Trustee - Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants

Who They Are

This organisation welcomes refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants who have been displaced from their countries of origin. Leaving home due to war, persecution, or incarceration demands remarkable courage and resilience. For many, arriving in London is just the beginning of a long and complex journey toward achieving settled status and a decent quality of life.

Rooted in the local community, the Centre provides practical support, advocacy, and a sense of belonging to those navigating displacement and rebuilding their lives in a new country.

The Role: Trustee

The Centre is seeking 2–3 new trustees to join its Board and help guide the next chapter of its work. The current Board brings a broad range of expertise, including charity governance, public service leadership, strategy, and fundraising. The organisation is looking for individuals whose skills will enhance and complement the strengths of the existing trustees.

The Centre is led by CEO Andy Ruiz Palma, who first joined the team in 2000 as an English teacher. He now oversees a dedicated staff team and a committed group of around 40 volunteers who deliver services directly to clients. Additional support is provided by professional fundraising and accountancy teams.

What They Are Looking For

New trustees should bring:

• A strong empathy with the Centre’s client group and mission

• An understanding of how to support community-rooted organisations

• Excellent communication and team-working skills

• Relevant experience working with marginalised communities, whether in a frontline, policy, or governance context

• Or personal lived experience as a refugee, asylum seeker, or member of a marginalised community

The Centre welcomes applicants who may be new to trustee roles, and offers mentoring and support to help them succeed. The organisation is especially keen to hear from candidates with skills or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance/Accountancy (to act as deputy to the current Treasurer Trustee)

• Human Resources (HR)

• Fundraising

• IT and Data Management

• Lived Experience as a refugee or migrant

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a compassionate and community-driven organisation supporting displaced people in London.