133 Governance volunteer volunteer roles

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Ripple Pond

Voluntary Position (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Time commitment: Approximately 1-2 days per month, including four Board meetings per year, regular support to the CEO, occasional committee meetings and attendance at key events.

Closing date: 11 September 2026 (applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews may take place before the closing date).

Help Shape the Future of Support for Military Families

The Ripple Pond is a national charity supporting more than 1,200 Armed Forces and veteran family members across the UK. Through peer support, advocacy and practical assistance, we help families affected by service-related physical and psychological injury feel seen, heard and supported.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to Chair our Board of Trustees and help guide the charity through its next phase of growth and development.

Working closely with our CEO and Board, you will provide strategic leadership, support strong governance and help ensure the charity continues to deliver meaningful impact for military families and carers.

What You'll Do

As Chair, you will:

• Lead and support the Board of Trustees.
• Act as a trusted partner and critical friend to the CEO.
• Oversee strategy, governance, risk and organisational performance.
• Champion safeguarding, inclusion and good governance.
• Support trustee recruitment and board development.
• Represent The Ripple Pond externally and help build strategic relationships.
• Help shape the future direction and sustainability of the charity.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a collaborative and values-driven leader with:

• Senior leadership, executive or board-level experience.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Experience of governance, finance and risk oversight.
• The ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills.
• A genuine commitment to supporting Armed Forces families and carers.

Experience in the military, veterans, healthcare, public, charity or social care sectors would be beneficial but is not essential.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of military families across the UK.

You will work with a committed Board, an experienced CEO and a passionate community of Members to help strengthen support for families affected by service-related injury, influence wider understanding of their needs and guide a growing charity through its next stage of development.

***Please note: this is not an internship***

Role Purpose:

Trustees provide strategic leadership, ensuring that St. George's Crypt fulfils its charitable objectives, makes a postive impact in the Leeds community, and remains financially sustainable. Trustees act collectively to safeguard the charity's values, reputation, and long-term effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance & Strategic Leadership

• set and review the charity's strategic direction in alignment with its mission to support homeless and vulnerable individuals in Leeds
• ensure that all activiites deliver public benefit and comply with charity law, the governing document, and regulatory expectations
• monitor risks and ensure that robust governance structures are in place
• support and review the work of the Head of Finance and finance team
• oversee the external audit process, from appointment of auditors to implementation of any recommendations

Financial Oversight:

• oversee financial performance, ensuring funds are used responsibly and transparently in line with donor expectations and regulatory requirements
• review budgets, annual accounts, and financial policies, ensuring sustainability of services such as emergency shelter, addiction recovery programmes and meal supervision
• ensure effective oversight of the Crypt's financial affairs and its financial viability

Support for Senior Leadership

• provide guidance and constructive challenge to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team
• ensure leadership decisions reflect the charity's values and strategic propositions

Advocacy & Representation

• act as an ambassador for St. George's Crypt within Leeds and beyond, promoting awareness of its services and impact
• represent the charity's values of compassion, dignity and hope 

Compliance & Accountability

• ensure the charity meets all legal and regulatory obligations, including those set by the Charity Commission
• uphold confidentiality, ethics, and good governance practice at all times
• ensure the Crypt fulfils its mission and values, taking advantage of new opportunities and navigating challenges and managing risks appropriately
• ensure the Crypt has sound financial policies, controls and governance in place, and complies with these

Monitoring Impact

• evaluate the effectiveness of programmes such as residential support, training opportunities, and health and wellbeing initiatives
• ensure all services remain responsive to the needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Leeds
• give clear strategic direction, setting overall policy and goals, and monitoring progress and impact
• understand the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and provide guidance on accounting and financial reporting for the charity

How to apply

To make an application, please:

• download our Finance Trustee application pack 
• complete application form
• send CV 
• contact Martin Barry 

Recruitment timeline

Closing date: Monday 28 September2026

Shortlisting & Interviews: October 2026

With 3 Trustees retiring this year, we are currently looking for new Charity Trustees to govern and lead our foodbank.

About the Organisation:

North Norfolk Foodbank is a charity supporting those facing poverty and hunger. We help people with food, essential toiletries, energy, and provide advice and signposting for further support. 

We operate 7 distribution centres across North Norfolk and Broadland, a warehouse and office in Cromer, and carry out deliveries and collections across a wide area of the district in our two electric vans. 

We were formed in 2012 and have 4 members of staff and around 84 volunteers.

We’re part of the Trussell network of foodbanks across the UK, but we’re an independent charity in our own right. Registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales. 

About the Role:

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in guiding our organisation towards fulfilling its mission, ensuring effective governance, and making a positive impact in the community. 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the organisation
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Support fundraising efforts and community engagement initiatives
• Collaborate with fellow Trustees and staff to achieve organisational goals

A full breakdown of the roles can be found in the Person Specification.

About the Successful Candidate:

We are looking for candidates who bring diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives, and who are committed to supporting our vision of alleviating food poverty and promoting social justice. 

Expectations:

• Experience in governance, finance, fundraising, or community engagement is preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to the values and mission of North Norfolk Foodbank

We have several Trustee vacancies, one of which is for a Treasurer. You can find further information on what we are looking for from candidates in the Person Specification.

A DBS check will be required for all potential Trustees, along with two references and checks for insolvency, company director disqualification, and the register of removed Trustees. 

If you are interested in making a difference, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply:

To express your interest, please send a CV and covering letter, outlining how you meet the person specification(s), any existing connections to North Norfolk Foodbank or the local community you may have, and why you want to become a Trustee.

The Person Specification below details the email address you need to send these to. 

Please state if you are wanting to apply for the role of Treasurer, otherwise please indicate if you have any specific areas of expertise.

We are an open and inclusive organisation and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those who have needed to use the foodbank. 

#Trustee #Foodbank #Trussell #Governance #Leadership #Tresurer 

LGBT Foundation is governed by a board of trustees who also serve as directors of the company. Our various arrangements for governance are brought together in one place within our governance manual, which is reviewed on a bi-annual basis, and amended as and when applicable. This helps to ensure we remain responsible, robust and resilient. 

The board of LGBT Foundation is the first and last decision-making mechanism of the charity and trustees also constitute the membership of the charity. The board has several mechanisms in place to consult with key stakeholders, (such as staff, volunteers and service users), to inform our work and decision-making. 

All new trustees are required to undertake an induction programme, including the provision of an extensive induction pack, staff presentations, and peer mentoring as desired. Trustee training needs are assessed, and a programme of internal and external training arranged on an annual basis to meet these needs. 

Trustees are not remunerated, but reasonable expenses to attend meetings can be claimed.

Trustees are ultimately accountable for the organisation and their governance responsibilities include: 

• Setting and maintaining vision, mission, and values 
• Developing strategy together with the CEO 
• Ensuring suitable policies and documents exist 
• Ensuring compliance with the law, the governing document and charitable objects 
• Maintaining proper financial oversight 
• Maintaining effective board performance including board appraisals 
• Promoting the organisation and protecting its reputation 
• Recruiting and supporting the CEO 

Role Accountabilities

Trustees are expected to contribute around 8 hours per month, including: 

• Quarterly Board meetings (usually on a Saturday, occasionally a weeknight evening, in person) 
• Annual AGM (quarterly preceding October’s Board meeting, in person) 
• Service on 2 standing committees (4-6 times per year, remotely, weeknight evenings) 
• Participation in selected events, learning, or campaigns 

Trustees need to allow enough time to prepare for meetings by reading the paperwork, and doing any other preparatory reading, research or thinking to fully engage and contribute to robust discussion and decision-making.

To support the work of our board, we have three committees. These are: 

Fundraising & Marketing Committee – maintains an overview of strategic fundraising, marketing, and communications. 

Finance, Audit, Risk & Governance Committee – maintains a scrutiny and review role to ensure effective financial, people and systems management and ensuring that effective governance structures are in place across the 6organisation. 

People, Performance & Resources Committee – maintains an overview of project, people and programme performance, ensuring that (i) quality is maintained and/or increased; (ii) set targets are achieved; and (iii) ideas for innovation are explored. 

Person Specification

We seek trustees who offer a blend of technical expertise, values-driven motivation, and community alignment. 

Personal Attributes: 

• Commitment to and deep resonance with LGBT Foundation’s mission and values 
• Strong commitment to championing equality, inclusion and human rights 
• Commitment to the values of accountability, probity, openness and equality of opportunity 
• Ability to listen sensitively to the views of others 
• Willingness to challenge and question 
• Ability to work as an effective member of the board, of whose members are equally and jointly responsible for its decisions 
• Clear understanding of the responsibilities of a trustee and sufficient time/commitment to fulfil the role 

While the trustees are not the day-to-day executive team for LGBT Foundation, similar professional skills and experiences are required, such as finance, HR, communications, fundraising, representation and networking across the private, voluntary and public sectors. 

To complement the existing skills and experience of the Board, we are particularly looking for applicants with experience in: 

• Fundraising
• Changemaking, marketing, and communications
• Financial management, audit, risk and procurement
• Legal and regulatory expertise (charity, employment, governance)
• AI and technology

LGBT Foundation actively seeks to maintain a diverse board representative of the communities we serve. We are taking positive action to encourage applications from people of colour (PoC) and other racially minoritised communities, trans*, non-binary, younger (aged 30 and under) and/or older people (aged 50+), disabled people, and people with experience of navigating asylum or refugee systems, to improve the representation of colleagues from these communities on our board. 

*Trans is an umbrella & inclusive term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from that which they were assigned at birth; including non-binary people, cross-dressers, and those who partially or incompletely identify with their sex assigned at birth. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROLE PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE RECRUITMENT PACK

TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENT

Help Shape the Future Health and Wellbeing of Luton

Active Luton is looking for new Trustees to help guide our charity as we continue to improve the health and wellbeing of people across Luton.

We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in Law or Human Resources, although we welcome applications from anyone who shares our values and can bring strategic thinking, sound judgement and a commitment to good governance.

As one of Bedfordshire's leading community wellbeing charities, Active Luton manages leisure centres and libraries, delivers public health programmes, and works with partners across the town to tackle health inequalities and help people live healthier, happier lives.

As a Trustee, you will help shape our future, support our Executive Team and ensure we continue to make a lasting difference to our community.

The role includes:

• Four Board meetings each year
• Membership of a Board Committee
• An initial three-year term
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing development
• Voluntary position

If you are an experienced professional who wants to use your skills to create lasting social impact, we would love to hear from you.

Join us in creating healthier people, stronger communities and a brighter future for Luton.

Join the Board of Trustees at EFT International, a global membership charity promoting excellence in Emotional Freedom Techniques. Help shape our strategy, strengthen governance and support sustainable growth. Volunteer role: 10–15 hours per month with induction and expenses.

What will you be doing?

Our Board of Trustees is seeking one or more new trustees to help shape the future of EFT International as we continue to strengthen our governance, support our members, and deliver our charitable mission. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative board at a time when we are focused on sustainable growth, developing our long-term strategy, and ensuring we continue to operate to the highest standards of governance and accountability.

Our trustees bring a range of professional backgrounds and work together to provide strategic leadership, oversee the charity's activities, and support its future development. We are looking for individuals who are keen to contribute their expertise, and help guide the organisation through its next stage of development.

The successful candidates will be full members of the Board, attending monthly board meetings and contributing to strategic discussions and decision-making. 

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to an international charity, working alongside committed volunteers to support a professional community and help ensure the EFTi organisation continues to thrive for years to come.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting the work of charities and can bring strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach to our Board.

You will have experience in a leadership, management or advisory role, with the ability to build positive relationships, communicate effectively, and work constructively with volunteers and fellow trustees. Previous experience of serving on a charity board or working within the voluntary sector is welcomed but not essential.

We're particularly interested in people who can contribute expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Governance
• Marketing and communications
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Event management

You should be able to think strategically, make balanced decisions, maintain confidentiality, and work both independently and as part of a team. As our Board meets online, you'll also be comfortable using digital tools such as Zoom and Google Workspace.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who shares our commitment to the mission and values of EFT International and is willing to dedicate around 10–15 hours per month to the role, including completing an induction programme, attending monthly Board meetings, and engaging with the charity's activities. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences who can bring fresh perspectives to our Board.

Global Health Access Trust is looking for a Governance & Charity Administration Volunteer to help strengthen the records, policies and administrative foundations of an international charitable organisation working towards registration.

This opportunity would suit someone with governance, legal, charity administration or senior administrative experience who enjoys bringing order, accuracy and follow-through to important organisational work.

Global Health Access Trust (GHAT) develops, funds and coordinates defined projects that advance health, relieve illness and preserve life for the public benefit. Good governance, safeguarding, accountability and responsible stewardship sit at the centre of how that work is developed and delivered.

What you could contribute

• Help maintain governance policies, registers and organisational records
• Support preparation and organisation of governance documentation
• Help maintain accurate meeting records and action points
• Track agreed actions and follow-up
• Support orderly document management and version control
• Help ensure governance information is complete, current and easy to retrieve
• Work with the Trust team to strengthen practical administrative processes

Who this could suit

This opportunity may suit people with experience in governance, charity administration, legal administration, company secretarial work, compliance or senior administrative roles.

We particularly welcome methodical, discreet people who are comfortable handling confidential information, maintaining accurate records and working within agreed processes.

Strong written communication, attention to detail and dependable follow-through are important.

The opportunity can usually be undertaken remotely from any country and the commitment is ongoing and flexible.

The role is voluntary and unpaid. There is no salary, fee, employment benefit or entitlement to expenses.

How to apply

Applications are handled through the Global Health Access Trust website. When you click to apply, you will be taken to GHAT’s Governance, Safety & Assurance section. There you can review this opportunity in context, explore the other current opportunities within this area and select the opportunity that best matches your experience before submitting the GHAT application form.

Birmingham Cathedral is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join its Chapter as a non-executive member. This is a unique opportunity to contribute as a trustee to the cathedral's strategic direction, provide governance and oversight, and share responsibility for the stewardship and sustainability of the resources that support its mission and ministry.

As a member of the Cathedral Chapter, you will share with the Dean in the oversight of cathedral life. Chapter members are invaluable in shaping the direction of the cathedral and ensuring we continue to fulfil our mission and purpose. You will work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers and external partners to uphold the cathedral’s mission, vision, values and strategic priorities. 

Swansea Carers Centre are seeking an experienced and inspirational Chair to lead our Board of Trustees and help shape the next phase of our development.

About Swansea Carers Centre

Swansea Carers Centre is a vibrant, welcoming Tier 2 charity supporting unpaid carers across the City & County of Swansea. Every year, over 1,800 carers access our services, and more than 10,500 carers have registered with us since our founding. We provide welfare benefits advice, counselling, respite opportunities, dementia support, young adult carer projects, volunteer‑led initiatives, training, social groups and more. The services are all designed to ensure carers feel valued, connected and empowered. We also look to identify hidden carers and make certain that people looking after others can find the support they need.

An unpaid carer is anyone who provides support to a family member, friend or neighbour due to a variety of reasons which could include illness, disability, mental health needs, addiction, or age‑related frailty. Many people do not recognise themselves as carers yet they take on vital responsibilities that can have a profound impact on their wellbeing, finances and daily life. Our vision is a society where carers are recognised, respected and supported as equal partners in care. Our mission is to make a positive difference to carers’ lives by working in partnership with carers, statutory bodies and voluntary organisations.

The Role

The Chair will lead a committed Board of Trustees, ensuring Swansea Carers Centre is well-governed, financially sustainable and forward‑looking.

You will work closely with our CEO and Senior Management Team to embed strong governance practices, support strategic decision‑making, and champion a culture of empowerment across the organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role at a time when carers’ needs are growing, and the charity is strengthening its strategic direction.

We are particularly seeking a Chair who can:

• Embed modern, effective governance approaches
• Support the Board to focus on strategic leadership rather than operational detail
• Empower staff and volunteers to deliver high‑quality, carer‑led services
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, health bodies, funders and community organisations
• Represent Swansea Carers Centre with confidence and credibility

Monthly Board meetings are held in person in Swansea, and we welcome applications from candidates based elsewhere who are willing to travel to attend.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board to ensure balanced, inclusive and focused discussion
• Promote high standards of governance and regulatory compliance
• Provide strategic leadership and support effective decision‑making
• Build a strong, supportive working relationship with the CEO
• Ensure trustees receive timely, relevant information
• Champion carers’ interests and represent the charity externally
• Support succession planning and Board development
• Attend approximately 12 Board meetings per year, plus occasional sub‑committees and events

Term: Three years, renewable

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Experience

• Experience chairing Boards, committees or senior governance meetings
• Strong understanding of charity governance and trusteeship
• Proven leadership and excellent communication skills
• Strategic thinker with sound judgement
• Ability to build consensus and foster positive relationships
• Commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers
• Financial awareness and comfort with digital tools
• Integrity, emotional intelligence and a collaborative approach

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chair or Vice Chair
• Experience in voluntary, community, health or social care sectors
• Knowledge of charity finance, fundraising or organisational development
• Experience working with diverse communities

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of carers across Swansea. You’ll be joining a passionate team, a committed Board, and an organisation with a clear mission, strong values and a desire to evolve its governance and strategic leadership.

If you want to help shape a charity that empowers carers, strengthens communities and delivers high‑quality support, we would love to hear from you.

Fort Amherst Heritage Trust cares for Fort Amherst in Chatham, Kent, preserving an important historic site and making it available for the benefit, enjoyment and education of the wider community. The Trust relies heavily on volunteers to help maintain, restore, interpret and promote the site for present and future generations.

Role Purpose

Trustees are collectively responsible for the governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of Fort Amherst Heritage Trust. As a Trustee, you will help ensure that the charity fulfils its charitable purposes, complies with its legal duties and makes decisions in the best interests of the Trust and the communities it serves.

Key Responsibilities

· Work with fellow Trustees to set and review the Trust’s vision, strategy and priorities.

· Ensure the Trust carries out its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

· Oversee the responsible management of the Trust’s finances, assets, buildings, grounds and collections.

· Support good governance by complying with the Trust’s governing document, charity law and relevant regulations.

· Monitor risks, policies and procedures, including health and safety, safeguarding, finance, data protection and volunteer management.

· Contribute to discussions and decisions at Board meetings, reading papers in advance and offering constructive challenge and support.

· Act as an ambassador for Fort Amherst, promoting its heritage, community value and volunteer-led work.

· Support fundraising, partnership development and community engagement where appropriate.

· Declare and manage any conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality where required.

Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from people with a commitment to heritage, community benefit and good governance. Previous trustee experience is helpful but not essential. The Trust is particularly interested in people who can bring one or more of the following areas of experience:

· Heritage, museums, archives, conservation or historic buildings.

· Finance, fundraising, grant applications or business planning.

· Education, learning, interpretation or visitor experience.

· Volunteer management, community engagement or inclusion.

· Marketing, communications, events or digital engagement.

· Legal, governance, risk management, health and safety or safeguarding.

· Property, estates, facilities management or environmental stewardship.

Personal Qualities

· A genuine interest in Fort Amherst, local heritage and public benefit.

· Sound judgement, integrity and a willingness to act collectively with other Trustees.

· Ability to think strategically while understanding practical operational challenges.

· Confidence to ask questions, offer constructive challenge and support good decision-making.

· Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and respectful working relationships.

· Willingness to give sufficient time and attention to the role.

About ABT and Refutrees - Aid Box Trading (ABT), the trading subsidiary of Aid Box Community (ABC), is seeking a voluntary Co-Director to join the existing Director to provide strategic leadership, financial oversight and robust governance for its small trading operation — Refutrees seasonal project. This is a seasonal project running between November and December, so this role is most active between these dates with some work to tie up accounts in January/February.  

Refutrees is Aid Box Community’s much‑loved seasonal fundraiser, selling around 1500 locally grown Christmas trees each year and generating over £30,000 profit to support refugees and people seeking asylum in Bristol. Powered by hundreds of volunteers and thousands of customers, it operates as a vibrant community enterprise each festive season, with all profits funding essential support, crisis assistance, and wellbeing activities for our service users.  

This role is ideal for someone with senior management or governance experience who wants to make a meaningful contribution to a charity supporting refugees and asylum seekers. 

Chair of the Board of Trustees 

Mind in Salford 

Location: Salford / Hybrid 

Contract: Voluntary Trustee position 

Time commitment: Approximately 1- to 1.5-days per month 

Would you like to use your leadership and governance experience to help shape the future of a charity making a lasting difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people across Salford? 

Mind in Salford is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead its Board and support the charity as it builds on over 50 years of providing vital local mental health services. 

About Mind in Salford 

Mind in Salford is an independent, user-focused charity committed to ensuring local people experiencing mental health problems receive the support and respect they deserve. 

The charity provides a range of services including advocacy, welfare rights and debt advice, mindfulness, mental health training and specialist support for the LGBTQ+ community through its Rainbow Mind programme. 

With an experienced Senior Leadership Team and a Board that is going through a period of transition, this is an opportunity for a new Chair to strengthen Board effectiveness, support the development of new Trustees and help shape the charity’s next chapter. 

About the Role 

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, sound decision-making and a clear focus on Mind in Salford’s charitable purpose. 

In this role, you will lead and develop an effective, inclusive and high-performing Board, Chair meetings, build a strong, constructive relationship with the Chief Executive and represent the Charity and help develop relationships with key partners and supporters. 

About You 

They are looking for someone with senior strategic leadership experience and a strong understanding of charity governance, who can lots of emotional intelligence and sound judgement to the role. 

You will bring: 

• Experience of working with a charity Board or in a senior non-executive role. 

• A strong understanding of the duties and responsibilities of charity Trustees. 

• The ability to chair meetings effectively, build consensus and manage challenging conversations. 

• Experience of providing strategic oversight of finance, risk and organisational performance. 

• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills. 

• A genuine commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Knowledge of health and social care, or a related sector, would be valuable. A connection to Salford and its communities is also important. 

Commitment 

The Board meets every two months, alongside a Finance sub-committee which meets four times a year. Trustees are expected to prepare for meetings, review papers in advance and contribute actively to Board discussions. As Chair you will be expected to meet regularly with the CEO and provide support outside of the formal meeting structure. 

This is a voluntary position, although reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. The initial term is three years, with a maximum of three terms. 

How to Apply 

To apply, please click Apply Now below. You will need to include: 

• An up-to-date CV. 

• A covering statement of no more than two pages outlining how you meet the requirements of the role and the value you would bring as Chair. 

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners, Atkinson HR Consulting. Contact information can be found on the Candidate Information Pack and website. 

Key Dates 

Closing date: Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 12 noon 

Interview date: Friday 16 October 2026 (in person) 

Action for Refugees in Lewisham is looking for a trustee to act as secretary, supporting the board's governance role helping AFRIL deliver for refugees and vulnerable migrants in south-east London. Time commitment is flexible, and not onerous, and formal company secretary functions are supported by a member of staff.

AFRIL was founded in 2006 to support asylum seekers, vulnerable migrants and refugees in south-east London to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. Our support is holistic: both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes that tackle the underlying problems that lead to crisis, supporting people to integrate, contribute and thrive. We work in the community across south-east London, including in local asylum hotels.

We are a small charity, with mostly part-time staff, but we make a significant difference. Our client group is predominantly people in, or with experience of, the asylum system. We also support newly granted refugees, and migrants with no recourse to public funds who have complex and unmet protection needs.

AFRIL's board of trustees is collectively responsible for supporting and challenging the charity to oversee its good governance and proper financial control in line with its charitable aims and strategic plan, charity law, and all other relevant legislation. The time required of trustees is not onerous, and is flexible - although it is, of course, possible to take on more responsibility and expand your time commitment.

As a board member, you will be expected to be available for board meetings approximately every two months, which are generally an hour and a half long and take place in a weekday evening. These mostly take place online, with occasional hybrid meetings or meetings in-person.

As secretary to the board, you will be responsible for the timetabling of meetings, the agenda, and for taking and sharing a minute of board meetings – just main points and actions – to support the board in carrying out our remit. You may also assist with other areas of support to the governance for the charity, such as ensuring that we maintain regular review of the organisation’s policies, and providing some assistance from time to time to the member of staff leading on liaison with the Charity Commission and Companies House.

You will also need to be able to commit some ad hoc time to consider papers ahead of meetings, and occasionally to take part in email discussion on issues as they arise. You would also be expected to attend the charity’s AGM, which tends to take place on a Saturday afternoon in January/February.

We value diversity in our trustee team, as we do in the staff team. We particularly welcome applications from anyone who can bring lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, and are always keen to see applications from people with experience with fundraising, or with HR. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.

To apply, please submit a short (no more than one side of A4) letter explaining why you would like to join AFRIL’s board, and what skills and experience you would bring to the role, along with your CV.

Join the Team and Help Us Build the Future of The Swadhinata Trust 

The Swadhinata Trust is embarking on a journey of significant growth and transformation. Having recently refreshed our purpose, mission, and brand, we are now ready for our next big leap: transitioning from a grassroots volunteer organisation to a scalable charity with paid staff and expanded reach.

To reach our full potential, we need 'roll-up-your-sleeves' leaders who are eager to help us transform. This isn’t just about giving advice from the sidelines; it’s about being the engine of our transformation. Whether you are an expert in your field or looking to develop new skills, joining us as a collaborative partner offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact on our journey.

How Can You Help 

We are looking for both professionals and enthusiasts eager to use their skills to help us transform. Whether you can offer 2 hours a week or 10, your expertise will be a vital part of reaching our big goals. You don’t need to be a veteran in your field; we value a 'roll-up-your-sleeves' attitude and a commitment to our mission just as much as a CV.

Operations Volunteer

The Goal: You are the engine room! You’ll help ensure our day-to-day systems, from IT to HR, are smooth and supportive.

We’d love help with:

• Daily Support: Helping with office admin, logistics, or coordinating meetings.

• Improving Systems: Assisting with our CRM (database) or helping the team get the most out of our tech.

• People Support: Helping with the "welcome" process for new staff or volunteers.

What you bring:

• A proactive, "can-do" attitude and a knack for multitasking.

• Great people skills and an organised approach to busy days.

• Tech-savviness (or a quick ability to learn new software).