Volunteer roles in Harrow

If you have previous experience in a board level role and have a clinical background, we have an exciting opportunity for you…

What does the Clinical Trustee role involve? 

As our Clinical Trustee, you will provide expert clinical oversight and strategic counsel to the Board of Trustees. Working closely with the Medical Director and senior clinical leaders, you will support the development of our long‑term clinical strategy, uphold high clinical standards, and ensure strong clinical governance across regulated and unregulated settings.

You will also chair the Clinical Advisory Group and serve as a member of the Risk and Assurance Committee, ensuring robust oversight of clinical quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

This is a pivotal role at an exciting moment for St John Ambulance as we expand our impact and continue to strengthen our ability to deliver high‑quality care in communities across England.

What We’re Looking For

You will be a registered healthcare professional (GMC, NMC or HCPC) currently in clinical practice, with strong experience of clinical leadership at trust or corporate level

Is this role for me? 

• A current professional registration and active clinical practice.
• An understanding of the realities of delivering healthcare outside traditional settings and bring sound judgement, strategic insight, and a collaborative mindset.
• Experience at Board level or as a charity trustee.
• Experience of clinical governance and improving clinical quality.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteers in a complex organisation. 

Sounds great! Tell me more… 

This is a voluntary role, and the term of office is three years in the first instance, with a further three-year term by mutual agreement. 

 The closing date for applications is 10 May 2026

The interviews will be held in person at St John's Gate, St. John's Lane, London, England, EC1M 4DA on the 21 May 2026.

St John is committed to increasing the diversity of our team and making sure we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.   At St John, everyone is valued and supported to thrive, we have several networks including Multicultural, Disability and Accessibility, Pride, Family and Carers, Armed Forces and Women’s groups. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and engender a sense of belonging for all, by creating an environment of mutual respect, where we value unique differences and demonstrate authentic allyship. We believe passionately in equity, diversity and inclusion.    

Cystar

We empower people with PCOS through a personalized digital platform for education, care, and community.

Social Media Designer/ Content Creator (Women’s Health)

✨ Join Cystar as an Instagram Content Creator (Volunteer Role) ✨
Are you passionate about creating meaningful content and using social media to make a difference? We’re looking for a creative and proactive Instagram Content Creator to help grow our presence in the women’s health space, with a focus on PCOS awareness and support. ��
This role is perfect for someone who loves visual storytelling, content planning, and community engagement—and wants to be part of something impactful.

�� What You’ll Do
�� Content Creation & Strategy
• Plan and create engaging Instagram content (posts, carousels & campaigns using Canva)
• Develop content pillars like education, real stories, lifestyle tips & treatment insights
• Manage a monthly content calendar
• Research trends, hashtags & relevant topics in women’s health
�� Design & Branding
• Design eye-catching graphics using Canva
• Maintain a consistent, on-brand aesthetic across our feed
• Support creative campaigns to raise awareness about PCOS
�� Instagram Management
• Schedule posts using tools like Later or Hootsuite
• Write engaging, SEO-friendly captions with strong CTAs
• Respond to comments & DMs to build a supportive community
�� Team Collaboration
• Work closely with a small, passionate volunteer team
• Help organise and coordinate content tasks
�� Performance Tracking
• Monitor engagement (likes, shares, comments)
• Help shape future content based on insights

�� We’re Looking For Someone Who:
• Has 2+ years experience in social media or digital marketing
• Is confident using Canva and has an eye for modern design
• Is creative, organised & proactive
• Cares about women’s health & raising awareness around PCOS
• Enjoys working collaboratively

⏱️ Time Commitment
Flexible (around 8 hours/week, but we’re happy to adapt to your availability).

�� Why Join Us?
• Build your portfolio with meaningful, impactful work
• Gain hands-on experience managing Instagram campaigns
• Be part of a supportive, mission-driven team
• Help raise awareness and support for people living with PCOS

�� If you’re ready to use your creativity for a cause that matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and share your portfolio

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

Appear+

We provide psychosocial frameworks, training, and AI tools to combat appearance-based stigma.

�� Product & Strategy Advisor

�� Role Description

Appear+ is at a critical early stage, we have vision, early validation, and strong lived-experience grounding.
We are looking for a thoughtful Product or Social Impact Advisor to guide us through:

• early product decisions
• prioritisation
• scaling wisely without overbuilding

�� What You’ll Do

• Provide weekly or bi-weekly guidance
• Help us avoid costly mistakes
• Support product direction and focus
• Offer perspective from experience

�� Ideal Background

• Experience in:
  • startups OR
  • digital health OR
  • social impact tech

�� Why This Matters

At this stage, one good decision saves months of struggle.

�� What You Gain

• Early involvement in a high-impact social innovation
• Direct influence on product direction
• Meaningful contribution without heavy time commitment

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

CutOff Recycle

We convert human hair waste into organic fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Graphic Designer – Social Media

About Us

CutOff Recycle is a circular economy startup turning human hair waste into organic fertilizers, scaling across Tanzania and beyond through innovation and impact.

Role Overview

We are seeking a creative volunteer to design compelling social media visuals that communicate our brand story across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Key Responsibilities

• Design graphics, carousels, and campaign creatives for all four platforms
• Maintain brand consistency in colors, fonts, and visual tone (We have templates already on Canva) 
• Translate product launches, milestones, and campaigns into shareable visuals
• Deliver platform-ready assets in correct dimensions weekly

What We're Looking For

• Proficiency in Canva, Adobe Suite, Affinity Designer, or similar tools
• A portfolio with social media design examples
• Eye for visual storytelling for impact-driven brands
• Ability to work independently and meet weekly deadlines

What You'll Gain

• Real portfolio work for a patented, growing African startup
• Experience designing for sustainability and agri-innovation
• Exposure to a fast-moving circular economy brand
• Potential long-term creative role as we scale

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

SheRebuilds

We provide free psychological care, coaching, and career support enabling domestic violence survivors' independence.

Volunteer Psychologist

SheRebuilds is an international nonprofit project that supports women who have experienced domestic violence and are rebuilding their lives through education and career growth. We provide free online psychological support, coaching, and career guidance, helping women take their first confident steps toward independence.
We are seeking a compassionate and qualified Spanish-speaking volunteer psychologist to join our team. As a volunteer, you will play a key role in supporting women as they transition to a new phase in their lives. Your work will provide them with the stability and confidence they need to take the first steps toward recovery and independence.

We’re looking for a psychologist who:
• speaks Spanish (required)
• speaks English (required)
• has experience or interest in working with women after crisis
• is empathetic, calm, and open

You will be working with women who are already in a more stable phase, but still need support to move forward.

Minimum Hours per Week:

0-1 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

SheRebuilds

We provide free psychological care, coaching, and career support enabling domestic violence survivors' independence.

Video editor

SheRebuilds is an international nonprofit project that supports women who have experienced domestic violence and are rebuilding their lives through education and career growth. We provide free online psychological support, coaching, and career guidance — helping women take their first confident steps toward independence. We’re looking for a creative and reliable Video Editor (volunteer) to join our growing team.

�� What you’ll do

• Edit 3–4 short videos per month (mainly for Instagram Reels, possibly TikTok in the future).
• Work closely with our Content Creator to bring storytelling ideas to life.
• Add captions, graphics, and music in line with the project’s tone — calm, supportive, and empowering.
• Help shape our visual style and experiment with new formats that engage and inspire.

�� We’d love to see

• Experience editing short social media videos (Reels, TikToks, etc.).
• A sense of storytelling, rhythm, and emotional impact.
• Ability to dedicate around 4–6 hours per week.
• Interest in topics like women’s empowerment, mental health, or social change.

�� What we offer

• A chance to contribute your creativity to a meaningful cause.
• Collaboration with a warm, supportive international team.
• Portfolio-worthy projects and experience in nonprofit social media.
• The joy of seeing your videos help real women find hope and strength. If you’re passionate about using your creative skills for good, we’d love to meet you! ��
• �� Apply or reach out to join our volunteer team and become part of SheRebuilds’ mission to help women rebuild their lives.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

IKWRO is a registered charity which provides advice and support to Middle Eastern, North African and Afghan women and girls living in the UK, who have experienced, or are at risk of all forms of “honour” based abuse, including; forced marriage, child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), or domestic abuse.

We work with women and girls of all ages, including lesbian women, bisexual women and trans women. We offer services in Kurdish, Farsi, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Turkish and English.

The overall role of a treasurer is to:

• Maintain an overview of the organisations’ affairs
• Ensuring its financial viability
• Ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

General responsibilities

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are).
• To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds.
• If the charity employs staff, to appoint the chief executive officer and monitor his/her performance.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve:

• Scrutinizing board papers
• Leading discussions
• Focusing on key issues
• Providing guidance on new initiatives
• Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise

Additional duties of the treasurer

• Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy
• The preparation and presentation of financial reports to the board
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
• Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters
• Advising on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity
• Monitoring the organisation's investment activity and ensuring its consistency with the organisation's policies and legal responsibilities
• Ensuring equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, e.g. The charity commission and/or the registrar of companies
• If external scrutiny of accounts is required, ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the annual general meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required

Treasurer person specification

• Commitment to the organisation
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgment
• Ability to think creatively
• Willingness to speak their mind
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
• Financial qualifications and experience
• Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes
• The skills to analyses proposals and examine their financial consequences
• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board
• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

No Panic has hundreds of members, and dozens of volunteers. We aim to create a sense of community among our members and volunteers.

The Community Engagement Team Co-ordinator volunteer will be responsible for running activities that will bring this about.

These include holding social events on Zoom and maintaining WhatsApp groups.

The engagement team can use their imagination and interests – events/groups could be anything from book groups to craft sessions. The co-ordinator organises and maintains the activities and can participate in them if desired.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

This opportunity will take be across Hertfordshire, where we meet in the following locations, Hemel Hempsted, Stevenage and St Albans on a Thursday; Hertford on a Tuesday and Rickmansworth on a Wednesday, all at 8pm. The type of events we have historically covered include Stevenage Day, Herts County Day, Watford Football Club, Firework Events and we assist National and State events in London.

Whilst many of the events we cover are at the weekends we do also cover mid-week events.

This role will require an interview, we are looking to run a volunteering interviews from 16th June 2026. Details of times, venue, etc tbc.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 01/09/2026, details of times, venue, etc.
• Training for role - This role is subject to a 6 day training course which will be spread across 3 weekends. Locations and dates will be confirmed with 3 courses booked across the East Region, please note travel may be required. The earliest course will be in Norwich in July and August with further courses being planned for September/ October and October/ November

Closing date for these opportunities is: 16/06/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Location: Remote or In-person (London-based preferred, flexible)
Hours: 20 hours per month (flexible)
Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to Counsellor / 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD
Payment Schedule: Weekly or monthly, depending on preference (flexible to support cash flow)

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

Guardian Light Enterprises LTD is the revenue-generating arm of Guardian Light Foundation, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families affected by homelessness, abuse, and hardship. Every service we provide contributes directly to creating safe spaces, housing, education, and empowerment programs for vulnerable communities.

As a freelance counsellor with us, you are not just offering sessions—you are helping people heal, build resilience, and find hope, while supporting a social mission that changes lives.

Role Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Freelance Counsellor to provide emotional support, guidance, and therapy sessions to our clients. This is a unique opportunity to work in a mission-driven social enterprise where your expertise directly fuels social impact.

As a counsellor, you will:

• Provide individual and group counselling sessions for children, teenagers, and single-parent families.

• Use your professional expertise to guide clients through challenges including trauma, grief, anxiety, and abuse recovery.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguarding standards in line with UK regulations.

• Collaborate with Guardian Light Enterprises and the Foundation team to refer clients to additional support programs where appropriate.

• Participate in impact reporting to help shape future programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality counselling sessions tailored to individual client needs.

• Document sessions and maintain records securely in compliance with safeguarding and GDPR policies.

• Promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and empowerment for clients.

• Engage with Guardian Light Enterprises LTD in strategic discussions to improve program delivery.

• Attend occasional training and team meetings (via Microsoft Teams).

Ideal Candidate

• Accredited Counsellor, Psychotherapist, or Mental Health Professional with relevant UK registration.

• Experience working with children, teenagers, and vulnerable families.

• Strong empathy, emotional intelligence, and a trauma-informed approach.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

• Passionate about social impact and committed to transforming lives.

Hours & Compensation

• Recommended: 8–12 hours per month (approx. 2–3 clients per week, depending on session length).

• Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to you, 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD.

• Payment Schedule: Flexible – weekly or monthly, depending on mutual preference and cash flow management.

Benefits

Even at this early stage, joining Guardian Light Enterprises LTD offers unique benefits:

• Impact-driven work: Every session contributes to funding programs that directly support children and single-parent families in crisis.

• Flexible schedule: Set your hours around your availability.

• Professional growth: Access to training and development opportunities.

• Career progression: Exceptional counsellors may be invited to join our Advisory Board or eventually become a Board Member, shaping the direction of Guardian Light Foundation.

• Recognition: A chance to build your personal and professional brand as part of a pioneering social enterprise.

• Supportive environment: Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team dedicated to real change.

Location: Remote / Hybrid (UK-based)
Type: Freelance / Contract – Flexible hours
Revenue Share: 70% to Solicitor / 30% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

At Guardian Light Enterprises LTD, we are more than a social enterprise — we are a beacon of hope for children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and hardship.

Our mission is to empower and protect the most vulnerable, giving them the tools, legal support, and guidance they need to build brighter futures. Every session you deliver as a solicitor doesn’t just provide legal advice — it gives someone dignity, hope, and a chance to reclaim their life.

Role Purpose

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated freelance solicitors to provide expert legal guidance to our beneficiaries. This role is flexible, allowing you to use your legal expertise to make a tangible difference in the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families who urgently need your support.

You will:

• Offer legal advice on family law, employment rights, housing, or other related areas

• Guide clients through complex legal processes with clarity and empathy

• Provide practical, actionable advice that empowers clients to take control of their lives

• Collaborate with GLF staff and volunteers to ensure clients are supported holistically

Hours & Commitment

• Recommended: 6–12 hours per month at the early stage

• Sessions can be scheduled flexibly to suit your availability and client needs

• Each session revenue split: 70% to you, 30% reinvested into GLF programs

Compensation & Payment

• Paid per session based on agreed client engagement

• Revenue sharing model ensures fair and transparent payment

• Payment schedule: monthly for simplicity, with detailed statements provided

• Additional incentives: high-performing solicitors may be offered Board Member or Advisory Board roles

Skills & Experience

• Qualified solicitor in the UK, practising in relevant areas (family law, housing, employment, or youth-focused law)

• Strong empathy, patience, and communication skills

• Comfortable working remotely and in collaboration with a mission-driven team

• Passion for social justice, children’s rights, and supporting vulnerable communities

Policies & Safeguarding

• DBS check required (Enhanced, £12.50 volunteer rate)

• Commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

• Adherence to GLF Confidentiality, Data Protection, and Equality policies

Benefits

• Directly impact the lives of vulnerable children, teens, and families

• Flexible working hours to suit your schedule

• Opportunities for professional growth, networking, and community recognition

• Invitation to join our Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the enterprise scales

• Being part of a mission that transforms lives — where every hour you give makes a tangible difference

• Public recognition on GLF communications, website, and reports

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are someone who:

• Believes that legal guidance is a lifeline for those who have nowhere else to turn

• Feels fulfilled by using your expertise to create social impact

• Is proactive, compassionate, and able to work independently

• Wants to be part of a groundbreaking social enterprise at the startup stage

• Values ethical work, transparency, and accountability

Role: Trustee 
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings six times a year, with reading and preparation before meetings
No Salary:  Unpaid volunteer role, expenses paid
Location: Meetings held on zoom or at our head office in London SE20
Deadline:  17th May 2026
Interviews:  In person in London SE20

ABOUT US

Bromley & Croydon Women's Aid (BCWA) aims to empower anyone suffering domestic abuse so they can make informed choices about their future. Our services are confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

BCWA puts anyone who contacts us for support at the heart of decision making, so that they can gain the confidence, strength and self-respect needed to free themselves from abusive relationships

Our Ethos

BCWA believe in providing high-quality services to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. We have been working since 1975 to:

• focus on maintaining the independence, confidence and self-esteem of anyone we help
• be responsive to the needs of individuals in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way
• treat our residents, clients, staff and partners with integrity, honesty and respect.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community.  Our vision is to support and empower women to create change in their lives, so that they and their children can live free from domestic abuse and improve their quality of life.

OUR SERVICES

BCWA provide a wide range of services including:

Refuge

We provide safe accommodation for any woman and her children who is experiencing domestic abuse, or who is at risk of abuse.

Children are welcomed by Child Support Officers. Refuges have fully-equipped playrooms, where the project workers organise activities, after-school clubs, play sessions, fun days and one-to-one therapeutic activities.

BCWA is a registered housing provider with the Regulator or Social Housing (i.e. a Housing Association) and operates supported housing in a mix of owned and leased properties, some as managing agent for other housing associations, some operated independently.

Advice & Support

BCWA telephone Helpline supports women in the community who want to know what their options are around domestic abuse, or who need a non-judgmental listening ear. We run 12-week ‘Keys to Freedom’ support groups which offer a path to recognising abuse and peer support for recovery.

We offer advice to the friends and families of anyone experiencing domestic abuse. We give our expertise to legal and social services professionals, and we support women at appointments, accompany them to court, and also put them in contact with other services that can help them.

Our other services include:

Japanese service - BCWA, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy in London, offers outreach advice in Japanese to survivors of domestic abuse

NRPF/EEA service - Our specialist advisor works with migrant women without recourse to public funds (NRPF) and those from the EEA to regularise their immigration status and access benefits & support.

Men's service - All BCWA locations are women-only spaces, but men can be supported via our One Stop Shop service or by the IDSVA (high-risk) service in Bromley.

Our Approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Our work is based on building meaningful, supportive, enduring and respectful relationships with women from all cultures. We cannot do this without a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. BCWA’s approach is to try to make sure that EDI is central to everything we do and informs both our services and our organisational culture. 

Our goal is to develop and deliver consistently inclusive programmes, projects and services that support and bring together survivors of domestic abuse and their children and facilitate empowerment and recovery. We believe this enables best practice domestic abuse support, hope this will make everyone's experiences richer, and ultimately lead to more inclusive communities and sector best practice. 

BECOMING A TRUSTEE

What is a Trustee?

Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.

Why become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee can be very rewarding. As a Trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of an organisation, and you can make a significant difference to a cause that matters to you.

Being a Trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. You will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.

Why join our board?

BCWA was founded by a group of local women in Bromley who wanted to do something practical to support women in their local community and has been run by women and for women ever since. Over the past few years the organisation has grown considerably but still operates very much in the spirit of grassroots feminist women’s movement of the 70s, out of which it was founded.

Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers have lived experience of domestic abuse, and the organisation actively welcome survivors at all levels. We are a supportive, warm and friendly group and we genuinely strive to foster great relationships. Our Board is made up of a diverse group of women with a broad range of backgrounds, skills and experience. This team operates on mutual respect and true collaboration in order to provide the best leadership possible to the charity. We are solutions oriented, creative, forward-thinking and passionate about working to end domestic abuse.

BCWA has seen sustained growth over the last few years and has increased its property portfolio to provide a range of dispersed ‘move on’ accommodation for women leaving refuge, with continued support.

The charity is also committed to an ongoing process of service improvement via stakeholder feedback and analysis of needs and gaps in provision. Our local knowledge and specialist expertise positions us very well to innovate in co-producing new services.

In addition to trauma-informed accommodation and community-based services, BCWA has developed a therapeutic service alongside, which encompasses child play therapy and a specialist in-house counselling service for women. This supports the health and wellbeing of survivors going forward as well as working towards the prevention of repeat victimisation.

A trusteeship with BCWA is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation, contribute to the local community and impact thousands of women’s lives for the better. It is a truly pivotal time to join the board at BCWA, as we develop and implement innovative new services that will add significantly to the breadth and impact of support available to survivors of domestic abuse in Bromley & Croydon.

What skills are we looking for?

We are looking for a range of new trustees with a range of different skills to shape and steer the future of this dynamic organisation, as well as bring wisdom, energy and new perspectives to our governance.  We would particularly welcome applications from women with knowledge of or experience working in the following sectors:

· Social housing, social investment, housing, company or charity or general legal background

· Provision of mental health services

· AI expertise

ROLE DESCRIPTION

We are looking for strategic-minded individuals with a variety of skills to join our board. Our trustees play an essential role in making sure that BCWA achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

Trustee duties

• To ensure the BCWA is carrying out its purposes, as set out in its governing document.
• To ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and any other applicable laws.
• To act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets (including evaluating performance against set targets).
• To provide guidance using previous experience and expertise on a range of aspects of BCWA's business, including support to set up new initiatives.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Organisation.
• To monitor the financial, strategic and operational performance of BCWA.

In addition to the above responsibilities, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they possess, to enable the Board to reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising reports, providing advice and guidance on new issues, particularly where a Trustee has specific expertise. Our board meets bi-monthly and holds an Annual General Meeting.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision: working to end domestic abuse.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What impact will you have?

You will be joining an organisation actively opposed to all forms of discrimination providing a service that is confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as learn new ones.

We are a feminist organisation and recognise the gendered nature of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at board meetings which take place six times a year. Meetings are held in the early evening, mostly on-line, with one or two held in-person at our south-east London Head Office.
• Trustees will also need to carry out any pre-meeting reading and preparation and may be contacted occasionally for advice.

Further Information

We are very happy to have informal discussions about the role and warmly welcome candidates to visit us or observe a board meeting if they wish.

New Trustees are assigned an existing member who is responsible for their induction and support for a period of 6 months.

As our organisation works with extremely vulnerable clients, safeguarding is one of our key priorities. Please contact us if you would like more info or to view our SG policies. In light of this, offers are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve. 

BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Reg. Charity No.1068007.