Human rights volunteer roles

RLS is seeking to recruit up to four new Trustees to join our Board from early 2026. We are looking for individuals who share our values and bring passion, perspective, and a commitment to supporting our mission. 

We are particularly looking for new trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas: UK legal aid, the Greek immigration and asylum system, fundraising, HR, communications, or financial oversight. We value lived experience of the asylum or immigration system and encourage applications from those who can bring this perspective to our work. 

About RLS  

RLS is an international legal support organisation, with operations in Greece, the UK and Northern France. We are registered in both the UK and Greece, reflecting our international scope and impact.

We’re committed to ensuring access to justice through expert legal information and advice to people seeking safety and family reunification. Our casework is a tool to tackle individual and systemic injustice in immigration systems. We strive to develop inclusive, sustainable and regenerative ways of working which are directly informed by those with lived migration experience. We support the global movement that fights entrenched inequalities, racism and other forms of discrimination that force people to migrate. In doing so we recognise that immigration systems are weighted against those forced to migrate and stand in opposition to hostile policies, along with all forms of violence against people compelled to migrate. 

We continuously think and challenge ourselves in how we develop our anti-racist practice and empower refugee leadership. We recognise that climate justice and migrant struggles are interconnected and view our work through this lens.

To get a fuller picture of our financial health and impact, have a look at our most recent accounts on the charity commission website. (Refugee Legal Support, Charity number: 1191680) 

Equality, Inclusion and Representation 

RLS is committed to ensuring that our governance reflects the communities we serve. We strongly welcome applications from: 

• People with lived experience of migration, displacement or the asylum system 

• Black people and people from minoritised ethnic communities 

• LGBTQ+ people 

• Disabled people 

You do not need to have previous board experience. We are committed to supporting new Trustees with a full induction and training. 

What Trustees Do 

As a Trustee of RLS, you will: 

• Attend four Board meetings each year (hybrid) 

• Provide strategic direction and oversight of the charity’s activities 

• Support and hold the Executive Director accountable 

• Review and approve budgets, policies and risk management 

• Join at least one Board committee (Finance, Risk, Casework or HR), which may involve additional meetings 

If you join as a Finance Trustee, you will also: 

• Review monthly management accounts and annual budgets 

• Provide advice on financial controls and strategic financial planning 

Skills and Experience We Are Looking For 

All Trustees should bring: 

• A strong commitment to our mission and values 

• Good judgment and the ability to work collectively 

• Energy and enthusiasm for our work and an interest in using their skills to contribute to our organisation 

• A willingness to learn and support others 

We are particularly seeking individuals with any of the following: 

• UK legal aid experience under an immigration contract 

• Knowledge of the Greek immigration and asylum system 

• Fundraising, philanthropy or communications expertise 

• HR and people management experience 

• Financial oversight and planning experience (for Finance Trustee role) 

• Knowledge of charity governance and risk 

• Legal background (especially refugee, immigration, or human rights law) 

Time Commitment 

• Approx. 8 hours per month 

• Board meetings held quarterly (a mix of in-person and online) 

• Participation in one subcommittee 

• Ad hoc support via email or calls, as needed 

• Initial term of three years, renewable once 

Location 

Our board is UK-based, with some trustees based in London. We welcome applicants from across the UK, and will support remote attendance at meetings where needed. Trustees may occasionally be invited to attend events or team meetings in London, though this is not essential. 

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.

Volunteer Social Media Managers

Company Description

The Wisdom Trust is a UK-registered charity (Charity No. 1112323) dedicated to building a global network of people and organisations who share knowledge and resources to tackle poverty, healthcare challenges, environmental protection, human rights, and community development.

Role Description

We're on a mission to inspire people everywhere to take action on the issues that matter most: ending poverty, protecting our planet, improving global healthcare, and defending human rights for all. Social media is one of our most powerful tools for creating awareness, sparking conversation, and mobilising communities worldwide.

We’re looking for volunteers who can help us share stories, craft compelling messages, grow our audience, and engage supporters across all platforms. If you’re passionate, creative, and eager to be part of a global movement for positive change, we’d love you to join us. Together, we can turn inspiration into action.

Currently we use facebook, instagram, X, Linkedin and youtube, but we're keen to expand our reach and do more. Within our website, we even have our own social network and community and without doubt we can make better use of that too.

There's so much we can do and we firmly believe social media, when used correctly, could allow us to grow an army of members on every continent who can help us on both a local and an international level so we can make communities everywhere safer, happier, healthier, better aware and more sustainable places to live.

So now we are seeking a dynamic and creative Volunteer Social Media Manager to oversee our organisation’s online presence across various digital platforms. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing engaging content, managing social media campaigns, and fostering positive relationships with our online community. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape our brand image and connect with audiences in innovative ways. The ideal applicant will possess strong communication skills, a keen eye for trends, and experience in public relations and social media management.

Duties

• Develop and implement comprehensive social media strategies aligned with the charity's goals.
• Create, curate, and schedule engaging content across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others.
• Monitor social media channels for customer interactions, comments, and messages; respond promptly to foster community engagement.
• Analyse performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of campaigns and optimise content accordingly.
• Collaborate with marketing and PR teams to ensure brand consistency and maximise outreach efforts.
• Manage online reputation by addressing feedback and managing crisis communications when necessary.
• Stay informed on the latest social media trends, tools, and best practices to keep the organisation at the forefront of digital engagement.

Skills & Experience

• Social Media Management, Content Creation, and Strategy Development skills
• Knowledge of Analytics, Social Media Metrics, and trend analysis
• Creativity and ability to design engaging campaigns for diverse platforms
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Understanding of online activism or passion for creating positive social change is a plus
• Access to a reliable internet connection and ability to work remotely
• Prior experience with social media platforms, tools, and scheduling software is beneficial
• Proven experience in social media management with a strong portfolio of successful campaigns.
• Excellent written communication skills with an ability to craft compelling content tailored to different audiences.
• Strong understanding of public relations principles and how they apply within digital environments.
• Proficiency in social media management tools such as Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social.
• Ability to analyse data analytics to inform strategic decisions and demonstrate campaign success.
• Organisational skills with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Creative flair combined with strategic thinking to develop innovative approaches that enhance brand visibility. This position offers an engaging environment where creativity meets strategic communication, providing opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team.

Benefits:

• Flexitime
• Work from home

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Manage a small team of remote, part time volunteers

• Develop, review and maintain HR policies & volunteer handbook

• Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations and GDPR.

• Partner with the wider HR team to ensure alignment and compliance with policies, processes and training.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of UK employment laws and practices and its relevance in a volunteer led organisation.

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)

• Ability to work well in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Passionate for personal development

• Previous volunteering experience or experience in any kind of start up desirable

• Right to volunteer in the UK

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations. We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience.

Your contribution will be recognized through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment

If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted partner to the organisation, providing coaching and guidance to volunteers and working closely with department heads and managers.

• Manage and resolve escalations of volunteer relations cases with a consultative, solutions-focused approach.

• Support managers in identifying performance gaps and development opportunities within their teams.

• Provide expert advice to managers on performance management, grievances, and disciplinary matters in line with global best practices.

• Partner with stakeholders to ensure consistent application of policies across the organisation.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of UK employment laws and practices and its relevance in a volunteer led organisation.

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)

• Ability to work well in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Passionate for personal development

• Previous volunteering experience or experience in any kind of start up desirable

• Right to volunteer in the UK

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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.

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!