Human rights volunteer roles

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

HR Lead for Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact?

We are seeking a Human Resources lead to support our charity in developing and managing our HR strategy, policies and processes.

Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership (WTRRP) provides practical and emotional support, advice and befriending to refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum living in the Watford and Three Rivers area. We are a growing charity serving an increasing number of clients. We have been able to secure some funding which has enabled us to be able to employ three members of staff, one Full time Caseworker, a part time Office Manager and a part time Volunteer Coordinator.  We are based in St. Mary’s Church, Watford in the heart of the City Centre.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with the passion and drive for Human Resources, who will play a key role in shaping our HR policies and practice, supporting our team, and ensuring a positive and effective work environment.  As well as paid staff, we have a pool of dedicated volunteers that support the charity and there will be some policies that will need reviewing that apply to both staff and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop HR policies and procedures aligned with best practice

· Guide the Trustees on performance management and development

· Provide guidance on employment law, contracts and HR compliance

· Foster a positive and productive culture within our Charity

· Be part of a team to resolve issues with staff and volunteers using clear processes

· Become a Trustee of the Charity and attend meetings which are held in the evenings in Watford

Who We’re Looking For

· HR experience (manager level desirable)

· Knowledge of HR policies, employment law, and best practice

· Ability to adapt to the context of the Charity, and working with volunteers

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Someone who is interested in supporting the Charity grow and develop

Time Commitment

The hours would vary and initially may be more whilst our policies are developed and reviewed.

3-5 hours a week.

Committee meetings are on varying weekday evenings, currently 6 per year.

What you will gain:

· Satisfaction from being part of bringing positive change to migrants and asylum seekers in the local community

· Valuable experience in a charitable organisation – both strategic and practical

· Access to training with NCVO

· Being part of a team of trustees

Interested in the role?

If you would like to have an informal chat initially, please contact us, or you can apply via Charity Jobs.

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.

Proxy by IWI Overview
The mission of Proxy by IWI is to provide and encourage an engaged, thoughtful feminist response to mainstream media,
popular culture, legal discord and advocacy.

To be published daily on the web, Proxy by IWI is ambitious, distinctive journalism about the people, ideas, laws and institutions that matter most from a feminist perspective - and beyond. Featuring hard-hitting original reporting as well as smart analysis, provocative argument, and first-person perspectives.

Principal Responsibilities
• Maintain a comprehensive overview of trends and developments on women's human rights globally;
• Must be able to submit a minimum of two (2) articles a month for publication, avg 600-800 words;
• Verify accuracy of facts and obtain supplemental material and additional details from files, reference libraries, and
interviews with knowledgeable sources;
• Organise material and report conforming to specified length, style, and format requirements;
• Interview people in a range of different circumstances as needed;
•Build contacts to maintain a flow of news, for example, police and emergency services, local council, community groups, health trusts, press officers from a variety of organisations, the general public, etc;
• Work closely with the Proxy team to produce concise and accurate copy according to our house style; 
• Research and write feature articles, sometimes for subsidiary publications and supplements;
• Create news content for the Proxy by IWI website.

Requirements
• 4+ years' experience in research and /or reporting;
•Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Flexibility, initiative, and good problem-solving abilities;
• Multicultural experience and sensitivity to cross-cultural differences;
• Desire to work in a women's human rights environment;
• Strong listening skills;
• Excellent writing ability, including the ability to write in different styles and to other people's direction;
• Good analytical skills to gain an accurate understanding of the subject in question;
• Organisational ability to manage multiple projects, often to tight deadlines;
• Creative approach, both in coming up with ideas for new projects and for getting a message across innovatively; 
• Good attention to detail, including the ability to proof-read your own work;
• Excellent written English skills.