Volunteer support officer volunteer roles in thamesmead, greater london

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Content Writer
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in writing, critical analysis, and reserach.

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail.

• Ability to write clear, engaging, and well-researched articles for various audiences.

• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple writing assignments.

• Passion for contributing to social impact and supporting charitable initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Content Creation:

  • Write a minimum of 2 written articles per month for the charity’s blog, Intersections, newsletter, or other communication channels.

  • Research and produce content on topics that align with the charity’s mission and goals.

  • Produce a minimum of 1 Access Series article per month.

  • Ensure that all written materials are on-brand, consistent in tone, and relevant to the target audience.

• SEO & Optimization:

  • Apply SEO best practices to all written content to maximize reach and engagement.

  • Optimize articles for readability, clarity, and search engine visibility.

• Editing & Proofreading:

  • Review and revise your own content, as well as provide feedback on content produced by others.

  • Ensure all content is grammatically correct, coherent, and polished before publication.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure a consistent upload schedule.

  • Contribute and attend all meetings for the Content Creation Team and directions from the Director of Content Creation.

  • Meet all given deadlines on time and consistently.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in content writing, storytelling, and digital marketing.

• Opportunities to build your research portfolio with real-world projects that align with a meaningful cause.

• Certification of participation at the end of the volunteership.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Content Designer
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in content creation, design, and digital communication.

• Proficiency in design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.).

• Excellent written and visual communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail and creative problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to produce high-quality content under deadlines.

• A portfolio or examples of previous work (e.g., social media graphics, posters, digital campaigns) is a plus.

• Familiarity with social media platforms and trends (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.).

• Passion for contributing to social impact and supporting charitable causes.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Content Creation & Design:

  • Design and produce a minimum of 2 social media posts per month, ensuring they are aligned with the charity's voice and branding.

  • Create engaging visual content for various platforms, including social media, newsletters, and website updates.

  • Work with the marketing team to develop creative concepts for campaigns and initiatives.

• Content Strategy & Planning:

  • Assist in developing content strategies that resonate with the charity’s target audience.

  • Ensure content is on-brand, consistent in style, and optimized for different digital platforms.

  • Help create and maintain a content calendar, ensuring timely delivery of posts and materials.

• Brand Consistency:

  • Maintain a consistent visual and written tone across all digital platforms.

  • Stay updated on design trends and digital marketing strategies to ensure content is fresh and engaging.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure a consistent post schedule.

  • Contribute and attend all meetings for the Content Creation Team and directions from the Director of Content Creation.

  • Meet all given deadlines on time and consistently.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in content design and digital marketing.

• Opportunities to build and expand your design portfolio with real-world projects.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• Certification of participation at the end of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Outreach Coordinator
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in community engagement and networking.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to craft compelling emails and messages tailored to different audiences.

• Organizational skills to track outreach efforts and meet targets.

• Comfortable using email outreach tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Google Sheets, etc.) or willingness to learn.

• Experience with or interest in nonprofit work is a plus.

• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple outreach tasks.

• Passion for contributing to social impact and building connections that support charitable initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Email Outreach:

  • Meet a monthly email outreach quota, targeting potential partners and other key stakeholders.

  • Craft personalized and engaging outreach emails to build and maintain relationships with various groups.

  • Follow up with contacts to nurture relationships and drive engagement with the charity's initiatives.

• Community Engagement:

  • Assist in developing and implementing outreach strategies to expand the charity’s network and reach.

  • Help coordinate outreach efforts for specific campaigns, events, or initiatives.

  • Track responses and report on outreach success rates, identifying areas for improvement.

• Research & Networking:

  • Conduct research to identify new potential partners, supporters, or collaborators for the charity.

  • Assist with compiling contact lists and gathering relevant information for outreach purposes.

• Campaign Support:

  • Support the development of email campaigns, including drafting email copy and ensuring timely distribution.

  • Help maintain and update the charity's contact database, ensuring accuracy and compliance with privacy standards.

• Post-Event & Programme Reporting:

  • Help in post-event evaluations, collecting feedback from participants, and reporting on outcomes.

  • Assist in maintaining and updating event and programme documentation for future reference.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure Access Academia's message is shared correctly and consistently.

  • Contribute and attend all meetings for the Outreach & Marketing team and directions from the Director of Outreach & Marketing.

  • Meet all given deadlines on time and consistently.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in outreach, community engagement, and relationship management.

• Opportunities to develop communication skills, including email marketing and networking strategies.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• Certification of participation at the end of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of the issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sport. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to sports clubs, sporting venues and facilities and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a sporting world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing
1. Talks to sports and physical activity providers to support and encourage them to consider the needs of blind and partially sighted people by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local leisure centres, sporting venues and sports clubs.
2. Delivering talks to raise awareness of existing sporting and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted people.
3. Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service.

What you’ll gain from the role
1. A chance to give something back in an area you are passionate about.
2. A chance to make a difference with a sense of achievement.
3. A chance to build a strong community of sports people with sight loss.
4. A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people, increasing your confidence and skills to talk to groups of people with impact, with an opportunity to develop your role into delivering independently over time.
5. Opportunity to explore different roles within our organisation including our internal recruitment vacancies

In return for donating your time we will support you with:
1. A rewarding role
2. A great Induction and Training, in particular training in public speaking and story telling will be given.
3. A supportive Manager
4. Regular catch-ups
5. Expenses
6. An opportunity to connect with other volunteers

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires 1 reference.

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You’ll ideally have 1. Lived experience in playing, spectating, or delivering sport or physical activity sessions as a blind or partially sighted person. 2. Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people in relation to sports and physical activity. 3. Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your sporting story, or a willingness to try with our support. 4. Have effective communication skills. 5. An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people

Who They Are

This organisation welcomes refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants who have been displaced from their countries of origin. Leaving home due to war, persecution, or incarceration demands remarkable courage and resilience. For many, arriving in London is just the beginning of a long and complex journey toward achieving settled status and a decent quality of life.

Rooted in the local community, the Centre provides practical support, advocacy, and a sense of belonging to those navigating displacement and rebuilding their lives in a new country.

The Role: Trustee

The Centre is seeking 2–3 new trustees to join its Board and help guide the next chapter of its work. The current Board brings a broad range of expertise, including charity governance, public service leadership, strategy, and fundraising. The organisation is looking for individuals whose skills will enhance and complement the strengths of the existing trustees.

The Centre is led by CEO Andy Ruiz Palma, who first joined the team in 2000 as an English teacher. He now oversees a dedicated staff team and a committed group of around 40 volunteers who deliver services directly to clients. Additional support is provided by professional fundraising and accountancy teams.

What They Are Looking For

New trustees should bring:

• A strong empathy with the Centre’s client group and mission

• An understanding of how to support community-rooted organisations

• Excellent communication and team-working skills

• Relevant experience working with marginalised communities, whether in a frontline, policy, or governance context

• Or personal lived experience as a refugee, asylum seeker, or member of a marginalised community

The Centre welcomes applicants who may be new to trustee roles, and offers mentoring and support to help them succeed. The organisation is especially keen to hear from candidates with skills or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance/Accountancy (to act as deputy to the current Treasurer Trustee)

• Human Resources (HR)

• Fundraising

• IT and Data Management

• Lived Experience as a refugee or migrant

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a compassionate and community-driven organisation supporting displaced people in London.

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack. 

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

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

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

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

You will demonstrate this through your experience working with marginalised communities (either in a frontline operational role, a policymaking role, or on the Board of another organisation) or personal lived experience as a member of a marginalised community.

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

We are looking to recruit 2- 3 new trustees and have a strong preference for any of the following or a combination of these skills:

• Finance/Accountancy qualification – we have an excellent Treasurer Trustee and are looking for a deputy
• HR
• Fundraising
• IT/Data management
• Lived Experience as a refugee or migrant

Join us as Dog A.I.D.'s new Honorary Secretary and you would be joining the Board at an exciting time as we have launched the charity’s Strategic Plan with a new CEO supported by a small but strong team, which we will be building further this year. As Honorary Secretary you would be using your skills and experience to support the leadership and strategic direction of our charity as we look to achieve ambitious strategic growth targets over the coming years, becoming a larger, more robust charity with increased profile and reach.

Dog A.I.D. empowers physically disabled people by coaching them to train their own pet dog to become an accredited Assistance Dog. By focusing on the existing pet/owner bond, outcomes for our clients include:

 · increased independence and self-confidence

· improved mental well-being

· reduction in social isolation

· reduced reliance on family members and/or carers.

· increased opportunities, with many of our clients being able to return to work or education, supported by their accredited Assistance Dog.

We are looking for an active and well-organised Secretary who can provide support for our governance functions. You will be required to attend and minute online quarterly Board meetings and other ad-hoc meetings and strategic discussions.

About Croydon Community Energy (CCE)

Croydon Community Energy is the only community energy organisation in Croydon, combining grassroots climate action with real-world renewable power projects. Since launching in 2021, we’ve built a passionate volunteer-led team and are in the process of our first major initiative: installing rooftop solar across three community sites. In early 2025, we successfully raised over £120,000 in community investment in just eight weeks — a huge vote of confidence in our mission to cut carbon, lower energy bills, and empower local people. As a Community Benefit Society, everything we do is rooted in social impact, from delivering free energy advice to creating hands-on opportunities for residents to lead the energy transition.

Job Purpose

As the Chairperson, you will play a crucial role in working alongside the CEO and managing the Board of Directors at Croydon Community Energy (CCE). This voluntary position presents a unique opportunity to provide strategic leadership, foster effective governance, and guide our organisation toward achieving its mission of advancing renewable energy and sustainability within the community.

Responsibilities

Board Leadership and Governance:

• Provide leadership to the Board of Directors, ensuring effective governance and adherence to the organisation's mission, values, and strategic goals.

• Facilitate board meetings, setting the agenda, and ensuring productive discussions and decision-making.

• Foster a positive and inclusive board culture that encourages collaboration, diversity of thought, and constructive engagement.

• Guide the development and implementation of governance policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Collaborate with the CEO and board members to assess and mitigate organisational risks.

Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with board members, fostering open communication, trust, and mutual respect.

• Support the CEO in their role, providing guidance and feedback as needed.

• Represent the community energy group at external events, conferences, and networking opportunities to enhance the organisation's reputation and influence.

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Collaborate with the CEO and board members to develop and refine the organisation's strategic plan, setting long-term goals and objectives.

• Monitor the implementation of the strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the organisation's mission and vision.

• Regularly evaluate the organisation's progress toward strategic objectives, making adjustments and recommendations as needed.

• Support the CEO in developing and implementing operational plans, policies, and initiatives to achieve strategic goals.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

• Serve as a key spokesperson and advocate for the community energy group, promoting its mission, values, and impact to stakeholders, including government officials, partners, funders, and community members.

• Collaborate with the CEO and board members to identify and cultivate strategic partnerships and funding opportunities.

• Actively engage with the local community, attending relevant events, building relationships, and representing the organisation's interests.

Qualifications:

Even if you don’t feel you meet 100% of the requirements, please don’t be deterred from applying - we would still love to hear why you’re the right person for the role!

Essential

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the organisation effectively in various settings.

• Familiarity with the renewable energy sector and a passion for sustainable development.

• Commitment to the organisation's mission and willingness to contribute time and expertise voluntarily.

Desirable

• Proven experience in a leadership role, preferably as a board chairperson or similar position.

• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance principles and practices.

• Experience in working effectively with diverse stakeholders, including board members, executives, community members, and government officials.

• Strategic and critical thinking abilities, with a track record of developing and executing successful organisational strategies.

Join our community energy group as a voluntary Chairperson and help shape the future of sustainable energy in our community. Together, we can lead the way in promoting renewable energy and building a greener future for all.

Terms and Conditions

Length of contract: 12 months, (until next AGM)

Salary: Voluntary, expenses covered inline with our expenses policy

Hours/days: Approximately 15 hours per month

Place of work: Remote, with occasional face-to-face meetings in Croydon

Upon taking the position, you will be required to sign a Director’s agreement including a commitment to attend all Board meetings and monthly wider volunteer meetings (giving reasonable notice if you can’t), and the agreement to log time spent on CCE activities.

Introduction

Do you care about the future of the countryside in North and East Yorkshire?  Do you have skills and experience in in policy development in or for Local Authorities that you could bring to our work?  CPRE North and East Yorkshire are looking for a Trustee and Local Authority Communications Lead to contribute to our important work protecting our beautiful local countryside and green spaces.

Who we are

CPRE campaigns nationally and locally for positive solutions which safeguard the long-term future of our precious countryside which is facing multiple threats. At national level, the charity produces in-depth research and sound arguments to press government, Parliament and other decision-makers to support our countryside, be it national landscapes or simply much loved local green spaces, through policies which ensure:

- The right development in the right place

- Active support to improve biodiversity and 

- Countryside protection from climate change impacts and contribution to climate change solutions.

Here in North and East Yorkshire, the largest of the CPRE regions (6,900 square miles!), we have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to help shape development in ways that enrich the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.

The role

Our small but energetic team of volunteer Trustees enable people to protect the countryside they love and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live.  But with your support we can do even more! 

In joining us as a Trustee on the Board you’ll have a general role in developing the charity in line with our strategy and, together with other Trustees, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and other legal and governance regulations.  However additionally as our Lead for Local Authority Communications you will use your particular  knowledge of policy development in this arena to inform and guide the Trustee Board on Local Authority campaigning and coordinate and drive forward related activities to meet agreed aims.   

+Trustees initially serve a three-year term and may serve up to six years in total. 

What we need and what’s in it for you

You don’t need to have prior Trustee experience but we are looking for applicants with manager/senior level experience in policy development in Local Authorities and/or as policy advisor to Local Authorities. By volunteering with us you’ll be using what you know  to help find positive solutions for the major issues facing the countryside and the environment as well as being part of a group of people who share your passion for the countryside.  Our friendly team will provide you with initial training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership.  Further information on role responsibilities and our skill requirements are provided in the supplementary documents available on our application website, CPRENEY.

Shape the future of student advocacy and social change by joining the NUS UK Board as a Lay Director.

We’re looking for an independent director to help steer our strategy, governance, and accountability. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with experience in campaigning, communications, legal affairs, or non-profit leadership who’s passionate about supporting one of the UK’s most impactful student-led organisations.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to attract the broadest possible range of talent. Whether or not you’ve previously held a board or committee role, if you bring relevant expertise, lived experience, or a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in:

• Financial oversight, audit, or risk management

• Human resources, recruitment, or EDI expertise

• Legal, strategic, or governance experience

• Communications, campaigning, or public affairs knowledge

• Experience in the charity, education, or membership sectors

• A collaborative and values-driven mindset

We are committed to equality of opportunity and especially welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented as Directors of NUS UK and within the sector more broadly.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Help shape the student movement and the future of education

• Influence decisions that impact millions of students

• Work alongside experienced, passionate, and values-led colleagues

• Develop your leadership and governance skills

• Make a meaningful contribution to social change

You’ll receive a full induction, ongoing support, and all reasonable expenses covered—including travel and accommodation when needed.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV (or a link to your LinkedIn profile) and a short covering letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and what you would bring to the role.

Apply by: Thursday 3 July 2025, 12 noon.

If you’d like an informal chat about the role before applying, we’d love to hear from you.

Background

First Step is a Charity based in the London Borough of Havering, working with families of children with special needs and/or disabilities. For more than 35 years, we have supported in excess of 1,500 families and their children.

Families are referred or self-refer to us at a moment of crisis or uncertainty, normally pre-diagnosis, where they have concerns about their child.  We provide a range of family-centric services tailored to each family’s and child’s needs.

During our history we’ve had highs and lows, including overcoming a challenging time following the withdrawal of funding from the Local Authority in 2017 as part of their own austerity cuts.  Despite this, we’ve managed to sustain the charity through increased fundraising.

Our current Board has more than 80 years of experience, and over the next couple of years we’re looking to add some new and dynamic Trustees to strengthen the team and bring refreshed critical and creative thinking to our Charity.

The Chair of Trustees Role

Our Chair is looking to stand down after 10 fulfilling years, and we are looking for a new Chair to work with our Board and CEO to further strengthen our organisation long into the future.  

The new Chair should be ambitious for our Charity and have the vision and energy to help it extend its reach and impact, along with being an experienced leader who has empathy for our families, and lives our values.

They will need to have the ability to lead from the front in a collaborative style that builds consensus amongst the board, so we can meet the challenges ahead.

First Step are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities.

Would you like to be a part of the elimination of viral hepatitis?

Operating since 2001, The Hepatitis C Trust (HCT) is the only national UK hepatitis C charity. It is a peer-led and peer run organisation; most of its board, staff and volunteers have been affected by hepatitis C. Alongside the delivery of a national peer support programme we lobby and educate policy makers and raise awareness to ensure hepatitis C stays on their agenda and we reach elimination. 

We are routed in lived experience…Our Peer delivery model is at the core of everything we do.

Our mission is to see the elimination of hepatitis C as a serious public health issue by 2030. 

As a Trustee at The Hepatitis C Trust with a focus on the Treasurer role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the financial stability and integrity of The Hepatitis C Trust.

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.

Do you believe in a future where no animal suffers for science? 

Do you have spare time you can volunteer to make a difference to the lives of animals and humans? 

If so, we would love you to consider being one of our new trustees.

At Replacing Animal Research, we’ve been working for over half a century to replace the use of animals in research. We have significantly contributed to the development, and uptake, of non-animal methods by:

• Empowering scientists with our educational opportunities.
• Funding exciting research aimed at replacing animals and improving human healthcare.
• Collaborating with policymakers to ensure more rigorous policy on the use of animals in science. 

Our mission is to ensure scientists use non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing. It’s a better future for animals and humans. For us to achieve this, we need to ensure that Replacing Animal Research is a resilient organisation with sufficient skills, support, and income to continue its work in the long term. Our trustees are critical to the future of the organisation. 

We are currently seeking more trustees to strengthen our board by providing strategic and governance support. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with an interest or experience in scientific and medical research and testing and the development of non-animal methods. We’d also be interested in hearing from anyone passionate about eliminating animal use in research. We encourage applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race. We are looking for trustees who can demonstrate:

A commitment to our purpose and aims and the strategic vision to support the Replacing Animal Research's future development.

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the charity. (Please see below for more details on the time commitment).
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Sound, independent judgement and the ability to challenge constructively.
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and make decisions for the good of the charity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

A full induction is provided for new trustees as well as ongoing CPD opportunities and support. The role of trustee requires an annual time commitment of around 8 working days which works out around 5 hours per month. This includes:

• Preparation for and attendance at 6 general board meetings, which are held remotely.
• Preparation for and attendance at sub-committee meetings as appropriate.
• Between meetings, trustees may be asked to contribute to discussions via email or ad hoc telephone conferences on specific issues.
• Trustees may be asked to sit on or contribute to other project groups or activities from time to time.
• Attendance at 1 or 2 in-person board away days.

For more detailed information on being a trustee for Replacing Animal Research please take a look at our Trustee Role Description.

To apply for this opportunity please do so via Charity Job and submit your CV and a supporting cover letter. Please detail why you are interested in the role and how you can fulfil the role requirements and be an ambassador for Replacing Animal Research. Please ensure you read our Trustee Role Description and refer to this in your application.

Thank you for your interest in working with Replacing Animal Research and we look forward to hearing from you.

Benefits

The role of trustee is voluntary but travel and subsistence expenses are covered as required.

Notes

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in the week of 23/06/2025 and successful candidates will be invited to attend the next Replacing Animal Research board meeting as an observer on 17/07/2025. Full details will be given to candidates nearer the time.