Legal Volunteer Roles

Our trustees come from all walks of life, bringing their experience and individual skills to our charity. The kind of skills that are in demand are business and strategy, finance and fundraising, IT and communications, safeguarding, health and early years. But you don’t need special qualifications to be a trustee – common sense, flexibility, time and an ability to work as part of a team, a willingness to learn, understanding of the pressures facing parents today and a genuine interest in supporting parents in your community are just as important to us. 

Trustees volunteer because they want to be involved in their community and improve the lives of parents and children. What they get back is the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped make a real difference. In many cases, being a trustee can enhance an individual’s skills and knowledge, build confidence and provide many opportunities for personal development, for future employment, provide a focus for an active retirement or a sense that their spare time has been put to good use. 

Our dedicated Trustees are looking to strengthen the depth of their team.  Our Trustees have backgrounds in sports & education, finance, industry and are looking for talented new Trustees to add to these skills.

The Trustee role includes the below listed activities with each Trustee taking co-ordination leadership of specific tasks based on their knowledge, experience and willingness to contribute:

· Ensure TCP members and users, our customers, have the best possible experience using the facilities through continuous improvement.

· Support and actively work to raise funds through local charity fundraising events and grant applications.

· Manage the Freedom Leisure relationship to ensure achievement of Key Performance Indicators.

· Attend monthly and as needed Trustee meetings, diaries permitting.

· Attend quarterly, annual and as needed meetings with FL, diaries permitting.

· Ensure TCP acts in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Charity Commission. 

TCP meetings are normally held at the pool Studio, Palmers Meadow, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8SF.

Tenbury Community Pool Ltd (TCP) on behalf of the community owns the pool, gym and studio facility located in the picturesque market town of Tenbury Wells.  The physical and mental health of our community is our passion.

TCP has contracted out the operational management of the facility to one of the UK’s leading health club operators, Freedom leisure (FL) who themselves are a not-for-profit mutual organisation.

We are seeking to appoint dedicated individuals who embody our values of integrity, accountability, and compassion, while embracing cultural diversity. You will bring a deep understanding of effective global governance practices, possess a strategic mindset to envision transformative change, and share our commitment to sustainable African rural development through the optimisation of our resources and skills.

In addition to seeking candidates who have a broad interest in the work of Ripple Effect, we are also looking to appoint to 4 Trustee roles, each bringing a particular set of experience and skills in the following areas:

Advocacy 

Ripple Effect International has identified a need for a Trustee with experience and knowledge of advocacy work in the charitable sector. Ripple Effect International works on a number of policies and causes related to its work that it feels would benefit from being more widely known and receiving public support. Ripple Effect International has expertise in many areas of our work and wishes to increase its profile in this area with key and relevant audiences, and to develop the public affairs programme.

Fundraising

Ripple Effect International has identified a need for an additional Trustee with experience and knowledge of fundraising, specifically high value donors including major donors, corporate and institutional funders. Currently Ripple Effect International's main income is generated from the UK and is keen to maintain and grow its income. Additionally, Ripple Effect International wishes to widen this to include more fundraising opportunities within the countries where it has programmes in East Africa.

Communications

Ripple Effect International has identified a need for an additional Trustee with experience and knowledge of communications, particularly in light of today's digital world. This is an important area for Ripple Effect International to build its skill set as it needs to enhance its strategic oversight in the creation and implementation of activities to increase awareness of Ripple Effect International and the work that it does. This will benefit all areas of its work, profile and support fundraising.

Legal

Ripple Effect International has identified a need for an additional Trustee with a legal background and experience to support our work and to also fulfil the role of Company Secretary for the Charity.

We're seeking two new trustees for the Aspire Board, to help us sustain and develop our increasing responsibilities for governing our charity effectively by bringing a new set of skills and experiences to our Board and organisation.

While we welcome general applications, we are particularly keen for these two vacancies to hear from individuals:

- With operational / senior management experience of managing social or supported housing, being a passionate advocate for housing justice

- With operational / senior management experience of inclusive recruitment or employment development programmes.

If you’d like to talk to someone about the role before applying, you can speak to our Chair of Trustees, Carol Sweetenham or to our Chief Executive Officer, Paul Roberts. Their details - and more information about the role - can be found on the Aspire website.

Please apply by sending a covering letter and copy of your CV to Paul Roberts by midday on Monday 11th December 2023.

Did you know that only 14% of third-sector organisations feel well-equipped to meet the compliance, strategic and developmental needs of the charity over the next 3 years?

No?

So now you do, what are you thinking?

a) Wow! -I have the skills, expertise, and drive to help a charity with its compliance/strategy/development needs

b) I’d like to help but it seems like too big a task to get a charity up to speed on all of that

c) What am I having for dinner tonight?

Well perhaps we can help you with the answers:

a) Drop us an email 

b) Panic not, Home-Start in Suffolk are not in the 14%! We Have an amazing team of staff and Trustees who are already working on these areas, however, we would love to have a few more trustees join our board to share their expertise and fill in the gaps we currently have.

c) Pizza! And when you’ve eaten it perhaps you could have a re-read of this advert!

So, what do our Trustees do? For a start, they have legal responsibilities as directors of Home-Start in Suffolk a charity and company limited by guarantee.

Trustees are legally responsible for account and company records, and they provide support to our CEO and the management team in helping Home-Start in Suffolk meet its charitable objectives.

We hope that you already know what Home-Start in Suffolk does (we won’t hold it against you if you don’t!).

Home-Start in Suffolk provides 1-1 support to families across Suffolk.

Last year we provided help and support to over 1600 people and 89% of our families tell us that they can manage so much better from the support that Home-Start gives them.

Our main aim is to work with families who are experiencing a challenging time in their lives. We hope to support them early enough to help them get to a place where they don’t need statutory intervention, however, we also work with families who are going through a statutory process such as having children on a child protection plan and support the family to get to a place where they are better able to cope independently.

It sounds amazing right?

Well then hopefully this will blow your mind, the 1-1 support we offer to Suffolk families is provided by VOLUNTEERS!

That’s right, 280+ volunteers from over Suffolk (and a few from over the county borders (we don’t talk football!) visit Home-Start families every week giving up over 100,000 combined hours of their own time each year to support Home-Start.

We are looking for some special people with some epic skills and experience to join us, particularly in Law, Diversity and Inclusion, and Public relations, however, we would still love to hear from you if you think you have other skills we could benefit from.

If any of this has made you think you could be a part of our amazing team, please select the how to apply button to find the role description and further information.

Interviews to be held in January 2024

The League of Remembrance have supported Armed Forces veterans, and their families for over 100 years. At the outset they supported the widows of those who never returned from the Great War, and, as they developed, extended this support to encompass all veterans who have served with the Forces of the Crown; their widows, spouses, and dependents; retired nursing staff and, more recently, to those suffering from illness or disability in order to aid their recovery. Today, many of their Remembrance Workers deliver varied volunteer services, mainly in Greater London, but with a presence also in Bucks and Essex. This service to the community maintains and improves individual health and wellbeing, offers companionship and social interaction, and provides valuable community support.

The League of Remembrance is now looking to strengthen its Board and we are seeking a Legal Trustee – Your legal expertise will help guide the charity through the legal implications of their options, whilst also ensuring that the League complies with its governing documents, charity law and relevant legislation.

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and a highly rewarding way to support an organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

The League of Remembrance is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, the League are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.

Overview of the Branch Trustee - Legal and GDPR

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in retail operations and income generation, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our Branch and support us in maximising the revenue generated from our charity shops.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties but would be expected to be between 2-4 hours per week on average.

The branch will consider applications from candidates from outside the branch area but anyone who resides in North London would be desirable

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch

The Finchley, Golders Green, Hendon & District Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The branch runs a veterinary clinic, employs an Animal Welfare Officers and operates two charity shops to generate income.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR

• Assist the Branch in ensuring that activities are GDPR compliant and reviewing and updating the Branch processing activities register.
• Support the Branch in developing and updating Branch policies, particularly the Branch privacy notice and internal data protection policy, to make sure they are compliant.
• Support the Branch when liaising with external specialist providers such as HR and health and safety specialists.
• The Branch may occasionally enter into new leases with regards to its charity shops; so, liaising with external specialists for advice if it does not fall under your area of expertise.
• To assist the Branch when developing new schemes, such as providing welfare assistance to those on low incomes, to ensure any new schemes are GDPR compliant.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside legal and GDPR compliance experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch! 

Here For You

Conflict-related sexual violence (rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization and forced marriage) constitutes one of the main risks for civilians in areas of armed conflicts. Despite its far-reaching consequences for the survivors, who remain widely marginalized, physically and mentally traumatized, and for concerned communities, the phenomena is still largely unaddressed. As conflict-related sexual violence takes place in countries under armed-conflict with little to no institutional support for survivors while most of them are isolated, survivors generally fail to access help (health-related and legal). Information about the phenomena is further difficult to access for survivors, spread into various complicated websites often exclusively in English.

Here For You is mainly constituted of a website designed to be highly inclusive, notably targeting all genders, and easily accessible. For the first time, it gathers in one place key information on conflict-related sexual violence addressed to survivors, who are able to choose their country and language, to then access a list of structures and initiatives implemented around them, with their description. Here For You therefore represents a bridge between local organisations and marginalized survivors. More general explanations and advice are also proposed, aiming to tackle feelings like guilt and isolation, and answer common questions.

LEGAL

• Provide legal support and advice regarding the registration of the organisation, the development of the website, and to legally diffuse it to some countries (expertise in law relative to data protection and international censorship particularly required)

• Volunteer 2 hours per week remotely

Volunteers support witnesses to give their best evidence at court. They provide practical informationl about the court processes and emotional support. The service is free, confidential, impartial and available to prosecution and defence witnesses. 

No legal or court knowledge required. Full training provided and reimbursement of expenses. Excellent opportunity to contribute to the community, help others, meet people, learn new skills and gain an insight into the criminal justice system.

We are looking for volunteers who are friendly and empathetic and who have some time to offer during the week. Courts are open Mon to Friday 9-5 and we would be looking for 1 day per week, although welcome suggestions for more flexible arrangements.

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) and LGBT+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff, and volunteers

Voluntary position, based at our office in Clerkenwell, London
Full-time or part-time (3-4 days per week for a minimum of three months)
Closing date and interviews: recruitment on rolling basis
Suitable for: Legal researchers or Lawyers qualified in any jurisdiction (there is no minimum PQE requirement) with expertise in international human rights and humanitarian law
Fluency in English is essential. Fluency in Turkish and/or French would be highly desirable

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is seeking to appoint several legal volunteers with an interest in our work relating to conflict resolution. We are offering a number of internships to outstanding candidates. Admission to our internship program is on a rolling-basis, lasting at least three months, and is unpaid. The successful candidates will be current or recent postgraduates or at post-doctoral level.

Volunteers recruited to DPI’s International Law Department will assist with all areas of its work, in particular, current projects relating to the implementation of ECtHR judgments in Turkey and legal analysis on matters related to international humanitarian law. Other work could include legal research, monitoring and analysis of human rights issues, documentation/organisation of legal materials, analysis of ECtHR judgments, preparing and drafting communications to United Nations bodies, contributing to casework, preparing papers for submission to the Human Dimension of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, editing reports, and providing general support to the legal team. In return, we will provide experience of and insight into the world of international human rights litigation and exposure to legal research at the forefront of conflict-resolution and peace-building.

The suitable candidate will be available ideally full time (Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 17.30) but other arrangements can be made. You will have the opportunity to assist with the general work of the legal department for a period of three to six months, with a particular focus on our legal case-work and on the implementation of ECtHR judgments in Turkey. Candidates are expected to have excellent verbal and written English skills, a strong visual eye, good attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Working well either alone or as part of a team, you will have experience of working with a diverse range of people.

Are you looking to volunteer your time and knowledge to support Age UK Oxfordshire who are seeking Trustees with specific skills to work closely as part of their Board.

Age UK Oxfordshire are an independent local charity supporting older people to maintain their independence and live life to the full, focusing most resource on reaching those older people who face a struggle, whether through low income, poor health or loneliness. They are striving for a world where all older people are living their best lives.

Trustees play a vital role as Board members, ensuring the organisation has solid plans in place to achieve their aims and that funding is being used positively to do this. They are looking for enthusiastic individuals who will work in partnership with fellow Trustees, CEO and the Senior Management team to ensure that Age UK Oxfordshire delivers on their vision, mission, and values.

Specific areas of focus for the board:

Given the needs of the charity and the skills of the current board members, they are particularly interested in increasing diversity to represent Oxfordshire’s culture and bringing to the board the following skills and experience: digital, social care, legal, marketing and fundraising.

Could this be the ideal role for me?

To be considered for this role, you will require the following skills and competencies:

• Commitment to the organisation.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An understanding and knowledge of good governance.
• Able to work effectively as a member of a team.

What's in it for you:

• Volunteering experience
• Involvement in senior management teams and board activity
• Working with different sets of people
• Specific experience within the different teams
• General management experience
• Annual strategic away day with Trustees and Senior Management Team

Currently trustee meetings are held quartley and alternate holding meetings virtually and in person in Abingdon. The meetings last about 2.5 hours. In addition, there are two away days each year and an AGM. Papers typically require about two hours reading per meeting.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

These unremunerated roles are open to all. To apply for these exceptional opportunities, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the Charisma website.

If you would like to have an initial discussion with Sandra Smith, Associate Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment, prior to submitting your application, please contact Charisma to arrange.

Closing date for applications: 7th January 2024

Interview date: TBC

Our Refugee Youth Caseworkers work to uphold the rights of young refugees in the UK. This is a fantastic opportunity to build knowledge of the UK asylum system, gain hands-on case work experience and provide direct support to young refugees.

You will be part of the Access Team, a team that started by supporting asylum seekers to navigate the UK asylum process and support through the asylum process. Over the course of this work, we became aware of young people whose age had been disputed by the Home Office when they arrived in the UK. These individuals are treated as adults by the Home Office. We have a dedicated team that helps young people to challenge the Home Office’s decision and work to ensure their safety.

As a member of this team, you will have a diverse role helping young people to access social services care and legal support. You’ll have the chance to gain broad experience of working in a fast paced, small but experienced team while meeting the ever-changing needs of those we support. So, if you thrive in a collaborative environment and are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you! 

The Role  

As a Refugee Youth Caseworker you’ll focus on providing outstanding support to your clients throughout the complex and often traumatic age dispute process. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the functioning of the UK asylum and social care systems.

Young refugees who are documented as adults by the Home Office will be living in adult accommodation. This can be very stressful, and it is important to support each client throughout the age dispute process, from the moment they contact us to when they are taken into care.

Once an individual is taken into care, they will undergo an age assessment by social workers. This is a rigorous assessment that aims to determine a child’s age. This process, alongside the asylum process, can be very difficult for young refugees.

Your main responsibility will be to communicate directly with young refugees, assess their needs and refer to necessary authorities, such as social services.

Person Specification:

• A genuine passion for refugee rights and protection
• An understanding of the traumatic experiences that our clients have been through and the emotional resilience they need to cope with this
• Experience communicating professionally with various authorities, such as solicitors, social services, and the Home Office
• Ability to manage own caseload effectively
• Ability to use spreadsheets, Google Workspace, messaging platforms and secure databases
• Organised and accurate with information, with an eye for detail
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with people who do not have English as their first language, working alongside interpreters to ensure clients’ understand the process
• Professional and dedicated, ensuring that the best interests of the clients and Care4Calais are always represented
• Able to work independently and remotely and manage your time effectively, sometimes working to tight deadlines
• A DBS check and completion of safeguarding training will be required

Due to the nature of the role, we ask that volunteers can commit 8-10 hours per week on a long term basis.

Responsibilities:

• Communicate and provide direct support to young refugees

• Liaising with other professionals including lawyers and social services

• Assess and determine the level of support required for each client
• Provide professional and compassionate support to distressed clients
• Arrange phone and video calls with interpreters and clients

• Attend induction, ongoing training and keep up to date with resources and procedure to ensure you can carry out the role effectively and efficiently
• Take on new cases each week, whilst also providing ongoing support to clients
• Maintaining and updating client records
• Sorting and organising client’s paperwork
• Attend regular team meetings and contribute effectively
• Following safeguarding procedures and reporting safeguarding incidents appropriately
• Keeping the management team updated of any issues that may impact your ability to carry out the role effectively.

We do not offer legal advice. 

If you would like to apply for this role, please include a cover letter outlining your skills and why you think you would be suitable for this role. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Eat Hybrids

Together we want to work towards a sustainable world. Because the taste and sensation of meat in a product is important to us at Eat Hybrids, we have the ideal transition. Namely 50% less animal combined with 50% more vegetable ingredients that retain the taste and experience of real meat. We are firmly convinced that we (the consumers) must take matters into our own hands by dampening the demand for animal consumption. This can include choosing hybrid foods. Foods that replace an animal component with a vegetable in an end product. We have created an easy mix dry components recipe for the flexitarian at home to replicate the hamburger. A whole product line with hybrid dairy, poultry, meat, fish and pork products that contain maximum 50% animal components and 50% plant-based alternatives is in the works.

LEGAL

• Review and draft legal documents, ensure compliance and handle legal matters, provide legal advisory on functionality as an early stage start up in our industry.

• Volunteer 6-8 hours per week remotely

Bridging the gap between in-patient mental health services and independent living, Bridge Support offers cost-effective, proven pathways to support people with long-term mental health conditions in the community. From a small charitable organisation established in 1986, Bridge Support has grown into the main provider of mental health services in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and expanded into Essex in 2019. They currently employ some 200 staff across their services and work in partnership with organisations such as the NHS, Integrated Care Boards, and local authorities. They currently help over 2,000 people a year with mental health problems.

Bridge Support is now looking to strengthen its Board with a Legal Trustee.

Legal Trustee - ideally, either an employment lawyer or a commercial contracts lawyer, you will undertake a lead role for the Board of Trustees on all matters associated with the legal aspects of the organisation.

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and highly rewarding way to support an organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Bridge Support is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, Bridge Support are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.