Policy/Research Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is a on-site postion in our central London location, requiring a commitment of 2-6PM on Saturdays.
The Trans Legal Clinic is is the first trans-led specialist gender identity legal practice in the UK. At its core, the Trans Legal Clinic is a human rights practice because Trans+ rights are human rights and without the influence of trans+ and non-binary people many of the human rights which are enjoyed by our cisgendered counterparts would cease to exist as we know them today. The mission of the Trans Legal Clinic is simple; we provide free and accessible legal help to transgender and non-binary people in need. Our overarching vision is a society where all people have access to the legal resources required for gender self-determination and where gender diversity is not just accepted but embraced, with trans+ people equipped with the necessary legal tools to navigate the world in their affirmed gender.
We are currently looking to expand our Social Media team to help us build upon our Social Media presense, primarly throughInstagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.This would be a great opportunity for someone interested in gaining experience in Social Media curation, Marketing, Communications and passionate about making the world a safer place for Trans & non-binary people.
The ideal candidate is creative, interested and motivated by our mission, and familiar with Social Media landscape (trends, algorithms, and knowledge of Canva. No professional experience is required, though it is preferred.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) is here for people working to make lasting change, whether in their community, across society, or for our planet.
We support change-makers by sharing the latest thinking and advice. We connect the campaign community to grow solidarity, share ideas, and find common cause. And we act as a powerful champion for the right to campaign.
We are looking for 3 new Trustees to join our Board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
A fantastic opportunity to build knowledge of the UK asylum system, gain hands-on casework experience and deliver an essential service to refugees.
About us
Care4Calais is a volunteer-based charity providing essential aid and support for refugees in France and the UK.
In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, bedding, food and assistance to refugees who live in appalling and dangerous conditions.
Across the UK we collect and distribute clothes, shoes, mobile phones and other essential items, as well as social support and interaction, including language lessons, sport and music workshops. We also help with vital access to legal, medical and educational services.
Our Legal Access Department is an access to justice project that exists to arrange critical legal representation for people seeking asylum and, more than this, to support people through the hostility and difficulty of claiming asylum. The department, made up mostly of volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure that people feel informed, empowered, and far less isolated and alone.
About the role
The aim of this role is to provide crucial one-to-one casework and support to people seeking asylum in the UK. Our Asylum Team assists asylum seekers in navigating the UK asylum process by finding them specialist solicitors and working with our volunteer interpreters to help them organise their paperwork. We currently work with 100+ legal firms around the UK, providing an invaluable service to both the asylum-seeker and the overstretched legal immigration teams. You’ll have the chance to gain broad experience of working in a fast-paced and 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 Legal Access Caseworker, you’ll focus on providing outstanding support to your clients throughout the complex asylum process.
In this busy, hands-on role, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the function of the UK asylum system so we can provide the highest standards of service to those who need us most. A key focus will be on maintaining accurate and complete records and processes and delivering high quality service to every one of our vulnerable clients.
We are looking for people who have a genuine passion for human rights and refugee protection. If this is you, please get in touch.
Responsibilities
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Manage own caseload of adult asylum seekers requiring legal representation to support their asylum claims and to challenge unsuitable accommodation, poor treatment, and uphold our client's rights.
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Communicate effectively and sensitively with clients and refer to legal firms where appropriate.
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Identify clients’ individual wellbeing needs and make onward referrals internally and externally in line with this. Provide emotional support to clients undertaking the process of claiming asylum in the UK.
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Liaise with legal teams on behalf of clients where necessary.
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Keep relevant records up to date to allow for quick and effective retrieval.
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Attend and contribute meaningfully to team meetings.
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Develop and maintain a network of key contacts within relevant authorities, legal teams dealing with immigration and public law matters, and other NGOs focused on support of refugees and people seeking asylum.
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Attend relevant external meetings representing the organisation as needed, ensuring that knowledge and learning is shared across the department.
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Ensure that any safeguarding concerns are identified and responded to appropriately.
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Complete relevant external training required for you to undertake the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
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Proven dedication to social justice with a clear understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
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Ability to work sensitively and effectively with a diverse range of clients, demonstrating cultural competence, respect and compassion.
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Experience in efficiently managing high volume caseloads while maintaining a high standard of care and attention.
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Resilience in the face of challenging and emotionally demanding situations, with a positive and solution-oriented mindset.
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Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
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Meticulous attention to detail in documentation and case records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with protocols.
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Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative.
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Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Desirable Criteria:
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Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as but not limited to: Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya, Amharic.
Successful applicants will be provided with the induction and training needed for them to succeed in the role.
Care4Calais is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment and recognises that this is invaluable to our ability to serve the communities we support.
We therefore welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds including from Black, Asian and Minority-Ethnic communities, people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, and people with lived experience of the UK immigration system. If you have any questions about this or need additional support with the application process for any reason, please contact us.
To apply please send a covering letter outlining why you want to volunteer with the Legal Access Department - Asylum Team, and why you think you would be suitable for this role. Please note applications without a covering letter will not be considered.
Due to the volume of applications only successful candidates will be contacted, we apologise that we cannot respond to each individual applicant.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Our trustees play a vital role in making sure the National Emergencies Trust has a clear strategy, achieves our goals, and demonstrates excellence in all areas of governance.
Key duties
- Demonstrate an interest and commitment to the work, values, and vision of the National Emergencies Trust
- Understand and enforce legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship (training and mentorship is available)
- Devote the necessary time to the role
Key tasks
- Act at all times in the interests of beneficiaries, considering guidance from our Advisory Groups
- Participate in quarterly board meetings, reading papers in advance
- Work jointly with other trustees, attend the Trust’s Committees and/or Advisory Groups as applicable (usually online) and/or directly support the Chair, Chief Executive or team, in line with your background and skills to achieve their objectives
- Provide advice to the Chief Executive and other board members according to your expertise and in line with the Trust’s Constitution
- Sign off the Trust’s annual financial accounts, safeguarding the good name and values of the charity, and acting within the law
- Support the Chief Executive and team in the event of a national emergency.
The Charity Commission for England and Wales’ summary of key trustee responsibilities can be read here. Or alternatively you can find this information from the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) here.
Who we are looking for
We’re looking for someone who can:
- Demonstrate an interest and commitment to the work, values and vision of the National Emergencies Trust
- Understand and enforce legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship (training and mentorship is available).
- Devote the necessary time to the role.
We’re looking for someone with skills or experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Campaign creation and management
- Significant experience at board level
- Social media & emergent technology
- Financial and associated financial services
- Fundraising
- Public Affairs
How you will benefit
Being a trustee can be very rewarding. You will have the opportunity to:
- Shape the strategic direction of our charity
- Gain new skills
- Network with senior professionals
- Influence key projects
- Crucially, have the chance to improve the lives of disaster survivors
Become a Trustee of Pregnant Then Screwed- Our vision is for a society where care is valued and in which pregnant women and mothers in all their diversity are enabled to fulfil their potential; creating a stronger, happier, better future for us all.
Trustees are integral volunteers who steer the course of Pregnant Then Screwed. We're currently seeking up to 5 new trustees as some current board members are concluding their terms this year and we’re keen to diversify our board.
We are looking for individuals inspired by our mission, and are seeking to appoint board members with experience, skills and expertise that will enhance our ability to tackle the discrimination mothers face.
We are seeking individuals with these general skills :
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Strategic vision, integrity, and independent judgement.
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Creativity in problem-solving.
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Understanding of trusteeship legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities.
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Experience in committee work.
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Tact and diplomacy.
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Dedication to investing necessary time and effort (approximately 2 days per month).
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Impartiality, fairness and discretion.
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Knowledge of charity law, governance, and financial management.
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Proficiency in monitoring and evaluating performance in the charity sector.
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Engagement in fundraising and engagement activities for Pregnant Then Screwed.
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Provide guidance on new initiatives and other issues in your area of expertise.
And would particularly welcome applications from candidates with a track-record in the following areas (we do not expect you to have ALL these):
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Digital Communications: Utilising digital platforms for effective communication.
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Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Commitment to promoting EDI.
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Safeguarding Adults: Knowledge and experience in safeguarding.
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Charity Fundraising: Developing and executing fundraising strategies.
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Research and Data Analysis: Gathering, analysing, and interpreting data.
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Membership Development: Implementing strategies to attract and retain members.
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Engaging Corporates: Building and maintaining corporate relationships.
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A good working knowledge of either the political landscape in Scotland and/or the childcare sector in Scotland - its challenges, policies and opportunities for improvement. As well as being well networked with Scottish Parliamentarians / relevant Scottish charities / those in the Scottish childcare sector.
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Experience of Working in the Trade Union sector: Familiarity with union dynamics and issues.
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Human Resources (HR): Understanding HR practices, especially related to maternity discrimination.
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People and Culture: Experience of developing organisational culture in alignment with our commitment to equity and inclusion.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Overall Purpose of Role
- To ensure on behalf of the Board that Plateful Cafe’s assets are properly managed, only used for approved purposes, and applied as effectively as possible
- Jointly oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice
Main Responsibilities
- Share the responsibility of jointly reporting the financial position (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc).
- Jointly oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits and the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year.
- To ensure jointly that proper accounts and records are kept and that Plateful Cafe meets its legal obligations in respect of its financial affairs and financial reporting
- To ensure jointly that Plateful Cafe’s financial resources are spent in line with good governance and legal and regulatory requirements
- To be jointly instrumental in the development and implementation of Plateful Cafe's financial policies
- To jointly supervise and assist Finance assistants
Main Tasks
- Liaising with the appropriate member(s) of volunteers responsible for Plateful Cafe’s
financial activities and financial record-keeping
- Make members aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting
financial data to them.
- Monitoring that financial systems and controls are in place and adhered to
- Assist the fundraising team and team with Funding applications with the finance
questions
- Assist with preparing budgets and other financial information for funding bids
- Assist volunteers with the preparation of financial reports for funders
- Acting as a financial spokesperson for Plateful Cafe as appropriate
- Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls
are in place, ie:
- Cheque signatories
- Purchasing limits
- Purchasing systems
- Petty cash/ float
- Others as appropriate
- Appraising the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.
- Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors/an independent examiner.
- Undertake bookkeeping duties and/or oversee the finance volunteer ensuring posting
and bookkeeping is kept up-to-date.
- Maintain the petty cash system and regularly process petty cash claims.
- Regularly carry out reconciliations/ oversee regular reconciliations by the finance
volunteer.
- Arrange payments to creditors as appropriate and arrange appropriate signatures on
payments.
- Make the necessary arrangements to collect payments from debtors and bank
payments promptly.
Qualities
Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising finance practice relevant to
voluntary and community organisations.
Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (as necessary).
Good financial analysis skills.
Ability to communicate clearly
Previous usage of Free Agent system preferable
Attention to details
Preferable previous experience on payroll
Experience on preparing budget