agreed strategic aims.
2. To ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and regulatory requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.
3. To act as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application

For further information about the role, please download the Candidate Pack.

To express an interest in becoming a trustee at Embrace the Middle East, please complete the online application form via the apply button.

The closing date for applications is 4 May 2026.

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

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

What 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

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 
• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
• You’ll need to be aged 18+ to volunteer in this role. If you’re aged 16-17, you’ll need to be supervised by a friend, family member, or guardian over the age of 18 in order to carry out any fundraising activity.

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

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.

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

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

What 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

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 
• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
• You’ll need to be aged 18+ to volunteer in this role. If you’re aged 16-17, you’ll need to be supervised by a friend, family member, or guardian over the age of 18 in order to carry out any fundraising activity.

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

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.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Social Interest Group in their search to appoint a new Treasurer. 

This is a chance to support a values-led organisation delivering specialist services across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, and Kent, as well as in prisons in London and Liverpool.

About Social Interest Group 

Social Interest Group (SIG) is a leading UK charity providing bespoke person-centred health and social care services. They empower people by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement. The believe good care, support and well-planned services make a difference and improve lives.

Working through six subsidiaries—SIG Penrose, SIG Housing Trust, SIG Equinox, SIG Pathways to Independence, and SIG Safe Ground – SIG provides tailored support to people facing complex challenges, including homelessness, mental health, substance use, and criminal justice involvement. SIG provides thousands of people with support and care in temporary supported accommodation, drop-in centres, community floating support, criminal justice settings and hospitals awaiting discharge.

Their mission is to bridge gaps in local health and social care, helping people move out of hospital, prison, and homelessness into safer, more stable lives.

The Trustee Board is central to ensuring governance, strategic oversight and ethical leadership across the organisation. They work collectively to shape the long-term strategy, oversee organisational performance, manage risk, and ensure SIG operates with integrity, transparency, and in the best interest of beneficiaries to achieve our organisational objectives, utilising the funds entrusted to us for long-term sustainability.

About the Treasurer opportunity:

SIG is seeking a new Treasurer to join their Board of Trustees to manage the financial health of the organisation, ensuring compliance, and support strategic decision making.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Ensure organisational financial viability
• Work with Chief Executive and Finance Officer to achieve the financial sustainability of the organisation
• Oversee and approve budgets, accounts, and financial statements
• Oversee the integrity of financial planning, management, and reporting, ensuring effective use of resources and organisational sustainability
• Ensure robust internal controls, audit processes, risk management, and compliance frameworks are in place
• Provide governance, support and oversight in line with Charity Commission expectations, statutory responsibilities and legal obligations

Person Specification:

• Qualified Accountant or similar including ACT, ACCA, CIMA, CertT or ACA
• Experience in governance, senior leadership or strategic advisory roles
• Experience interpreting risk, performance and financial information
• Experience presenting complex information to non-specialists

The role involves:

• Four board meetings per year (online and in-person)
• Additional input into planning and specialist areas
• Approx. 4 hours per month

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

We are a local charity rooted since 2007 in the Hackney community, helping and supporting migrants with their immigration status and access to services. Our long-standing and committed local volunteers work together with a small number of paid staff to deliver our work. We are looking for a Chair to come and help us to help others. We have a new Vice-Chair, an experienced Treasurer and a CEO in post for 18 months so you'll be joining a strong leadership team. We are particularly interested in applicants with lived or learned experience of migration to the UK; and/or previous experience chairing a board of trustees; and/or senior management experience. 

Treasurer Roles & Responsibilities 

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial health. The Treasurer plays a key governance role, strengthening financial literacy at Board level and supporting sustainable growth. The Board is responsible for governance and strategy and does not manage day-to-day operations.

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) is a growing charity registered with the Charity Commission (Charity No. 1189561). For the financial year ending 31 March 2025, RBB reported a total income of £423,041 and total expenditure of £373,007. As a charity with income above £250,000, we prepare annual accounts in accordance with the Charities SORP and undergo independent examination.

As our current treasurer prepares to step down, we are expanding our Board of Trustees to support the growth and future plans of our ambitious small charity. Board meetings take place every 12 weeks via video call, with opportunities for in-person gatherings throughout the year. Additional meetings may occasionally be required, either more frequently, in smaller groups, or one-to-one, depending on specific needs or exceptional circumstances. 

• Responsible to: Chair, Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

• Purpose: To oversee the management and reporting of charity finances.

• Hours: Approximately six to eight hours a month.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary, unpaid Trustee role. Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteer policy.

Role Summary 

The Treasurer will work closely with our team members including volunteers, other Trustees and with the CEO, advising on all financial matters including regulatory compliance. The Treasurer will be expected to attend Board meetings which last approximately an hour and a half every twelve weeks. The Treasurer will: 

• Actively participate as a key member of the Board of Trustees. 

• Act as an ambassador for Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

• Oversee and analyse the development of the annual budget and cash flow forecasts, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and sustainability.

• Support with fundraising and financial strategic planning 

• Advise on all financial matters, including regulatory compliance. 

• Oversee the development and observation of financial policies 

• Advise the board on fund management and ensure an appropriate reserves policy

• Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity and where necessary recommend action. 

• Oversee and administer financial processes including Gift Aid claims and payroll, ensuring appropriate financial controls, transparency and board oversight are maintained. (There is currently only one person on payroll.)

• Work collaboratively with the CEO and Chair to ensure appropriate financial segregation of duties within the constraints of a small charity.

• Support the Board in monitoring financial risk, reserves policy and international financial compliance.

• Ensure appropriate internal financial controls are in place and regularly reviewed.

• Work with professional advisors including any contracted accountants 

• Review financial transactions on a monthly basis via digital accounting software, Xero

• Arrange the compilation and agreement of Refugee Biryani & Bananas’ annual report

• Lead Trustee liaison with the independent examiner and oversee the preparation and Board approval of the annual accounts and report.

The Treasurer will play a key role in strengthening financial sustainability as RBB continues to grow its international programmes and funding base.

Person Specification 

The ideal candidate will have innovative ideas and sound financial knowledge. All Trustees are expected to assist Refugee Biryani & Bananas to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation. 

Essential 

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

• Support for the values and mission of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas

• Familiarity with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), or willingness to develop this knowledge.

• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information 

Desirable 

• A qualified accountant (formal qualification preferred) with financial and commercial awareness, experienced in managing finances, payroll, and the needs of smaller organisations. 

• An understanding of the voluntary sector and previous experience as a Trustee or Treasurer. 

• Good communication and competent IT skills 

• Extensive experience in senior strategic management and leadership, combined with strong analytical and evaluation skills. 

About Refugee Biryani & Bananas 

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) began as a grassroots movement in 2015, in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. What started as a group of friends distributing 2,500 portions of biriyani and bananas in the unofficial camp for displaced people in Dunkirk, Northern France, has grown into a community-driven humanitarian organisation. Initially working under the umbrella of another organisation, RBB became independent to better address gaps in aid and advocacy for displaced people worldwide. 

What We Do 

RBB supports people facing displacement, war, and inequality, tailoring actions to the needs of each situation. From food distributions to medical support and human rights advocacy, our work is versatile and responsive. We have provided aid in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, squats, and other unstable settlements along migratory pathways, including: 

• France: Calais, Dunkirk & Paris 

• Greece: Idomeni, Thessaloniki, Athens, Lavrio, Samos & Chios (our main base) 

• Northern Iraq: Duhok 

• Serbia: Belgrade Barracks 

• Bosnia & Herzegovina - Croatia Border: Vucjak Camp 

• Turkey: Istanbul 

• Poland, Belarus & Lithuania Border

• Ukraine Border (Poland and Ukraine sides) 

• Palestine: Gaza

• Egypt: Cairo

Our Approach 

RBB is a mobile grassroots organisation, designed to respond rapidly and flexibly to emerging crises. Our main base of operations is on Chios Island, Greece, where we provide ongoing support to people who are displaced.

Since October 2023, we have also established community-led initiatives to support people affected by the war in Gaza, Palestine, as well as Sudanese and other displaced communities in Cairo, Egypt.

Beyond emergency relief, we remain committed to ongoing support through volunteers, translation services, medical care, aid, and advocacy until either local capacity builds or the situation changes. In addition, our Community Humanitarian Leaders Programme (CHLP) plays a vital role in this approach by strengthening the leadership of people who are displaced by building on their existing skills, networks and lived experience in humanitarian efforts. 

Our field team comprises 90% individuals from refugee and asylum-seeking communities, representing Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Gambia, Ethiopia, Palestine, and Yemen. This diverse team is led by our founder and CEO, Ruhi Akhtar, alongside field coordinators / project managers. 

We prioritise dignity and equity, involving displaced individuals in decision-making and collaboration. RBB's direct aid includes food, water, shelter, medical supplies, clothing, hygiene packs, and season-specific items like sunscreen or firewood. Needs assessments and communication with affected communities guide our actions, ensuring targeted, person-centered care. 

Advocacy & Awareness 

RBB amplifies the voices of displaced people by sharing their stories and raising awareness about often-overlooked realities. Through storytelling and advocacy, we aim to challenge injustice and inspire action. 

Become a Fundraisng Team Leader Volunter!

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising 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:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising 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:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.