Volunteer roles in Barking and dagenham

Join Our Board of Trustees

Afrocats is looking to expand its Board of Trustees. With an established Board already in place, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth and seeking additional Trustees to help shape our future direction. 

Afrocats is an award-winning charity that champions creativity, wellbeing, and cultural belonging. Our work supports communities through creative expression, participation, and inclusive cultural experiences. As we expand our reach and impact, we are strengthening our Board to ensure we remain ambitious, sustainable, and community-led.

This is a meaningful opportunity to play a key role in the governance and strategic development of a growing organisation that centres equity, lived experience, and creativity.

 Who we are looking for:

Fundraising and Income Generation

We are looking for someone with experience in fundraising, bid writing, or income generation. You will support the development of long term funding strategies, major grant applications, and sustainable income growth.

Marketing and Corporate Engagement

We are looking for someone with experience in marketing or business engagement. You will help raise our profile, strengthen our brand, and develop meaningful partnerships with businesses and corporate supporters.

Philanthropy and Relationship Building

We are looking for someone with experience in philanthropy, fundraising networks, or relationship management. You will help us connect with donors, foundations, and individuals who can support our long term impact.

Volunteer Management

We are looking for someone with experience in volunteer coordination or management. You will help us develop inclusive, safe, and supportive volunteer systems as the organisation grows.

Finance and Accounting

We are looking for a qualified finance professional, ideally a chartered accountant. You will support financial oversight, planning, reporting, and long term financial sustainability.

What you will do as a Trustee

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of Afrocats and ensure we remain financially sustainable, well governed, and aligned with our mission. You will contribute to decision making at Board level, support risk and compliance oversight, and help ensure our work continues to centre creativity, wellbeing, and community impact.

You will also act as an ambassador for Afrocats, helping to champion our work and values across your networks and beyond.

Why join Afrocats

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing and forward thinking charity at a pivotal moment in its journey.

You will have the opportunity to shape strategy and influence long term direction, while supporting a mission driven organisation making a real difference in communities. You will develop your skills in a Board setting, expand your professional network, and contribute to work that centres inclusion, creativity, and social impact.

We are a welcoming and inclusive organisation and we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

Rolling interviews will take place until Friday 19th June 2026 

Convener of Discipline, Pastoral and Appeal Committees

Are you someone who has good organizational and administrative skills?

We are looking to widen our pool of Conveners to help convene panels for Appeal, Pastoral and Discipline committees. The role consists of convening panels in accordance with Standing Orders, arranging venues, communicating with all parties involved in the case and minute taking to aid report writing for the Chairs.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a lay person who is a member or a Presbyter in good standing with the Methodist Church
• Clear communicative skills
• Organizational skills
• Ability to take minutes and arrange meetings
• Works well within a team of people
• A working understanding of Standing Orders

Duration

Ongoing, with a minimum of 3 years, with names put forward to conference annually to be approved.

Time Commitment

Ability to offer to convene minimum of 2 panels per Connexional year.

Closing date: 21st May, 2026

Shortlisting: 27th May, 2026

Interviews: 2nd and 3rd June, 2026 (online)

All offer of appointment are conditional up on satisfactory DBS checks by the Methodist Church.

Complaints Panel Member (Tier 2)

We are looking to expand our pool of Complaint Panel members to help support the work of the Part 11 complaints process. You will be invited to sit on a team of 3 people, led by a Panel Chair, to hear complaints on the Tier 2 process of investigation where individuals conduct is being challenged. You will meet with complainant and respondent and any witnesses who are involved in the case, as well as read any evidence put forward, and help to bring around recommendations for the next step in the complaint.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a lay person who is a member or a Presbyter in good standing with the Methodist Church

• Clear communicative skills

• Able to work with others in a team

• Able to read and understand evidence put forward and use that in brining around resolution

• Able to understand Standing Orders in relation to the Part 11 process

Duration

Ongoing, with a minimum of 3 years, with names put forward to conference annually to be approved.

Time Commitment

Ability to offer to sit on minimum of 2 panels per year.

Closing date: 21st May, 2026

Shortlisting: 27th May, 2026

Interviews: 2nd and 3rd June, 2026 (online)

All offer of appointment are conditional up on satisfactory DBS checks by The Methodist Church.

We are looking for individuals to widen the pool of people that we can call upon to be a part of the Methodist Church work specifically within Discipline. The Part 11 Complaints and Discipline process works to hold people accountable for their conduct and bring about resolutions in order to do this. The role consists of either presenting the charges on behalf of the Methodist Church against an individual or to support an individual who has charges against them.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is either a lay person who is a member or a presbyter in good standing of the Methodist Church
• Has a legal background
• Understands the standing orders in relation to the Discipline process
• Has an awareness of the variety of contexts that exist within the Methodist Church
• Has a proven ability to handle sensitive material/ conversations and work within confidentiality of the process
• Can work with a team of people

Duration

On-going position, minimum of 3 years, and names are put forward annually to the Conference for approval.

Time Commitment

Two advocates are required to be offered per discipline case which average about 3 per year.

Closing date : 21st May, 2026

Shortlisting: 27th May, 2026

Interviews: 2nd and 3rd of June (online)

All offer of appointment are conditional up on satisfactory DBS checks by the Methodist Church.

Job description

The Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa (PENHA) is an African-led and inspired charity, established in 1989.  Its mission is to reduce poverty among the pastoralists in the Horn of Africa through the empowerment of communities and to foster sustainable and dignified livestock-based and non-livestock-based livelihoods. In the UK, it works with the Horn diaspora community through youth mentoring and leadership programmes. 

PENHA’s Aims and Objectives

• Sustainable livelihoods require a coordinated approach at the grassroots and policy levels. PENHA, therefore, commits itself to two goals:
• The social, cultural and economic integration of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the Horn of Africa
• Dynamic, diversified and sustainable pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods, with expanded access to information, technology, education and training
• A full and equal role for pastoral and agro-pastoralist women in public and economic life
• Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
• Development of links with the diaspora in the UK

PENHA has a team in the London Office and country chapters in the Horn of Africa region – in Ethiopia and Somaliland but works with partners in Sudan, Eritrea and Uganda as well as international partners outside the Horn of Africa.

In the UK, PENHA has a Board of Trustees, a number of research associates, volunteers and an international Advisory Group. PENHA Board of Trustees is looking for three trustees to join the London-based Board with experience in one of the following areas:

• A legal background, with financial and risk management experience;
• Knowledge of branding, marketing and fundraising, including the use of social media;
• Knowledge of the charity sector and employment law in the UK.

In addition, candidates should have an understanding of the context within which charities operate, ideally with some experience of the Horn of Africa region.

The post is unpaid and the time commitment is four to six meetings per year, with attendance at other occasional meetings and events as a representative of the charity.

The Board is responsible for submitting the Annual Report and Accounts to the Charity Commission and to Companies House. As a small charity, trustees contribute actively as part of a team in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. PENHA is currently undergoing a new strategy development process and the candidate will help steer the organisation through the challenges ahead.

In addition, Board members are responsible for:

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its constitution/memorandum and articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation
• Protecting and managing the property of the organisation, and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds
• Appointing the senior staff and  monitoring their performance

Application Instructions

Are you interested in the causes we stand for and in joining the PENHA Board of Trustees? Please send your CV and cover letter to our UK Office Manager before 10 August 2026. If deemed necessary, we may start actioning applications/interviewing before the closing date.

PENHA is a charity registered in England in 1992 with the Charity Commission Registration Number
1038957

Purpose

The Chair leads the board of Trustees, ensuring the charity is well-governed, fulfils its mission, complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, and operates in the best interests of its beneficiaries. The Chair works closely with the Executive Director to provide strategic leadership, support, and challenge.

Background to the Charity

For the past forty years, CHIRP has enabled thousands of people to report safety concerns through our confidential reporting service without fear of identification or harming their careers, contributing to safer environments in the air and at sea. This service has evolved to meet changing needs and is still providing a unique, vital and valuable service to people working in the aviation and maritime industries.

Over the past year a new strategy has been developed focusing on:

- unlocking the barriers to reporting for those who are working in the most challenging situations;

- building coalitions for system change in safety culture and practice;

- embedding best practice safety cultures with employers; and,

- engaging new and future generations.

We also seek to further the impact of the charity by ensuring future sustainability.

We have an excellent, highly motivated team, a committed and skilled Board and a well-earned reputation for being a trustworthy and willing organisation there to help and make a difference, all of which makes this is an exciting time to join the board in this leadership role. Guided by the values of trust and integrity, safety and accountability, a just culture and expertise and collaboration we know we can make an even greater difference in improving safety culture, practice and learning. To do this, and building on the excellence of the past, we will need a Chair who is collaborative, courageous, visionary and strategic, who understands the fundraising and financing challenges of today’s charity sector and who comes with experience of building sustainability and resilience. These foundations will enable the charity to achieve its ambitious plans for future growth.

If these opportunities are what you are looking for and your values align with ours, then please read on for more details about the role and the commitment we are seeking.

Principal responsibilities

Strategic leadership

· Ensure the charity has a clear vision, mission, and strategic plan, and that these are regularly reviewed.

· Lead the board in setting and monitoring the charity’s strategic direction.

· Safeguard the charity’s values and reputation.

Governance

· Ensure the board fulfils its duties under charity law, company law (if applicable), and the charity’s governing document.

· Promote high standards of governance and encourage all trustees to actively contribute.

· Ensure the board operates effectively, with appropriate policies, procedures, and controls in place to manage risk and promote the objectives of the charity.

· Ensure that the board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

Board Leadership

· Chair board meetings effectively, encouraging open, balanced discussion and consensus decision-making.

· Ensure meetings are focused, productive, and quorate.

· Support recruitment, induction, and development of trustees.

· Manage trustee performance and address underperformance where necessary.

Relationship with the Executive Director

· Build a partnership with the Executive Director based on shared purpose, offering support and challenge in the interests of the charity.

· Understand appropriate separation of governance and management.

· Conduct the Executive Director’s annual appraisal and support their professional development.

 External Relations

· When required act as an ambassador for the charity, representing it to funders, partners, government, and the public.

· When appropriate support fundraising, advocacy, and profile-raising activities when appropriate.

Additional information

The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community by helping their local Oxfam shop to stay open for as long possible. We need people to open and close the shop, and ensure volunteers know what tasks to undertake so the shop can run smoothly.

No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Opening or closing the shop.
• Ensuring that the shop is ready to trade or cashing up at the end of trade
• Allocating tasks to members of the volunteer team.
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
• Confident communicator

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: If you have a particular interest, you can build on it to gain valuable retail experience to add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do help out. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Accepting donations from members of the public, speaking to the donors and asking them a few questions..
• Following clear instructions to label donations in order to maximise income.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
• Happy to speak with other people, and follow instructions to complete a task

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

Are you looking for a meaningful and flexible volunteering opportunity that also helps you develop valuable communication and interpersonal skills? Join the Talking Bubble Project and help tackle loneliness through the power of a simple phone call.

Since the pandemic, many befriending services have reduced or closed—but Talking Bubble remains one of the few projects continuing to provide regular, phone-based companionship to people who need it most. Demand for this support remains high, and we are currently looking for compassionate, English-speaking volunteers across the UK.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ Talking Bubble is a phone-based befriending service connecting volunteers with older adults and vulnerable individuals experiencing loneliness and social isolation. Through regular weekly calls, volunteers provide conversation, consistency, and human connection to those who may otherwise feel isolated.

Even a short conversation can have a lasting impact.

Why Volunteer With Us?

✔ Make a genuine difference in someone’s life
✔ Volunteer flexibly from the comfort of your own home
✔ Receive full training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Gain experience in active listening, communication, empathy, and relationship-building
✔ Opportunity for reflective learning and experience relevant to helping professions

This role may particularly appeal to students or graduates interested in psychology, counselling, mental health, social care, or related fields who are seeking meaningful experience alongside their studies or professional development.

Where appropriate, we are also happy to provide feedback, complete placement documentation, or support reports/forms required by universities or training providers.

What You’ll Need

✅ No previous experience required—just empathy, reliability, and a willingness to listen
✅ Volunteers must complete Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check (both provided free of charge)
✅ Must be a UK resident

How to Get Involved

Apply now via the CharityJob website or contact us directly for more information.

Together, we can keep connection alive—one call at a time.

Causeway Education  are partnering with the Sweaty Betty Foundation to deliver workshops to girls in secondary schools about the importance of physical activity.

Our collaboration involves bringing role models from the community (across a variety of sectors and professions) into schools with us to deliver classroom-based workshops that act both as a careers education and also a motivation for staying physically active. For example, our role models might talk about how physical activity (however big or small, in whatever shape that looks like for them) has helped with their mental wellbeing or skill development in resilience, confidence, problem-solving that has allowed them to get where they are today in their careers. It is taking a holistic approach to viewing physical activity beyond appearance, to show teenage girls how being physically active can benefit them moving forward.

We are looking for women who are interested in speaking with girls about how physical activity has helped them with mental wellbeing, education and career goals and developing skills. The workshops last between 1.5 to 2 hours and are co-facilitated with a member of our team. Your role as a volunteer role model is to join the facilitator in assisting with activities that help re-frame the girls thinking around physical activity and encourage them to set a pledge in an area they are interested in exploring.

No previous experience required and a 1:1 introductory training call provided. No time commitment - you can do as many or as little workshops as you like, and we liaise with the school against your availability, location etc. Travel expenses are reimbursed. If you are passionate about getting teenage girls active, and feel you can share your own journey and experiences with physical activity, this would be great for you.

There are opportunities for volunteers across Greater London and Greater Manchester. 

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to become our next Chair of Trustees — and help shape the future of Little Village. 
 
What began as a grassroots response has grown into a London‑wide baby bank network, supporting thousands of families every year. But with more than one in three children in London living in poverty, our work — and our ambition — has never mattered more. 
 
Over the next chapter, we plan to expand our reach across London and scale our advocacy, including our national leadership as a co-founder of the Baby Bank Alliance, to drive lasting systems change for families experiencing poverty. 
 
As our current Chair’s term comes to an end in early 2027, we’re seeking someone with strong governance experience, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to social impact — someone ready to help lead an organisation with growing influence, reach and responsibility. 

We’d love to hear from you if you:  

• Have experience chairing boards, committees or senior leadership meetings.  

• Have strong understanding of governance (best practice)  

• Have experience of charity fundraising and income generation  

• Can commit the time and expertise to play a key role on our Board.  

• Share our passion for tackling child poverty and supporting families.  

This is an opportunity to play a defining role in a movement for change. 

We are especially keen to diversify our Board and particularly welcome applications from men and people under-represented in charity governance, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people with lived experience of poverty.  

Next steps  

If joining the Little Village family sounds appealing, we’d love to hear from you. You can find more details in our recruitment pack, including how to arrange an informal chat before applying 

Find out more and apply here: Recruitment - Little Village 

Closing date: 12pm, Wednesday 3rd June 

We’re looking for a new Brand, Communications and Creative Trustee who can use their skills to support our growing charity. In early 2026, CLAPA relaunched with a new brand identity. This role will ensure that our team are supported in brand and content strategy and making the most of the new brand for growth and engagement.

The Brand, Communications and Creative Trustee will participate in all areas of the charity’s governance with a special interest in brand strategy, content, communications and creative to support with the Board’s understanding and interpretation.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we continue to implement our 5-year strategy for 2025-2030.

About CLAPA

The Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom.

CLAPA supports people affected by cleft to take control of their journey, connect with others, and use their voices to impact the future of care. Our vision is that no one affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom will go through their journey alone.

Trustees - Voluntary Role

We have an exciting opportunity to join this thriving and dynamic organisation as Trustees.

At SARSAS we provide support for people affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives. Listening, believing and supporting them through provided vital support to people of all genders through our Helpline, counselling, group work and specialist support services.

We believe that a world without sexual violence is possible. We campaign for people affected by sexual violence because everyone deserves to live free from abuse and its impact. We are unflinching in our commitment to calling for change, in raising awareness, and in our drive for all voices to be heard. We challenge misconceptions about sexual violence and abuse through training and campaigning. We lobby both locally and nationally to promote the needs of survivors.

We need your support!

We are looking for people who can offer energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to join our volunteer Board of Trustees at SARSAS. You will be joining a proactive, engaged and supportive Board and will play a pivotal role in shaping SARSAS and supporting our work.

Whilst ideally you will have prior experience of how a Trustee role works, this isn’t mandatory: If you are committed, passionate, and determined, we would love to hear from you. We will provide training and support to help you become an amazing trustee. We would be particularly interested to hear from you have a background in communication, data, IT or risk.

It matters to us that our Trustees reflect the incredibly diverse communities we serve, and we are actively seeking younger people, people from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and people with a disability for these voluntary roles. We value lived experience of sexual violence within our staff, volunteers and trustees.

Voluntary (expenses paid)

Time commitment

We appreciate for many of our Trustees, they fit volunteering around busy work and home schedules. Overall, the time commitment is expected to be c 30 hours per year, including preparation for meetings.

All trustees are expected to attend 4 x 2.5 hours Board meetings a year (evenings) and 1 full away day each year.

We have two subcommittees that also meet an additional 4 times a year (1.5 hour in the evening), which trustees may be part of.

Being a Trustee at SARSAS is more than just turning up to a few Board meetings, as it is your skills, passion & experience that brings value to the organisation, therefore, we also ask that Trustees engage with SARSAS staff, and attend events or meetings as required, as well as responding to emails. We estimate that this covers a further 7 hours a year.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

At SARSAS we strive to create a workplace that reflect the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We want to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates diverse voices. We actively encourage applicants with protected characteristics to apply.

We are committed to taking an inclusive approach to recruitment and selection whilst ensuring there is no discrimination in our processes and that our team and prospective employees are treated fairly, with respect and without bias. Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made to accommodate additional requirements. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any specific adjustments needed to enable participation in the recruitment process.

How to apply

Closing date for applications is Midnight on Sunday 7th June 2026.

Interviews will be held remotely on Friday 19th June 2026. Please ensure you are available for an interview on this date.