Volunteer running buddy volunteer volunteer roles in Newcastle

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to get involved in an impactful charity making a tangible difference to the lives of refugees here in the UK.

Our work is simple – we refurbish unwanted bikes and donate them to refugees and people seeking asylum, many living on less than £7 a day, giving them freedom and independence whilst they rebuild their lives.

A bike makes a huge difference – not only is it a practical tool for tackling poverty, those who receive bikes from us report they are more connected in their community, happier and healthier as a result:

• 91% of people use their bikes weekly for essential journeys

• 84% of people are better able to access legal and other vital support services 

• 93% report better physical and/or mental health

Alongside our core Bike Donations Programme, we support refugee women to learn to cycle through our Pedal Power Programme; provide ongoing support with bike maintenance through our Repair or Replace Programme; and offer the opportunity for connection and friendship through our volunteer-matching Bike Buddy Programme.

“The Bike Project has given me so much more than just a bicycle — it has given me confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Receiving a bike as a gift allowed me to feel free in society, explore my community, and even join a cycling group where I’ve met wonderful people. 

Thank you again for everything you do. Your work changes lives, including mine.”  
Ladan, Bike Recipient 

About You and the Role  

You don’t need to have experience of being on a Board. In fact, the role would be ideal for someone considering taking on their first role as a trustee. We will work with you to understand your duties as a trustee and support you.

You will, however, have experience of one of more of priority areas we are looking for:

• Personal experience of our programmes and/or the UK asylum system
• Press and PR
• Charity governance
• Public, philanthropy and/or high-net worth giving
• Sector experience and/or contacts relevant to the work of The Bike Project

You will be joining a highly committed group of trustees who give their time, expertise and contacts to support the charity. Our trustees are critical in enabling us to thrive and this role plays a key role in supporting the wider board to fulfil its financial responsibilities.

You will work together with the wider staff team to set our strategic direction and improve our work with refugees. At the heart of everything we do is the real and immediate impact a bike makes to the lives of those who have been through so much. You will be part of us achieving that.

The time commitment for a trustee generally totals approximately 8 hours per month. Please see the role description for further details. 

Application Process  

Deadline for Applications: Friday 28 August 2026

Interviews: Late September – Early October 2026.

Appointment: October 2026 

We particularly encourage applications from people with personal experience of the asylum process, women, people of colour / people of the global majority, and people with disabilities.  

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact hradmin [at] thebikeproject [dot] co [dot] uk

Who we are

The Humane League UK (THL UK) is dedicated to ending the abuse of animals raised for food by influencing the policies of leading food companies, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and encouraging individuals to take action. We are part of a global network of organisations working to create a future where all animals are treated with respect and compassion.

Thanks to our effectiveness, The Humane League has been named Top Charity by the independent evaluator Animal Charity Evaluators for every rating period since 2012.

THL UK is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to furthering equity and inclusion, and we value diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds who will bring a fresh perspective to the team, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, demonstrating our commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, based on their skills and talent.

The Position

We are seeking two new Trustees to add to the current Board of four voluntary members.

Board members (trustees) of THL UK are responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring strong governance, and safeguarding the organisation’s mission, values, and financial sustainability.

This is a voluntary position, and trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
 

Whether you are an experienced charity trustee or looking for your first board position; if you believe you can share our commitment for ending the abuse of animals raised for food and have the qualities, knowledge and experience we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.

For full details about the role of trustees please view our information pack which you can find in the application resources below.

If you would like to watch a recording of our recent webinar where we discussed the role in more detail, you can view this by following the link to our website.

Person specification and requirements for this role

While specific experience in animal protection is not essential, all Board members must:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the aims and values of THL UK.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Bring a strategic mindset and the ability to make well-reasoned, independent decisions.

• Be able to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust, and contribute positively to collaborative team working.

• Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

• Be committed to moving forward with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices.

Specialist Expertise Sought

In addition to the general requirements above, we are particularly seeking candidates who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Charity Governance

• In-depth knowledge of charity governance best practice, preferably gained through prior trustee, board, or senior charity leadership experience.

• Understanding of regulatory compliance and governance frameworks for UK charities.

• Legal skills relating to charity law, contracts, risk management, or related fields (desirable).

2. Charity Fundraising

Experience and understanding of charity fundraising, with particular relevance to EA-aligned funding environments.

• Knowledge of charity fundraising principles, governance considerations, and ethical fundraising practice.

• Understanding of the Effective Altruism funding landscape, including grant-making bodies, donor expectations, and impact-led funding criteria.

• Experience supporting or advising on grant applications, funder relationships, and individual donor stewardship.

3. Farmed Animal Campaigning

Knowledge of campaigning and advocacy within animal protection movements, with a particular focus on farmed animals.

• Understanding of the strategic landscape of farmed animal protection, including corporate campaigns, legislative advocacy, public engagement, and movement priorities.

• Experience of designing, advising on, or evaluating campaigns that seek measurable improvements for farmed animals.

• Awareness of the wider animal protection movement, including key organisations, campaign tactics, risks, and opportunities for collaboration.

• Scientific or veterinarian understanding and experience with farmed animals (desirable).

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and with a range of perspectives. Having reviewed existing Trustees' diversity we would particularly welcome applications from ethnic minorities, disabled people and marginalised groups.

Where candidates bring similar skills and experience, we may take lived experience or background into account to help us build a more representative and inclusive board.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance.

• Ensure that THL UK complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Oversee the financial health of the charity, approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance.

• Champion the fundraising work of THL UK in various ways–for example by introducing new donors from your network, actively promoting THL UK’s fundraising initiatives (like our end of year appeal), or by donating directly if you have the means to do so.

• Protect and promote the charity’s values, reputation, and effectiveness.

• Support and challenge the executive team to achieve the organisation’s objectives.

• Act as an ambassador for THL UK, promoting its work to stakeholders and the public.

• Participate in Board meetings (typically four per year) and occasional sub-committee meetings, as well as contributing advice and guidance outside formal meetings when required.

Key competencies

• Strategic thinker: Looks at consequences, implications, interdependencies, and indirect effects, all in both the short and longer term. Looks beyond the immediate goal or issue and with the greater context, not just the content of the moment. Is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations.

• Problem solver: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyses information to produce insights and generates wise, actionable recommendations. A forward-looking thinker who anticipates the needs of the organisation.

• Effective: Strategically able to focus our energy, resources and talent toward impactful actions that will reduce, and ultimately end, the abuse of animals for food.

• Communication and strong interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust and can adapt to different tones and styles and be able to engage with people from all walks of life.