Volunteer roles for the Human Rights sector

The Programmes & Services department keeps our organisation running. Our team work directly with volunteers by offering them support.

Our Programmes & Services department is divided into four roles. Each of these roles reports to our Programmes & Services Manager. Our four roles are: 

• People Coordinator 

• Volunteer Engagement Coordinator 

• Referrals Coordinator 

• Training Coordinator 

Key tasks and responsibilities 

• Track the attendance of all volunteers. 

• Maintain friendly relationships with caseworkers. 

• Be the first point of contact for queries from volunteers and signpost to the relevant team/person. 

• Support the accessibility needs of volunteers attending in person or online. 

• Organise socials for the organisation. 

• Feedback volunteer experiences to the management team. 

• Support the People Coordinator to ensure the smooth onboarding and offboarding of volunteers. 

• In person attendance on Saturdays is compulsory but there is no expectation of remote work throughout week. 

Want to support a migrant organisation striving for systemic change? We are looking for a trustee with HR expertise to contribute to the governance of an organisation, whilst centring migrant voices and experiences, and embedding our campaigning and policy work within a migrant-led agenda to help make a just society for migrants a reality.

​The role of an MRN trustee

As with any small charitable organisation, we are reliant on the skills and dedication of the trustees to support the organisation. We pride ourselves on a diverse board which primarily consists of those with the lived migrant, including refugee experiences.

As a trustee, you are instrumental in ensuring that MRN is achieving its objectives and purpose, and it is complying with its governing document and other legal requirements. Trustees are key to developing and delivering the strategy that will help drive the organisation forward.

With our Chair stepping down due to capacity reasons, we are seeking a Chair to lead the board and organisation. Alongside this, through a skills audit and analysis of our gaps, we have identified the following areas of expertise to have a full complement of skills and knowledge on the board: HR, fundraising and income generation for small/medium UK charities or businesses.

We want to reflect the communities we engage with, and therefore want to continue to attract those with the lived experience of migrating or the refugee system, who are from racialised or migratised backgrounds. We are also keen for those under 25 and those living outside of London to apply.

As a trustee you will be able to apply your significant skills and abilities, while working alongside devoted and enthusiastic trustees and staff who are committed to working and campaigning for the rights of all migrants.

Trustees duties and responsibilities

• Ensuring that MRN pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

• To ensure MRN follows effective governance to meet regulatory and statutory requirements and complies with its governing document (i.e., memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

• To make balanced and informed decisions in the best interests of the charity to achieve its purposes, and avoid personal conflicts of interest when making decisions

• Ensuring that MRN applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities might be) for the benefit of the public

• Ensuring that MRN defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

• To act responsibly, reasonably, and honestly, and safeguard the good name and values of MRN

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of MRN, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

• Ensuring the financial stability and probity of MRN

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of the CEO

In addition to the general qualities of a trustee, we are specifically looking for the following experience:

• A significant understanding of UK HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• To provide oversight and strategic guidance on HR matters, advocate for best practices in employee management

We would expect the trustee with HR expertise to sit on the staff committee which is due to be formed.

The Salusbury World advice team have been successfully helping clients to navigate welfare benefits, immigration problems, housing support and to find work for 20 years. 70% of our clients require an interpreter. 

We particularly need interpreters to support our Arabic-speaking clients.

Some appointments take place virtually and some are face-to-face appointments, usually in the London borough of Brent. 

Your main tasks will be to: 

*offer clear independent interpreting of the client’s issue and responses from the advice worker to the client. 

*support clients from a variety of Arabic-speaking countries, many with almost no English.

Experience of interpreting is desirable but not essential. You need a warm personality and an ability to build a rapport with people quickly, a high standard of English, and a non-judgemental and supportive approach.

Commitment: this is an irregular commitment, as and when needed. It is likely to be 2 or 3 hours per month but may be less.

We offer induction training, support and reimburse travel costs. 

Could you befriend an asylum seeking or refugee young person? HIAS+JCORE is seeking volunteer befrienders for our transformative JUMP project! As a befriender, you'd meet fortnightly with your young person for at least 12 months, and receive full training and an enhanced DBS check. You'll also get ongoing support from our JUMP project staff.

The difference you'd make

The young people JUMP support might benefit from a befriender because they’ve left their families behind and often feel isolated, bewildered and lonely. Some have no one to talk to. Some want to improve their English. Some would like to get to know London better. The impact made by our befrienders is long-lasting and varies depending on both the befriender and young person's interests. 

What do volunteers get out of JUMP?

• A chance to help people in real need
• The opportunity to ‘give back’
• A new friend
• Increased understanding about asylum and refugee issues and policy 

Skills required

• Able to establish good relationships with young people.
• Able to use a non-judgemental, non-directive approach to working with young people.
• Empathy, sensitivity and patience.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Reliable in making and keeping commitments, including arrangements to meet up.
• Aware of the needs of young people.
• Sympathy for the difficulties that asylum seeking/refugee children and young people face.
• Willing to enhance own awareness of the issues facing asylum-seeking and refugee children/young people through training.
• Aware of safeguarding and child protection issues, and (i) willing to enhance this through JUMP training, and (ii) willing to follow HIAS+JCORE’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Willing to ask for help when uncertain when befriending and to discuss the experience of befriending through regular updates and supervision.

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers will be required to:

• Meet with an unaccompanied asylum seeking or refugee young person fortnightly for at least one year.
• Establish a warm, supportive friendship with the young person within JUMP befriending boundaries.
• Help to build up the young person’s self-esteem and confidence.
• A JUMP befriender will be someone the young person can talk to. They must be prepared to support the young person with a range of possible activities, such as: developing everyday life skills, getting around London, taking part in recreational or educational opportunities, applying for work experience or a job. They should be prepared to offer support with English, and where possible other types of academic work.
• They must make time to travel, if necessary, within London to meet with the young person. While we try to match people who live reasonably close by, this is not always possible, and young people can often have precarious housing situations and move neighbourhoods. It is important to consider the travel time, as well as contact time, potentially involved in befriending.
• A JUMP volunteer should be prepared to enjoy cultural/ sporting activities with the young person, and to take advantage of free entertainment and other opportunities in London.
• They should regularly communicate with the project coordinator after meeting the young person, providing feedback once a month about activities undertaken and to attend supervision face-to-face twice a year.
• They must submit monthly expenses incurred during the activities undertaken with the young person, and immediately alert the JUMP project coordinator or HIAS+JCORE Safeguarding Lead to any safeguarding (child and young person protection) issues.

What is the application process?

After submitting your application, you will be contacted to arrange an informal telephone interview. If all goes well at this stage, we would request two references and get you booked onto a day's training. The training will cover the role of the befriender and offer some more information about the experiences of unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee young people. Before being paired with a young person we would also request an enhanced DBS check.

We are currently recruiting volunteers to be part of our Governance team. The Data Protection Consultant will be responsible for overseeing the clinic's use of data and legal obligations under GDPR, maintaining high standards throughout. They will respond to the Governance and Compliance Manager.

We are a forward-thinking advice and support charity for the Trans Community. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Data Protection Consultant to consult on our data protection procedures to ensure we are compliant with all regulations relating to data privacy. The Data Protection Consultant will play a pivotal role in guiding our clinic through the data protection processes.

This senior consultancy position will involve overseeing the clinic’s data protection policies and procedures, ensuring best practices are followed, and fostering a culture of compliance. You will work closely with senior leadership to develop strategies for growth while safeguarding the clinic’s data protection.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a growing legal clinic through a pivotal stage of development. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the clinic, ensuring it meets the highest professional standards while contributing to a meaningful cause. 

We are currently recruiting volunteers to be part of our Governance team. The Data Protection Advisor will be responsible for overseeing the clinic's use of data and legal obligations under GDPR, maintaining high standards throughout. They will respond to the Governance and Compliance Manager. 

We are a forward-thinking advice and support charity for the Trans Community. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Data Protection Advisor to consult on our data protection procedures to ensure we are compliant with all regulations relating to data privacy. 

 The Data Protection Advisor will play a pivotal role in guiding our clinic through the data protection processes. This entry-level position will involve overseeing the clinic’s data protection policies and procedures, ensuring best practices are followed, and fostering a culture of compliance. You will work closely with senior leadership to develop strategies for growth while safeguarding the clinic’s data protection. 

 This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing legal clinic through a pivotal stage of development. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the clinic, ensuring it meets the highest professional standards while contributing to a meaningful cause. We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. 

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you:

Be a Second-hand Superhero: In our high street shops, Ecommerce Hubs and Online Shop, people like you help create exciting and inspiring collections – retail therapy with a purpose!

Increase Your Skills: Gain valuable retail experience you can add to your CV, such as merchandising, customer service, and teamwork.

Find Your Community: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for a fairer world.

Flexibility: We know life gets busy. That's why we offer flexible volunteering options. A few hours a week is all it takes to make a big difference.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we’d love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there, you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

We’re looking for a new fundraising volunteer and/or director! Are you passionate about securing funds for grassroot organisations?

This opportunity involves overseeing Fuel Poverty Action’s fundraising plans and strategy, reaching out to donors and promoting our vital campaigns through grant bids to help end fuel poverty in the UK. 

This role would require an average of 16-20 hrs per month and can be done remotely. We are also open to you joining FPA’s board of directors, subject to capacity and experience. 

This offers a chance to directly contribute to tackling fuel poverty and ensuring access to affordable energy for all whilst strategizing and learning alongside great activists. If you're eager to contribute, we’d love to hear from you!

Tasks:

• Organise and manage our fundraising planning and pipeline

• Reach out to potential donors and help build relationships

• Lead on grant applications

• Work closely with the team to develop new fundraising strategies

• Contribute ideas and experience to FPA campaigns

Closing date for applications:  April 20th 2025

Background:

Established in 2011, Kaleidoscope Trust is a UK-based charity fighting to bring about positive legislative, policy and social change for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and gender diverse (LGBTI+) people across the Commonwealth and beyond. We fund, fight for, and empower those upholding the human rights of LGBTI+ people by working with governments, changemakers, and civil society organisations to effect meaningful and lasting change in the lives of LGBTI+ people.
 

At this exciting time for Kaleidoscope Trust, we are looking to find a candidate who can take on the role as Chair of the Board of Trustees to build on the charity’s momentum, while handling the evolving opportunities and challenges of the organisation. The Chair provides strategic leadership of Kaleidoscope Trust in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer.
 

Overall purpose:

To provide Leadership of the Board as a team, to facilitate and drive the governance and strategic direction of Kaleidoscope Trust and to communicate its values, mission, aims, and objectives.
 

Key Responsibilities:

- Working in Partnership with the Chief Executive Officer

- Fundraising & Acting as an Ambassador

- Governance & Strategic Direction

- Communication and Culture

- Board Meetings
 

The post holder will seek to remain both well-informed about the opportunities, challenges, and risks facing the association’s services and will aim to contribute specialist knowledge/expertise to debate and decisionmaking.
 

The Chair of the Board is responsible for ensuring that the Board is effective in setting and implementing the strategic direction of the organisation and can act as a leading ambassador for Kaleidoscope Trust.

We know that diverse boards are the most effective, they can think creatively and hold each other to account, therefore we are particularly looking for applications from trans people, women, People of the Global Majority, people without a degree, working class people and people of faith.
 

Please refer to the Job Description attached for more information on the role.

Law and Human Rights Records Volunteer Intern

Democratic Progress Institute

London based.

Next available volunteering role: beginning of May 2025or immediate start.

Full-time or part-time (3-4 days per week for a minimum of three months)
Closing date and interviews: recruitment on rolling basis

Fluency in English and computer literacy is essential.

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is seeking to appoint several Law and Human Rights Records Volunteer Intern with an interest in our work relating to Human Rights. 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 undergraduate or a recent international law, political science or international relations graduate.

Volunteers recruited to DPI’s International Law Department will assist documentation/organisation of human rights issues, legal materials, ECtHR judgments.

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 casework and on the implementation of ECtHR judgments. 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.

Those interested should send a CV and Cover Letter stating your interests and experience. The candidates will be selected on the basis of their experience and suitability for the role. Please also state your availability and how many days you are available per week (minimum requirement of 3 days).

This is an in person internship and therefore it’s imperative that successful candidates have the right to work in the UK. 

Note this is an unpaid internship, however interns will receive a stipend for lunch.

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