Volunteer roles in Hornchurch

Volunteer Opportunity: Social Media Lead

Are you a creative thinker with a passion for digital storytelling and leading online engagement? We’re looking for a Volunteer Social Media Lead to take ownership of our social media presence and guide our online strategy.

Role Overview:
As the Social Media Lead, you will oversee the planning, creation, and delivery of content across our social platforms. You’ll lead a small team (if applicable), shape our digital voice, and ensure our messaging effectively engages and grows our audience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a social media strategy aligned with organisational goals

• Oversee content planning, creation, and scheduling across platforms

• Lead and support Social Media Officers or volunteers

• Ensure consistency in tone, branding, and messaging

• Monitor engagement, analytics, and performance metrics

• Identify trends and opportunities to grow audience reach

• Coordinate promotion of events, campaigns, and key updates

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong understanding of social media platforms and trends

• Excellent written communication and creative skills

• Experience managing or leading social media accounts (preferred)

• Ability to analyse performance data and adjust strategies

• Leadership or team coordination skills

• Proactive, organised, and able to work independently

What You’ll Gain:

• Leadership experience in digital marketing and communications

• Opportunity to shape and grow an organisation’s online presence

• Development of strategic thinking and analytical skills

• Enhanced CV with hands-on leadership experience

• A chance to make a meaningful impact through digital engagement

Time Commitment:
Flexible, with regular weekly involvement and additional time during campaigns.

Location:
REMOTE - UK ONLY

Take the lead in telling our story and building a strong, engaged online community.

Ref: V267 | Support Group Volunteer | Greenwich, London

We’re looking for one Support Group Volunteer over the age of 18 years old, based at St. Marys (Eltham) Community Complex Association, 180 Eltham High Street, London, SE9 1BJ.

You’ll be volunteering every Thursday between 10:30am and 12:30pm.

As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group. The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.

The volunteer will be

· A people person, with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Good at putting people at ease

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role description for the Support Group Volunteer role for the Greenwich group.

About Us

About the Stroke Association

Finding strength through support

The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

We’re here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors that we can provide vital support. 

Stroke Association is driven by our ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means we’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by Our approach to solving inequity in stroke, we are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across our charity.

We are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Stroke Association, and we are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how we work.

We are a Disability Confident employer, and we are making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. Our charity has a variety of staff network groups and we're committed to continuously improving our diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

Volunteer Fundraising Assistant (Challenge Events & Community Fundraising)

Location: Finchley, London (minimum 1 day per week in the office)
Time commitment: Flexible (approx. 1–2 days per week)
Salary: Voluntary

About Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity

At Rays of Sunshine, we brighten the lives of seriously ill children across the UK by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospitals and within the community. Our work creates moments of joy, hope and lasting memories for children and their families during the most difficult times.

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate and organised Volunteer Fundraising Assistant to support our Challenge Events and Community Fundraising team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced fundraising environment, supporting key campaigns such as the London Marathon and community-led fundraising initiatives. You’ll play a vital role in helping us deliver exceptional supporter experiences and maximise income to fund life-changing wishes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the coordination of challenge events (e.g. London Marathon, runs, cycles)
• Assist with supporter stewardship, including emails, calls and event communications
• Help manage and update supporter data (Salesforce or similar CRM)
• Support the delivery of community fundraising activities and campaigns
• Assist with event preparation and logistics, including materials and packs
• Help monitor fundraising progress and identify opportunities to support participants
• Provide general administrative support to the fundraising team

What We’re Looking For

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• A proactive and positive attitude
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office (experience with CRM systems is a bonus)
• An interest in fundraising, events, or the charity sector
• Ability to commit to at least 1 day per week in our Finchley office

What You’ll Gain

• Valuable experience in fundraising and events within a national charity
• Insight into supporter engagement and income generation
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of seriously ill children
• A supportive and friendly team environment
• A reference upon successful completion of your volunteering

How to Apply

If you’re interested in joining our team and supporting our work, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply via CharityJob with your CV and a short statement outlining your interest in the role.

Charity Trustee Opportunity – Protecting Animals, Changing Lives

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking for a meaningful way to make an impact?

The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust (JSAWT) is seeking new Trustees to join its dedicated and collaborative Board.

What we do:

JSAWT supports UK-registered charities that rescue, rehabilitate, release, and rehome animals by providing vital grant funding.

We focus on smaller organisations—where our support can make a real difference—helping transform the lives of animals and the people who care for them. From volunteer-led hedgehog rescues to international wildlife conservation initiatives, our work spans a diverse and inspiring range of causes.

Applications are reviewed three times a year by the Board of Trustees. Awards are given on a case-by-case basis to charities that meet our criteria and clearly demonstrate how the funding will benefit animals in their care.

Why join us?

By joining us, you will be able to:

• Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.
• Play a vital role in shaping the future of a leading animal welfare grant provider.
• Join a collaborative and supportive Board of Trustees with diverse expertise.
• Learn about a wide range of animal welfare initiatives in the UK and internationally.

What you will do:

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight of the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust, informing the charity’s governance and financial sustainability.
• Share your expertise to help JSAWT strengthen its resilience and ensure sustainability.
• Act as an ambassador for JSAWT. You may be invited to represent JSAWT at events hosted by charities we support. Trustees are also encouraged to visit applicants and previous grant recipients, helping to strengthen relationships and ensure our awards are used as intended.
• You will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Administrators to ensure JSAWT achieves its mission and long-term objectives.

What we are looking for:

You will be able to demonstrate a commitment to JSAWT’s values and a passion for improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

We welcome applications from individuals with knowledge and experience in any of the following areas:

• IT and cybersecurity, especially for a small non-profit organisation.
• Legal aspects of charity management and compliance.
• Communications and marketing, ideally for a small non-profit organisation.

Previous Trustee experience is not essential – we welcome applications from people new to charity governance. Full induction and support will be provided.

Potential Trustees must be able to commit to reviewing documents and applications in advance of meetings and be able to communicate their decisions.

The Board is friendly and inclusive and welcomes discussion and expression of opinions in a respectful and supportive environment.

Terms:

• Three Board meetings are held in March, July/August, and November. The meetings are held at the London office. They are usually in the afternoon and can last 4-5 hours.
• Attendance in person is encouraged; however, Trustees may attend virtually if this is preferable.
• The office has step free access and is all on one level.
• There may be occasional sub-committee meetings or events (virtual or in person).
• Reasonable expenses incurred by attending meetings (or other agreed work) may be reimbursed: for example, travel, subsistence, and childcare.
• The initial term is three years, with the option of renewal for a further three years.

JSAWT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Appropriate checks will be carried out on shortlisted candidates.

Further details are available on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Administrators.

At CASPA, we champion autistic pride and create safe, inclusive spaces where autistic individuals can connect, grow, and truly be themselves. 

Our vision is to build a society where autistic individuals feel understood, empowered, and able to be their full selves and live their best lives. 

We’re looking for passionate, friendly volunteers to join our community in a range of exciting roles. Whether you want to build skills, boost your confidence, or simply give back, there’s a place for you at CASPA. 

• Meet like-minded people 

• Learn new skills and gain valuable experience 

• Make a real impact in your community 

•  Have fun while doing something meaningful 

Volunteering with CASPA isn’t just about giving your time, it’s about creating opportunities, building connections, and being part of something truly special.

About the roles 

We are looking for volunteers to support us in a variety of ways: 

• Weekly clubs:  Assist with creating safe, fun, and inclusive sessions in any of our weekly clubs: 

• Tots (early years) 

• Juniors (5-8 years) 

• Inters (9-12 years) 

• Seniors (12-16 years) 

• Adults (16+ years) 

• Trips and holiday clubs: Help during trips and outings, ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences. 

About you 

As a CASPA volunteer, you will: 

• Give your time with dedication and a commitment to doing your best 

• Support CASPA’s charitable work positively 

• Follow all policies and procedures 

• Always respect confidentiality 

• Work in partnership with staff and volunteers to support autistic people 

• Attend relevant training and meetings 

We ask all volunteers to share our values of acceptance, support, community, trust, and communication. This means celebrating difference, being kind and caring, building connection, creating safety, and communicating openly and honestly. 

We also look for a way of working that is committed, learning-focused, proactive, organised, and optimistic. This means staying focused on CASPA’s mission, developing skills, taking initiative, managing responsibilities well, and promoting autistic pride. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. 

We are keen to attract volunteers with lived experience of autism. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and disability. 

Please note that volunteers must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of their volunteering, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship. 

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Onja

We train underprivileged Malagasy youth into remote software developers for global tech companies.

PR Specialist

Onja, a social enterprise based in Madagascar, is looking for an experienced PR professional to help us refine and implement our media strategy. As we enter an exciting new chapter in our growth, we want to share our story with tech firms and social impact investors in Europe, the UK and the US.

Since 2017, our innovative model has allowed us to co-create sustainable economic mobility pathways for Malagasy youth with the highest need and highest potential. Their success is helping to build a more prosperous Madagascar. 

How you will help Malagasy youth fulfill their potential
With a verified, scalable model in place, and some fantastic achievements under our built with our inaugural cohort (Wave 1, 2019-2021), we want to show the world a better way of doing development by sharing our success.

We're looking for a proactive PR professional who is passionate about our mission to help us tell our story in the tech and social impact ecosystems. This role will work with Onja's Communication Manager and we anticipate a time commitment of two hours/month for three months.

Minimum Hours per Week:

0-1 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Zero Waste Palestine

We empower households across the Arab world to adopt waste-free, sustainable, and healthier everyday practices.

Grants Researcher & Writer

We're looking for a motivated volunteer or intern to support our grants and funding efforts. This hands-on role offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental and social impact while gaining practical experience in the development sector.

**What you'll do**

You will decide how to track opportunities, what to prioritise, and how to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. This will likely involve researching funding sources both locally and internationally, identifying the right opportunities at the right times, and writing proposals.

**What we're looking for**

• Strong research instincts
• Someone who builds their own structure and can work independently.
• Organised and reliable 
• Curiosity about environmental issues, sustainability, or the nonprofit sector.

*This role is suitable for students or early-career individuals. We are happy to provide a reference letter or support academic credit requirements where applicable.*

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

LUXEED Robotics

We deploy AI-driven laser weeding robots to eliminate herbicides and protect soil, water, and yields.

Plant Sciences & Computer Vision (Agronomy)

Responsibilities:

• Periodically identify and document various weed species, phenotypes, and BBCH-Scale versus carrot and spinach crops in real-world conditions.
• Selective Field Analysis: Conduct onsite assessments primarily when moving to new fields.
• Organize botanical data and labels to help the AI team improve real-time weed detection and tracking.
• Create guidelines and documentation to help image-labellers with their job.
• Act as the final reviewer on our labelling platform to identify wrong labels.
• Plant Growth Documentation: Identify crops and weeds across all growth stages to ensure reliable depth estimation and perception.
• Evaluate the biological and optical fidelity of computer-generated images to ensure generated images accurately reflect real-world field conditions.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in Applied Biology or Horticulture & Business Management BSc
• Strong Botanical Eye: You can reliably tell the difference between a carrot cotyledon and a blade of grass.
• Tech-Curious: You don't need to be a coder, but you are comfortable working with digital tools
• Detail-Oriented: Precision is everything when lasers are involved.
• Language: English; Dutch is a plus

What We Offer:

• Hybrid & Task-Based: A flexible schedule (~10-20 hours/week) that fits your studies.
• Impact: Work on cutting-edge technology that directly eliminates chemical use in agriculture.
• Innovation: Be part of a fast-paced R&D environment in the heart of the Limburg agtech scene.
• Free transportation when needed for field visits.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI)

We restore degraded landscapes and empower rural communities with sustainable agriculture, beekeeping, and green livelihoods.

Grant and Resource Mobilization Specialist

Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) is seeking a passionate and skilled Grant and Resource Mobilization Specialist  Volunteer to support our mission of restoring ecosystems, empowering rural communities, and advancing climate resilience in Nigeria. The volunteer will play a vital role in identifying funding opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and building relationships with donors and funding partners.
Key Responsibilities:
Research Funding Opportunities: Identify and monitor grant opportunities from foundations, international donors, corporations, and government agencies aligned with RUWAI’s mission.
Proposal Development: Draft, edit, and submit high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, letters of inquiry, and donor communications.
Donor Engagement Support: Assist in developing pitch materials, case statements, and progress reports to engage current and prospective donors.
Collaboration with Team: Work closely with program leads to gather relevant data, impact stories, and budget details for funding proposals.
Grant Calendar Management: Help maintain a calendar of deadlines and reporting requirements, ensuring timely submissions.
Reporting and Documentation: Contribute to writing donor reports, impact summaries, and narrative updates to strengthen funder relationships.
Fundraising Strategy Input: Offer ideas to diversify and strengthen RUWAI’s fundraising efforts, including exploring crowdfunding, partnerships, or campaigns.
Ideal Candidate Should Have:
Excellent written communication and storytelling skills.
Experience in grant writing, fundraising, or nonprofit communications (preferred but not required).
Strong research and organizational abilities.
Passion for sustainability, rural development, and environmental justice.
Self-motivated, collaborative, and detail-oriented.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

United Colors of Cancer

We gather culturally responsive BIPOC cancer data to inform policy, research, and equitable care.

Strategic Partnerships & Growth Lead (BIPOC Cancer Initiatives)

We are looking for a proactive relationship-builder and storyteller to help United Colors of Cancer expand the reach and impact of our core programs.
As our Strategic Partnerships & Growth Lead, you will play a key role in opening doors, building partnerships, and growing awareness for:

• BIPOC Cancer Survey™ – capturing critical, missing data
• NURU™ Child Companion – supporting children and families impacted by cancer
• Additional programs focused on equity, advocacy, and support

You will help bridge the gap between our mission and the institutions, communities, and partners who can bring it to life.

Key Responsibilities:

• Stakeholder Storytelling: Develop clear, compelling messaging and materials to engage partners, funders, and community organizations.
• Partnership Outreach: Identify and initiate relationships with nonprofits, healthcare institutions, universities, and advocacy groups aligned with cancer equity.
• Program Growth Strategy: Support rollout and adoption of the BIPOC Cancer Survey™ and NURU™ through strategic partnerships and outreach.
• Digital & Field Marketing: Contribute to campaigns that grow awareness, participation, and engagement across online platforms and community networks.
• User & Community Growth: Help expand participation and build a strong, engaged audience around UCC’s mission and programs.

Required Skills (What You Need to Succeed):

• Proactive Outreach Ability: You are comfortable reaching out cold (email, LinkedIn, etc.) and starting conversations without waiting for direction.
• Strong Communication & Persuasion: You can clearly explain ideas, write compelling messages, and adapt your tone for different audiences (community members, researchers, executives).
• Relationship Building: You know how to build trust, follow up consistently, and move conversations toward collaboration.
• Strategic Thinking: You can spot partnership opportunities and think beyond one-off interactions toward long-term impact.
• Execution & Ownership: You don’t just suggest ideas—you take initiative and follow through.
• Basic Digital & Marketing Skills: Comfortable using platforms like LinkedIn, email outreach tools, or social media to support growth efforts.

Nice to Have (Not Required):

• Experience in healthcare, nonprofits, public health, or social impact
• Background in business development, partnerships, or sales
• Experience with community engagement or advocacy work

What You’ll Gain

• Real-world experience in partnership development and growth strategy
• Opportunity to contribute to high-impact health equity initiatives
• Hands-on involvement in building programs from early stage to scale

Why This Role Matters

This role is not passive. It’s not observational.
It’s for someone who can step into ambiguity and create momentum.
Because every email sent, every call taken, every partnership formed…
pushes these programs closer to the people who need them most

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Coastruction

We 3D‑print nature‑inspired reef structures using local materials to restore marine ecosystems and protect coasts.

Content Creator and Storyteller

Coastruction is looking for a flexible individial who would be willing to take initiative to lead our social media, content creation and story telling narrative.

Your role:
- Grow and manage social platforms
- Create content from existing media and new media 
- Manage what kind of content is created 
- Help design our brand on social media 
- Collaborate on growth ideas and campaigns 

We're looking for someone who:
- Is experienced with content creation, storytelling, photography, and videography. Graphic design is also highly preferred 
- Is creative and full of ideas of how to bring things to life 
- Can cater to and create the content styles of Instagram, LinkedIn and newsletters
- Can shoot and edit content 
- Understands content KPIs and how to act on them

This is a role that may require a bit more hours at the start for the initial creation of content and determination of the direction. 

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Rainbow Migration, the longest-running UK charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is seeking a trustee who is or has been a refugee due to persecution as an LGBTQI+ person. This is part of an ongoing commitment to increase leadership in the organisation by people with lived experience of the issues we work on.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about our vision that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives, and our mission to support LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system and influence policy and practice.

At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We particularly encourage applications from people who have sought asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. 

More information on Rainbow Migration is in appendix 1 of the application pack.

If you would like to find out more before applying, you can attend a webinar on Friday 17 April 2026 from 1 to 2pm. This is an opportunity to meet Rainbow Migration’s Executive Director and a trustee and ask us any questions. It is not part of the application or selection process. Please register using the form linked in the application pack and a Zoom link will be sent to you. If you cannot attend, you can still fill out the form and request a recording afterwards.

If you would prefer to have a one-to-one conversation, or have any questions about the role, the webinar or how to apply, please contact us using the email address in the application pack.

The role of trustees

Trustees are volunteers who bring their skills and experience to shape our strategic direction. They have legal responsibility for the charity, ensure good governance, and make sure our finances and resources are used well to implement our mission. Trustees also play a role as ambassadors for the organisation and our work.

Trustees do not get involved in operational decision-making. For example, decisions on which social media platforms we use or what group activities we run for service users are taken by staff.

Because trustees are volunteers, they do not receive payment for their time. Rainbow Migration can pay your costs when incurred solely for fulfilling trustee duties (e.g. travel, phone top-ups if needed exclusively for trustee work).

You can find out more information about what being a trustee involves at the links available in the application pack.

Time commitment

We are looking for people who can commit to being a trustee for at least three years. Trustees can then be re-elected for another three years. The maximum term limit for our trustees is nine years (in line with Charity Commission guidance).

Trustees meet on a weekday evening, from 6 to 9 pm, five times per year. There may be additional meetings in 2026 as part of our work on anti-oppression and to develop our next organisational strategy.

Meetings are usually held on Zoom except in December when we meet in-person in London, with an informal dinner first. For in-person meetings, travel costs (and meals and accommodation if relevant) can be covered.

You will need to spend two to four hours reading 8 to 30 papers before each meeting. Papers are provided a few days in advance of meetings. The “Board Buddy” (see below under Support for Trustees) can help with understanding them. You can also ask to meet with the Executive Director or Chair to explain them.

You can see examples of topics of discussion at board meetings in appendix 2 of the application pack.

You will also need to give some time between meetings. This includes, for example:

• Spending 10 to 30 minutes reviewing and correcting the minutes (written record) of the last board meeting
• Spending 30 to 60 minutes reviewing and giving feedback on documents, such as a new or updated draft organisational policy (e.g. data protection, safeguarding, health and safety)
• Reading and responding to emails within one or two days.

The board has two subcommittees: one on HR and one on finance. You may be asked to join one of these a few months after you become a trustee. If you do, there will be up to four more meetings a year and there will be papers to read for each of these meetings.

Support for trustees

We provide numerous resources for trustees. Below are some examples but they are not exhaustive and we are open to suggestions. Support can be accessed throughout the time someone is a trustee.

Training:

• We can pay for trustees to access training on good governance, the duties of a trustee, and charity finance.
• We give access to webinars and online training e.g. on safeguarding and cyber-security.
• We provide internal training (by staff) on areas such as safeguarding and data protection.

One-to-one support:

• New trustees have induction meetings with Rainbow Migration staff.
• An existing trustee can act as a “Board Buddy” for new trustees, which includes formal and informal meetings and support around board meetings and papers.
• We can help you to find a mentor e.g. The Experts by Experience Employment Initiative can provide mentoring for people with lived experience of migration.
• We can discuss accommodations that are needed for disabled people and other ways to ensure trustees feel fully included and able to participate

Equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-oppression

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and we know this is ongoing work. We are also reviewing what we do and how we do it through an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens, as well as investing in being more informed and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. We want our organisation — including our trustee board — to be increasingly shaped and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. That is why this trustee position is specifically for someone who has been granted refugee status in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person.

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, identities and experiences – including from people who are trans (including non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, gender non-conforming and agender) and intersex. We recognise that people have different journeys, strengths and access needs, and we are committed to removing barriers wherever we can. If you share our vision, mission and values, we encourage you to apply and let us know how we can support you through the process.

To support candidates during the interview process, we send some of the questions in advance to give applicants more thinking time. You are welcome to bring notes with you and also take notes in interviews to help process information. Please let us know if we can make other adjustments to support you through the application and selection process.

Once appointed, trustees can continue to access a range of support options throughout their time on the board.

Person specification

Essential

For this role, we are looking for someone who has been awarded refugee status in the UK on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. At this time, we are not accepting applications from people who still in the process of applying for asylum, or who have leave to remain in the UK on other grounds (e.g. work, human rights, marriage) as these experiences are already represented on our board.

We welcome applications from people who have used our services as well as those who have never interacted with us before.

In addition to having been granted asylum in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person, the following are necessary:

• Commitment to Rainbow Migration’s mission, vision and values
• Ability to work constructively with other trustees and staff
• Good English (so you can understand spoken conversations in meetings and contribute)
• Ability to read and understand long documents (e.g. trustees must be familiar with our policies, such as our safeguarding policy, and the key points in our publications such as Still Falling Short)
• Courage and enthusiasm to learn, encourage, challenge, influence and support other people and the organisation
• Confidence to ask questions (this helps everyone learn and improve) or request training or support
• Ability to analyse and scrutinise information provided by staff and trustees (the Board Buddy and other trustees can assist you in this)
• Ability to use independent judgement and share your thoughts with trustees and the Executive Director
• Willingness to share your opinion and give guidance to the board in areas where you have knowledge or experience
• Commitment to speak well about the organisation to others (e.g. funders, other charities)
• Regular access to a secure, private email account and a quiet, private space for joining online meetings and telephone calls
• Be living in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
• Aged 16 or over
• Not be previously disqualified as a trustee or company director, have an undischarged bankruptcy or have unspent criminal convictions for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud).

Desirable

It would be beneficial if you have work or volunteer experience in an area relevant to Rainbow Migration’s work (e.g. service delivery, communications, campaigning, lobbying, fundraising, HR, IT) but this is not a requirement.