Human rights volunteer roles

English PEN is the founding centre of PEN International, a worldwide writers’ association with over 135 centres in more than 90 countries. English PEN is one of the world’s oldest human rights charities and works to promote literature and the right to freedom of expression through a wide range of campaigns, events, projects and publications.

We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our established Board of Trustees and help guide and advise us on financial affairs. The role of Treasurer is to oversee the accounts of the charity, chairing the Finance and Audit Committee, and acting as a point of liaison between the Board and the Director and Head of Operations. It does not involve day-to-day responsibility for the finances.

Duties and responsibilities

The Treasurer will provide financial expertise and oversight to help the Board carry out its financial responsibilities.

Specifically, they will:

• Chair the Finance and Audit Committee
• Work closely with the Director and the Head of Operations to monitor the financial stability of the charity
• Liaise with auditors and sign off the annual accounts
• Present the annual accounts to members at the annual general meeting
• Engage with PEN International on relevant matters

We are looking for a creative and passionate volunteer illustrator to bring to life the stories of survivors, our campaigns and publications through visual artwork. You will shape the visual storytelling of complex messages across our website and social media channels, including Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn. Your illustrations will play a key role in our advocacy, marketing and fundraising work. 

This role is ideal for an illustrator who wants to use their artistic skills to help shape compassionate narratives about people seeking asylum and refugees, and to support human rights and trauma-informed advocacy. 

MAIN TASKS AND ACTIVITIES 

• Create 20 original illustrations to be used for various purposes such as the charity’s social media posts, reports, campaigns and marketing. In interview, Communications Manager will share example of preferred style of images and will discuss with illustrator what their timescales/time commitment could be for completion. The illustrator can work remotely and the agreed time commitment for them can be discussed and agreed with the Communications Manager.

• The creative artworks must align with Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid’s tone, branding, and trauma-informed approach. 

• Help translate complex policies, personal stories and abstract concepts (such as trauma, recovery or community) into thoughtful and engaging imagery in the illustrations. 

• Contribute creative ideas on how the artworks can be used across our online platforms. 

• Conduct one or two workshops with our Ambassadors for Change, a group of survivors with lived experience of asylum system, to help them develop visuals that support their campaigns.

• Ensure all artwork respects the dignity and privacy of survivors and adheres to ethical storytelling and safeguarding principles.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED 

• Strong illustration skills and with an excellent understanding of visual storytelling.

• Experience of using digital illustration tools (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or similar) are essential. 

• Ability to work collaboratively, interpret briefs and respond constructively to feedback. 

• Understanding of inclusive and ethical design practices and demonstrate sensitivity when representing trauma and human rights issues. 

• Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid. 

• Demonstrable empathy for our clients, including people seeking asylum, refugees and survivors of torture and trafficking, and sensitivity when working on topics related to human rights, trauma, or lived experience. 

• Organised, dependable, and proactive in meeting deadlines. 

HOW TO APPLY 

• To apply please send us a CV along with a short cover letter (max 300 words) about why you would like to volunteer as an illustrator with us. 

• A link or PDF portfolio with samples of your work. 

We will be conducting interviews for this role on a rolling basis so please apply early.

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!

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.

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.

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.

The aim of Safe Haven Alliance is to relieve the suffering and advance the human rights of LGBTQ+ refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, particularly those facing persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, by providing support, advocacy, access to essential services, and programmes which promote wellbeing, safety and inclusion both domestically and abroad.

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.

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.

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.

Haywards Heath 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.

Haywards Heath Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Haywards Heath 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. Haywards Heath 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 Haywards Heath 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 Haywards Heath, 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 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.