Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

THE OPPORTUNITY

Have you got finance or adult social care knowledge and experience that you would like to use as a way of giving back to your local community? Then your experience will be valuable as a Trustee here at the Harrison and Potter Trust.

This is a great opportunity to get involved with a charity that focuses its work on the provision of housing. You'll support those in need of decent homes across Leeds, while learning and building on your governance skills. Your professional know-how will make a difference where it matters.

So, can you lead in collaboration with your fellow Trustees to ensure that the vision and mission of our charity are achieved? Then, we'd like to learn more about how your financial or social care knowledge and experience can support our Trust.

WHO ARE HARRISON AND POTTER TRUST?

Harrison and Potter Trust is a Leeds-based charity supporting people to live well. We have almshouses on Lovell Park Road and Raglan Road, and offer safe and secure housing. We also give grants to local groups, supporting people facing financial hardship. Our focus is especially on housing needs and social isolation.

WHAT MATTERS TO US

Securing a decent home in Leeds continues to be a challenge for a great number of people, young and old. Housing stock is limited, particularly for people on limited means. We’re proud to be supporting the people who live in our houses who might otherwise have struggled to find good, safe, and clean housing.

IF YOU JOIN US…

You'll join a Board that is keen to welcome new Trustees who will bring energy as well as broader experience. Your knowledge and skills will enhance and support our important work as a charity.

Sharing our commitment to honour our settlors’ legacies will be a focal point for you. Providing housing for older people and supporting local charities will be your shared mission.

The strategic experience gained through a trustee role can have a powerful impact on your career. You'll grow in personal development through a role that is flexible around other commitments.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

All Trustees need certain qualities such as integrity and commitment. You'll also learn about the importance of effective governance.

We are particularly seeking:

• a Finance Trustee with knowledge of charity accounts and managing investment portfolio
• a Trustee with Adult Social Care experience within a Local Authority or Housing Association

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining the Harrison and Potter Trust.

What’s next?

Eastside People is supporting Harrison Potter and Trust in the recruitment of these roles. You can click here to apply today.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 25th February. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will then have an interview with Harrison and Potter shortly after this.

We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from you!

Are you passionate about helping people from Afghanistan feel welcome and supported in the UK? Do you have the language skills and cultural understanding to assist Afghan refugees as they navigate the challenges of building a new life? If you’re adaptable, resilient, and dedicated to making a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

About us

Gulab Sorkh Foundation (GSF) is an independent charity supporting Afghan nationals resettled in the UK under the ARAP scheme. We are a small but impactful organisation, dedicated to helping those who worked closely with British forces in Afghanistan and their families integrate successfully into British life.

Job description

We are looking for two volunteer interpreters—one fluent in Dari and one fluent in Pashto — to join our team at the Gulab Sorkh Foundation (GSF). You will play a key role in supporting Afghan refugees who have resettled in the UK, assisting them in accessing essential services and communicating effectively in their daily lives.  This is an influential volunteer opportunity where you will make a real difference by helping Afghan refugees integrate into British society, providing crucial interpretation during interactions with service providers such as healthcare professionals, housing officers, and legal advisors.

As a Volunteer Interpreter, you will:

• Provide interpretation services (Dari or Pashto) to Afghan refugees, ensuring clear 
• communication between them and various UK service providers.
• Assist refugees in understanding key information related to housing, healthcare, 
• education, and other public services.
• Facilitate communication during meetings, appointments, and community events to 
• support their integration journey.
• Offer support and cultural understanding to ensure refugees feel comfortable and 
• respected throughout their resettlement process.

Key responsibilities:

• Interpret accurately and sensitively between Dari/Pashto and English during one-on-one 
• and group interactions.
• Help beneficiaries understand and complete necessary paperwork or official forms in 
• both languages.
• Collaborate with case managers and external partners to ensure the refugees’ needs are 
• effectively communicated.
• Be aware of and sensitive to the needs of individuals who may have experienced trauma 
• and displacement.
• Follow data protection laws and policies

Essential skills:

• Fluency (written and verbal) in Dari and/or Pashto and in English.
• A high level of cultural sensitivity and empathy towards Afghan refugees.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information clearly 
• and accurately.
• Ability to remain neutral and impartial in all interactions.
• Commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and confidentiality.

Desirable skills:

• Level 3 in Interpretation.
• Previous experience working with refugees or vulnerable communities.
• Knowledge of UK systems such as healthcare, housing, and immigration.
• Understanding of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Please note:

This is an unpaid voluntary position, offering flexibility to fit around your other commitments.

This is a completely remote role, and as such you will need to ensure that you have access to a confidential, quite space during your working hours.

To apply please upload your CV and covering letter (max. 2 A4 pages each) 
In your application, please explain how you meet every point on the essential criteria with examples. If you meet any of the desired criteria, please do the same for these.  We actively encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences of migration or refugee resettlement.

Please get in touch with us if you have any queries.

We look forward to hearing from you

Are you looking for a new and exciting opportunity which makes a positive difference to the everyday lives of others?

Then why not consider becoming a director with the Charity of Elizabeth Janes Jones and the David Henry Waring Home?We are an Almshouse and provide 103 units of high-quality accommodation for people of limited financial means in Bedfont, Southwest London and have plans to create a further 31 new units.

Being a director for the Charity of Elizabeth Janes Jones and the David Henry Waring Home is an exciting and challenging role, bringing with it opportunities for applying strategic thinking, planning, creativity, and stewardship which can help guide the Charity to achieve its goals in the management of its properties, a site re-development which is a significant milestone in the Charity’s history.

Our directors are responsible in law for managing the incorporated entity, and as we are a charitable organisation our directors are also trustees at law and have formal responsibilities under the Companies Act 2006.Our directors give their time voluntarily and the positions are unremunerated, but reasonable out of pocket expenses may be allowable.

As a director, you’ll work as part of a board alongside our other directors and will also have opportunities to work with the CEO, staff, and volunteers, adding to the range of knowledge, skills, and experience within the Charity’s team.  As well as bringing fresh ideas to current and future property management and development projects, the director role also has responsibilities for the governance of the Charity, regulatory compliance matters and the effective stewardship of our finances and resources.

We are looking to recruit new directors to the board. If you would like to become a director and have an interest in property and housing, then we’d be delighted to hear from you!The positions require the following commitments:

• Dedicating the necessary time to prepare for and attending scheduled meetings and other obligations.
• Understanding and accepting the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of directorship of the Charity.
• Respecting and upholding the Charity’s values, staff policies and processes and to applying the generally accepted principals of directorship, selflessness, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and personal leadership. 
• Think creatively and identify new directions, whilst preserving the overall purpose of the Charity.

We’re looking for people who are passionate about making a difference to the housing sector we would love to hear from you if you’d like to contribute. Ideally, we are hoping to find volunteers with professional qualifications experience and knowledge in the following areas:

• Practical skills and knowledge of social housing and the housing sector and an understanding of the difficulties faced by individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Using financial data to run a team, function or organisation and to make financial decisions which optimises budgets and contributes to the smooth running of the operation.
• Understanding of a directors, legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities.
• Familiarity with personal responsibilities and liabilities like that of a director and acting in the best interests of the team and organisation.
• Time management and decision-making skills.
• Management and mitigation of risk.
• Interacting with others and people skills, and a track record of being able to get along with, boards, employees, service users and the public.
• Working with and interpreting data and management information to develop plans and help make and support the making of informed decisions.
• An understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Time commitment: The full Board meets every 2 months and meetings last for about 2.5 hours. In addition, Board members are expected to be members of at least one sub committees. These meet when needed but typically monthly. 

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

Make a Difference: Become a Trustee for Emmaus Greenwich!

Are you passionate about tackling homelessness and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives? Emmaus Greenwich is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help steer our vital work in London. 

Who We Are:
Emmaus Greenwich provides a home, support, and meaningful work through our social enterprises, giving people experiencing homelessness a reason to get up in the morning and a path to regain independence. 

Your Role as a Trustee:

• Help shape our strategy and ensure goals align with our vision.
• Provide governance and oversight, ensuring compliance and robust management.
• Volunteer your time (meetings are held five times a year) and potentially get involved in projects. 

Who We're Looking For:
We're keen to build a diverse board with skills in:

• Finance & Business Development
• Human Resources (HR)
• Retail & Social Enterprise
• Housing Law
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Time Commitment:

Trustees at Emmaus Greenwich serve for up to three terms of three years each. The Board meets every two months, both in person and online, and also comes together for an annual in-person strategy session, usually held in winter.

There are three internal sub-committees, each focusing on a specific area of the organisation’s work. These committees also meet every two months, either in person or online, and every trustee is expected to join at least one.

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you're an experienced trustee or taking your first step at board level, we want to hear from you! 

Join us in creating lasting change for those facing homelessness in our community!

Location: Shepherd’s Bush, West London

Time Commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month (including quarterly board meetings and annual Away Day)

Type: Voluntary

Start Date: Early 2026

Join a unique West London charity creating lasting change in people’s lives

The Upper Room is seeking a Chair of Trustees (Designate) to join our Board in 2025/26 and, after a year of active trusteeship and shadowing, to step into the role of Chair when our current Chair reaches the end of their tenure in 2027.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate, values-led individual to help shape the next phase of our work, from strategic resilience to community innovation.

About Us

From small beginnings more than 35 years ago The Upper Room has grown into a thriving charity with an annual budget of around £650K.

Food provision has always been at the heart of what we do. UR4Meals serves approximately 40,000 meals a year, operating five days a week.

UR4Driving works with ex-offenders and young people identified as at risk of offending. We help them pass their driving theory test, and then provide free driving lessons. Last year 37 students gained a full driving licence with us. This has a significant impact on their employability and self-esteem, and dramatically reduces re-offending.

UR4Jobs helps people become work-ready, and supports their wellbeing.

We are still based in our original home at St Saviour’s Church near Shepherd’s Bush in west London.

About the Role

As Chair, you’ll lead a committed and skilled Board of Trustees, working closely with our CEO and senior team to guide strategy, ensure good governance and champion our impact.

You’ll also play a key role externally, acting as an ambassador to funders, partners and supporters.

We’re looking for someone who can

• Provide strategic leadership through a period of growth and innovation
• Foster a culture of inclusion and respect, both on the Board and across the organisation - Support and challenge the CEO, acting as a critical friend and sounding board
• Ensure excellent governance, compliance and risk management
• Represent the charity publicly, building relationships and influence

About You

We welcome candidates with prior Board experience as a Trustee, Chair or Non-Executive Director, and a strong commitment to social justice.

We especially encourage applications from those with lived experience of disadvantage, as well as those from under-represented backgrounds, including individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

We’re interested in candidates with

• A clear understanding of charity governance and the role of a Chair
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• A collaborative, values-driven approach
• The time, energy and commitment to make a lasting difference

Additional experience in fundraising, partnerships, organisational development or public sector engagement would be welcome, though not essential.

Time Commitment

• As a Trustee in 2025/ 26 (approx. 1–2 days per month)
• Transition to Chair in 2027, subject to mutual agreement and Board approval
• Quarterly evening Board meetings (in person in London)
• Annual summer Away Day with staff and trustees
• Optional involvement in sub-committees or events depending on interest and availability
• Representing the charity at local events

Why Now

By inviting a prospective Chair to join our Board as a Trustee in 2025/26, we can ensure a smooth, informed transition, with the support and handover of our current Chair, and plenty of time for deep onboarding and relationship-building.

The new Chair will help consolidate our growth, and lead our Board through the next chapter, ensuring our mission continues to serve those who need us most in the years ahead.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter explaining your interest and suitability to the Upper Room.

If you would like to have an informal conversation before applying, feel free to reach out via email to arrange a call.

Because we are planning for the long term we are not placing a deadline on this process. However, we aim to appoint in the first quarter of 2026.

Interviews will be held in two stages, including an in-person meeting with key Board and staff members.

BOARD MEMBER – EAST MIDLANDS, VOLUNTARY, FULL EXPENSES REIMBURSED

· Do you want to be a part of a vibrant and ambitious charity that delivers services to homeless people and others with a range of support needs?

· Do you have expertise in Housing or Finance?

· Do you have ambition to Chair a Board Committee?

· Do you want to contribute to the strategic direction of our successful and expanding organisation?

· Do you have a strong social conscience and the commitment to make a difference?

· If you have the motivation, vision and enthusiasm to join us in this exciting and challenging role, apply today!

Who Are We?

Framework is a registered charity delivering housing support, health, and employment services to people with a diverse range of needs. We assist rough sleepers and those who need help to keep their home. We support excluded youngsters as they make their way into adulthood and those starting or returning to work. We provide access to treatment for people with mental health issues and those using alcohol or substances, and we join up services for homeless people with multiple and complex needs.

Our 70 services across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Sheffield support more than 18,000 people each year and accommodate more than 1,300 people at any one time. Responding to their needs, respecting their choices and empowering them to achieve, we aim to make life better for our service users and those around them.

What We’re Looking For:

We are particularly keen to hear from people with expertise in Housing and Finance a finance/accounting qualification is essential). At least two successful candidates will also become members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARM), with one having future aspirations to become the Chair of the ARM Committee.

By joining our Board of Trustees, you will be working alongside the Senior Leadership Team to navigate an external environment that is challenging and continually changing: budgets for support services have been drastically cut so we have to think carefully about how to create efficiency without compromising on quality.

Guardian Light Foundation

Location: Remote
Commitment: Flexible – approx. 20 hours per month
Role Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Board of directors

�� About Guardian Light Foundation

Guardian Light Foundation exists to protect, support, and empower children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and extreme hardship.

Many of the individuals we serve are navigating complex legal situations while already dealing with trauma, fear, and instability. Access to safe, ethical, and compassionate legal advice can be life-changing — and that’s where you come in.

⚖️ About the Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Solicitor with experience in family law, safeguarding, or domestic abuse-related legal matters to provide initial legal guidance, signposting, and referrals to vulnerable individuals supported by Guardian Light Foundation.

This role is advisory and supportive, not high-volume casework. Your expertise will help people understand their rights, options, and next steps at critical moments in their lives.

�� Focus Areas

�� Children’s Arrangements

• Custody and contact arrangements

• Child safeguarding concerns

• Schooling and parental responsibility guidance

• Early advice on family court processes

��️ Domestic Violence Injunctions

• Non-molestation orders

• Occupation orders

• Restraining orders

• Emergency protection guidance and referrals

��‍�� Single-Parent Legal Support

• Family court guidance

• Child maintenance advice

• Housing rights and homelessness-related legal signposting

• Referrals to specialist legal services where appropriate

�� What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing initial legal advice and guidance (not ongoing representation)

• Supporting safeguarding decisions where legal insight is required

• Advising on urgent legal options in high-risk situations

• Signposting individuals to appropriate external legal services

• Working closely with GLF’s safeguarding and support teams

• Maintaining clear professional boundaries and ethical practice

��️ Safeguarding & Compliance

Because this role supports vulnerable individuals:

• An Enhanced Volunteer DBS Check is required

• DBS checks are conducted via our trusted partner Serve (Rushden)

• All work must align with GLF’s safeguarding policies

• Confidentiality and GDPR compliance are essential

�� Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Qualified UK Solicitor (or equivalent legal professional)

• Experience in family law, domestic abuse, or child safeguarding

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice

• Ability to explain legal concepts clearly and compassionately

• Commitment to ethical and client-centred practice

Desirable:

• Experience working with charities or vulnerable populations

• Knowledge of housing or homelessness law

• Familiarity with referral pathways and support services

�� Who We’re Looking For

You are someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for protecting children and families

• Believes access to justice should never depend on income

• Can balance professionalism with empathy

• Understands the emotional impact of legal uncertainty

• Wants to use their expertise to create real social impact

⏰ Time Commitment

• Approx. 20 hours per month

• Flexible scheduling

• Fully remote

�� What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact

• Professional fulfilment through purpose-led legal work

• Recognition and appreciation within a growing social enterprise

• Networking with professionals across counselling, housing, and social care

• Opportunity to join an Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the organisation grows

Position Title: Family Liaison
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team - Family Support Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Swanley or able to travel to Swanley
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Organisation Overview
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.

Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a crucial difference for the better to the life and welfare of a refugee family as they settle into life in Britain helping them to achieve independence and social integration in their new surroundings? As a Family Liaison, you will be a vital friendly link and mentor for the family to help them navigate through difficulties that they may encounter on their path to independent living in our district. It is a very important and rewarding role.
Key Responsibilities: ● Where the family is new, help them to settle in and pass on requests for help and equipment. ● See over the welfare and requirements of the family which will change incrementally over time. The level of support should gradually diminish as the family becomes more independent. ● Liaise with local government support workers (Refugee Council) as needed while the family is still receiving support from them. ● Liaise with the team around the family - general support, language and education - so that they work together; moderate a Whatsapp group for all volunteers supporting the family, whatever their role. ● Encourage and monitor the family’s path to independence ● Liaise with Education, Language and Employment specialities.
● Keep the Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) Family Support Lead up to date as needed.
Skills & Qualities Needed

You need to be:
● compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● good at communication
● organized with good attention to detail.
● flexible and adaptable to different family needs and cultural backgrounds.
● reasonably IT literate
It would help if you had a background in health, teaching, social services or other service related charities - BUT it is not essential, a practical attitude is needed.

Time and location
The weekly commitment might be 1-2 hours particularly initially, tapering down as the families become more independent. This is not an online job and the family is located in Swanley.

Support & Training Provided As well as general training for SWR volunteers on the essentials such as safeguarding and cultural awareness, we run workshops to find out more about how we can help children in their path through education, language learning and other matters that may be relevant. The VLT will ensure that the Family Liaison has support and backup as required and a mentor will be appointed to help a new Family Liaison in the initial stages of taking up the role.

Position Title: Language Programme Lead
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team - Chair
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Organisation Overview
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR) was founded in 2017 and became a registered charity in 2019. Initially focused on supporting Syrian refugees resettling in the Sevenoaks district under the UK Government Resettlement Scheme, SWR’s mission has since expanded to assist 16 refugee families from Syria and Afghanistan, as well as 50 Ukrainian families. In 2023-24, SWR raised over £70,000 to further its work, collaborating closely with local councils and partner organisations to achieve its objectives. With seven trustees, 110 active volunteers, and a supporter base of approximately 750 people, SWR is poised for a new phase of growth.

Role Overview:
As the Language Programme Lead, you will provide leadership in developing and delivering tailored language learning plans for refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Your role is crucial in promoting independence and successful integration into society for these individuals and families, aligning with the charity’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
● Manage the delivery of language support tailored to the individual needs of each refugee through a team of 30 or so well-motivated language volunteers, usually, but not always operating one to one. This team have delivered at least 8,000 hours of language support since the charity started.
● Be actively involved in the recruitment of new language volunteers as required.
● Oversee necessary training for language volunteers and develop the promotion of best practice across the language programme group.
● Arrange for initial assessments on the arrival of all new families into the area and producing suitable teaching programmes that link with whatever other family support is required and what other stakeholders are providing.
● Work with the Volunteer Leadership Team to provide an effective overall support for our refugee beneficiaries.
● Liaise with key stakeholders such as Kent Adult Education(KAE), and the Kent ESOL Networking Group to maintain good relationships that support the provision of our language programme.

Qualifications
A working knowledge of ESOL and associated exams and qualifications would be beneficial.
Driver’s licence and access to a car would be extremely useful, given the geographical spread of the beneficiaries in the wider Sevenoaks area. This is not a role that can be performed online.

Impact and reward:
The Language Programme Lead will play a critical role in empowering refugees to achieve greater independence and integration within their new communities. You will help our refugee beneficiaries gain the language skills, confidence, and vocational training necessary to navigate daily life, access employment opportunities, and participate fully in society. You will play a big role in transforming the lives of refugees. In some cases of refugees who are illiterate in their own language, this will be genuinely life changing.

Position Title: Deputy Volunteer Lead
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) - Volunteer Lead
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR) 
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Background to the charity
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small and growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 50 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community.

Purpose of Role:
Would you like to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of refugee families as they settle into life in Britain—supporting them to achieve independence and integrate confidently into their new communities?
As Deputy Volunteer Lead, you will be an integral part of the SWR Voluntary Leadership Team (VLT), which oversees both our core services for refugees and the coordination and welfare of our valued volunteers.
Our work spans general support with settling in, integration, building independence, language learning, educational guidance, and assistance in accessing suitable employment. You will work closely with the Volunteer Lead on the VLT, with a particular focus on the general support function.
Each refugee family is supported by a small group of volunteers, led by a designated lead volunteer. In this role, you’ll collaborate directly with these volunteer teams, ensuring they are supported, informed, and empowered to deliver high-impact, person-centred support.
This is an opportunity to join a growing, well-regarded, and professional charity, working alongside dedicated and compassionate volunteers who share your passion for helping others.
Key Responsibilities: ● Act as a bridge between the lead volunteers and central SWR services to source the equipment and help needed by the families. ● See over the welfare and requirements of the families which will change incrementally over time. The level of support should gradually diminish as the families become more independent. ● Liaise with local government support workers where families are still receiving support from them. ● Help establish and monitor the family Path to Independence Plans. ● Liaise with Education, Language and Employment specialities. ● Keep the VLT and Volunteer Lead up to date as needed.
Skills & Qualities Needed
You need to be:
● compassionate, patient, and non-judgmental
● good at communication
● organized with good attention to detail.
● flexible and adaptable to different family needs and cultural backgrounds.
● reasonably IT literate
It would help if you had an employment background of teaching, social services or other service related charities - BUT it is not essential.
Support & Training Provided
All SWR volunteers are expected to complete an induction, including mandatory safeguarding training. We also provide training on cultural awareness to help volunteers support families sensitively and effectively.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to highlight any specific adjustments that would enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process.

Support SPEAR’s mission to end homelessness through strong governance and collaborative leadership as Chair of Trustees.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 3rd February

SPEAR works towards a clear and ambitious vision: communities in which anyone facing or experiencing homelessness can quickly move into secure accommodation, receive effective support and work towards their hopes and aspirations.

For over 35 years, SPEAR has supported people across South West London who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness; particularly people with experience of rough sleeping. Their work enables people to move from crisis to stability by providing secure accommodation, holistic support and the opportunity to work towards a positive future. Its work spans outreach to people sleeping rough, accommodation and tenancy support, health and well-being services, and longer-term interventions that address the underlying causes of homelessness.

Led by an experienced executive team and supported by a committed Board of Trustees, SPEAR works closely with local authorities, health services and other partners, and continues to adapt its approach in response to rising need and a changing external environment.

They now seek a new Chair of Trustees to provide strong, values-led governance and to help guide the Board as it continues to develop its effectiveness. Working in close partnership with the Chief Executive, you will support clear decision-making, constructive challenge and a collaborative Board culture, ensuring SPEAR remains well-governed, ambitious and true to its mission.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 3rd February 2026.

Julian House is seeking a new trustee to join their board focusing on their retail offering

Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours per month.

· Board Meetings: 4 per year, in person (Bath or Bristol), starting at 4pm and lasting 3.5 hours.

· Committee Involvement: Trustees must join one subcommittee, which meets 4 times a year online at 5:30pm for 2.5 hours.

· Annual Strategy Day: One full-day session for all board members.

Remuneration: Voluntary. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed

Julian House support people who are experiencing or recovering from homelessness, with a variety of needs; recovering from addiction; adults and children escaping domestic abuse; refugees building a new life; prison leavers seeking to re-start their lives; and members of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, and Boater communities who are living insecurely.

They take a person-centred approach, offering each one of their clients tailored support in line with their needs and goals. Their teams are passionate about their work and committed to getting the very best outcomes for the people they serve.

The Julian House Board of Trustees is responsible for supporting and holding to account the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.

They are looking for someone who can bring the following specialism to the board:

· Deep understanding of charity retail, most likely resulting from having held senior leadership retail positions in charities.

A trustee must:

· Fulfil the legal duties of the trustee role.

· Prepare for and attend all board meetings and relevant sub-committees.

· Ensure that everything they do helps to achieve the charity’s objects.

· Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law.

· Act in the charity’s best interests.

· Ensure the charity is compliant with statutory accounting and reporting requirements.

Previous Trustee board experience is not a requirement, the selected candidate will be assigned a ‘buddy’ on the Board, and we have an induction programme to welcome new trustees.

This role closes on Midnight Sunday 8th February.

Please send a copy of your CV and expression of interest to Leighann Beck quoting MC2616

Salford Women’s Aid is committed to a world where domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is not tolerated, and where women and children can live in safety.

We empower survivors by providing safe spaces in our refuges, and community-based support after they leave.

Salford Women’s Aid provides a range of life saving and life changing services. We put the experiences of survivors at the heart of our work and help amplify their voices. Our specialist staff understand the diverse and complex needs of women and their children – and we are experts in the dynamics of domestic abuse and gender-based violence.

We are committed to enabling people to break free from domestic abuse.

Role Summary

Oversee the charity’s financial risk-management process and report financial health to the board of trustees at regular intervals.

Acts as a counter signatory on applications to funders and working with appointed accountants to ensure that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion.

As Habitat GB is both a registered charity and a company, Trustees also serve as Company Directors, with names publicly listed at Companies House and the Charity Commission.

Time commitment: Up to 1 day per month.

Board meetings are held 4 times per year during the working day.  They are held in person, last half a day and are normally at our ReStore site in Romford. Ad hoc meetings, online and in person, may also be scheduled.

 Trustees may also be asked to join either the Finance, Audit & Risk subcommittee, or the Strategy & Development subcommittee, which also meet 4 times per year, normally online.

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance.

To support Habitat GB’s vision of a decent home for everyone, our National Strategy 2024-2027 identifies two key goals:

· To develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’;

· And to form a diverse coalition that champions the universal right to decent homes and collaborates to implement effective housing solutions for underserved communities worldwide.

About the Board of Trustees

The Habitat GB Board of Trustees is a group of volunteers with a wide range of backgrounds

and experiences who come together to help guide Habitat GB to deliver its strategy and ensure we do our work to the highest possible standards.

The Board works as a team, challenging and supporting the National Director and Senior Leadership Team with strategic decisions, mobilising resources and opening up access to networks and expertise.

This is an exciting time to join Habitat GB as we continue to deliver our bold strategy, guided by our vision of a world where everyone has a decent home. As a Trustee, you will help shape and support Habitat GB on this journey, ensuring our plans are ambitious, inclusive and achievable. You will play a key role in guiding the organisation’s future direction, ensuring our strategy reflects the voices and experiences of the people we support and that our work continues to deliver lasting impact.

You can find the biographies of our current Board of Trustees on our website.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking to recruit up to 5 new Trustees. We are particularly looking for the following experience:

· Finance management (experience of audit, impact investment or charity finance would be helpful).

· Legal (experience of charity law would be helpful).

· People - HR, EDI, Culture, Safeguarding.

· Brand, marketing, PR and media.

· Any experience of our strategic areas: the wider housing sector; local or national political, policy or service delivery;  charity retail.

· Fundraising and partnerships.

We are committed to making this opportunity fully accessible. We strongly encourage applications from disabled people and women, as well as individuals from other underrepresented backgrounds and those with lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity, to help us build a more diverse and inclusive Board.  

You do not need to have previous experience of sitting on a Board, or a university degree, or to have reached any particular stage in your career.

If you’re ready to use your experience, insight or passion to help break down barriers and make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

· Prepare for, attend in person and actively contribute to board meetings and share in decision making about all significant issues that impact Habitat GB.

· Chair or serve on at least one committee if invited, each meeting online four times a year.  Either the Finance Audit & Risk Committee, or the Strategy & Development Committee.

· Set Habitat GB’s strategy and ensure its delivery.

· Scrutinise Habitat GB’s performance and hold leadership to account.

· Visit a Habitat GB programme, activity, Global Volunteering Build or shop at least once a year.

· Act as custodian of Habitat GB’s values and long-term future and ensure good governance.

· Represent Habitat GB externally, be prepared to open up your network and act as an ambassador.

· Ensure legal and regulatory duties as a Trustee and Company Director are fulfilled.

· Fulfil the expectations of the Charity Commission or any other relevant regulatory body.

· Engage in any induction, training or upskilling activities required.

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:

· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.

· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.

· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.