Volunteer roles

Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is a dynamic local charity established in 2006. We support asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants, to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying problems that lead people to be in crisis.

We are a team of 15 majority part-time paid staff (9FTE) and over 100 volunteers. Our office is based in the Leemore Centre in central Lewisham. AFRIL works with residents in Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley. In the last 12 months AFRIL has supported over 750 individuals. 

AFRIL’s Casework and Advocacy Team provides complex casework and legal interventions in the areas of housing and homelessness, Asylum Support, Benefits, No Recourse to Public Funds and Community Care. AFRIL also offers community activities to the residents of a local Asylum Support Hotel. Activities are arranged in situ at the hotel, as well through trips and outings.

AFRIL’s ESOL support volunteers will work with AFRIL’s Community Activities Coordinator to provide friendly and professional ESOL and English Conversation activities to participants.

Your duties will include: 

• Arrive promptly to support AFRIL staff to set up the ESOL / English Conversation activity.

• You will work with the Community Activities Coordinator to plan activities and sessions according to the appropriate level of the participants’ English.

• You will engage participants in the activities, supporting them to take part, improving their English and confidence.

Other duties also include:

• Undertake comprehensive training (including safeguarding training) to support you in carrying out your volunteer role.

• Uphold AFRIL’s values when working alongside staff, volunteers and clients, and follow AFRIL’s policies and procedures at all times.

• Be vigilant of any safeguarding concerns and report these swiftly to AFRIL staff.

Focus Birmingham is a leading local charity that provides expert support, advice, and care for people living with sight loss and complex disabilities. We deliver a range of life-changing services including residential care, supported living, day services, low vision assessments, and community outreach. Our approach is person-centered, empowering individuals to live independently and access opportunities with dignity and inclusion.

As we adapt to a changing digital landscape and explore new ways of engaging communities, supporters, and service users, we are seeking a Digital Marketing Trustee to join our dynamic and committed Board. This new role will support the charity’s ambitions to improve digital engagement, modernise communications, and strengthen our public profile and fundraising capacity.

Why This Role Matters

Effective digital communication is essential for amplifying our voice, reaching diverse audiences, promoting inclusion, and securing sustainable income. As Digital Marketing Trustee, you will offer strategic oversight and guidance to ensure our marketing and digital communications are high-impact, audience-focused, and aligned with our mission.

This is a unique opportunity to use your digital expertise to shape the future of a well-established charity while contributing to a cause with genuine social value.

Role Purpose

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic leadership of Focus Birmingham. In your specialist capacity, you will:

• Advise the Board on digital strategy, branding, and communications
• Provide scrutiny and insight into digital marketing and audience engagement
• Ensure the charity’s digital presence is accessible, inclusive, and aligned with its values
• Support innovation across channels to increase visibility, fundraising, and service impact

You will work alongside fellow trustees and the executive leadership team to ensure Focus Birmingham maximises its digital potential while maintaining high standards of compliance, reputation, and effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

General Trustee Duties

As a member of the Board, all trustees are expected to:

• Ensure Focus Birmingham complies with its governing documents, charity law, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain proper oversight of strategic objectives, financial performance, and risk management
• Uphold the charity’s values and ensure ethical governance and decision-making
• Provide constructive support and challenge to the senior leadership team
• Act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries at all times
• Attend quarterly Board meetings and participate in additional committee work or strategic sessions as appropriate

Digital Marketing-Specific Duties

As the Digital Marketing Trustee, your responsibilities will also include:

• Advising on the development and implementation of a digital marketing and communications strategy to raise awareness of the charity’s services, campaigns, and fundraising efforts
• Supporting the charity to grow and diversify its online presence through effective use of website content, social media, email campaigns, video, SEO, and online advertising
• Helping evaluate the effectiveness of digital channels using analytics and audience insights, and suggesting improvements based on performance data
• Offering oversight and guidance on brand development and how the charity presents itself visually and verbally in digital formats
• Promoting good practice in digital storytelling reflects the experiences of our service users in an ethical and empowering way
• Helping ensure digital communications are accessible to people with visual impairments and compliant with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, WCAG)
• Advising on digital aspects of donor engagement and online fundraising, including giving platforms, digital campaigns, and crowdfunding
• Championing innovation in communications and supporting a culture of creativity and responsiveness within the organisation

Person Specification

We are seeking a digitally savvy marketing leader who brings strategic insight, creativity, and a passion for social purpose.

Essential Criteria

• Substantial experience in digital marketing, digital communications, or online engagement, ideally in a senior or strategic role
• Strong understanding of digital marketing tools and platforms, including social media, CMS, email marketing, SEO, PPC, Google Analytics, and CRM systems
• Strategic thinker with a clear grasp of audience targeting, digital content planning, and user experience (UX)
• Demonstrated ability to use data and analytics to inform decisions and drive results in engagement or conversion
• Familiarity with digital storytelling, campaigns, and brand development across multi-channel environments
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to convey complex digital concepts clearly to a non-technical audience (e.g., board and senior staff)
• Commitment to inclusive and ethical digital communication practices, particularly for people with disabilities or accessibility needs
• An understanding of and commitment to charity governance, transparency, and good stewardship

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with or advising not-for-profits, charities, or social enterprises
• Knowledge of digital fundraising platforms or experience delivering online fundraising or donor engagement campaigns
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1) and tools that improve online inclusion
• Experience leading or advising on digital transformation in a small or medium-sized organisation
• Lived or professional experience related to disability, accessibility, or sight loss

What We Offer

• A meaningful, strategic volunteer opportunity with a respected, impact-driven charity
• The chance to shape digital strategy and innovation at Board level
• A supportive and collaborative Trustee team, with induction and ongoing development
• Opportunities to meet and engage with service users, frontline staff, and supporters
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• The satisfaction of contributing to a mission that improves lives across Birmingham and beyond

Focus Birmingham is a specialist charity that provides expert support, care, and advice to individuals living with visual impairments and additional complex needs. Through our residential, community, and day services, we empower people to lead fulfilling lives, maintain independence, and engage meaningfully with their communities.

Our person-centered approach ensures that every individual we support is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. We are committed to building an inclusive society where barriers to independence are removed and where every person’s potential is recognised.

As we look to the future, we are focused on strengthening governance, embracing innovation, and expanding our impact across the city and region. We are now seeking a Legal Trustee to join our Board and help guide us through the legal, regulatory, and ethical challenges of leading a complex, values-driven organisation.

Why Join Our Board as Legal Trustee?

Charities operate in a highly regulated environment where strong legal oversight and governance are critical. The Legal Trustee will play a vital role in ensuring that the charity complies with its statutory obligations and maintains a culture of integrity, transparency, and lawful conduct. This is a unique opportunity to apply your legal skills in a high-impact, purpose-led context helping to protect the charity’s long-term sustainability and the rights of the people we serve.

Role Purpose

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Legal Trustee shares collective responsibility for the governance, strategy, and sustainability of Focus Birmingham. In addition to these general duties, the Legal Trustee provides expert legal insight and guidance to the Board and executive team, ensuring the charity complies with relevant laws, maintains robust risk management, and adheres to best practice in governance and decision-making.

You will work closely with the Chair, Chief Executive Officer, and fellow Trustees, supporting key decisions across areas such as regulatory compliance, contracts, safeguarding, employment, and charitable governance.

Key Responsibilities

General Trustee Duties

• Ensure the charity complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law, and all relevant legislation or regulations.
• Contribute to the development and monitoring of Focus Birmingham’s strategic direction and operational plans.
• Act in the best interests, avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining confidentiality.
• Uphold and champion the charity’s values, mission, and policies including those related to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion.
• Attend and participate actively in Board meetings (typically held quarterly), relevant sub-committees, and strategic events.
• Maintain effective oversight of financial performance, risk, and governance quality.
• Serve as a critical friend to the executive team, providing support, challenge, and encouragement.

Legal Trustee-Specific Responsibilities

• Act as the Board’s primary source of legal expertise, offering high-level advice on legal, regulatory, and contractual matters.
• Advise the Board on its responsibilities under charity, company, employment, data protection, and safeguarding law, among others.
• Support the scrutiny of key contracts, leases, service agreements, and policies to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks.
• Guide the Board in managing disputes, liabilities, or potential legal actions, working with external counsel when needed.
• Assist with drafting and reviewing governance policies, board terms of reference, delegated authorities, and codes of conduct.
• Ensure the charity is prepared for regulatory inspections (e.g., Charity Commission, CQC) and supports compliance reporting.
• Monitor emerging legal developments that may impact the charity and advise accordingly.

Focus Birmingham is a charity that supports people with sight loss and complex needs., providing a wide range of services aimed at enhancing independence and wellbeing. Art is one of the many ways we help people express themselves, build confidence and feel connected.

We are looking for a creative Volunteer Art Teacher who can being inspiration and colour to our art sessions. We are looking for someone who will be able comfortable working various different art and craft mediums, including watercolours, clay, knitting amongst many others. 

You will be required to volunteer every other Thursday of the month, between 10-12, you will also be required to set up and take down at the start and end of every session. We are looking for commitment for at least 12 months 

We are looking for individuals who

• Have a passion for Art and Crafts, including watercolours, clay, knitting amongst others.
• Have strong communication skills.
• Have an awareness of safeguarding and GDPR
• Be empathic and understanding to the needs of others
• Experience of teaching or supporting people with a visual impairment is desirable but enthusiasm and a willingness to learn new skills are essential.

Benefits of volunteering with Focus Birmingham 

• Access to ongoing training
• Quarterly check ins
• Regular reviews 
• Aiding of professional development.

Can you help us by providing a calm, safe, and caring environment for our small furries whilst we find them their fur-ever home?

Often when we think about animal fostering, cats, and dogs spring to mind, but have you ever thought about fostering our smaller animals? The RSPCA received more than 5,000 reports last year about rabbits and other small furries relating to neglect or abandonment and rescued an average of 340 small furries a month! To help us with the rehoming of these small animals, we are actively looking to add to our fantastic team of volunteer fosterers.

As a small animal fosterer, you would play an essential role in providing the animals in our care with a temporary home whilst they are being rehomed. Like us, even small furries have specific needs and requirements, but rest assured, once we have guided you through the fostering process the animal centre will ensure that you have all the necessary guidance, equipment, food, and veterinary care.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Provide them with care, safe suitable housing, and space for playtime, as outlined in our policies and guidelines.

• Ensure that they are groomed if appropriate and fed and watered.

• Provide them with suitable and clean bedding to keep them cosy.

• Give them lots of attention and plenty of cuddles as they are very sociable animals.

What We’re Looking For:

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience of caring for animals.

• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.

• For their wellbeing, our small furries may need to be fostered in pairs, so please bear this in mind.

• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case).

• You should be located in South Buckinghamshire or within a reasonable distance.

What’s in It for You?

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the small animals in your care.

• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.

• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.

• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

• The RSPCA is happy to reimburse you for any pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Practical Considerations:

• Health & Safety: You’ll need to complete a simple online Health & Safety course before starting the role.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.

• Submission of two referees’ contact details.

• Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.

At RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, our charity shops are looking for friendly, local volunteers to join our team and help make our shops in Chesham and Burnham a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!

As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager and 1-2 other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare. 

Why Volunteer With Us?

As a volunteer charity shop assistant, you will:

• Support a worthwhile cause and help improve animal welfare.

• Be part of a friendly and dedicated team.

• Enjoy a fun and fulfilling role at the heart of the local community.

• Training and development opportunities, including induction and ongoing support.

• Learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.

• Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Helping customers in the shop find what they need.

• Accepting donations of items and money from the public.

• Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid. (Training is provided but if you are not comfortable using the till, please get in touch because we have plenty of other tasks that do not involve the till).

• Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.

• Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items.

• Merchandising stock on the shop floor.

• Creating attractive shop window displays.

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, local volunteers who are confident talking to people.

• Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.

• We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment predominately 8 hours or more per week.

• Good communication and numeracy skills.

• You will need to be aged 16 or over.

What’s in It for You?

• Meet new people and make new friends.

• Learn new skills to enhance your CV.

• A comprehensive induction and training programme relevant to your role.

• Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of your local community.

• Know that your time and effort is making a real difference to the welfare of animals.

• We’re happy to reimburse reasonable travel expenses incurred while volunteering.

Practical Considerations:

• Online induction - you’ll need to complete an online induction but if you are not able to use IT we do have a paper-based induction as an alternative. 

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.

• Submission of two referees’ contact details.

• Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) is a dynamic local charity established in 2006. We support asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants, to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. We provide both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes to tackle the underlying problems that lead people to be in crisis.

We are a team of 15 majority part-time paid staff (9 FTE) and over 100 volunteers. AFRIL works with residents in Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bexley and Bromley. In the last 12 months AFRIL has supported over 750 individuals. 

AFRIL’s Casework and Advocacy Team provides complex casework and legal interventions in the areas of housing and homelessness, Asylum Support, Benefits, No Recourse to Public Funds and Community Care. AFRIL also offers community activities to the residents of a local Asylum Support Hotel. Activities are arranged in situ at the hotel, as well through trips and outings.

Your duties will include:
Community Activities Volunteer
● Arrive promptly to support AFRIL staff to set up the Community Activitysession which, depending on the day, could include:
    ○ Arts & craft activities
    ○ ESOL / english conversation practice
    ○ It is also possible you will support a group on an outing to amuseum, to AFRIL’s Allotment of Refuge or to another location.
● As a volunteer, your role during these activities will involve supporting the staff to deliver the relevant activities, and will specifically include:
    ○ Engage all participants in a warm and friendly manner, making all feel welcome and involved
    ○ Support new participants to complete the registration forms, and log attendances on the register
    ○ Putting out resources, materials, games and actively support participation in such activities
    ○ Arranging and distributing food and drink to members
    ○ Helping the group to navigate safely if out on trips

Outreach Volunteer
● Arrive promptly at 12.15pm to support AFRIL staff to set up the Outreach Advice session.
    ○ Welcome clients to the drop in, provide an overview of how AFRIL can support, record basic information to pass onto AFRIL caseworkers
    ○ Oversee a queue system of those seeking advice from Caseworkers
    ○ Provide clients with refreshments, build rapport and field basic questions about the outreach session whilst clients are waiting

Duties for both roles also include:
● Undertake comprehensive training (including safeguarding training) to support you in carrying out your volunteer role.
● Uphold AFRIL’s values when working alongside staff, volunteers and clients, and follow AFRIL’s policies and procedures at all times.
● Be vigilant of any safeguarding concerns and report these swiftly to AFRIL staff.

AFRIL’s Community Activities & Outreach Volunteer will have the opportunity to volunteer at AFRIL’s Community Activity sessions (weekly) and Outreach Advice sessions (fortnightly). The volunteers will provide friendly and professional support to participants, collect basic information and support AFRIL staff where appropriate. 

Our volunteers are crucial in supporting AFRIL staff to obtain the best outcomes for our clients, and this role will provide you with valuable insight into the immigration system and its many challenges.

Focus Birmingham is a dedicated charity supporting people with sight loss and complex needs, helping them lead fuller, more independent, and more connected lives. We’re currently looking for warm, compassionate volunteers to join us as Telephone Befrienders.

If you can spare just a few hours a week, you can make a genuine difference to someone who is visually impaired and may be feeling isolated. A simple conversation from the comfort of your own home can bring comfort, confidence, and connection to someone who truly needs it.

As a Telephone Befriender, you’ll offer friendly chats, emotional support, and a vital social lifeline — helping people feel heard, valued, and less alone and you won’t be doing it on your own. We’ll support you every step of the way, from application and onboarding to being carefully matched with someone you’ll genuinely connect with.

If you’re ready to brighten someone’s day — and enrich your own — we’d love for you to apply and join our community of caring volunteers.

Quotes from our volunteers -

• Sonia, Telephone Befriender "It's so rewarding knowing that  a weekly phone call to someone can help reduce their feelings of loneliness and isolation for a small part of their day."
• Sacha, Telephone Befriender "One of the greatest gifts is giving my time to support and empower citizens with sight loss."
• Sharon, Telephone Befriender "It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction when I see service users gain confidence and self-esteem, as I believe the be-friending service is making a real difference to their lives".

Bring your senior-level expertise to a committed and forward-thinking Board.

Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support, thanks to the talents and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and trustees. By listening to and working alongside people who face difficulties because of their criminal records, we have built a strong track record of identifying problems, developing solutions, and turning those solutions into real change. We also influence national policy and drive systemic reform.

We are now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our engaged and committed board.

About the role

Trustees play a crucial part in shaping Unlock’s leadership, strategic direction, and governance. As Chair, you will work in partnership with the Chief Executive to provide clear and inclusive leadership, ensuring that the board operates effectively and that the organisation remains focused on its charitable purpose. You will help the board set strategy, scrutinise performance, uphold good governance, and support the CEO and senior team to deliver Unlock’s mission.

 About you

We would love to hear from you if you can bring the following attitudes and skills:

· Experience as a trustee and of working with or managing senior leaders.

· A willingness to offer advice to staff when needed, and to get involved practically where appropriate.

· A strong commitment to Unlock’s vision, values, and mission.

· Experience in the charity sector is helpful but not essential. If you have the right leadership qualities and a passion for our work, we will provide support to help you step confidently into the role. So if you’re new to the voluntary sector, please don’t let that discourage you from applying.

· We are committed to increasing diversity across Unlock, including within our board. We particularly welcome applications from people who have themselves faced and overcome the disadvantages associated with a criminal record.

If you’re energised by the prospect of helping to lead a small criminal justice charity with an impressive national impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Focus Birmingham is a charity that supports people with sight loss and complex needs, providing a wide range of services aimed at enhancing independence and wellbeing. Effective fundraising and marketing are essential to ensuring we can continue delivering these vital services and reaching the people who need us most.

Focus Birmingham is a dedicated charity supporting people with sight loss and complex needs, helping them lead fuller, more independent, and more connected lives. We’re currently looking for organised, caring, and reliable volunteers to join us as Admin Volunteers.

If you can spare just a few hours a week, you can play a vital role in keeping our services running smoothly and ensuring that people with sight loss receive the support they need. Your contribution behind the scenes — from your home or at our centre — helps create the strong foundations that allow our frontline teams to deliver life-changing support.

As an Admin Volunteer, you’ll assist with tasks such as updating records, making follow-up calls, organising information, preparing materials, and supporting staff with day-to-day administration. Your attention to detail and friendly approach will help us stay connected, responsive, and effective — and you won’t be doing it alone. We’ll support you at every step, from application and onboarding to ongoing training and guidance from our volunteer team.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference — and gain valuable skills and experience along the way — we’d love for you to apply and join our community of dedicated volunteers.

About The Role

At WWT we shape unforgettable experiences. We are a warm, welcoming and genuine charity that protects and restores Wetlands. WWT Martin Mere has 600 acres of amazing wetland scenery which is home to such an assortment of wildlife. 

We are looking for volunteers who can support our team in our Café and shop to ensure we offer excellent customer service to our visitors.

By providing excellent customer care in our shop, you will be encouraging our visitors to support the wider conservation work of WWT. The money that is taken in retail is instrumental to the conservation work that WWT can afford to carry out.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us, or give us a call and  leave us a message with your name and number.  

About You

Who are we looking for?

This role would suit you if:

• Have an enthusiastic and friendly manner
• Have an eye for detail and creativity
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• A confident attitude and / or experience in successful face-to-face contact with the public
• Commitment to excellent customer service
• Are happy using a computer/till
• Like working in a busy environment
• An interest in birding and optics equipment (if you’d like to get involved in promoting and selling our optics)

We are particularly looking for people to help on Mondays, Thursdays or Fridays. 

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

We look forward to hearing from you! 

This is an exciting opportunity for passionate, innovative individuals to join our small but dynamic charity and make a lasting difference for people affected by alopecia.​Alopecia UK is a national charity with a vision for a world where people affected by alopecia live the life they want. The charity’s mission is to offer support, community and education to improve the lives of those with alopecia.

We are seeking talented trustees to strengthen our strategic leadership and support smooth succession as current trustees reach the end of their terms. This is an ongoing recruitment process, and we welcome applications at any time, particularly from those with expertise in the following areas:

• Charity fundraising: Leadership in a fundraising environment, ideally within the charity sector.
• Communications & Marketing: Senior communications or marketing role, with strong audience engagement insight.
• Legal: Experience providing legal advice at a senior level, preferably with charity or governance exposure.
• Dermatology in the NHS: Experience of treating patients with alopecia, with a deep knowledge of clinical pathways and related challenges in primary and secondary care.

About Alopecia UK

Founded in 2004, we work to help adults, young people and children affected by alopecia. This includes those with alopecia, as well as their loved ones. We are a small charity, with an annual income under £500,000, working nationally across the UK. Despite being small, we are the largest alopecia charity in the UK and have big ambitions to continue our growth and development, reaching more people than ever before. We agreed a new strategy in May 2025, and are committed to our key goal, which is to increase our reach, particularly in the communities that haven’t yet found us.

We have a fantastic and dedicated staff team (5.4 FTE) and board of Trustees. We also rely upon the generosity of volunteers, many of whom have personal experience of alopecia themselves. Alopecia UK receives no statutory funding from the government and is funded by community fundraising, donations, funding grants, and corporate partnerships.

​Alopecia UK Trustee Board

The Alopecia UK Trustee Board are a group of dedicated volunteers who are committed to Alopecia’s aims.

The Trustee Board meets four times a year (two face-to-face meetings and two virtual meetings). Face-to-face meetings tend to be held on Saturdays from approximately 10am-4pm. Virtual meetings tend to be held midweek from approximately 6.30-8.30pm.

Trustees are encouraged to participate in charity campaigns and attend flagship events, e.g., our Big Weekend and Alton Towers trip. Trustees are not paid, but out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed. Trustees serve at least three years
 

Make a difference – become a school governor

You do not have to be a parent or member of staff to be a school governor – applications are appreciated from all with an interest in the local community. School governors come from all walks of life and specialist knowledge is not always needed. What IS essential is a desire to get involved in children’s education and make a difference to their lives.

We welcome applications from those with educational, health & safety and safeguarding experience but school governors are all volunteers and training and support is provided. The University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust partners new governors with a ‘buddy’ – a trusted and more experienced colleague on the governing body – who initially acts as their mentor. Briefing information and assistance is also available through newsletters, websites and helplines provided by the Department for Education.

Founded in 1997, the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants provides a place for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum to rebuild their life with support and community. From classes to casework to financial assistance, the Centre has a wide offering available for our community of over 200 people. Our approach is compassionate and human and the support we offer is long term - on average people stay with us around four years.

The current Board brings a wide range of charity and public body experience including strategy and fundraising and we are looking for skills to both enhance and complement these strengths.

The Centre has a dedicated and talented staff team led by our CEO, Andy Ruiz Palma, who joined in 2000 as an English teacher. In addition to this staff resource we have around 40 volunteers who provide direct support through activities. We also have in place accountancy support to the executive and a dedicated fundraising team.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong empathy with our client group and who understand how to work with organisations rooted in a local community. You will bring excellent people and communication skills and demonstrate good team-working.

We are open to applications from people looking for their first Trustee role or who may not have considered being a Trustee before and will provide mentoring to help trustees find their feet.

We are looking to recruit a deputy treasurer with:

A good understanding of financial management and reporting

A recognised accounting, finance or similar qualification

Ability to analyse and communicate financial information to the wider Board

Willingness to provide financial advice and support to the management team as needed

Knowledge and experience of fundraising finance practice in voluntary and community organisations (desirable)