Human rights volunteer roles

About Reprieve

Reprieve is a leading international human rights organisation. Our aim is simple: to consign the death penalty and abuses carried out in the name of “counter-terrorism” or “national security” to history, drawing public and political attention to these past harms with a view to preventing them from occurring again.

In our view, you can best judge a society by how it treats prisoners, criminal defendants, and the far-flung targets of an ever-changing counter-terror policy. To us, the rule of law means little if we selectively apply it to people we agree with. It is for all of us. Liberty is always eroded at the margins.

Reprieve’s staff is made up of courageous and committed human rights defenders. Founded in 1999, we provide free legal and investigative support to people facing the death penalty and those victimised by states’ abusive counter-terror policies – rendition, torture, arbitrary detention and extrajudicial killing.

We fight our clients’ cases in courts around the world; investigate their mistreatment; and advocate on their behalf, encouraging public and political debate of human rights issues.

Reprieve’s main office is in London, UK. Reprieve also supports full-time Fellows, who work as lawyers, investigators and campaigners in the countries in which we work. We work closely with a number of partner organisations in jurisdictions all over the world, who provide access to clients, expertise, knowledge and guidance on specific issues or regions. We work in cooperation with relevant government officials, individual lawyers and human rights defenders, as well as individual, corporate and foundation funders to further the cause of our shared goals.

Reprieve works in close partnership with its independent sibling organisation Reprieve US.  This collaboration is mutually beneficial to both Reprieve and Reprieve US as it enables each organisation to work more effectively and take advantage of the strategic locations to increase the impact of our work.

About the Role

Our work would not be possible without the highest levels of governance provided by our Board of Trustees and its Chair.

The Board meets four times a year (normally January, May, July and October). Two Board meetings are in person, and we ask that the Chair attends other events when they can to meet staff and other key stakeholders, including donors. 

Day-to-day management of Reprieve is provided by the Senior Management Team. 

About You

Our new Chair will be passionate about our vision and mission and will be able to bring inclusive and knowledgeable insight to the Board and the Executive. They will have a keen sense of strategic purpose and an inclusive leadership style that inspires and supports other Trustees, the Executive, staff and key stakeholders to participate. They will be comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative Board environment. They will be able and willing to act as a figurehead and ambassador, and champion Reprieve’s work through personal networks, social media (if appropriate), and other channels.

They will be willing to lead according to Reprieve’s values and have a passion for seeking justice for the victims of extreme human rights abuses. They will support our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at Reprieve and share our commitment to fighting against racism and advancing racial justice, both in our work and within Reprieve.

They will have a passion for seeking justice for the victims of extreme human rights abuses. They will support our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at Reprieve and share our commitment to fighting against racism and advancing racial justice, both in our work and within Reprieve.

Responsibilities

Your main duties will include:

• Leading the Board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Reprieve
• Chairing and facilitating Board meetings including giving direction to board policy-making and ensuring that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
• With the Executive Director:
  • Planning the annual cycle of Board meetings
  • Setting agendas for Board meetings
  • Developing the Board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
  • Addressing conflict within the Board and within Reprieve, and liaising with the Executive to achieve this
  • Liaising with the Executive Director to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate
• Being an ambassador and figurehead for Reprieve.

Person Specification/ Criteria

• A willingness to speak your mind and challenge both the Executive and the Board
• A keen sense of strategic purpose
• An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support other Trustees, the Executive, staff and key stakeholders to participate 
• Experience constructively challenging and appraising senior leadership
• A willingness to be available to the Executive and staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis
• A clear commitment to Reprieve’s vision and mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Willingness to commit two days a month to the role
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, as they apply to the Chair of the Board
• Experience of fundraising and its importance to a charity 
• Experience of committee work or being on a charity board.

Are you a qualified accountant, looking to make a real difference to a human rights charity?

The Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) is looking for a dedicated and passionate honorary Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees.  

About the RRN Treasurer role

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer with the RRN in a vital governance role: the Treasurer maintains an overview of the RRN’s financial affairs, ensuring effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place. As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer also supports good governance helping set the strategic direction of the charity for the years to come.

The role would suit a qualified accountant with some knowledge of charity accounting and the ability to communicate financial information to the wider board in a clear and accessible way. 

With a passionate Board of Trustees and a committed staff team, you’ll join an organisation focused on positive change.

This is a voluntary role. Any expenses incurred while carrying out the duties of the role will be reimbursed.

About the RRN

RRN is a national charity with an ambitious vision to eliminate the unnecessary use of restrictive practices across health, social care and education. We want to develop a culture of respect for human rights across services.

If you share our vision, we would love to hear from you.

A role more involved than the title suggests! The Operations team are the ‘engine under the hood’ of Humanists UK, performing much of the administrative work that keeps the organisation running smoothly. 

By volunteering with the team, you will be directly supporting our campaigns, community work, and charitable services, helping to create a fairer, kinder, more rational society.

The tasks you complete from week to week may vary depending on the needs of the team, but a typical shift could look like this:

You might start by opening the incoming post and processing incoming donations made by cheque and card, ensuring our members’ and donors’ generosity is put to good use without delay. You will scan received Gift Aid declarations, adding an extra 25% to each donation’s value – an invaluable boost to a small but influential charity such as ours. 

You will help us keep our member and supporter database records up-to-date and accurate, making sure our outreach efforts are as accurate and effective as possible.

If you have a good eye for organisation, we might ask you to help keep on top of our stationery and office supply needs, in addition to some light tidying to keep our office a welcoming, professional environment for visitors and staff alike. (And if you’re green-fingered, then even better – our perennially neglected plants need all the help they can get!)

You may then move to preparing stall and enquiry packs, which are a vital resource for promoting humanism through our events and dedicated wider network Humanists UK people.

To wrap up your day, you could frank the small (or not so small, if the Christmas card rush is upon us) stack of out-going letters and parcels, and pop them in the nearest postbox on your way home. 

And, of course, while working through your tasks, you are welcome to help yourself to our virtually endless supply of tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Key tasks include:

• Opening and processing incoming post

• Inputting forms and processing received donations 

• Preparing and sending shop orders (including a busy Christmas Card rush in November/December), enquiry packs, and stall packs

• Franking and posting out-going mail

• Updating member and supporters records 

• Scanning and printing

• Preparing name badges and events materials

• General office maintenance such as tidying work areas, watering plants, clearing cupboards

• Checking and counting stock

• Reviewing online and paper resources

• Ad hoc office duties

You’ll ideally have good administrative, IT, and organisation skills, and be able to work well in a team and also unsupervised. However, the variability of this role means that we can work to your strengths - and support you to learn new skills where needed!

You may have skills from your work, studies, or volunteering that lend themselves well to this role. You can see the role as an opportunity to improve in these areas in a friendly, encouraging, and stimulating environment.

You will be supportive of the aims of Humanists UK and willing to give one to two hours a week to the role. Some knowledge and understanding of humanism is helpful, but not essential. You can learn more about what we do on our website.

The position is based at Humanists UK’s London office in Islington.

Sheffield Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group.

Sheffield Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Sheffield to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Sheffield Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Social Media Lead to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Sheffield Humanists.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification here to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Whatever your background, or prior experiences, if you’re passionate about creating an inclusive, effective humanist community in and around Sheffield, we’d love to hear from you.

We actively encourage applications from all sections of our community. We particularly welcome applicants from groups currently under-represented among section volunteers and leaders; these would include individuals who identify as female, disabled, trans or from the global majority.

Sheffield Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group.

Sheffield Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Sheffield to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Sheffield Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Administrator to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Sheffield Humanists.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Whatever your background, or prior experiences, if you’re passionate about creating an inclusive, effective humanist community in and around Sheffield, we’d love to hear from you.

We actively encourage applications from all sections of our community. We particularly welcome applicants from groups currently under-represented among section volunteers and leaders; these would include individuals who identify as female, disabled, trans or from the global majority.

Derby Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group.

Derby Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Derby to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Derby Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Events Lead to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Derby Humanists.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Whatever your background, or prior experiences, if you’re passionate about creating an inclusive, effective humanist community in and around Cornwall, we’d love to hear from you.

We actively encourage applications from all sections of our community. We particularly welcome applicants from groups currently under-represented among section volunteers and leaders; these would include individuals who identify as female, disabled, trans or from the global majority.

Cornwall Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group.

Cornwall Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in Cornwall to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Cornwall Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Events Lead to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Cornwall Humanists.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification here to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Whatever your background, or prior experiences, if you’re passionate about creating an inclusive, effective humanist community in Cornwall, we’d love to hear from you.

We actively encourage applications from all sections of our community. We particularly welcome applicants from groups currently under-represented among section volunteers and leaders; these would include individuals who identify as female, disabled, trans or from the global majority.

Northampton Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group.

Northampton Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Northampton to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Northampton Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Coordinator to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Northampton Humanists.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Whatever your background, or prior experiences, if you’re passionate about creating an inclusive, effective humanist community in and around Northampton, we’d love to hear from you.

We actively encourage applications from all sections of our community. We particularly welcome applicants from groups currently under-represented among local group volunteers and leaders; these would include individuals who identify as female, disabled, trans, or from the global majority.

Are you a HR professional? Could you give an hour a week to tackle pregnancy and maternity discrimination? Then we need you!

We’re not going to sugar-coat it, things aren’t great for working parents and pregnant women. It can feel frustrating and a bit depressing at times, but by being part of the Pregnant Then Screwed volunteer team, you get to turn that frustration into something positive. In the last year the fantastic volunteers on our Advice Line have spoken to over 5000 women and parents, collectively providing around 40 hours of free support and advice every week. Hundreds of women and parents call our Advice Line every day, but with a small team of volunteers we are only able to answer a fraction of those calls—this is where you come in.

We are looking for brilliant HR professionals who want to help Pregnant Then Screwed tackle the Motherhood Penalty by becoming a Volunteer HR Advisor.

Our Volunteer Advisors give around 1-2 hours a week of their time to the Advice Line. They use their HR knowledge to offer a kind, empathetic support and advice to help people to identify and challenge pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace.

About the role

Role Title: Volunteer HR Advisor 
Location: Home-based (UK)
Reporting To: Head of Support Services

Time Commitment

The Advice Line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm, with various available shifts during those times. We ask volunteers to give 1-2 hours per week on the Advice Line for a minimum of three months. 

Alternative time commitments can be considered and discussed as part of your application, so please do include any information that might be useful in your application form.

Main Role Purpose

The Advice Line HR Advisors play a vital role in providing support and guidance to working parents facing unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace via our advice line. Volunteers will offer advice, listen empathetically, and provide information about employee rights and available resources. This role is critical in empowering parents to make informed decisions and navigate workplace challenges effectively.

Essential requirements

• Minimum CIPD level 5 Diploma in People Management with one professional reference.
• Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and policies related to pregnancy, maternity leave, and discrimination.
• Access to a mobile phone/laptop/tablet to receive calls. You will not be charged for calls and your number will not be shared.
• Access to a reliable and secure WIFI connection. Public WIFI is not suitable for this role.
• Excellent active and empathetic listening skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• A kind and welcoming telephone manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Comfortable using online communication tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer incoming phone calls to the PTS Advice Line from individuals seeking support and advice.
• Listen actively, empathise, and provide HR advice and guidance to support callers with their enquiries.
• Signpost to further information and other support organisations if necessary.
• Make referrals to our legal partner if required.
• Record all details of the call on our CRM system.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions, adhering to all Pregnant Then Screwed guidelines and policies.

What you can expect from PTS

• The opportunity to use your skill set to tackle the Motherhood Penalty and make a meaningful impact.
• An onboarding and induction period which can be completed at your own pace.
• Support from the PTS staff team and volunteer network.
• Access to our Volunteer Training Hub.
• Opportunities to help us further develop and shape our Support Services.

Maldon Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group.

Maldon Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Maldon to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Maldon Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Events Lead to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Maldon Humanists.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification here to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Whatever your background, or prior experiences, if you’re passionate about creating an inclusive, effective humanist community in and around Maldon, we’d love to hear from you.

We actively encourage applications from all sections of our community. We particularly welcome applicants from groups currently under-represented among section volunteers and leaders; these would include individuals who identify as female, disabled, trans or from the global majority.

Why we need you

Casework triage volunteers help our caseworkers manage demand at our partner day centres by welcoming people, and assessing what issues they need support with. They then signpost people to other services where appropriate, help them access the day centre facilities, and help caseworkers to prioritise the most pressing guest needs.

When and where

Our partner day centres at the Ace of Clubs, HTB, the Upper Room, and Chelsea Methodist Church all have casework triage volunteers, who volunteer on the same day each week, usually for a 3hr shift.

What experience do I need?

It's the perfect volunteering role if you:

· Have some experience directly working or volunteering with vulnerable people,

· Are confident, friendly, and can think on your feet,

· Want to dedicate half a day weekly to volunteering in a frontline service.

What would I gain?

· Experience contributing to a frontline homelessness service

· Valuable experience for your C.V. and a professional reference

· All volunteers have access to our employer assistance programme, a free confidential helpline.

Travel and lunch expenses are available, and we're particularly keen to hear from people who have volunteered in a homelessness service before, or who have lived experience of homelessness.

Do you believe that everyone should have access to quality advice and support, regardless of their background? As HR Trustee you would keep us true to our mission and guide our decisions to best support advice organisations across the UK.

With almost 700 members, AdviceUK is the biggest network of advice services in the UK. Since 1979, we have been supporting advice providers with training, information, and advocacy to help them create greater social impact. In 2024 alone, our members helped 2.8 million people with issues including debt, housing, employment, immigration and asylum, welfare benefits, and consumer rights.

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, we are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to strengthen the advice sector. Our vision? A society wherein every individual, regardless of means, is able to access the advice they need to exercise their rights and deal with any legal and social welfare problems they may face.

So what does the HR Trustee role at AdviceUK look like?

Are you looking for a voluntary role that is rewarding and offers you the chance to provide leadership with your human resources expertise? 

The Board is responsible for our strategic direction and governance, ensuring we achieve our charitable objects and are well run. Day-to-day management of the organisation is delegated to the Chief Executive and staff, while the Board focuses on general direction and oversight. 

We are currently looking for an experienced HR professional to join our Board as a Trustee. The HR Trustee plays a key role in providing strategic oversight of our people strategy and ensure effective people management and support.

The role can fit around existing commitments, both professional and personal. Previous trustee experience isn’t required, and you will be supported into the role through an onboarding and induction process.

Please read the candidate information pack for further information before you apply. Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining AdviceUK!

Ready to apply?

Eastside People is supporting AdviceUK in the recruitment of this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why are you interested in the HR Trustee role at AdviceUK? 
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is Monday 1st December. Shortlisting interviews with our recruitment partner Eastside People will take place shortly after, and shortlisted candidates will an interview with AdviceUK during the week beginning Monday 15th December.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Derby Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group.

Derby Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Derby to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Derby Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Social Media Lead to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Derby Humanists.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification here to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Whatever your background, or prior experiences, if you’re passionate about creating an inclusive, effective humanist community in and around Derby, we’d love to hear from you.

We actively encourage applications from all sections of our community. We particularly welcome applicants from groups currently under-represented among section volunteers and leaders; these would include individuals who identify as female, disabled, trans or from the global majority.

Bangor Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group.

Bangor Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Bangor to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Bangor Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Social Media/Communications Lead to join our Committee. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys writing, social media, and connecting with people. You’ll help ensure our members and the wider community know about upcoming events, local initiatives, and what’s happening in the world of humanism in Bangor.

You’ll be supported by the Bangor Humanists Coordinator and the Humanists UK local groups team, including access to resources, templates, and training.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Whatever your background, or prior experiences, if you’re passionate about creating an inclusive, effective humanist community in and around Bangor, we’d love to hear from you.

We actively encourage applications from all sections of our community. We particularly welcome applicants from groups currently under-represented among section volunteers and leaders; these would include individuals who identify as female, disabled, trans or from the global majority.