Domestic abuse volunteer roles

As a Trustee at NSDAS with a focus on the Treasurer role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the financial stability and integrity of the charity. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees CEO and Finance Manager to oversee the financial management of the charity, providing strategic guidance and ensuring compliance with certain regulatory requirements.

The role of the Treasurer 

·Oversee the charity’s financial management and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.

·Work closely with the CEO and Board to develop a long-term financial strategy.

·Ensure compliance with charity finance regulations and best practices.

·Contribute to financial reports to the Board, making complex information accessible and actionable.

·Manage and review the work of the Finance Manager.

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Do you have the passion and commitment to support women experiencing Domestic Abuse to reach a place of safety? We are recruiting volunteers to support our Refuge Referral Line team, which supports women and children experiencing domestic abuse to find a safe, secure, and suitable refuge space across London.

You will join a team of trained staff and volunteers to support women to make a referral, and ensure they have the knowledge and are informed of the best options to reach safety. You will be supporting women and children to rebuild their lives free from fear!

What you will be doing

• Taking calls to assess the risks and needs of the women fleeing from domestic abuse whilst under supervision/guidance of the Referral Line Worker and the Service Manager
• To use a range of skills and tools to make phone conversations with women effective and empowering
• To provide women with knowledge of how to access refuge space and other types of support with the aid of a trained staff team
• General admin support: typing, taking notes, filing, scanning documents, keeping accurate records on our digitalised client management syste
• To develop positive relationships with staff members and women whilst promoting self-care
• Engage, support, and interact with women from a diverse range of needs and backgrounds

The skills you need

• A desire to provide support to women who are in crisis due to domestic abuse
• Always maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Calm, patient approach with empathy and a willingness to listen without judgement
• To have a willingness to learn about supporting women impacted by domestic abuse with a diverse range of needs/ backgrounds
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Good time-management
• Experience of using email, internet, and other digital IT skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

Rising Sun is a charity in Kent working to end domestic abuse and improve the lives of survivors and their children suffering from its effects.  We have an ambitious vision for a world in which women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence.

Established in 1978, we represent, campaign for, and support the delivery of specialist domestic abuse and prevention of violence against women and girls services in Kent, as part of a UK network.

We aim to:

• Prevent domestic abuse.
• Provide specialist services for survivors of domestic abuse which are survivor centred, trauma informed and gender responsive.
• Work in partnership with survivors and other services to provide a holistic and meaningful response to bring about lasting change.
• Advocate for survivors and provide a platform for their voice to be heard.

Equal Opportunities

Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups, as we are on a journey to increase diversity in our team and Trustee Board. Flexible working is available in the majority of roles, and we strive to accommodate the needs of all applicants and team members.

Trustee Board Duties and Collective Responsibilities

• Trustees have overall responsibility for managing the affairs of Rising Sun, to ensure high quality services for victim-survivors of domestic abuse, including children and young people
• Trustees ensure that Rising Sun operates within the law and within the confines of any contract it may have in place with other bodies, such as grant-giving organisations, housing associations and local authorities
• Trustees ensure that the business of Rising Sun is conducted openly and with integrity
• Trustees ensure that the Rising Sun operates within the terms of its governing document, framework and overall aims and objectives
• Trustees participate in defining strategic direction
• Trustees oversee the policies and procedures that underpin the work of Rising Sun
• Trustees oversee financial affairs
• Trustees safeguard the reputation and interests of Rising Sun
• Trustees identify, mitigate and manage risks
• Trustees work in the context of any authorities delegated by the Board
• Trustees support the Chair in carrying out duties as requested
• Trustees provide advice and guidance in areas of experience and expertise
• Trustees Provide challenge and support to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team as required.

Person Specification

Charity Law requires that any Trustee must be 18 or over, not be an undischarged bankrupt and not have been convicted of any unspent offence involving dishonesty or deception.

It is essential that all Trustees meet the qualities and requirements in the person specification below. In addition, all Trustees of Rising Sun are women because of the specialist nature of our work.

• Commitment to addressing violence against women and girls; and for the right of women and children to live and enjoy their lives in a safe environment
• Agreement with, and willingness to uphold, the aims and ethos of the organisation
• Commitment to give necessary time and effort to the role, and to actively promote the organisation and its work
• Good independent judgement
• Ability to work well as a member of a team
• Integrity and honesty, tolerance and patience
• Commitment to act in the best interest of the Rising Sun
• Understanding of working with confidential material
• Be able to attend meetings on a regular basis
• Be willing to learn about the organisation, its work and trustee responsibilities, and for this purpose to attend training and other events

Our Board

Our trustee board is currently made up of seven trustees, all women, who are passionate about our mission and framework, and who bring a range of skills and experience from social care and health to finance and research. We would like to recruit three or four new trustees in this round and would particularly welcome applications from people with skills and experience in communications, commissioning, safeguarding and trauma informed work.

Trustee Board meetings are held every two months from 5.30-7.30pm in person in Canterbury, with the option of online via MS Teams for occasions when trustees cannot make it in person. The CEO attends all meetings and members of the Senior Leadership Team attend on rotation. As well as standing agenda items there are always interesting and exciting opportunities to discuss, as well as challenges and risks to the organisation.

Further Information

Time Commitment

• Estimated at 2-4 hours per month comprising:
• Six 2-hour board meetings per year - most meetings are in-person in Canterbury (usually at the Prince of Wales Youth Club or another local venue if the youth club is unavailable)
• Time to read and reflect on board papers
• Attending an annual away day and occasional training sessions
• Attending optional team meetings and survivor focus groups

Note – the time commitment may be slightly greater in the initial 6 month probation and induction period due to induction activities and training.

Terms of appointment

• Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term, with the potential for re-election.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees receive a welcome pack and an induction with the Board and CEO, including an opportunity to meet some of the team and service users
• Trustees will be required to complete a DBS check and complete Safeguarding training
• Additional training may be offered where necessary.

How to Apply

To apply please send us your CV and a supporting statement explaining why you are interested in being a trustee at Rising Sun, the skills and experience you will bring to the Trustee Board, and what you would hope to get out of the role. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal chat with one of our trustees and, if still interested in the role, an interview with trustees and the CEO.

#trustee #trusteeship

The Pankhurst Trust (Incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid) is looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the next chapter of our journey. We bring together two powerful causes, the fight for women’s rights and the fight against domestic abuse, under one purpose: to ensure that women, children and wider communities experiencing domestic abuse are free to live a life without abuse.

We are proud to deliver specialist domestic abuse services across Greater Manchester while protecting and sharing the story of Emmeline Pankhurst and the suffragette movement through the Pankhurst Centre.

As we prepare to develop our next strategic plan, we are looking for trustees who share our passion for challenging inequality and creating lasting change. You’ll join a skilled and committed Board that works closely with our experienced Executive Leadership Team to ensure that our vision, values, and purpose continue to thrive.

Who we’re looking for

We are keen to hear from applicants from all backgrounds who are motivated by our mission and share our values.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in:

• Leading growth and transformational change
• Business development or corporate fundraising
• Heritage, HR, or property management

Above all, we are looking for people who can think strategically, bring fresh perspectives, and work collaboratively as part of a diverse, values-led Board.

Our commitment to inclusion

As an organisation led by and for women, and in line with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, this role is open to women only.

We recognise that women are not one single group, and that experiences of inequality can be shaped by race, disability, sexuality, class, and lived experience. We particularly encourage applications from women from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds, disabled women, LGBTQ+ women, women with caring responsibilities and those with lived experience of domestic abuse.

If you share our values and want to contribute to a purposeful, feminist organisation making a difference in Manchester and beyond, we would love to hear from you.

What to expect

• Time commitment of approximately 3 hours per month, including quarterly Board meetings (usually in person at the Pankhurst Centre), quarterly sub-committee meetings (usually held online), an Annual General Meeting, and occasional strategy / development days.
• Trustee terms are 3 years, with the option to renew.
• You’ll play an active role in setting strategy, ensuring good governance, and supporting our leadership team.

How to apply

Please download our Trustee Candidate Pack for more information.

Please submit your CV and a personal statement telling us why you’re interested in becoming a Trustee and how your skills and experience aligns with our mission and values.

Application deadline: Friday 7 November 2025

Interviews: Monday 17 November 2025

Peterborough Women’s Aid mission is to provide a specialist response to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls; empower victims to be in control of their own future and create everlasting change. We are a growing and aspirational organisation.

As Chair you will play an important role in shaping our future and help to ensure that we continue to deliver our vital, life-saving work supporting survivors of violence against women and girls

What will you be doing?

The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.

This is a voluntary position, but expenses are reimbursed.

Commitment

You will be required to attend a minimum of 8 meetings per year which are held on weekday evenings. These are currently being held on line however this may change. There are also two away day events in person. Three-year term, with a maximum of two terms.

What are we looking for?

• Experience of being a trustee (at least 3 years). 
• You do not need to have been a Chair before. 
• Knowledge of the Peterborough area. 
• Experience of strategic planning. 
• Strong leadership skills. 
• The ability to listen and engage effectively. 
• You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment. 
• Advocate - be able and willing to champion PWA’s work through personal networks and other channels.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

PWA values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination of all forms. We encourage and welcome applications from women of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applicants from minoritised women and younger women. We also welcome applicants with lived experience of VAWG services.

What difference will you make?

As a Chair Person, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation and the lives of those we serve. Your expertise, passion, and fresh perspective will be invaluable assets as we navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and continue to make a meaningful difference to families experiencing abuse.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting PWA with their recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. To apply please submit your CV/LinkedIn Profile, along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join PWA, the skills and experience you will bring to the board and what you would hope to get out of the role. 

Why This Matters

Every funding application you write could help open our first specialist refuge, provide emergency support to survivors, or deliver training that changes how authorities respond to Black women facing abuse. Your words will directly translate into life-changing services.

Our recent research revealed that 97% of Black women do not feel confident that reporting abuse would lead to fair treatment from authorities. Sistah Space exists to bridge this gap - and we need funding to continue this vital work.

What You'll Gain

• Real-world experience writing actual funding applications for an award-winning charity

• Portfolio building - successful bids you can showcase in your professional development

• Mentorship and guidance from our Head of Marketing and leadership team

• Written reference upon successful completion of your volunteer period

• Sector insight into charity operations and the domestic abuse sector

• Flexible working that fits around your existing commitments

• Meaningful impact - the satisfaction of directly contributing to life-saving work for Black women

• Skill development in grant writing, research, and stakeholder communication

Your Main Responsibilities:

• Writing funding applications - your primary focus (we'll provide templates, examples, and support)

• Researching funding opportunities that align with our mission and current priorities

• Gathering impact stories and data from the team to strengthen applications

• Maintaining a simple tracker of applications, deadlines, and outcomes

With Support, You May Also:

• Help with funder relationship follow-ups (we'll make introductions)

• Contribute ideas for strengthening our funding strategy

• Attend monthly check-ins with the leadership team

• Collaborate on other funding-related communications

Who We're Looking For

Essential:

• ✅ Previous experience with grant writing, bid writing, or funding applications

• ✅ Previous experience successfully securing funding, or at least being shortlisted 

• ✅ Passionate about racial justice and supporting survivors of abuse

• ✅ Strong writing skills - perhaps from professional reports, proposals, academic work, journalism, or communications roles

• ✅ Organised and able to meet deadlines with good time management

• ✅ Self-motivated - able to work independently while staying connected with the team

• ✅ Available to commit 6-8 hours weekly from November 2025 - May 2026

• ✅ Comfortable communicating via email with team members and occasionally with external stakeholders

Bonus Points For

• Understanding of issues affecting Black women and domestic abuse services

• Experience in the nonprofit, social justice, or community sector

Don't worry if you don't have all the "bonus" experience. We value passion, commitment, and strong writing over specific credentials. If you have transferable skills and the desire to learn, we want to hear from you.

How We'll Support You

We know volunteer roles need to work for you too. Here's what we provide:

• Comprehensive induction session covering our mission, impact data, and funding priorities

• Regular check-ins with the team (bi-weekly, 30 minutes)

• Responsive support via email/messaging when you have questions

• Complete flexibility - work hours that suit your schedule, whether that's evenings, weekends, or weekday mornings

• Warm, collaborative team - you'll work alongside passionate, welcoming colleagues who value your contribution

• Leadership visibility - present your findings to our CEO and leadership team

Ready to Make a Difference?

Please refer to the attached job description with details on how to apply. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Our Commitment to You

Sistah Space is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of the communities we serve. We recognise that the best volunteers come from diverse experiences and perspectives.

All volunteers will be supported with appropriate training, regular supervision, and flexible working arrangements. We are committed to making this a valuable and rewarding experience for you.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to use your skills for social justice. Together, we can ensure that every Black woman survivor has access to the specialist support she deserves.

We are looking to recruit a Volunteer for the position of Treasurer who can oversee & support the Board, CEO & the Business & Central Services Manager on the financial management aspects of Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services, from supporting with the financial forecasting, budgets & management account analysis, as well as all other financial related tasks and duties that the charity needs.

You must have previous experience in a financial role such as in Accounting and a good understanding of charities. You must be committed and dedicated to the role and the charity, ensuring any deadlines are met.

Experience:

• Charity Accounting: 2 years (Preferred)
• Accounting: 2 years (Desirable)

Women only to apply: S.7(2)(e) SDA applies. ‘Exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1’.

Volunteer Treasurer Role Description

The responsibilities of the Treasurer at board level are to:

• Liaise with finance staff and with the organisation’s independent examiner or auditor, in order to ensure that the organisation keeps proper accounts, in compliance with Companies House and Charity Commission regulations.

• Chair the finance sub-committee meetings, who are responsible for: -

• Reviewing the organisation’s financial performance.

• Reviewing policies for finance and investment.

• Ensuring that the organisation has robust and effective financial controls in place.

• Report on financial matters to the management committee.

The treasurer will share these responsibilities with the finance sub-committee, and staff will carry out day to day finance functions.

Other information:

·Expenses: paid in accordance with the Leeway volunteer expenses policy and following provision of receipts

·Insurance Cover: Trustee Indemnity Insurance in place

·Training: Trustee induction and ongoing training

·Recruitment method: Application form and skill-based Interview process

Applicants must support and have awareness of the aims and purposes of Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services. 

We are looking for a male mentor volunteer to provide guidance, support, and inspiration to young boys in our Brent Domestic Abuse Service. You will act as a positive role model by offering a listening ear for challenges, helping build social connections, and developing life skills like self-esteem, respecting others, and decision-making. This role requires empathy, reliability, and a commitment to a positive, non-judgmental approach. If you would like to make a difference, get in touch!

Hestia provides holistic, one-to-one support in our refuges and the community. Our refuge services are for women and children, offering a safe place to stay and vital emotional and practical support.

Outside of our refuges, most of our support services are accessible by anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including men.

In the last year, 3,855 women and children were supported by Hestia to recover from domestic abuse.

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, at any point in their life, regardless of their background, age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. However, it is a gendered crime, with women being three times more likely to be victims.

We help people understand what domestic abuse is and develop the knowledge, skills and tools they need to protect themselves, stay safe and leave a relationship, if and when they’re ready to do so.

What you will be doing

• Build a trusting relationship with a young boy by being a supportive, compassionate, and empathetic friend and role model
• Help the young person identify and work toward personal and academic goals
• Provide guidance and support on challenges the young boy faces, helping them consider various options and make positive life choices
• Support the young person in developing positive life skills and problem-solving abilities
• Assist in making social connections within the local community or through other positive activities and groups

The skills you need

• Ability to listen effectively and non-judgmentally
• A genuine desire to support young people and an ability to understand their needs and concerns
• Willingness to serve as a positive example and share experiences, if appropriate
• A commitment to working with the young person over a sustained period to foster growth and positive change

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Peterborough Women’s Aid are excited to announce the opportunity for a fundraising specialist to join our Board of Trustees.

About Peterborough Women's Aid

Peterborough Women’s Aid mission is to provide a specialist response to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls; empower victims to be in control of their own future and create everlasting change. We are a growing and aspirational organisation.

What will you be doing?

It’s not just about strategy, governance and finance, though these are important. It’s about bringing a wealth of different voices, skills and experiences to the table, and harnessing your energy, creativity and commitment to make a real difference. This is a voluntary position, but expenses are reimbursed.

The role of a trustee is varied and rewarding. It includes:

· Ensuring compliance with the values and objectives of PWA

· Agreeing all new policies and procedures

· Overseeing financial plans and budgets

· Approving the annual business plan

· Oversee the organisation’s fundraising plans and strategy

· Provide guidance and advice to the trustee board on fundraising

· Oversee organisational fundraising and ensure it is carried out in legal, transparent and accountable ways

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees act as a group and not as individuals.

Commitment

You will be required to attend a minimum of 8 meetings per year which are held on weekday evenings. These are currently being held on line however this may change. There are also two away day events in person. Three-year term, with a maximum of two terms.

What are we looking for?

· Someone with sufficient fundraising/income generation experience.

· An understanding of the UK charity sector.

· A thorough understanding of the Code of Fundraising Practice.

· Experience of diverse fundraising practices, including trusts and foundations, individual giving, major donors,        corporate, community and events.

· Excellent networking skills, influencing and communication skills.

· Knowledge of the Peterborough area.

· Experience of strategic planning.

· Strong leadership skills.

· The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

PWA values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination of all forms. We encourage and welcome applications from women of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applicants from minoritised women and younger women. We also welcome applicants with lived experience of VAWG services.

What difference will you make?

You could help to shape our future and ensure that we continue to deliver our vital, life-saving work supporting survivors of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is seeking to recruit enthusiastic new Trustees to join our existing Board and actively contribute to the existing strength and growth of the charity!

About

Trustees typically attend monthly board meetings, with occasional activities between meetings. The estimated time commitment is around 2 hours per typical month. New trustees will be supported with induction and access to ongoing training, including safeguarding and governance. We particularly welcome applications from women with lived experience of the issues we work on, and from those connected to the communities we serve in Hillingdon and surrounding boroughs. As a trustee, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of the Centre and ensure we continue to provide vital, trauma-informed support to women in Hillingdon and beyond.

About Hillingdon Women’s Centre

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is a women’s charity based in the London Borough of Hillingdon. For almost 40 years, we have been supporting the needs of women in our community. We provide access to services and work with women to help them overcome barriers in their lives and thrive. We are a proudly feminist, safe, and women-only space, inclusive of all women.

We are passionate about gender equality and ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Our services are client-led; we listen, provide information, and enable women to make their own choices and take control of their lives.

Purpose of the Trustee role: 

Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. As such, they are required to:
 

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for public benefit

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

• Act with reasonable care and skill

• Ensure the charity complies with statutory accounting and reporting requirements

Key Trustee responsibilities: 

• Definition and review of a strategy/business plan for the charity in line with its objectives

• Set and maintain the vision, mission and values.

• Definition and review of charity policies and procedures

• Review and management of risks

• Attendance at board meetings, including the AGM

• Recruitment and management of the Centre Manager

• Review of financial processes and accounting

• General oversight and management of the charity premises

• Generation of funding for the charity, i.e. completion of grant applications, execution of fundraising activities, securing donors and ambassadors for the charity

• Promotion of the charity externally

We’re particularly seeking individuals with expertise in:

• Fundraising and income generation (e.g. donor engagement, campaign development, marketing strategy)

• Financial audit and compliance

• HR and people management

• External/public affairs and advocacy

• Governance and charity finance

• Strategic thinking and change management

• Lived experience of domestic abuse or connection to the communities we serve

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Integrity

• Strategic thinking and the ability to see the bigger picture

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of a Trustee

• Willingness to devote the time and effort to the role

• Good independent judgement and creative thinking

• Ability to constructively contribute to conversations

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

We are committed to creating a board that reflects the diversity of our community. If you have access needs or require support with the application process, please let us know.
 

How to apply

• Please send a short expression of interest and your CV 

• If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to arrange a chat.

• Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone with transferable experience and a passion for our mission, we would welcome your application. If you’re passionate about gender equality and want to help shape the future of HWC, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: This is a voluntary role, open to local female UK residents only. This is to ensure compliance with governance, legal, and operational requirements relevant to our charity’s work. 

Tender is an arts charity working with children and young people to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence through creative projects. Our programmes are safe, enjoyable, age-appropriate spaces where young people can engage with sensitive topics and “rehearse” for real-life scenarios. Participants are encouraged to be both consumers and producers of learning through script-work, role-play and creative media such as films and art. Throughout, we enable young people to explore their choices, rights and expectations in relationships and to recognise the early warning signs of abuse.

Tender works first and foremost with young people, meaning our work is always varied and constantly evolving. We are therefore lucky to receive the support and guidance from our Youth Board, who meet monthly to develop Tender’s activities and direction, and explore innovative ways of engaging young people in a way that stays relevant to them.

What is the Tender Youth Board?

Tender’s Youth Board is an advisory group that supports the on-going development and delivery of Tender’s work. As a youth-based organisation, the board plays a vital role in guiding how we engage young people in conversations around healthy relationships, domestic abuse and sexual violence, and promote the issue to wider society. We do this by getting young people to work closely with members from every department of the Tender team and its Board of Trustees.

The Youth Board supports Tender’s work by:

• Developing and delivering awareness-raising campaigns and blogs
• Contributing ideas for projects and resources
• Reviewing Tender’s activities that are used in workshops with young people to ensure they are relevant and appropriate
• Discussing policies and current events in the Violence Against Women and Girls sector
• Contributing to Tender’s recruitment processes
• Contributing to Tender’s funding applications

Time Expectations

We ask our Youth Board members for a commitment to volunteering for a minimum of 6 hours every three months. The ways members can engage are listed below:

• Meetings will be typically held twice a month on Wednesday, 5:30pm – 6:30pm. It is important that you can attend the majority of these online meetings, and at least one meeting a month.
• Twice per year, in March and October, a meeting is held in person at Tender’s London office – travel and food expenses are covered.
• Volunteering time at public events to promote Tender’s cause, such as panels and organisational events.
• Carrying out other tasks that come up outside meetings, such as blog writing, or being on steering groups for specific projects.
• Engaging with flexible work experience opportunities in various teams across the charity.
• Responding to emails before meetings to let us know if you will be able to attend or not.

You can find example of the types of events attended by our Youth Board, and blogs written by members on our website and in our trustee report.

How we support you

Three members of the Tender team support the Youth Board by running the interactive and creative meetings, and planning the year’s activities. They will be available during your time on the Youth Board to ensure you get the most out of volunteering with us.

At Tender we believe in the importance of giving back to those who volunteer their time with us. You will be given a full induction to the Youth Board so that you understand our work and your role as a Youth Board member. As an active member of the youth board, you will be offered opportunities and rewards, such as:

• Free masterclasses from external organisations (topics have included: CV writing, working in policy, influencing government, facilitating workshops using arts-based methods, and charity governance)
• Free tickets to theatre productions, exhibitions and other public events
• Opportunities to build your CV through campaigning, masterclasses, events and work experience.

To make sure we’re supporting our Youth Board members, we carry out a survey of new members to better understand what you wish to gain from the Youth Board, and endeavour to offer opportunities to develop in ways that will support your future plans and ambitions. This could even include working at Tender – a number of our employees started their journeys at Tender on the Youth Board!

Who can apply to the Youth Board?

We are looking for young people aged 16-25 living in any region within the UK who:

• Understand issues impacting young people’s relationships
• Would like to learn more about campaigning on topics surrounding relationships, gender equality and domestic abuse
• Are interested in working with Tender to influence the work we do and the impact we have
• Are interested in drama and the arts as a tool for social change

We understand that some applicants may have personal experiences of these issues or know people with personal experiences. The Youth Board is not a therapeutic space and therefore we would never ask you to talk about these experiences. Please be mindful that this role will interact with topics that are sometimes difficult, and it is therefore important that you consider whether this is the right time for you to engage in this work.

We are especially looking for volunteers who are aged 16-18, LGBTQ+, black and ethnic minorities, male-identifying, non-binary and young people with disabilities.

Application Process

Applications are currently open, and will close on 2 November 2025 at 11.59pm . You can find tips on how to write your application at the top of the application form. Tender will then review applications and invite shortlisted applicants to a one-hour group online interview. Those who are accepted onto the programme will be invited to an online induction before their first meeting. 

Interview dates are as follows:

Tuesday 25th November, 5.30pm - 7.00pm

Wednesday 26th November, 5.30pm - 7.00pm

We are looking for a volunteer who would like to play a role in building children’s confidence. Would you be interested in supporting children to improve their numeracy abilities? We are looking for a volunteer who understands children with specific needs particularly around attention and memory challenges. Through your support, encouragement and tutoring you will make a difference to the people you work with! Hestia provides holistic, one-to-one support in our refuges and the community. Our refuge services are for women and children, offering a safe place to stay and vital emotional and practical support.

Outside of our refuges, most of our support services are accessible by anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including men.

In the last year, 3,855 women and children were supported by Hestia to recover from domestic abuse.

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, at any point in their life, regardless of their background, age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. However, it is a gendered crime, with women being three times more likely to be victims.

We help people understand what domestic abuse is and develop the knowledge, skills and tools they need to protect themselves, stay safe and leave a relationship, if and when they’re ready to do so.

What you will be doing

• To support children who are not confident with numeracy to develop these skills through tutoring sessions over a video call
• Engage in conversation, problem solving examples, maths based support
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions

The skills you need

• Interest in supporting children to develop their math skills. Background in teaching maths/numeracy is desirable
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• A tutoring qualification is desirable but not essential
• Mathematics qualification is essential

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Do you have a passion for knitting and would like to share your skills with others? We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Knitting Volunteer to facilitate a Knitting group in one of our Domestic Abuse refuges. Knitting is good way to relieve stress, increase confidence and create a sense of purpose.

What you will be doing

• Supporting others to improve their knitting and crochet skills and adhere to all abilities
• Facilitate a fun and enjoyable interactive group
• Maintain strict confidentiality and good working relationships

The skills you need

• Good interpersonal & communication skills to give instructions clearly to service user
• Kind and patient nature
• Interest and experience in knitting and Crochet
• Helpful and motivating attitude with a supportive approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Do you enjoy singing and listening to all genres of music? We have an exciting opportunity to facilitate 1-1 singing sessions. You will be supporting our service user to develop her skills and explore her passion for singing!

What you will be doing

• Facilitate 1-1 singing sessions
• Provide opportunities for the service user to develop their singing skills
• To use a range of skills and tools to make sessions interesting and fun
• Provide knowledge on vocal techniques, breath control, pitch exercises and song interpretation

The skills you need

• Understanding of Domestic abuse and its impact
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with people from different backgrounds
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Experience in music in either a professional, educational or personal level

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun