Social Work Volunteer Roles

Alliance for African Women Initiative (AFAWI) welcomes volunteer interns from around the world. As a grassroots organization we foster a knowledge sharing environment that promotes an experience to learn about international development, Ghanaian culture and our projects that empowers women and children to create a better future for communities. AFAWI is not a placement agency, all the projects are owned and operated by our staff. Our organization was built to serve Ghanaian communities with a focus on women and children.

Volunteer Internship Tasks:​

Implementation of on-going projects

Planning of new projects

Fundraising

Social Media

Marketing

NGO Management Assistance

Administrative Assistance

Data Collection and Evaluation 

Partner Meetings

Internal Trainings 

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AFAWI has a number of ongoing projects for Volunteer Interns to choose from. These projects are located in rural communities no tour companies have access to.

Our projects have a set schedule and at different times of year some projects may be more of a priority.  Volunteer Interns personal preference will be accommodated as much as possible, though depending on the time and length of your stay,  the implementation activities and the level of results witnessed may vary. There is opportunity to learn about and contribute to multiple projects. 

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Support and challenge the EqualiTeach team to grow, thrive and achieve its mission of an equal, inclusive and diverse society where everyone is valued and able to succeed. 

Trustee Role Description

EqualiTeach’s trustees are responsible for the charity’s vision, mission, strategic direction and governance. They are bound to ensure that the charity complies with all legal and statutory requirements and that its assets and resources are properly secured and deployed in pursuit of its charitable objectives. They support and challenge the executive team to enable EqualiTeach to grow and thrive and through this achieve its mission of an equal, inclusive and diverse society where everyone is valued and able to succeed.

What We are Looking for in New Trustees

We are looking for trustees who will help us to continue to grow the charity’s impact and profile. Applicants should be driven by a desire to support an organisation at the forefront of providing exceptional equality, diversity and inclusion training and consultancy. We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

We are particularly looking for trustees who have some leadership experience or experience of leading in the charity sector. Ideally, applicants would also have knowledge and skills in one of the following areas: promotions and marketing, fundraising and HR. If you are unsure as to whether your skills and experience are what we are looking for, we would be happy to have a conversation prior to application. Previous Board experience is not necessary as there will be a full induction process and further training and support.

It is important that our Board reflects the diversity of our society, and we know that increasing diversity will help us to achieve greater success. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people from the LGBTQIA+ community, who are currently underrepresented on the Board.

Trustee Duties

• Support and provide advice of EqualiTeach’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Guide and approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee and approve EqualiTeach’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Provide support and challenge to EqualiTeach’s CEOs in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in EqualiTeach’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of EqualiTeach’s governance.
• Attend board meetings and adequately prepare to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect EqualiTeach’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of EqualiTeach’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, providing advice on new initiatives, providing support with ad hoc requests, supporting staff recruitment, disciplinaries and complaints, representing EqualiTeach at meetings and conferences or any other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Trustee Person Specification

Desirable 

We are looking for candidates who have at least two of the below:

• Experience of leadership
• Experience of working within the charity sector
• Knowledge of Human Resources
• Knowledge of fundraising for third sector organisations
• Knowledge of promotions and marketing for third sector organisations
• An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion

Skills and Competencies 

• Skilled and confident communication and willingness to participate actively in discussion
• Ability to think creatively and strategically and scrutinise decision-making
• Ability to work effectively with others as a member of the Board
• Willingness to lead according to EqualiTeach’s values
• A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of Appointment

Terms of Office

• Trustees are appointed for a term of up to three years and can be reappointed up to three times.  
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time Commitment

• Boarding meetings are quarterly. Trustees are expected to attend at least 75% of meetings, including the Annual General Meeting. Meetings are currently held in person at Suite 11, Davey House, 31a St Neots Road, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 7BA. Trustees may also be part of sub-groups which will meet independently of the main board meetings. These meetings will be a combination of online and face-to-face meetings.
•  In addition, trustees are expected to devote on average two hours per week to the role. This may involve scrutinising board papers, providing advice on new initiatives, providing support with ad hoc requests, supporting staff recruitment, disciplinaries and complaints, representing EqualiTeach at meetings and conferences or any other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

How to Apply

Please complete a trustee role application form and equality monitoring form and return these to Claire Currington, Operations Manager via email. 

If you would like the opportunity to speak to a current trustee about this opportunity, please email Claire and she will organise a call.

Applications will be accepted, considered and interviewed on a rolling basis so you are encouraged to apply at your earliest convenience.

Family Friends carefully recruit, train, and match volunteers with families in Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham and Brent.  Volunteers offer practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two volunteer opportunities - Big Buddies and Family Befriending. 

Our Family Befrienders support parents and families; volunteers will aim to help families/single parents to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Volunteers meet with their family weekly or fortnightly for a period of 6 to 12 months.

Activities might include:

• Supporting a parent to take their children on days out.
• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear.
• Helping family members build confidence in themselves.

Essential Criteria:

• Level of commitment mentioned above
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• Weekly supervision and support
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

About We Are Family 

We Are Family is an extraordinary peer support community for adopters and prospective adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption. We currently operate across Greater London and the Home Counties, with ambitions to scale nationally over the coming years. 

The Role

We Are Family is seeking to appoint a committed and motivated Company Secretary who will work closely with the Board of Trustees and play an active part in the governance of the organisation.

This is a voluntary opportunity with associated Trustee expenses -  such as travel / childcare -  covered by We Are Family.  The Company Secretary can be based anywhere in the UK. 

Commitment

• We Are Family typically holds four Board meetings per year

• In addition to being involved in Board meetings, the Secretary should expect to spend 8-10 hours each month on work related to the governance of the charity.

• The normal term of appointment for a Secretary is three years, after which there is the opportunity to renew for a further three-year period. 

Skills and Experience 

In this role you will:

• Work directly with the Chair and Deputy Chair to organise and plan for regular Board meetings, producing agendas and a supporting pack of Board papers

• Ensure minutes are taken at the Trustee Board meetings and circulated in a timely manner

• Take an active role in the governance of the Charity, ensuring that the company complies with its governing document, Charity Law, Charity Commission, and other relevant legislation

• Arrange for filings to be submitted to the Charity Commission in accordance with statutory deadlines

• Liaise with Committee Chairs to collect and distribute Committee meeting notes to the Board of Trustees 

• Maintain and update statutory records including annual returns, report, and accounts, and changes to the trustee membership.

This role would suit an individual with:

• Knowledge and experience of charity governance and management

• Experience in a compliance, risk or business management role

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Organisation skills, with the ability to work to deadlines

• Good IT skills, to include Zoom and Google Suite or MS Office.
   

Although many of our current Board members are adopters themselves, we are also keen to recruit suitably qualified people who are not, but who can demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of We Are Family.

One of the great strengths of We Are Family is that we are volunteer and member driven, and we represent a diverse community of adoptive parents. We particularly welcome trustees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the board can benefit from this diversity of experience. We would also welcome single adopters to the board. 

To Apply 

If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, please send us a copy of your CV and we will contact you with our Recruitment Pack.

Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.

About We Are Family 

We Are Family is an extraordinary peer support community for adopters and prospective adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption. We currently operate across Greater London and the Home Counties, with ambitions to scale nationally over the coming years. 

The Role

We Are Family is seeking to appoint a committed and motivated Treasurer who will work closely with the Board of Trustees and play an active part in the governance of the organisation’s finances.

This is a voluntary opportunity with associated Trustee expenses -  such as travel / childcare -  covered by We Are Family.  The Company Secretary can be based anywhere in the UK. 

Commitment

• We Are Family typically holds four Board meetings per year

• In addition to being involved in Board meetings, the Treasurer should expect to spend 8-10 hours each month on work related to the finances of the charity.

• The normal term of appointment for a Treasurer is three years, after which there is the opportunity to renew for a further three-year period. 

Skills and Experience 

In this role you will:

• Advise on the financial implications of We Are Family’s strategic plan.

• Be an active member of the We Are Family Finance, Fundraising & Resources Committee who meet once every quarter.

• Oversee presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the board of trustees.

• Lead on the board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled, invested and economically spent, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.

• Lead the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost management and investment policies.

• Monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity.

• Oversee the implementation of and monitoring specific financial controls and adherence to systems.

• Oversee the charity’s financial risk management process.

• Review and approve payments (including payroll).

• Be the main point of contact for We Are Family’s bank.

• Act as a counter signatory on important applications to funders.

• Liaise with the appropriate member of staff responsible for the financial activities of the organisation.

• Liaise with the external auditors or independent examiner on specific issues such as the auditor’s or examiner’s management letter and the related board representations. 

This role would suit an individual with:

• Knowledge of charity governance and management

• Experience in a compliance, risk or business management role

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Organisation skills, with the ability to work to deadlines

• Good IT skills, to include Zoom and Google Suite or MS Office.

Although many of our current Board members are adopters themselves, we are also keen to recruit suitably qualified people who are not, but who can demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of We Are Family.

One of the great strengths of We Are Family is that we are volunteer and member driven, and we represent a diverse community of adoptive parents. We particularly welcome trustees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the board can benefit from this diversity of experience. We would also welcome single adopters to the board. 

To Apply 

If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, please send us a copy of your CV and we will contact you with our Recruitment Pack.

Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.