Volunteer roles in Southend on sea

According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, only 62% of primary school teachers have the minimum teaching qualifications.

In 2023, only 9% of young people in lower secondary education in Zambia reached the minimum level of proficiency in reading. Lifelong learning opportunities and economic growth are being stunted. 

All children deserve a quality education from a transformative and supportive teacher. The Commonwealth Education Trust (CET) invests in teachers in low- and middle-income settings by providing accessible teacher professional development including via its flagship programme, Teach2030. 

The Opportunity

We are seeking a volunteer WordPress & BuddyBoss Technical Advisor to support the ongoing development of the Teach2030 learning platform.

This role will work closely with our Marketing Lead to provide strategic and technical guidance on the implementation of our existing roadmap as we enhance the platform’s functionality, user experience, and community features.

What you’ll be supporting

• Advising on improvements to our WordPress-based learning platform
• Supporting the integration and optimisation of BuddyBoss for community and engagement features
• Providing input on large-scale platform updates and feature rollouts

What we’re looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you have experience in:

• WordPress development (themes, plugins, performance, structure)
• Working with BuddyBoss (or similar community/LMS platforms)
• Managing or advising on large website updates or migrations

According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, only 62% of primary school teachers have the minimum teaching qualifications.

In 2023, only 9% of young people in lower secondary education in Zambia reached the minimum level of proficiency in reading. Lifelong learning opportunities and economic growth are being stunted. 

All children deserve a quality education from a transformative and supportive teacher. The Commonwealth Education Trust (CET) invests in teachers in low- and middle-income settings by providing accessible teacher professional development including via its flagship programme, Teach2030. 

The Role 

To aid the growth of CET, 2 exciting Social Media Volunteer opportunities has been introduced to take responsibilty for posting on the charity’s social media channels. These roles will report to the Marketing Lead.

One role will be responsible for CET channels and one role responsible for our Teach2030 channels. We'd like to improve engagement and follower growth and would love some support in creating quality posts for our channels. 

What you’ll do 

• Using our content library and Canva to produce creative, create and schedule posts, stories, and reels across Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and LinkedIn - with a focus on quality over quantity.

• Monitor performance and provide top-line feedback and actions to Marketing Lead monthly 

What we’re looking for 

You might be a marketing professional looking to support a charitable cause or simply a social media savvy individual who wants to put their skills in practice. 

• Passionate about social media

• Working knowledge of social media platforms and trends 

• Proficiency with a graphic design tool such as Canva

• Reliability and organisation 

• Able to work independently and carry out tasks remotely 

• Ability to commit regular time to ensure social media accounts are active and engaging 

Trustee

Voluntary (unpaid) role, reasonable expenses paid.

About us

Learning and Work Institute is an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work. Our vision is for a fair and prosperous society where learning and work enable everyone to realise their potential. We research what works, influence policy, and develop new ideas to improve practice.

The role

Learning and Work Institute are seeking a Trustee to join our expert Board. For this recruitment we particularly welcome applicants with particular expertise in learning, skills and employment in Scotland, adult education or related sectors like housing or local government, and the corporate or private sectors. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and its financial health. They help to develop the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the governing document, and legal and regulatory guidelines.

This is a non-executive role and as a Trustee you will:

· Contribute to the development, approval and monitoring of organisational strategy.

· Oversee financial performance and ensure effective financial stewardship.

· Provide constructive challenge and support to the executive team.

· Safeguard the organisation’s reputation, values and assets.

· Act in the best interests of the organisation at all times.

· Serve as an ambassador for Learning and Work Institute where appropriate.

Our latest financial statements and strategic plan can be found on our website. 

You will be driven by our mission to widen access to learning and work opportunities so everyone in society can realise their potential.

The successful candidate will:

· Share our passion for everyone to have the opportunity in life to reach their ambitions and potential.

· Understand governance and preferably have experience of adult education or employment support, or experience in related sectors like housing, local government or the private sector that can help inform our work.

· Have the capacity to lend support and expertise.

· Demonstrate a sense of proportion of control relative to L&W’s operational needs and size.

· Be objective and independent without bias to any particular interest or stakeholder.

· Possess analytical ability, informed judgment, and the ability to focus on strategic issues.

· Have perspective, broad knowledge and experience that can be applied to discussions and decisions at Board level.

· An ability to balance challenge and support to the executive team.

We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from different backgrounds and groups underrepresented in our Board, organisation and sector.  We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have accessibility requirements.

Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term. The Board meets four times a year for approximately 2.5 hours and has a Strategic Away Day each January. Two sub-committees each meet up to three times a year at which nominated trustees may be appointed. Meetings are a mix of in person in Leicester and London and online.

Trustees will be required to undertake appropriate pre- appointment checks. This may include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, depending on the nature of the role and committee responsibilities.

If you possess the experience and attributes above and have a passion to support the delivery of our vision, then you could be the person we are seeking. Applications that include CV and covering letter are welcomed through the link below.

The closing date for applications is 12th May 2026. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Should you have any questions please contact the HR Team. 

Trustee - Treasurer

Voluntary (unpaid) role, reasonable expenses paid.

About us

Learning and Work Institute is an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work. Our vision is for a fair and prosperous society where learning and work enable everyone to realise their potential. We research what works, influence policy, and develop new ideas to improve practice.

The Role

Learning and Work Institute are seeking a Trustee acting as Treasurer to join our expert Board. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and its financial health. They help to develop the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the governing document, and legal and regulatory guidelines.

As a Trustee you will:

· Contribute to the development, approval and monitoring of organisational strategy.

· Oversee financial performance and ensure effective financial stewardship.

· Provide constructive challenge and support to the executive team.

· Safeguard the organisation’s reputation, values and assets.

· Act in the best interests of the organisation at all times.

· Serve as an ambassador for Learning and Work Institute where appropriate.

Our latest financial statements and strategic plan can be found on our website.

You will be driven by our mission to widen access to learning and work opportunities so everyone in society can realise their potential.

The successful candidate will:

· Share our passion for everyone to have the opportunity in life to reach their ambitions and potential.

· Understand governance and preferably have experience of adult education or employment support, or experience in related sectors like housing, local government or the private sector that can help inform our work.

· Have the capacity to lend support and expertise.

· Demonstrate a sense of proportion of control relative to L&W’s operational needs and size.

· Be objective and independent without bias to any particular interest or stakeholder.

· Possess analytical ability, informed judgment, and the ability to focus on strategic issues.

· Have perspective, broad knowledge and experience that can be applied to discussions and decisions at Board level.

· An ability to balance challenge and support to the executive team.

In addition, while all Trustees take responsibility for the finances of the organisation, the Treasurer plays a key role and link between the Board and executive team and so requires:

· A recognised financial qualification or equivalent senior financial experience.

· Knowledge of treasury and investment matters.

· Finance expertise for the board.

· Partnership with the experienced L&W Finance function.

We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from different backgrounds and groups underrepresented in our Board, organisation and sector.  We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have accessibility requirements.

Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term. The Board meets four times a year for approximately 2.5 hours and has a Strategic Away Day each January. Two sub-committees each meet up to three times a year at which nominated trustees may be appointed. Meetings are a mix of in person in Leicester and London and online.

Trustees will be required to undertake appropriate pre- appointment checks. This may include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, depending on the nature of the role and committee responsibilities.

If you possess the experience and attributes above and have a passion to support the delivery of our vision, then you could be the person we are seeking. Applications that include CV and covering letter are welcomed through the link below.

The closing date for applications is 12th May 2026. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Should you have any questions please contact the HR Team.

We are looking for a creative and reliable volunteer to join our Social Media Team, helping us share our work and increase awareness through engaging content.

This role focuses on creating Reels and social media content using Canva and instagram editor tools using existing charity materials. You don’t need to be an expert, however some experience and knowldege of social media communications is ideal. Guidance will be given as you develop your skills.

Working Style

You’ll be joining a small, friendly and active team. Content is planned in advance, with a relaxed monthly Zoom catch-up for planning and ongoing communication via WhatsApp for day-to-day support.

Key Responsibilities

• Create engaging Reels and posts using Canva (Charity account access provided)

• Use existing photos, videos, and content provided by the charity

• Share adoption posts accross facebook and other platforms to help our dogs find homes

• Help maintain consistency across our channels

• Use Google Drive to access and organise content

Skills & Experience

• Some experience with Canva (basic level is fine)

• Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook)

• Comfortable using (or quick to learn) Google Drive

• Creative eye for simple, engaging content

• Good organisation and ability to work independently is essential

Who We’re Looking For

• Passionate about animal welfare

• Reliable and consistent in completing agreed tasks

• Clear about what they can commit to each month - and follow through

• Able to manage their time and work independently

Time Commitment

Flexible - whether you can offer a few hours a week or a few hours a month, we ask that you commit to what you can realistically deliver and complete tasks in a timely manner.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in social media content creation for a charity

• The opportunity to build your portfolio (Reels, posts, campaigns)

• Being part of a passionate, supportive team

• Making a real impact on the lives of rescue animals

Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in Lewisham. Our commitment is to reach the most vulnerable people in our community and open a pathway to employment for people who have asylum here. Refugees will benefit from workshops, training skills and knowledge relevant for the catering industry. Plateful Cafe are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all volunteers and team members. We are an equal opportunities provider and actively encourage applications from people with a refugee background.

What will the role involve?

• Looking for partnership opportunities with the private sector.
• Assisting with the development and ongoing work of Businesses Fundraising Action Group.
• Assisting in planning fundraising strategies with local businesses.
• Reporting on businesses partnerships and recent developments at Plateful Café.
• Working in partnership with the Plateful Café fundraising team.

Essential:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience of working with corporates.
• Expertise in new project creation and developing business links.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in fundraising and/or marketing.

What difference will you make?

• Helping to establish a new Business support group and a sustainable long-term funding structure.
• Developing and maintaining a funding mix, not relying on only one stream of funding.
• Helping local refugees find employment and enter the workforce much sooner than they otherwise might.

Voice 21 – Trustee with fundraising expertise 

About Voice 21
Voice 21 is the national oracy education charity. We support schools to build speaking and listening into the curriculum, teaching, learning and wider school life so that every child can use their voice to thrive in school, work and life. Our training and development programmes for teachers and school leaders transform learning through talk, expanding access to high-quality oracy education, particularly for children who need it most.

Why join the Voice 21 Board of Trustees now?
Since its inception in 2015, Voice 21 has built a national movement to put oracy at the heart of education in the UK. In November 2025, the government responded to Professor Becky Francis’s Curriculum and Assessment Review by adopting the definition of oracy used by Voice 21 and by the independent Oracy Commission in its 2024 report,  We Need to Talk: ‘Articulating ideas, developing understanding and engaging with others through speaking, listening and communication’.

The government has also committed to publish national guidance on oracy, modelled on the Writing Framework, and to strengthening oracy teaching within subjects. The Schools White Paper published in February 2026 reinforced this direction, positioning oracy as the fourth “R” alongside reading, writing and maths.

Oracy is now firmly part of national policy, and Voice 21 continues to build evidence of its impact on young people’s attainment, wellbeing, belonging and career readiness.

This policy shift represents a major campaigning success for Voice 21 and others who campaigned  alongside us. Our new 2030 Strategy aims to seize this moment and secure high-quality, evidence-based oracy education for every child, particularly for those children in schools serving disadvantaged communities.

Investment will be critical to achieving this ambition. Fundraising currently provides 20% of our income. Our goal is to increase this to 40%, doubling fundraised income to support delivery of our 2030 strategy.

The Role: Trustee with fundraising expertise

Voice 21 is keen to strengthen its board-level knowledge and skills by adding a fundraising specialist trustee. We are looking to appoint a strategic fundraising leader who has substantial experience of successfully developing fundraising departments and growing voluntary income. As trustee, you will provide strategic oversight, constructive challenge and advice on fundraising strategy.

Ideally your career will have focused on high value and relationship fundraising (philanthropy, trusts, corporate partnerships). As a subject specialist, you will help to expand and deepen fellow trustees’ understanding of fundraising strategy and operations, providing knowledge, guidance, challenge and advocacy.

Your expertise will be invaluable at this pivotal moment for Voice 21, as the charity prepares to launch an ambitious new strategy, with a goal to double fundraised income by 2030. Your insights will be particularly appreciated by the experienced Head of Fundraising, CEO and Director of Operations – including contributing critical/analytic skills to help evaluate fundraising ideas and opportunities – though your primary focus will be advising on fundraising at governance level.

Knowledge And Experience: 

• Significant senior fundraising experience, with proven ability to secure major income.

• Personal experience working with high profile figures, senior leaders in major companies, people with high levels of personal wealth who are seeking charitable missions like ours to support.

• Understanding of charity leadership, including developing and implementing organisational strategy.

• Broad understanding of fundraising management across income streams.

Why this role matters:

This is an opportunity to make a real difference in tackling the disadvantage gap at a pivotal moment for oracy education. You will have the chance to influence a dynamic Board and staff team with great ambitions for our 2030 Strategy.

Time commitment:

• Board meetings: three per year, in person in London (9am–12pm)

• Annual strategy day (9am - 3pm)

• Finance Committee: four virtual meetings per year (approximately 2 hours per meeting) 

• Opportunities to attend Voice 21 events throughout the year.

Safeguarding:

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Application details:

To apply:

• a CV and a covering letter of 1- 2 pages; 

Please include: 

• Details of your interest in joining Voice 21 as a trustee; 

• An outline of your current work / relevant experience; 

• A note of any training and development needs you think you’ll have if you are appointed. 

Valuing every voice

Voice 21 believes that every voice should be heard and valued. We are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and trustees do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. Voice 21 is a diverse and inclusive workplace and we strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.

Are you driven by purpose over profit, and motivated to use words responsibly to shape public understanding?

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a Founding Volunteer Creative Copywriter / Campaign Storyteller to help define how our movement speaks — with clarity, courage, and care.

This is not a commercial copywriting role.

It is a truth-led storytelling role.

Our C.I.C. exists to confront and expose the realities of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), centre survivor truth and accountability, support young people into economic empowerment, and build community-owned, open-source systems that serve people rather than capital.

We are:

• Values-led
• Anti-capitalist
• Community-driven
• Decentralised by design

We are not here to produce promotional content for clicks alone. We are here to communicate truth responsibly — building trust, inviting participation, and ensuring survivor-centred work is represented with dignity and purpose.

This role offers the opportunity to shape how a movement speaks in public spaces.

About the Role

As our Founding Creative Copywriter / Campaign Storyteller, you will craft clear, compelling, and ethically grounded written content to support digital campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and community engagement during our build and early growth phase.

You will not inherit a finished brand voice or messaging system.

You will help shape and define it.

Your work will translate complex and sensitive issues into accessible, responsible communication. You will help move people toward meaningful action — not passive consumption — while ensuring that every piece of content reflects safeguarding commitments and cultural integrity.

This role blends creativity with strategic thinking. You must be comfortable writing across multiple formats, collaborating with campaign teams, and refining messaging based on feedback and insight.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Strong writing skills for digital audiences across multiple formats.
• Demonstrable experience in copywriting, storytelling, or campaign messaging.
• Ability to write about serious and sensitive topics without sensationalism or harm.
• Understanding of how language influences trust, behaviour, and decision-making.
• Experience producing written content across platforms.
• Ability to adapt tone and messaging for different audiences and channels.
• Willingness to work within trauma-informed, safeguarding, and ethical communication frameworks.
• Ability to collaborate with designers, analysts, and campaign leads.
• Confidence receiving and applying feedback.
• Equivalent professional or voluntary experience accepted.

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Experience working in non-profit, CIC, or community-led organisations.
• Experience supporting fundraising or awareness campaigns.
• Familiarity with retention, lifecycle, or supporter journey design.
• Experience working in safeguarding-led environments.
• Ability to adjust storytelling strategy based on performance data and feedback.

Qualifications

Formal qualifications are not required.

Equivalent practical experience in creative copywriting or campaign storytelling is highly valued.

Main Responsibilities / Key Duties

• Design, develop, and deliver written and narrative content for digital campaigns during the build and early growth phase.
• Create campaign copy across platforms, including social media, website pages, and email campaigns.
• Develop core messaging frameworks for fundraising, awareness, and engagement campaigns.
• Shape story-led approaches that centre survivor dignity, accuracy, and consent.
• Produce scripts, story outlines, and narrative structures for:
  • Video content
  • Audio or podcast material
  • Multimedia campaigns
• Adapt messaging for different audiences, platforms, and campaign objectives.
• Work closely with designers, analysts, and campaign leads to align story with strategy.
• Ensure all written content aligns with safeguarding policies, ethical standards, and tone guidelines.
• Maintain consistency of voice and language across digital marketing outputs.
• Contribute creative ideas for campaigns, themes, and story-driven initiatives.
• Review and refine copy based on performance insights, feedback, and learning.
• Support campaign testing and iteration through evidence-informed storytelling.
• Flag potential safeguarding, reputational, or ethical risks within content.
• Help define and document the C.I.C.’s written voice and storytelling principles.
• Support the development of scalable, sustainable content practices not dependent on single individuals.

What You Gain

• Founding-level experience in creative copywriting and campaign storytelling.
• Strategic exposure to values-led communications and safeguarding-centred messaging.
• Leadership insight into managing sensitive information responsibly.
• Direct contribution to C.I.C. sustainability and long-term impact.
• Opportunity to help define the voice of a survivor-led movement.
• Priority consideration for future paid roles as the C.I.C. scales.

This Role Is Not Suitable If You:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work.
• Prefer writing purely promotional or commercial content.
• Are seeking short-term portfolio pieces without commitment.
• Are uncomfortable engaging with difficult or emotional subject matter.
• Prefer working without collaboration, feedback, or safeguarding frameworks.

Job Description

We are looking for a Volunteer Paid Ads & Media Buyer to plan and manage ethical paid digital campaigns that support fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and public awareness.

You will work with the Digital Marketing Director and Marketing team to create ads that reach the right audiences while upholding trauma-informed, safeguarding, and ethical standards.

This role focuses on campaign planning, optimisation, and impact measurement rather than commercial metrics.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage paid digital campaigns across social media, search, and display platforms
• Create and optimise campaigns to support fundraising, volunteering, and public education
• Collaborate with designers and copywriters to produce ethical and compelling ad creatives
• Test and analyse audiences, messaging, and creatives to improve performance
• Track campaign metrics such as reach, conversions, and cost per action
• Ensure campaigns comply with safeguarding, data protection, and platform policies
• Document processes for transparency and learning
• Work with analysts and campaign teams to report on results and insights

What We’re Looking For

• Experience or interest in paid digital advertising and campaign management
• Familiarity with platforms such as Meta Ads, Google Ads, or similar
• Ability to manage budgets and optimise campaigns responsibly
• Understanding of performance metrics, testing, and reporting
• Comfort working with sensitive subject matter
• Experience in nonprofit or social impact campaigns is helpful but not required

What You’ll Gain

• Founding experience managing paid campaigns for a social impact organisation
• Leadership exposure in ethical advertising and campaign strategy
• Opportunity to influence how resources are used for outreach and engagement
• Hands-on experience working across creative, analytics, and campaign teams
• Priority consideration for future paid roles when funding becomes available

Interested in supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse?

We are currently recruiting Trustees to help us take the charity forward into the future.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a registered charity led by a Board of Trustees.

The Trustees (all unpaid volunteers) act individually and collectively, to provide overall stewardship of the charity, in accordance with our governing document and relevant legislation. In essence we look after the staff, volunteers and the organisation, so they can support the community.

You don’t need specific qualifications or experience to be a trustee and we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience.

Prospective candidates will need to:

• Have empathy with the work of the Helpline

• Be able to devote the necessary time and effort

• Have well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

• Have good judgement

• Be able to work as a team

• Have the ability, commitment and drive to take the organisation forward

Trustee Opportunities

For any charity succession planning is important and with that in mind we are currently looking for people to join our Board as Trustees.

1. Chair: Our Chair will be stepping down soon after 15 years and we are looking for someone to learn the ropes beside her before taking on the role. 

2. Treasurer: After 10 years, our Treasurer is looking to retire in the next year. The Treasurer’s role description is on our website.  

3. General Trustees: Please see the role description on our website

If you would like to apply please complete the application form on our website.  You are welcome also to email Chris Roach, Chair, at that address to arrange an informal chat.

Action Tutoring is a national education charity that offers free maths and English tutoring to pupils facing disadvantage. 

By volunteering as a tutor at a local school or online, you'll be supporting children to build their confidence and help ensure they leave school with the grades needed to build a bright future.

What will I be doing?

• Tutoring 1-3 pupils in Year 5 or 6, or Year 7, 10 or 11.

• Commit to one hour a week, for up to 20 weeks. You choose the day and time to sign up to.

• Use our tutor workbooks to guide your pupils through activities that will boost their confidence and grades.

What you'll gain:

• Receive induction training, tutor workbooks and ongoing support.

• Develop skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

• Meet like-minded people in our volunteer community.

• Travel expense reimbursement (up to £5 per session).

• Free DBS check.

This volunteer role is perfect for you if you:

• Are passionate about making a difference and helping young people succeed, particularly those facing disadvantage.

• Seek valuable experience working with children and are eager to hone essential skills such as communication, mentorship, and leadership – all highly valued in any career path.

• Have a busy schedule but are keen to contribute to your community, as this flexible role requires just one hour a week, either in-person or conveniently online.

We look for volunteers with:

• Solid subject knowledge in the area they wish to tutor, which may be demonstrated by a degree or grade B at A-level qualification (or equivalent) or relevant experience.

• The ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently.

• A commitment to supporting pupils’ academic progress.

We recognise that valuable experience can be gained through diverse routes, so if your qualifications differ from those mentioned - we still encourage you to apply! Please highlight any relevant experience or skills in your application.

We welcome applications from volunteers across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (Please note: this is a volunteer, unpaid position.)

Our volunteers say:

" The Action Tutoring team has been fabulous in their support: timely updates, always available, closely following progress, and ready to intervene where needed, very professional indeed!"

"Volunteering is very rewarding. I would say the skills that one develops from teaching the pupils are transferable to any walk of life and make you a better person. I would highly recommend it."

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

Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our cats in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about feline welfare.

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:

• Communicating with others including newsletter, social media and website volunteers
• Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
• Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
• Liaising with your volunteer group and our Head Office to organise media campaigns
• Responding to local media requests if required

Time expectation 

Our publicity team leaders usually spend 3 to 4 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.

Can you help us to raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms across your local area?

Become a Bowel Cancer Awareness Champion and use your voice in the community, in-person or virtually, to make sure everyone knows how to spot the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. This will help make sure more people can spot the signs sooner and so get a diagnosis at the earliest possible stage when the disease is more treatable and curable.

Take part from the comfort of your own home, using your social media to share our specifically curated social media graphics and videos in your community by reaching out to local businesses, community notice boards and places of worship to display our posters, or at your workplace by sharing information through your staff newsletters, our leaflets, or by putting our symptoms posters up in your staff toilets.

No long-term commitment is required — just a little bit of your time and your local knowledge! We'll provide you with everything you need to get you started including our toolkit and handy guide, as well as support from our dedicated volunteering team.

However you choose to take part, you’ll be helping your local community by making them aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer and where to find out more about what to do about them.

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.