Volunteer team member volunteer roles in coulsdon, greater london

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• To seek out new fundraising opportunities, within the local area, to improve our revenue stream

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Help shape the future of Merton’s vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Merton Connected is seeking two to three new trustees to join our experienced board at an exciting time of growth. We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, strategic thinking, and a commitment to inclusive community development; whether this is your first governance role or you’ve supported other organisations before.

You’ll help shape our strategy, strengthen good governance, and champion the voices of local organisations and residents. You’ll be part of a collaborative board that works closely with our leadership team to support a thriving voluntary, community and faith sector in Merton.

We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals with insight or experience in:

• Marketing and communications

• Digital and AI operations

• Income generation and fundraising

• Impact and performance measurement

We also welcome diverse lived experience, fresh perspectives, and strong local connection to Merton.

What you’ll gain:

• A chance to influence local priorities and make a meaningful difference to people’s lives

• Insight into the workings of a well-connected, values-driven infrastructure charity

• Opportunities to share your knowledge and develop your strategic and leadership skills

• A welcoming, inclusive board committed to learning and collective impact

Time commitment: 4–6 meetings per year (including strategy days), with occasional subgroups or events
Support offered: Full induction provided, with out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed

We’re taking a flexible, phased approach to recruitment to make it easier for people to apply over the summer, while encouraging early applications where possible.

• Apply by 17:00 on Friday 11th of July to be considered as part of our first round of shortlisting
• Interviews for this first phase are likely to take place in mid to late July
• Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis until places are filled.

For more information and to apply, please download the Trustee Recruitment Pack 

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’ 

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Tooting on Mondays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10am - 3pm
• Tuesday 2pm - 6pm
• Wednesday 11am - 6pm

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer  Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements: 

Essential 

• To be 18 years or older;

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

• To be reliable and punctual;

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status

• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check (DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering 

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers with email subject header “Youth ESOL Teaching Assistant Volunteer”. 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role. 

Summary of the role of Trustee

Trustees are individually, and as part of the Board, the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Board Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably.

But this specific role requires the Trustee to Chair the crucial Board’s Income Generation Committee (IGC).

Like other hospices, in the context of Government decisions about tax and minimum wages and in the generally challenging environment for most donors, we are not able to purely fund our work from current donations, meaning we have been drawing from our reserves.

This has to change if we are to survive and satisfy the ever -increasing demands for palliative care.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Chair the Income Generation Committee, which has the following key priorities:

• Review and constructively challenge the annual fundraising (FR) plans and budget

• Maintain an overview of current fundraising initiatives and their return on investments, working in partnership with the FR team

• Evaluate the risks to achieving projected income streams and advise the FR team and Board accordingly

• In conjunction with the FR team, creatively develop new and potentially high return initiatives that are intended to deliver significant additional income, in excess of current FR budgets

• As part of the Board of Trustees:

• set and maintain vision, mission and values

• ensure plans are in place to deliver income/cost levels that can at least fund current expenditure

• Develop strategy, set overall policy, define strategic objectives and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Assure continuous compliance with the legal and regulatory standards governing the operation ofthe charity, the charity governing document and any other relevant legislation, updating the articles of association as required.

• Assure proper financial control and ensure the application of resources is exclusively in pursuance of the charitable objects i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are

• Assure the effective and efficient administration of the charity including funding, insurance and premises

• Assure that The Hospice of St Francis pursues its objects as defined in its governing document (e.g. the promotion of any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the district of providing palliative care at the Hospice, at patients home, in our Spring Centre and in the community, and in particular the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of distress and sickness)

• Assure employment procedures and policy and proceduresfor volunteering are compliant with legislation and regulation, subject to regular review and support the fulfilment of strategic objectives

• Assure risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out including accurate and timely reporting using the format of risk registers

• To contribute to, assure and maintain effective performance of the Board and Committees, including systems and processes for external assessment of these arrangements

• Support the CEO and Executive Team to fulfil their delegated responsibilities and hold them to account for delivery of strategic objectives

• To attend Board meetings quarterly, up to two Board awaydays annually and serve as a member of up to two Committees.

• Able to be registered as a Directors of the Charity at Companies House, sharing ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run.

• Act as an ambassador supporting the work of the Hospice in generating income and in its relationship with the communities served.

Meet and Greet Host

Dyscover offers long term support to people with aphasia, a communication problem which can occur after a stroke or brain injury.

Our Group Host welcomes our members and their carer as they arrive to our Kingston support group:

• Providing refreshments before the session and during breaks

• Helping to set up and tidy away

• Attending occasional meetings/training sessions relating to the role as required

Do you have…

• A personable and friendly manner

• Good communication skills

• Availability on a Tuesday morning

• The ability to make a real difference to a small local charity

We will provide…

• Training, support and induction to your role

• The chance to meet new people, make new friends and work as a team

How you can make a difference:

Are you a painter, illustrator, knitter or potter? You might be a sports teacher, a music student or even a professional writer. If you are dedicated to supporting young people and you’ve got a super skill you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you!

A sibling or young carer is a young person who lives with a family member with a disability, such as a parent or sibling, often providing support or care. Here at Sense, we know that it’s not always easy being a young carer, or the sibling of a disabled person. Their wellbeing and happiness are just as important. That is why we deliver activities and sessions specifically for young people aged 5-18, who have a caring role for a parent or have a sibling with a disability.

We run a wide range of virtual group sessions after school and at weekends. Our sessions are designed to meet the interests of the young people we support, supporting their wellbeing, giving them opportunities to socialise with other siblings and young carers, and providing a fun break that is just for them. 

We are looking for volunteers to share their skills and engage groups of young people through fun, interactive, and accessible Zoom workshops. Volunteers will have experience in one of the following skills, either through study, teaching, running a business, or delivering workshops. Please note you only need one of the following skill areas to apply, however if you have experience in more than one, please do let us know:

• Arts/drawing
• Crafts/creative projects
• Sports/fitness
• Music
• Graphics/design/animation
• Gaming
• Creative writing

We welcome your application if you have another area of expertise you believe would be a great opportunity for young people to partake in.

This a great opportunity to utilise your own skills and experience to deliver impactful recreational sessions to siblings and young carers across the country. You do not need to have previous experience working with siblings or young carers, we will provide you with training and ongoing support to equip you for your role.

Our staff team will be there to support you every step of the way. The volunteer role is really flexible – you might run workshops after school, evenings, or any time at the weekend – once a month, twice a month, or more if you’d like! You will build up a great rapport with the young people and gain amazing experience supporting them each month.

Benefits:

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A reference following your commitment (at least 6 months)
• Flexible volunteering hours
• Reimbursed expenses*
• Full training and ongoing support, as well as ‘upskill’ opportunities
• Joining a family of wonderful volunteers
• Learning about the experiences of siblings and young carers and those with disabilities

• Gaining experience of working with young people

  *Expenses have to be pre-agreed

Additional Information:

• Location: Virtual, so we’re keen to hear from people all around the UK
• Time commitment: Estimated 3–5 hours a month, depending on the activity
• Duration: minimum 6 months
• Age minimum: 18

How you can make a difference:

Are you dedicated to supporting young people and want to make a difference to siblings and young carers? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

A sibling or young carer is a young person who lives with a family member with a disability, such as a parent or sibling, often providing support or care. Here at Sense, we know that it’s not always easy being a young carer, or the sibling of a disabled person. Their wellbeing and happiness are just as important. That is why we deliver activities and sessions specifically for young people aged 5-18, who have a caring role for a parent or have a sibling with a disability.

We run a wide range of virtual group sessions after school and at weekends. Our sessions are designed to meet the interests of the young people we support, supporting their wellbeing, giving them opportunities to socialise with other siblings and young carers, and providing a fun break that is just for them. 

We are looking for volunteers to engage groups of young people through fun, interactive, and accessible Zoom workshops. Volunteers will support existing workshops by running games and activities with their assigned groups of young people. This could involve:

• Leading activities in your own Zoom room
• Running a Zoom session independently
• Quizzes
• Book clubs
• Film nights
• Online/digital games
• Challenges
• Board games/party games

We also welcome your application if you have exciting new activity ideas for young people to partake in. This a great opportunity to deliver impactful recreational sessions to siblings and young carers across the country. 

You do not need to have previous experience working with siblings or young carers, we will provide you with training and ongoing support to equip you for your role.

Our staff team will be there to support you every step of the way. The volunteer role is really flexible – you might run workshops after school, evenings, or any time at the weekend – once a month, twice a month, or more if you’d like! You will build up a great rapport with the young people and gain amazing experience supporting them each month.

Benefits:

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A reference following your commitment (after 6 months)
• Flexible volunteering hours
• Reimbursed expenses*
• Full training and ongoing support, as well as ‘upskill’ opportunities
• Joining a family of wonderful volunteers
• Learning about the experiences of siblings and young carers and those with disabilities

• Gaining experience of working with young people

  *Expenses have to be pre-agreed

Additional Information

• Location: Virtual, so we’re keen to hear from people all around the UK
• Time commitment: Estimated 3–5 hours a month, depending on the activity
• Duration: minimum 6 months
• Age minimum: 18

Job Title: Public Relations Assistant                                                              

Reports To: Head of PR

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Public Relations (PR) Assistant to support the communications and public engagement strategy for the festival and wider organisational goals. This role is ideal for someone passionate about storytelling, community outreach, and brand visibility, while gaining hands-on experience in a meaningful cultural project. 

Position Overview:
The PR Assistant will support the PR Department in developing and executing external communications, engaging with local communities, coordinating media opportunities, and planning promotional campaigns. The position also includes leadership and team support responsibilities, offering the chance to build project management and people skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Media & Communications Support:

• Conduct research to inform PR planning and outreach strategies.

• Assist in writing and editing press releases, articles, and promotional content.

• Support social media content planning and scheduling under supervision.

Event & Community Engagement:

• Support the organisation and promotion of events that engage the local community.

• Foster positive community relations through public initiatives and collaboration.

• Liaise with stakeholders and partners to maximise event exposure.

Team Leadership & Administration:

• Assist in leading PR team activities and supporting volunteers with communications tasks.

• Motivate and coach team members to fill skill gaps and grow professionally.

• Manage or contribute to PR-related projects, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.

General Support:

• Contribute ideas and feedback during staff meetings.

• Provide support for administrative tasks and internal communications when needed.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• No formal degree required; coursework or experience in communications, public relations, or marketing is an asset.

Experience:

• Previous exposure to public relations, event coordination, or social media strategy is desirable.

• Familiarity with community engagement and nonprofit promotion is a plus.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

• Strong understanding of social media platforms and content strategy.

• Organised, proactive, and adaptable with a positive, solution-oriented approach.

• Confident team player with basic leadership and project coordination ability.

• Knowledge of online and offline marketing tactics.

• Event planning experience is an advantage.

Benefits:

• Build real-world PR and event coordination experience in a mission-led organisation.

• Enhance your leadership, communication, and project planning skills.

• Gain references and portfolio work to support future career opportunities.

• Work remotely with flexible hours and a supportive team.

• Travel expenses reimbursed for any required in-person events or meetings. 

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Message from our Chair:

''The Happy Baby Community is seeking a Human Resources professional with expertise in strategic people planning to join our Board of Trustees. Established in 2014 and registered as a charity in 2019, the Happy Baby Community works across London supporting over 2500 women who have fled trafficking and violence. We provide a safe and trusted space for new and pregnant mothers and their children to thrive through professional and practical services, training, and education. As we continue to extend our reach and develop our community model, strong HR leadership is essential to our growth and impact. We are entering a pivotal phase in our development where strategic people planning will be critical to sustaining our high-quality support services while nurturing the talent within our community. We are fundamentally committed to a user-led decision-making model and have done much over recent years to help our community members become involved in ongoing dialogue around governance. This is an opportunity to contribute to an organization that empowers a talented and committed group of women - benefiting them, their children, and the women who will join us in the future.''

The Role

We are looking for an HR professional to join our Board and take up the following responsibilities:

• Supporting the development of our people strategy to align with our mission and growth objectives

• Guiding our approach to talent development, particularly learning and development focused on leadership pathways for community members

• Advising on HR best practices, employment law, and compliance for the charity sector

• Contributing to organisational development including advising on staff engagement and related KPIs, and change management initiatives

• Helping establish robust performance management and staff wellbeing frameworks

• Supporting our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of our work

• Contributing to overall governance and strategic development.

Person Expertise

We are looking for someone with significant experience in human resources and strategic people planning. Expertise in one or more of the following areas would be particularly valuable:

• Charity sector HR management or consultancy

• Employment law specific to the charity/non-profit sector

• Organisational development and change management

• Talent acquisition and development strategies

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion program development

• Leadership development and succession planning

• Volunteer management frameworks

• Performance management systems

• Staff wellbeing and mental health support structures

Experience working with refugee communities, trafficking survivors, or asylum seekers (either through lived experience, personally, or through paid/voluntary work) is desirable. Given the collaborative nature of our Board and our focus on leadership development, we are looking for someone who is a strong team player, value-driven, and an excellent communicator.

Time Commitment and Location

• Board meetings take place in London 4 times a year during the day

• HR committee meetings occur 2-3 times a year as needed

• Additional time for specific HR projects and strategic planning sessions

• The Trustee role is not remunerated, but reasonable expenses are paid.

Mentoring

Board members are encouraged to support one of the management team members in a mentoring capacity. This role is designed to support their understanding of charity governance and build leadership skills. The mentoring usually takes the form of a regular check-in before Board meetings and any additional contact agreed by both parties. For an HR professional, this presents a valuable opportunity to directly empower community members with professional development.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our Board so that it better represents the community we serve. We recognize the value of lived experience and welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in our governance structure.

Expression of Interest

Applications should include a CV along with a short (no more than 2-page) and a short expression of interest covering:

• Your interest in the role and experience in HR and strategic people planning

•Your commitment to supporting the development of our community of mothers

• How your skills would add value to the Board and our people development goals

• Your approach to empowering community members through mentoring and skills development

Our Chair and lead Trustee, along with one of our Management Committee and Community Leaders Board member will liaise with applicants and conduct interviews. References and a DBS check will be required prior to appointment. "All women and their children have an equal right to thrive and feel valued."

At My Black Dog, we provide free, anonymous and judgement-free peer support for those struggling with their mental health. Our volunteers have been there, they’ve faced their own challenges and truly understand what it’s like. Through real conversations, we offer empathy, hope, and a safe space to be heard. No stigma, no pressure, just people who get it, ready to listen. We are now looking for someone with experience of fundraising to join our Trustee team. 

We are looking for volunteers interested in working with young asylum seekers and refugees to support our weekly youth club in Croydon, ‘Merhaba’. Merhaba Youth Club is a safe space where 18-25 year old refugees and asylum seekers living in contingency accommodation can come to socialise with their peers, develop friendships, build a better understanding of their rights and entitlements, gain new skills and access 1:1 support.

The club runs on Tuesdays, 2.30-5.30pm, and we ask that you come to Merhaba at least three times each month and attend the whole session. The role involves supporting staff to set up and deliver activities – including 1:1 English and games – as well as administrative support.

Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you! 

STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees. 

We are in particular looking for applicants who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Have HR experience 
• Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
• Have charitable fundraising experience. 

 Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged. 

Role Description

To provide strategic oversight of:

• STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law; 
• STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
• Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives; 
• The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
• Monitoring and reporting of financial information; 
• STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
• Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.

Also to:

• Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
• Attend and prepare for board meetings
• Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
• Approve accounts
• Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
• Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
• A commitment to STAR’s values
• An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments. 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
• Integrity and good independent judgement
• Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
• Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.

Desirable 

Five years experience in one or more of:

• Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
• Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
• Charitable fundraising;
• Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
• Organisational development, growth or change;
• Human resources;
• Financial management/accountancy;
• IT;
• Negotiations;
• Marketing and public relations;
• Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
• Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
• Campaigning;
• Social Media/ Communications 

About Student Action for Refugees

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive. 

Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by: 

• empowering young people to be changemakers; 
• providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects; 
• challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK; 
• Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation 

We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.

Here are just some of our highlights from last year:

• 37  STAR university student society groups, across 28  towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders. 
• 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
• 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers  through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events. 
• 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
• 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of  existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of  university staff. 
• 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
• 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.

Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling

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.

When people suspect they have Lyme disease, their first port of call is a health professional (HP), yet HP knowledge of Lyme disease tends to be low. The Lyme Resource Centre has been increasingly attending HP conferences to raise awareness. However, we now need help to make our approach to these events more streamlined, efficient with an experienced events specialist to help support the rest of the team so they can concentrate on presentation content etc. Whilst the major focus is HP conferences, there are 1-2 other major events where event support is also needed.  Previous experience in events coordination is essential. 

Key responsibilities seen as:

Overseeing co-ordination of LRC events (e.g. HCP conferences, Parliamentary events, big public conferences)

Completing admin, paperwork (contracts, insurance, invoicing etc.) 

Liaising with event organisers

Monitoring event status, progress & costs

Designing processes, policies that facilitate event organisation and advise Trustees on how to evolve event management

Organising post-event follow-up emails

Advising LRC team members of required actions, deadlines

Organising printing, materials, equipment for event as required (working with materials specialist?)

Liaising with team members, project leaders, Trustees, treasurer

Taking part in relevant team and other meetings

Key competencies 

• Organisational skills

• IT competent

• Team working

• Good intuition, initiative

• Good communication – verbal & written

• Attention to detail