Volunteer peer supporter volunteer roles in united kingdom

Are you passionate about communities and the voluntary sector? Do you want to use your skills, experience or lived insight to help strengthen and support Hampshire’s VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) sector? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

Action Hampshire is currently recruiting new trustees to join our engaged and committed Board. This is an exciting opportunity to help guide the strategic direction of a well-respected organisation that works at the heart of community support across Hampshire.

We’re proud to be two years into delivering an ambitious 3-year strategy focused on:

• Building a sustainable future
• Strengthening our identity and voice
• Fostering a supportive, inclusive workplace
• Becoming more digitally smart and connected

As a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in helping us achieve these goals and ensuring we stay true to our mission and values.

Whether you’re an experienced Trustee or completely new to the role, what matters most to us is your enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to supporting communities. We’re particularly keen to hear from people with a range of experiences and backgrounds—including younger people, people from minoritised groups, and those with lived experience of the challenges our communities face.

You don’t need to know everything from day one—we’ll support you with an induction, ongoing learning, and a friendly, collaborative Board environment.

Our number one requirement is simply a commitment to Action Hampshire’s mission and values. But we would also like you to have the following:

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort planning how the charity will deliver its charitable purpose
• Good, independent judgement
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak your mind, but listen to the views of others
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Trustee (we can help you to understand that better – just ask us)
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

We are looking for volunteers to help at our portfolio of exciting evening fashion show events  this year. Be a part of something truly special!

The NSPCC's mission is to end cruelty to children. In order to carry out its charitable work, the NSPCC relies on the fundraising support of people across the UK for 90% of its annual income. That's why the NSPCC events team put on industry leading events to raise funds and highlight the work that we do

We are looking for enthusiastic and organised people to join our community of event volunteers. We couldn't continue to hold industry leading events without our event volunteers who play an integral part in assisting on the night. The NSPCC events calendar brings together guests from a range of sectors for innovative, luxury and spectacular evenings of entertainment that help to raise vital funds for the NSPCC and Childline.

What you'll be doing:

To work together with the Community Fundraising Manager to co-ordinate new fashion show events in the local community together with like-minded people. 

We have many different roles that you can get stuck in to on the night of the event. The support needed is either event set up during the day or being on hand to greet and support guests over the duration of the evening. Typically, you will be volunteering for 5 hours, usually from 5.30pm to 10.30pm, with breaks and we will provide all food and refreshments.

Volunteers can expect to be:

• selling raffle tickets/ items during the reception
• acting as a table host and encouraging guests to bid in the silent auction and take part in fundraising games and activities.
• Taking part in our live auctions by acting as bid spotters for the auctioneer.

What you'll get:

A community of likeminded peers and the feeling that you have helped the NSPCC to achieve a successful event which will allow them to help children across the UK.

We'll support you with check in's and materials to help in your role. We will keep you updated with NSPCC information and other ways you can support.  

Once you have signed up to volunteer, you will be sent further information via email.

By registering to join this session, you are consenting to your email address being shared with the NSPCC and other attendees.

We are currently unable to accept applications from under 18's to this role.

About Us

My Black Dog is a charity that offers anonymous, peer to peer mental health support through our web-chat service. We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health in the UK as we tackle an epidemic that millions of people face.

We were founded on the motto "talk to someone who gets it". We want to connect people who share lived experiences to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space where everybody understands how it feels to experience mental health struggles.

Position Overview

Our web-chat service is run by our Volunteer Pack, each of whom have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. In addition, each shift has a 'Leader' and a 'Mentor'. These are Volunteers who carry out specific roles during the shift and, together, ensure its success:

• Leaders - Managers of the shift. There to ensure the shift runs as it should. They support and guide Volunteers through chats and follow safeguarding processes when an alert is raised. They escalate safeguarding alerts to the shift's Designated Safeguarding Lead (a trained professional). They also complete a 'Shift Handover' document once the shift is completed.
• Mentors - There to support and guide Volunteers through chats. Will take over from the Leader if there are safeguarding issues that need the Leader's attention and/or if the Leader needs a break.

As My Black Dog looks to expand our opening hours, we are looking to recruit additional Leaders and Mentors who can run shifts and cover additional shifts as necessary. We are looking to fill the following positions and shifts:

• Leader, Mondays (5pm - 7pm)
• Mentor, Mondays (5pm - 7pm)
• Leader, Thursdays (5pm - 7pm)
• Mentor, Thursdays (5pm - 7pm)
• Mentor, Fridays (7pm - 10pm)
• Leader, Saturdays (TBC*)
• Mentor, Saturdays (TBC*)
• Leader, Sundays (5pm - 7pm)

*We are currently finalising future opening hours on Saturday. Please apply for this particular shift if general availabilty on Saturdays is good.

Leaders and Mentors will be assigned a shift based on your availability and preference. The expectation is that Leaders and Mentors will form a ‘pair’ and, together, will do one shift at the same time each week. This is to provide stability, predictability and to encourage community-building between Volunteers. Shifts are 2-3 hours long. We may ask you to cover another shift when we are short, but you will never do more than 6 hours per week.

Training will be provided and you will be supported on shift by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will manage all safeguarding issues.

The work you will do as Leaders and Mentors will ensure we provide the best possible service to our Guests. You will also be helping our Volunteer Pack to do what we do best: helping those in need by speaking to someone who 'gets it'.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for people who have experienced their own journey with mental health and are in a strong position to support others. We ask that our Leaders and Mentors:

• Are strongly committed to helping others
• Have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to those seeking help
• Are collaborative and enjoy working with others
• Are encouraging and supportive
• Are organised and can monitor several things at once
• Can remain calm and focused during busy times and when safeguarding alerts are raised
• Are 18 years and over 
• Can commit the time to a regular weekly shift

Role Responsibilities

1. Supervise and support Volunteers whilst on shift with general enquiries, positive feedback and signposting.
2. Assist with general volunteering enquiries whilst on shift. Provide time for guidance, instruction and de-briefing for Volunteers if required.
3. Follow Leaders & Mentors processes including unexpected absence reporting, Volunteer check-in and check-out, and completing Shift Handovers.
4. Monitor web-chat conversations and ensure all chats are tagged.
5. Maintain ability to listen, remain calm and provide intervention if necessary.
6. Be able to have difficult and often complex conversations about mental health, including Guests experiencing crisis and first-stage intervention support.
7. If a Leader, work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when safeguarding risks are identified and, if a Mentor, take over responsibility for shifts when Leader and DSL have to address a safeguarding crisis.
8. Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information, conveying sensitive information in a timely manner to necessary individuals.
9. Provide written follow up of shifts via handover, ensuring all necessary information is handed over at the end of the shift.
10. Adhere to all standards, policies and procedures of My Black Dog.

Please note: An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this role. If you do not have one, My Black Dog will arrange the DBS Check for you.

About NEUROMANCERS

NEUROMANCERS is a peer-led organisation providing autonomous, abolitionist, and accessible mental health care for and by the neurodivergent+ community. 

NEUROMANCERS was founded in 2021 by then-fifteen-year-old Aiyana Goodfellow in response to the lack of politicised community spaces for neurodivergent individuals. After years of incredible work, we are re-launching in 2025 in our new and improved form. 

We are...

• Youth Founded

• Black Led & Centred

• LGBTQ+ Led & Centred

• UK Based & Globally Grounded

What does ‘NEUROMANCE’ mean?

To NEUROMANCE means to 'fall in love with divergence'.

The mainstream healthcare system fails our community by labelling neurodivergent+ people 'defective' and 'disordered'. 

NEUROMANCERS seek to provide an alternative. Instead, we fall in love with divergence. Our traits are neither 'curses' nor 'superpowers'. We are simply people surviving a society that oppresses and excludes us in the best ways we know how. 

NEUROMANCERS is here to support you, at whatever stage of the journey you are on - by providing autonomous, abolitionist, and accessible mental health care, by us and for us. 

What is ‘neurodivergent’?

Neurodivergent means 'to diverge from the expectations of neuronormativity'. We use the term neurodivergent+ to include those under and adjacent to the neurodivergent umbrella.

NEUROMANCERS work centres neurodivergent individuals, with particular emphasis on those who are also Black and/or LGBTQ+. 

We know that many people who are severely impacted by neuronormativity and ableism may not specifically identify as neurodivergent. Therefore, our term neurodivergent+ acknowledges these extended and adjacent groups.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

All volunteers will receive training relevant to their role. Volunteers have access to our Volunteer Support Fund, complimentary membership, monthly check-ins, and support from our volunteer coordinator. 

You’ll also be part of an incredible community working with and towards autonomous mental health care! 

We are looking for volunteers who can dedicate their much-valued time and passion to an abolitionist community organisation seeking to create alternatives to mainstream mental health care. 

About the Role

The Administrative & Operational Coordinator Volunteer will provide essential support to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of NEUROMANCERS. This role involves handling administrative tasks, financial coordination, and operational design to improve efficiency across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administrative Support:

  • Manage straightforward administrative tasks (e.g., contacting people, making phone calls, sending emails, making queries on behalf of the organisation and the Founder).

  • Assist with proofreading and editing documents.

  • Handle contracting for guest workshops (inputting key details into pre-written contracts and ensuring they are signed).

• Financial Coordination:

  • Support basic financial management (e.g., tracking expenses).

• Operational Design:

  • Develop and implement systems to streamline repetitive tasks and improve organisational efficiency.

  • Identify opportunities for process improvements within volunteer teams and individual workflows.

  • Designing and outlining visual representations of workflows and systems for accessibility. 

Ideal Candidate:

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.

• Detail-oriented with excellent proofreading and editing abilities.

• Proactive problem-solver who can design efficient systems.

• Comfortable with basic financial tasks and contract management.

MhIST is an innovative, user-led mental health charity in Bolton. We're looking for some new Trustees due to a couple of long-serving Trustees recently stepping down due to personal and work commitments

Our trustees play an important role in ensuring that MhIST achieves its core purpose. Trustees oversee the overall management and administration of the charity to ensure that our work, goals and actions are in line with our vision. Trustees act as a critical friend to the business, supporting and often challenging, where necessary, to make sure that all decisions put the needs of MhIST’s members (service users).

Following a review of our Board, we are looking for people who are committed to developing our services to the population of Derby City, South Derbyshire, East Staffordshire, Tamworth and surrounding areas. We are specifically looking for people with a finance, HR or legal background. Applications from women and individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are encouraged.

That is not the only criteria as the main element we are looking for is a passion to help us improve the lives of the people that we serve.  

Practical Considerations

Evening Board Trustee meetings are held approximately every 12 weeks. We also hold sub-committees every 12 weeks. The total time commitment for a Trustee is at least 1 day per month; induction and training are provided, as is support from an experienced and knowledgeable Trustee and staff team. Trustees are not paid, but expenses are covered. A DBS (criminal records check) will be required.

Essential

· Will require references

· Own computer or secure access to one

· Long term commitment

If you have any questions or wish to discuss the role, please visit our company website for contact details

Citizens Advice Mid Mercia is a charity created to serve our local community of over 600,000 people across Derby City, South Derbyshire, East Staffordshire, Tamworth and surrounding areas.

We provide information, advice, support and training on a wide range of subjects such as debt, consumer services, energy, family, work, housing, health, digital skills and homelessness. Our Governing Body is a Board consisting of Trustees who provide independent judgement and oversight and are responsible for providing the strategic direction of our organisation.

Trustees play an essential role in ensuring that the charity runs smoothly and to make sure that:

· The services we offer are high quality

· Our clients’ experiences are used to campaign for changes in policies or services locally and nationally

· Resources are secured to meet current and new demands and that all funds are used responsibly

· Recruitment and selection processes for staff and volunteers are fair, and we are representative of the local community

· Training and support are available for staff and volunteers

· Local partner organisations and funders are aware of the charity and its services

About Citizens Advice Mid Mercia

It is an exciting time to join Citizens Advice Mid Mercia. We are a growing organisation that provides a range of services from quick advice, generalist advice, specialist advice, statutory and none statutory health services as well as peer support and training.  We provide services in a variety of outreach locations and are also based in Swadlincote, Derby City, Burton and Tamworth. We provide telephone and face to face advice services for people who want advice on a wide range of issues.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Want to learn first aid? Enjoy going to local events? Want to meet people and make new friends? This is the role for you. St John provide first aid treatment and care for members of the public at a variety of events. We support our local communities in all sorts of ways including first aid cover, CPR training, community response, and providing first aid training to schools and community groups. This is a fantastic role offering all sorts of opportunities within Cumbria and beyond. 

]We are currently recruiting for Community First Aiders in both Carlisle and Silloth and would love for you to join us! 

Full training and support will be provided including: Welcome programme introducing you to the project & wider charity Training in appropriate SJA policies St John Safeguarding training relevant to your role A two day Community First Aider training course The opportunity to be part of a local unit, where you will have ongoing support from peers and further learning & development opportunities Expected Time Commitment ideally two events per month (average event shift 1-8 hours) but this varies. 

For our Community First Aiders, we ask for a commitment of 80 hours a year. This can include time on events, delivering engagement in the community and attending training on Monday evenings. Perks and Benefits Full training and support Free uniform Out of pocket expenses Meet new people Learn new skills Support your local community Skills You'll Need No experience required. No specific qualifications required.

Interviews will be held at a time and date to suit applicants.

Inductions will be held on Monday evenings where you will also have the opportunity to meet the rest of the team.

All volunteers will initially be trained as Community First Aiders. This role is focused on community engagement, with some practical skills in delivery of first aid. Once inducted and comfortable in this role, there will be further opportunities to develop in role and increase medical skillsets should volunteers wish to pursue this and are able to take on additional commitments.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Closing Date:

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The Role:

We are currently seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board as Treasurer. It’s a voluntary role that requires a committed individual with financial expertise to take a collaborative approach, supporting our Trustees, our Head of Finance and Governance, and our management team to oversee the financial affairs of our charity and ensure that they are legal, constitutional, and within accepted accounting practice.

Our Organisation:

Greener and Cleaner delivers locally but thinks, and influences, nationally. Our vision is greener, healthier, better connected communities across the UK. We seek to achieve this through normalising 360-degree sustainable living, bringing the community together to make changes that can deliver a big impact. We have a non-judgemental peer-to-peer approach, so that all elements of the community feel empowered to take action in how they live, work, and play and in how they use their voice to push for change.

Treasurer Role:

The primary role is to ensure alongside other Trustees that they accept ultimate responsibility for the affairs of G&C and ensure that it is solvent, well run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for which it has been set up. As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls, and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements, as produced by the finance team or others where appropriate, to the Board of Trustees
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place. 
• Liaising with any paid staff about financial matters, as appropriate.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management. 
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems. 
• Drawing any major financial concerns to the attention of the trustee and the management team.
• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity. 
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy and that investments and assets are maximised.
• Leading on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors. 
• Overseeing the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating, and reporting corporate risk. 
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies – for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Supporting other Trustees in understanding the charity’s financial position and decision making.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the charity and its ethical fundraising policy.
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.

The Person We’re Looking For:

• A finance professional with a firm understanding of charity finance and some experience of fundraising and pension schemes.
• Knowledge of charity fundraising, bid writing, and/or other income generation and/or securing funding through creation or leveraging of partnerships and networks (at a national or local level).
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity and the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
• Clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors.

In addition, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all Trustees.

Responsibilities of All Trustees:

• Demonstrating a commitment to G&C’s objectives
• Contributing to setting the strategic goals and monitoring performance by active participation in Board discussions and decision-making
• Actively assisting the charity to build their connections and partnerships for the purposes of most effectively delivering their goals and fundraising
• Ensuring that G&C complies with its governing documents, the law, and all other relevant documentation
• Helping to identify risks and ensuring appropriate controls are in place
• Helping the Board to make sound decisions by making available their own personal knowledge and experience
• Assisting the Chair to appoint and appraise the performance of the Senior Leadership Team members
• Sharing relevant skills and expertise with the Senior Leadership Team members
• Making all reasonable efforts to attend Board meetings, away days, development meetings, publicity events, and other such public functions as requested by the Chair
• Ensuring the charity’s focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion remains at the heart of its strategy and delivery

Trustee Person Specification:

In addition to the Treasurer role specific above, our Trustees will ideally also demonstrate the following:

• A commitment to the objectives and activities of G&C
• A willingness to devote time and effort to G&C beyond attending board meetings
• Have strategic vision, an ability to think creatively, and an appropriate level of financial literacy
• Understanding of and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of their position
• Have good independent judgement
• Be willing to effectively act as part of a team
• Adhere to the Nolan Principles of public office: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
• A willingness to allow the Employee/s to make reasonable decisions and to act within the limits prescribed by the Board

To Apply:

To see the full job advertisement with details on how to apply, and to learn more about the role and our organisation, please see the attached supporting documents.

Join Mind in Brighton and Hove as their Chair of the Board 

About Mind in Brighton and Hove 

Atkinson HR is pleased to be supporting Mind in Brighton and Hove (MiBH) in recruiting their new Chair of the Board. MiBH is a registered charity dedicated to promoting positive understanding, awareness and attitudes towards mental health while supporting and empowering people in their local community experiencing mental health issues 

As MiBH continues to develop and expand their vital mental health services, they are seeking a committed individual with strategic vision and governance experience to help guide their mission of improving mental health support and wellbeing across Brighton and Hove, East and West Sussex. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Lead the Board of Trustees in developing strategic plans 

• Chair Board meetings, AGMs and provide leadership in governance matters 

• Support and review the performance of the CEO

• Represent the organisation at functions, meetings and in media engagements 

• Lead trustee recruitment, learning and development, apparisal and succession planning processes 

• Contribute to determining MiBH's strategy and structure through effective governance 

• Support robust financial controls and strategic planning processes 

Candidate Profile 

• Previous leadership experience in the non-profit sector 

• Dedication to MiBH's mission, vision and values 

• Ability to take a strategic view and make sound judgements in the organisation's best interests 

• Willingness to understand and fulfil legal responsibilities of trusteeship 

• Excellent reflective skills and ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team 

• Strong communication skills and willingness to share knowledge and experience 

How to Apply 

Please click 'apply now' or contact us if you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal discussion. 

Key Dates 

• Closing Date: 10am, Monday 6th October 2025 

• Interviews: from Wednesday 15th October 2025, in person. We will endeavour to accommodate any remote interview requests; however, our preference is to do interviews in person.

Raising Futures Kenya is looking for an enthusiastic, committed Trustee, with a passion for supporting our small but mighty international NGO through a journey of shifting power to our partner NGO.  We are particularly looking for individuals with experience in fundraising in the international development sector, and a strong understanding of the international fundraising landscape. 

Responsible to: Chair, Raising Futures Kenya

Purpose: To guide and advise on the international fundraising landscape, and shifting the power (including fundraising) to our Kenyan partners.

Hours: Approximately 6-8 hours a month. 

Salary: This is a voluntary role. 

We currently have seven Trustees across the UK, USA and Kenya and three paid, part-time staff. Board meetings are every 6-8 weeks in the evening via Google Meet.

About Raising Futures Kenya

For 22 years, Raising Futures Kenya (England & Wales charity no.1181670) has worked alongside local people, and our partner NGO, in Kenya to develop projects which are owned by the community and create long-term, sustainable change to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods. 

Through our Seed of Hope training and support programme we enable 14-25 year olds (75% girls) to secure employment or start a small business, generating enough income to live above the poverty line. We provide free technical vocational and business skills training, alongside mental health and wellbeing support which has led to over 90% of graduates being in employment, self-employment or further education. Seed of Hope offers young people opportunity, dignity and hope. 

All training is combined with 3 key elements of support which makes our project unique and more successful than vocational training alone. 

1. Daily life skills and mental health wellbeing curriculum which includes topics on common mental health issues to challenge stigma and signpost students to the free counselling sessions we offer, gender equality, knowing and asserting your rights, family planning, health, hygiene and nutrition. 

2. Practical help is provided to ensure we remove any barriers young people may face in gaining an education and attending lessons, such as; free cooked lunches, support with travel costs, childcare vouchers for young mothers and free menstrual hygiene packs. 

3. Graduate support helps young people set up their own business and generate a sustainable income. This includes tailored business and financial literacy training, access to the Seed of Hope Business Hub providing computers, tools, and materials for graduates to use to launch their business, plus an ongoing peer mentoring scheme from former successful Seed of Hope graduates. 

If students are traumatised, hungry or can’t afford sanitary products, they won’t be in a position to learn. We treat every student as an individual and personalise our support to their specific needs and circumstances to set every student up for success. We know this holistic approach is more successful than vocational training alone, and has the most meaningful impact for young people.

Achievements

Some of our achievements include:

• Over 3,100 young people in Kenya have received free skills training.

• Since 2021 we now support more young people in a year than our first 15 years combined.

• 91% of our graduates are in full time employment, self-employment or further education.

• Received multi-year funding from the Department for International Development (now FCDO) and other reputable grant givers, including a US funder who has granted us $100,000USD a year to go directly to our Kenyan partner as part of our journey to shift power to our partner.

• Awarded the ‘Small Charity, Big Impact’ award by the Foundation of Social Improvement 2019 for achieving disproportionate impact to our size.

• Awarded ‘Charity Governance Award for Improving Impact’ in May 2022.

• Shortlisted for ‘Diversity and Inclusion Award for Best NGO on Promotion of Human Rights’ in Kenya in March 2022.

The future of Raising Futures Kenya

We are in Year 3 of our 2022-2026 year Strategic Plan. The focus is on shifting the decision making power to our partner NGO in Kenya.  It’s an exciting time to join as we think about our plan for the next strategic era.

Role Summary

Responsibilities of all Trustees

• Ensuring the organisation pursues its charitable objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document. 

• Ensuring strategic objectives are developed and met in order to provide greater public benefit, namely to the young people and communities we work alongside in Kenya.

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

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

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.

• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.

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

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.

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

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

• In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. 

Networking and partnership development

• All Trustees are expected to assist Raising Futures Kenya to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation, from seeking funding opportunities to galvanising personal and professional networks to generate income.

• Act as a proud ambassador for Raising Futures Kenya, representing the charity at meetings and facilitating networking and funding opportunities as these arise. 

• Join relevant networks and associations to further your understanding of the sector we are in, and to promote the work and best practices of the charity. 

Advise on fundraising 

• Support the strategic direction of how funds are raised by the UK and Kenya, in terms of shifting the power.

• Provide direct feedback to fundraising staff on approaches, bids or key organisations.

• Link Raising Futures Kenya with key contacts or organisations in the fundraising sector.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience;

Essential:

• Experience as a fundraiser in an international development organisation.

• Understanding of the localisation or shift the power agenda.

• A commitment to the organisation, and willingness to devote approximately 6 hours a month and attend Board meetings.

• Understanding of the regulatory responsibilities of a Charity Incorporated Organisation (or willingness to learn) 

• A willingness to speak your mind with respect, tact and diplomacy. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Honesty and integrity. We’re a values led organisation and want to ensure that everyone who joins us shares our values of honesty and integrity.

• Teamwork and commitment. We’re a small organisation and rely on each other to lean in and play a part in achieving our objectives. We believe in getting the work done, but having fun along the way so our meetings are often light-hearted.

• Passionate about furthering the impact of our work, in whatever way you can. For example utilising your networks to share the work we do or to seek donations.

Desirable: 

• Competent in understanding finances.

• Knowledge and experience of programmes in;

• Education, Technical Vocational Training or Entrepreneurship

• Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Young people

• Girls and women

• Income generation

• Farming/agriculture

• Programmes in Kenya

• We are always looking for candidates who have lived experience of any of the following;

  • Kenya

  • East Africa

  • Technical Vocational Training

We are committed to a culture of inclusivity.  We are able to grow and learn better if we have a diverse organisation formed of the collective sum of individual differences, lived experiences, knowledge and self-expression.  We don’t want to exist in an echo chamber.  In recruiting for our team we welcome the unique perspectives you can bring in terms of culture, education, opinions, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, values, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, beliefs, nation of origin and languages spoken.

Normally Trustees are asked to commit to a 3-year term on the Board and serve for a maximum of 2 terms.  All appointments are subject to completion of a successful 3 month probationary period. For more details about the legal obligations of Trustees visit the Charity Commission website and read its publication CC3, The Essential Trustee. 

Please note: the law places certain restrictions on becoming a charity Trustee (for example, you cannot be under the age of 18, or been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonestly).  If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, visit the Charity Commission website.

About UK Reads

UK Reads is the UK-based charity of the global non-profit World Literacy Foundation, which works to eradicate illiteracy and promote equitable access to education worldwide. In the UK, we focus on closing the literacy gap for children from underserved communities, ensuring that every child has access to the literacy support they need to thrive academically and personally.

We deliver high-impact literacy programmes, distribute free books, and partner with schools, libraries, and community organisations to foster a lifelong love of reading. 

About the Pen Pal Project

The Pen Pal Project empowers children aged 7–16 to become confident communicators by engaging them in creative, meaningful letter writing. UK pupils are matched with peers in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries to exchange letters over six structured sessions throughout the academic year.

The project supports pupils in:

• Developing core literacy skills (reading, writing, sentence structure, vocabulary)

• Strengthening confidence, empathy, and communication through storytelling

• Learning about different cultures, family structures, traditions, and daily life in another part of the world

• Practising both written and spoken English in an encouraging, low-pressure environment

Each school cohort follows a themed session plan exploring topics such as identity, youth culture, food, heritage, health, and hobbies.

Sessions are delivered by trained volunteers, with support from teachers and UK Reads staff.

Role Overview

As a Writing Session Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in supporting literacy, creativity, and inclusion in schools. You’ll work directly with students to help them explore personal expression, read incoming pen pal letters, and craft thoughtful responses.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about education, communication, cultural exchange, and making a difference at a grassroots level.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate six themed writing sessions at a primary or secondary school in London (sessions take place during school hours)

• Create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where all students feel safe to write and express themselves

• Support pupils with varied literacy levels, including those with special educational needs (SEND), English as an additional language (EAL), or lower confidence in reading/writing

• Guide pupils in reading and responding to letters received from international pen pals

• Encourage vocabulary development, sentence structure, and narrative skills using the provided facilitator resources

• Use creativity and cultural awareness to promote engagement and curiosity

• Complete light administrative tasks (~1 hour per session), including:

  • Reviewing students’ letters for safeguarding

  • Submitting short post-session reflections or feedback forms

• Attend a short online training session and stay in communication with the UK Reads team

Time Commitment

• Approx. 6-8 hours/month over the academic year

• Each session includes:

  • ~1 hour in-school delivery time

  • ~1 hour admin/reflection time

• Plus training, planning, and communication time as needed

• Sessions are typically spaced two per academic term (six total)

Volunteers are matched with one school and are expected to complete the full six-session cycle to ensure continuity and build rapport with pupils.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. You don’t need formal teaching experience — just commitment, empathy, and a passion for helping young people thrive.

Essential:

• Strong spoken and written English

• Comfortable working with children and young people in a school setting

• Reliable, organised, and able to follow session plans

• Open-minded, culturally sensitive, and adaptable to different learning styles

• Able to commit to a minimum of 6 sessions over the academic year (during school hours)

• Based in London or able to travel to schools across the city

• Willing to complete a DBS check and safeguarding training

Desirable (but not required):

• Experience in education, youth work, creative writing, literacy support, or mentoring

What You’ll Gain

• A highly rewarding volunteer experience with visible impact on young learners

• Full training and a ready-to-use facilitation guide

• Support from a dedicated project coordinator throughout your placement

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel costs

• A reference upon successful completion

• The opportunity to be part of a meaningful international exchange project

• Connection to a network of volunteers and educators working toward literacy equity

Safeguarding & Inclusion

We are committed to child protection, safeguarding, and inclusive learning environments. All letters are reviewed by facilitators before being exchanged. Volunteers must complete a DBS check and basic safeguarding training before beginning their placement.

We value lived experience and encourage applications from those who reflect the communities we serve, including volunteers from Black, African, Caribbean, and diaspora backgrounds.

Join the board of the national charity dedicated to supporting disabled children, young people and their families.

Trustee

Employer – Kids

Location – London (Meetings in Person)

Salary - Voluntary (Reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Hours - Approx. 1 day per month

Trustees also take part in at least one committee—such as the Finance and Audit Committee, Services and Safeguarding Committee, or People, Culture and Governance Committee—which typically meet online up to four times a year

Who we are:

Kids is on a mission to create a world where all kinds of kids have all kinds of opportunities.

Founded in 1970, we have grown into a national organisation supporting over 22,000 children, young people and families each year across England.

We are on an ambitious journey to reach at least 120,000 disabled children, young people and their families each year by 2027. Our vision is bold yet achievable: a society where disabled children, young people and their families enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

Now in the fourth year of an ambitious five-year strategy, we’re pursuing four bold goals:

• Support – Delivering impactful, sustainable services
• Innovate – Designing new models to transform lives
• Speak Up – Empowering young people to be agents of change
• Sustain – Building the financial and structural strength to grow

The Role

As our next Trustee, you’ll play a vital leadership role in bringing our vision to life. Working closely with our Chair, CEO, and Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic oversight, guide our governance, and help scale our impact.

Time Commitment

This role is about more than simply being available—it’s about being genuinely engaged. We're hoping to find someone who feels inspired to make this a meaningful part of their journey. It may be your primary board or leadership role, given the depth of involvement, but it also offers the opportunity to contribute in a truly rewarding way.

Who You Are

We’re looking for four passionate individuals who bring compassion, curiosity, and credibility. People who value respectful dialogue, champion inclusion, and lead with integrity.

You’ll bring your unique perspective to enhance our culture—not just fit into it. You’ll contribute to a dynamic board that balances strategic scrutiny, inclusive leadership, and good governance with genuine care and collaboration.

You don’t need to have all the answers, but you should bring:

• Experience in governance or senior leadership
• A passion for disability rights, equity, and inclusion
• A commitment to empowering diverse voices
• A collaborative spirit and systems-thinking mindset

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of disability, those from underrepresented communities, and individuals who reflect the diversity of the families and children we serve.

Our Culture

At Kids, we celebrate what makes each of us unique. Our culture is rooted in care, collaboration, creativity, and professionalism. We actively listen and strive to ensure everyone we work with feels heard, respected, and included.

We are committed to breaking down systemic barriers, including racism, ableism, sexism, and other forms of injustice. This is an ongoing journey, and we’re dedicated to learning and growing together.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need information in an alternative format or adjustments at any stage, please contact us —we’d love to hear how we can support you.

In Closing

You’ll be joining a brilliant team of Trustees, a passionate leadership team, and an organisation ready for change. Together, we’ll help build a world where disabled children and young people are celebrated for who they are and supported to reach their full potential.

This isn’t just a role. It’s a chance to reimagine what’s possible.

Join us. Lead with us. Grow with us.

For more information about this role, please visit our careers page

Application & Recruitment Process

• Closing date: 30th September 2025
• Online Interview and Face-to-Face meeting: October 2025
• If you’re inspired to join our Board, please complete our online application and upload an up-to-date CV, with a 2-page limit on an A4 document. Shortlisted candidates will have the chance to showcase their strengths and discuss important topics alongside our leadership team.

About Us

Now in our 30th year, The Eikon Charity supports children and young people across Surrey to feel and be safe, heard, and supported.

Growing up in today’s world can be incredibly challenging. That’s why we empower children and young people to find the inner and outer resources they need – skills, knowledge and resilience – as they develop and navigate life. 

So, we create spaces for them where they can be themselves and talk about their thoughts and feelings. They understand better than anyone what’s happening in their own lives, so we listen, without judging. 

Background to the role

At Eikon we are poised to deliver an increase in our vital, evidence-based services across Surrey and the South-East, as well as to share our model of success and influence children and young people’s services across the UK. We know, and others know, that what we do has an impact on our children and young people who, tragically, need more of everything we offer as their challenges increase.

We are now looking for passion, commitment and bold leadership from our new Chair. You will have had a senior career in the public, private or voluntary sector, you’ll have grown an organisation sustainably, leading with vision and courage, and engaging and influencing stakeholders internally and externally. You will be entrepreneurial and forward-focused with ambition to effect the change that you will believe in as wholeheartedly as we do. You will lead the Board in a way that ensures we remain relevant and fit for purpose for our next season of growth and impact, while also retaining our resilience and sustainability. You will ensure our CEO and senior leadership team are empowered to lead as effectively as possible in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. 

Qualities we’re looking for:

• Visionary leadership: demonstrates bold, strategic thinking and the ability to inspire and guide the Board and executive team toward long-term sustainable growth
• Commitment to mission: passion for the charity’s purpose and a deep understanding of its social impact
• Influencing & advocacy: skilled in representing the charity externally, influencing key stakeholders, and acting as an ambassador for its work
• Integrity & diplomacy: exercises sound judgment, tact, and discretion in complex and sensitive situations
• Inclusivity & collaboration: fosters a collaborative and inclusive Board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and constructive challenge

What your day to day in this role will look like:

You’ll show bold and strategic leadership and build a good relationship with our CEO, along with the rest of our leadership team. Efficiency and effectiveness will be key in this governance role, as well as maintaining external relations.

How to Apply:

Eastside People is supporting The Eikon Charity in the recruitment of this role. Please click here to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

○       Why are you interested in the Chair role at Eikon? 

○       Having read the information pack and understanding who we’re looking for, what relevant experience, skills and personal qualities would you bring to this role? 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is 27 October. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with the panel at Eikon during the week beginning 3 or 10 November.

The Charity Evaluation Working Group is a community of 300+ charity sector evaluators. Our mission to empower charities, (and other purpose-driven organisations), to create positive change through effective evaluation.

We are looking for passionate individuals to join our board as trustees and chair / co-chairs. This is a unique opportunity to lead our next chapter and strengthen our community.

We’re specifically looking to recruit people who are not only passionate about the use of data and evidence, but bring a wider range of skills to the board, including;

• research and evaluation
• income generation
• comms and marketing
• advocacy and influence

Our trustees are based across the UK, so all of our meetings are online. We’re a small charity, which means that we’re looking for people who are happy to be hands-on.

We would like to maintain the diversity of our board and therefore would particularly like to hear from people from the global majority, lower socioeconomic backgrounds, disabled people and those from other marginalised groups. We’re open to new perspectives and ways of thinking, so you don’t necessarily need to have worked in the third sector, understand evaluation, or have experience of being a trustee before.

For more information and to apply for these roles, please visit our website.

We are accepting applications until 5pm, Monday 22nd September 2025.