Volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Alexandria, west dunbartonshire council

Role Description

The Press/Media Manager will work closely with the Communication Officer to lead on the Pagan Federation's media strategy. You will act as a primary point of contact for journalists, broadcasters, and media outlets working to promote positive coverage of Paganism and to respond appropriately to media interest, engaging in both proactive and reactive.

You will develop and oversee press strategies, prepare statements and press releases, brief spokespersons, and assist the organisation in sensitive communications where required. As this is a council-level role within the Pagan Federation you will be expected to provide regular reports to the Communications Officer and the Council of the Pagan Federation.

This is a voluntary role, and volunteers are expected to work remotely. We have volunteers working across England and Wales. Some travel may be necessary, reasonable expenses will be covered in line with our expenses policy.

Qualifications

• At least two years experience in the field of Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or similar. (Essential)
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy in media engagement. (Essential)
• Strong organizational and communication skills to effectively assist in strategic communications planning and discussions. (Essential)
• Commitment to supporting the mission, values, and inclusiveness of the Pagan Federation. (Essential)
• Prior experience in volunteer or nonprofit organisations. (Desirable)
• Membership of a professional organisation in Media, PR, or Communications (desirable)

General Requirements

• Must be aligned with the PF's mission, be willing to conform to our Code of Conduct, and unreservedly support the charitable objectives of the PF.
• Knowledge of the Pagan Community

We are searching for a enthusiastic volunteer to become the Newcastle chapter's Social Media Officer. The primary role is to ensure the smooth every day running of the social media accounts. This involves responding to messages (even if it’s just sign posting) and replying to comments. They should try to ensure growth of the social media account including Facebook and Instagram with the potential of Twitter. They should make use of the Facebook groups to create an engaging atmosphere for members and chase lead volunteers to ensure they post on the page and group promptly following events. After each event they should make posts following up on it. Finally, they will liaise with photographers and assist with designing and running the website.

The Deputy Treasurer aids the Treasurer in fulfilling their duties. The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing financial strategy, governance, and compliance. The Treasurer role exists to ensure that the Pagan Federation’s finances are kept in good order and that we remain a financially sustainable organisation which supports its members effectively and meets its aims and objectives. This also includes ensuring that the PF meets its statutory obligations by submitting annual returns and accounts to the Charity Commission, and advising the Board on financial matters. This is a critical role which requires a financial background, preferably in non-profit/charity accounting. The Deputy Treasurer also aids the Treasurer in managing a team of treasurers who each maintain and keep appropriate financial records for individual teams within the Pagan Federation. 

Your line manager is the Treasurer.

You must not have an IVA, bankruptcy or conviction to apply for this role.

You will help the Treasurer to:

• Lead on financial strategy, ensuring alignment with the charity’s objectives and sustainability. This includes overseeing the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year. 
• Ensure the charity has an appropriate reserves policy and finance manual.
• Liaise with relevant staff, trustees and/or volunteers to ensure the financial viability of the organisation and that all record keeping is kept in accordance with relevant legal requirements.
• Make trustees aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.
• Regularly report the financial position at trustee meetings (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc).
• Monitor financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies 

Ensure compliance with specific legal and regulatory requirements including the submission of annual returns and accounts to the Charity Commission.  This includes:

• Overseeing the preparation of the annual report and accounts in line with charity law.

• Ensuring the annual report and accounts are independently examined or audited as required

• Timely submission of annual report and accounts to the Charity Commission

Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place, ie:

• Cheque signatories

• Purchasing limits

• Purchasing systems

• Petty cash/ float

• Others as appropriate
   

You will also:

• Appraise the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.

• Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors/an independent examiner.

• Undertake bookkeeping duties and/or oversee the finance volunteer(s) ensuring posting and bookkeeping is kept up-to-date.

• Maintain the petty cash system and regularly process petty cash claims.

• Regularly carry out reconciliations/ oversee regular reconciliations.

• Arrange payments to creditors as appropriate and arrange appropriate signatures on payments.

• Raise invoices for paid services provided by us, i.e. advertising space in Pagan Dawn.

• Make the necessary arrangements to collect payments from debtors and bank payments promptly.

• Provide training and guidance on financial procedures and compliance

The Chapter Secretary ensures smooth running of the local chapter by managing communication, meetings, and documentation. The Secretary is responsible for organising chapter meetings, prepare agendas, take structured minutes, and upload them to Onedrive, ensuring they are shared with all attendees. In addition the Secretary also help coordinate volunteer socials and support chapter activities.

The Chapter Secretary should have strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to coordinate meetings, manage calendars, and keep accurate records. Attention to detail, good communication skills and time management are essential in addition to being reliable, proactive and collaborative.. Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, OneDrive.

Cancer support charity The Mulberry Centre is looking for confident speakers based in West London who can act as ambassadors for the charity and speak to corporates, companies, local businesses and organisations to raise awareness of the charity and inspire financial support, sponsorship and donations.

Do you want to support kidney patients and their families? Do you want to be part of a large team of volunteers, within a national charity? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Welsh kidney patients and their families?

“I draw on my personal experience of kidney disease to support others during their kidney journey; providing information, advice and emotional support to anyone affected by kidney disease” –Volunteer

Organisation

Popham Kidney Support

Organisation Overview

Popham Kidney Support is a leading kidney charity based in Swansea, dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, young people, and adults living with kidney disease across Wales. The charity was founded in 2013 in memory of Paul Popham and received full charitable status in 2015. Its mission is simple: to ensure that no kidney patient faces their journey alone.

The organisation provides a wide range of services designed to support emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing. These include peer mentoring, counselling, Kidney Café support groups, welfare advice, patient grants, education programmes, and wellbeing initiatives such as activity weekends and involvement in transplant sports.

As a trusted voice for kidney patients in Wales, Popham Kidney Support collaborates with clinical teams, other charities, and Welsh communities to advocate for better services and improved patient experience. Its impact has been recognised nationally — in 2025, the charity was honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award for voluntary groups in the UK.

With a growing network of volunteers, peer mentors, supporters, and community partners, Popham Kidney Support continues to expand its reach, championing compassionate, patient‑centred care across Wales

Role Title

Treasurer, Board of Trustees

Location of Position

Wales Wide – Remote. (The Charity is based in Swansea, covers Wales)

Responsible to

Chair of Trustees

Purpose/Summary of Role

The Treasurer is a trustee responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the organisation, ensuring that finances are managed in line with legal requirements, good practice, and the organisation’s charitable aims.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Ensure the organisation’s financial resources are managed responsibly and sustainably.
• Lead on financial strategy, planning, and risk management.
• Oversee the development of annual budgets and financial forecasts.
•  

Financial Monitoring and Reporting

• Present clear, accurate financial reports to the Board.
• Monitor financial performance and alert the Board to any risks or variances.
• Ensure proper accounting records are kept in line with legal requirements.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure the organisation complies with financial regulations, charity law, Companies House regulations (if applicable), and funder requirements.
• Support the preparation and submission of annual accounts, reports, and returns.

Internal Processes

• Oversee financial controls, reserves, and investment policies.
• Support staff or volunteers responsible for day‑to‑day financial administration (e.g., bookkeeping, payroll).

Supporting Fundraising & Sustainability

• Provide insight on financial implications of fundraising plans, grants, and new projects.
• Ensure restricted funds are managed and reported correctly.

Time Commitment

Typically 4–8 board meetings per year + financial oversight duties

Person Specification

 Essential

• Financial literacy and experience managing budgets.
• Ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills.
• Commitment to the organisation’s values, aims, and governance responsibilities.

Desirable

• Professional accountancy qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW).
• Experience in charity finance, SORP, or non‑profit financial management.
• Familiarity with financial software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Sage

Training and Support

· PKS Trustee Induction

· Safeguarding

·Various training courses relating to governance

Reimbursement of Expenses- Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Benefits to being a Trustee

Becoming a Trustee with Popham Kidney Support (PKS) means joining a passionate, award‑winning charity dedicated to ensuring that no kidney patient in Wales faces their journey alone. It is a meaningful way to contribute to a cause that transforms lives every day.

1. Make a Tangible Difference to Kidney Patients Across Wales

As a trustee, you directly influence services that support emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing — including peer mentoring, counselling, grants, Kidney Cafés, activity programmes, and more. Your decisions help improve the day‑to‑day lives of children, young people, adults, and families affected by kidney disease.

2. Shape the Strategic Future of an Award‑Winning Charity

Popham Kidney Support has been formally recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest honour for volunteer groups in the UK. Joining the Board means contributing to a respected, ambitious organisation that continues to expand its impact and drive positive change.

3. Develop High‑Level Leadership & Governance Skills

Trustees gain valuable experience in:

• Strategic and organisational planning
• Financial oversight
• Governance and risk management
• Charity law and regulatory compliance

This is ideal professional development for anyone seeking board-level experience or aspiring to leadership roles.

4. Be Part of a Warm, Supportive Community

At PKS, lived experience, compassion, and community spirit are at the heart of everything we do. As a trustee, you’ll work alongside:

• Dedicated volunteers and peer mentors
• A committed senior team
• Patients and families whose stories inspire change

You join a community that supports each other as much as it supports the people we serve.

5. Strengthen Your Professional Profile

Being a trustee demonstrates:

• Leadership
• Integrity
• Strategic thinking
• Commitment to social impact

It is a strong addition to any CV, career portfolio, or personal development journey.

 6. Use Your Skills — or Lived Experience — for Good

Whether your strengths lie in finance, governance, HR, communications, community engagement, healthcare insight, or lived experience as a kidney patient or carer, your voice matters. Trusteeship gives you the chance to use what you know to create real, lasting change.

7. Enjoy Personal Fulfilment Through Purposeful Work

Trustees often describe the role as:

• Inspiring
• Emotionally rewarding
• A unique opportunity to “give back”
• A chance to leave a positive legacy

Your contribution helps ensure that every kidney patient in Wales has access to the support they need — emotionally, physically, and practically.

8. Contribute to a Legacy of Compassion and Progress

PKS was founded in memory of Paul Popham and has grown into a national support organisation. As a trustee, you help carry that legacy forward, ensuring that every person affected by kidney disease feels supported, valued, and empowered.

Application Procedure

·CV to Lynne Orton Chair of Trustees

·Informal interview with Chair of Trustees and CEO

·Trustee application form, DBS & references

·Application presented to board

·Decision communicated in writing from Chair of Trustees

Chair of Trustees role:

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Who are we looking for?

• Previous chairing experience
• Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, health inequalities (including deaf community), local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to challenge and ask questions
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

NB: We are looking for both a Chair of Trustees and additional Trustees (particularly those with a finance background, but other functions are also welcome). If you are interested in a Trustee role instead of the Chair role, please mention this in your covering letter when applying. 

Both the Chair and Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

• Peer support
• Long-term health conditions
• Cancer diagnoses and prevention
• Voluntary sector support
• Health inequalities (including the deaf community)
• Under-served communities

The Wellbeing Officer (Trustee) provides information, guidance and advice to volunteers and service users around topics such as mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, if service users or volunteers have any concerns, the best point of contact is the wellbeing officer.

What do we specifically expect of this role?

● Delivery of a plan to proactively assist officers and volunteers in public-facing roles, with tools and techniques to prevent or reduce any initial harm/trauma from purposeful or accidental harmful interactions - social media, live events, outreach, panel events, etc.

● Providing support for service users by way of triaging and responding to requests that come through to the wellbeing inbox. ● Building and maintaining wellbeing resources for service users and following a data-informed approach as to areas of wellbeing improvement. This includes building relationships with external service providers that can assist in helping members of our community.

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your own schedule. However, the following commitments are in place for all member of the Hidayah board:

● To be able to attend all Trustee meetings and to deliver a comprehensive report to the committee each meeting with updates and to completed actions as and when they appear;

● To aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary when close to Hidayah events as well as the events themselves (where possible due to geography);

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives;

● To be part of a communications group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments;

● To contribute toward and to maintain the administration of our file sharing system ‘Google Drive’ so it is always up to date with clear records, templates and forms; 1

● To check emails and to respond when needed;

● Enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah;

● To contribute toward the Annual Report once a year;

If taking on the role, you're expected to be in post until the next AGM. This role is subject to a 6 months probationary period.

What do we expect from a Wellbeing Officer (Trustee)?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

● A self-starter who can volunteer with minimal supervision.

● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

● Friendliness, enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah.

● Reliable and regular volunteer.

● A team-player.

Additional:

● Experience of successfully working collaboratively.

● Preferably some experience of mentoring and/or supervision.

● Prior experience of wellbeing provision.

● Must be 18+ and live in the UK

Strong Happy Healthy Loved

We help veterans and first responders heal trauma through structured, evidence-based mental health programs.

Website & Digital Marketing

Strong Happy Healthy Loved is a breathwork and wellness startup for veterans, first responders and anyone who feels stuck and lost — that has just been shortlisted for Change 100 — Top 100 Impact Startups To Watch in 2026, backed by Microsoft and global partners.
We are looking for a Website & Digital Marketing Specialist to help us optimise our website and drive traffic to our free eBook download page and Skool community.
Tasks will include:

• Reviewing and improving our website.
• Setting up and optimising email capture and automation
• Driving traffic from social media and search to our free eBook download page
• Funnelling website visitors into our Skool community
• Improving SEO so people can find us through Google
• Analysing website traffic and making recommendations for improvement

This is a meaningful role with real impact — helping us reach the people who need our programs most.

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Volunteer Virtual Assistant (Operations Support)

We are looking for a reliable and organised Virtual Assistant to support the day-to-day operations of Animal Assisted Wellness CIC.

Responsibilities

• Respond to enquiries (email, website, social media)
• Track bookings and maintain simple systems
• Assist with scheduling and follow-ups
• Organise documents and support admin tasks

What We’re Looking For

• Strong organisation and attention to detail
• Good communication skills
• Reliable and proactive
• Comfortable with basic digital tools

 What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in a growing CIC
• Flexible, remote working
• Opportunity to take ownership and support real impact

Commitment

• 3–5 hours per week (flexible, remote)

We are now seeking a Secretary to the Board to help ensure our governance remains strong, organised and effective.Help strengthen the governance of a Sheffield charity that has supported people who are homeless, rootless or vulnerable every Christmas since 1989.

For five days over the festive period, HARC provides a warm, safe day shelter offering hot meals, warm clothing, wellbeing support and companionship. Our work is powered by volunteers and guided by a committed Board of Trustees.

The Secretary plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and effective running of the charity. You’ll help keep our governance processes organised, compliant, and aligned with best practice. 

We’re keen to welcome people who can bring energy, fresh perspectives and a real sense of commitment to our small but dedicated board. You don’t need prior governance or compliance experience as we provide a full induction and ongoing training to help you feel confident in the role.

We are asking Local Coordinators to launch Amnesty Human Rights Where You Live initiatives in their area of the East Midlands, helping to bring together local people with an interest in human rights. This is an on-the-ground role promoting activism in your area.

Over the next twelve months, Coordinators would then support their local team to: 

• Raise awareness of and campaign on human rights issues locally. 

• Persuade local politicians to put human rights at the heart of their decisions 

• Engage their local community and ‘change the conversation’ on human rights

• Mark International Human Rights Day on 10 December 

• Set up an Amnesty local group with fundraising to enable future campaigning 

They would also have the chance to team up with other Coordinators to help develop and deliver a human rights campaign for the East Midlands. 

This is a great opportunity to make a difference in your local area on issues you are passionate about while also gaining experience and confidence with a wide range of campaign and communication skills.  

What support would I get? 

Coordinators will be supported at every step by the Amnesty East Midlands Regional Organiser and other staff, who will provide: 

• Support for a local launch meeting for Human Rights Where You Live 

• Training in knowledge and skills 

• 1-1 coaching 

• Organising, campaigning and fundraising resources 

• Face-to-face and online networking with other activists as a regional team. 

My main staff point of contact would be: East Midlands Regional Organiser

All Coordinators would:

• Communicate regularly with the East Midlands Regional Organiser

• Feedback on their activities on a regular and structured basis. 

• Aim to attend a reasonable number of core training and networking sessions online and in-person, depending on individual circumstances. 

What skills and knowledge are needed? 

• Some knowledge of your local area in the East Midlands. 

• Good written and oral communications skills 

• Experience of team-working 

• Basic IT competency (email, word processing, etc.) and internet access 

Experience of campaigning is always welcome but not essential – we find that people often have skills from something else they have done that would be very helpful for the role. 

How much time is needed? 

We would estimate around 2-3 hours a week would be the average, although there may be some periods where more or less commitment is needed. We’d ask that you commit to your local Human Rights Where You Live project for at least one year, although we recognize that people’s circumstances do change. 

We also understand that this role may need to fit around your family, studies, caring or other commitments.  

Any other requirements? 

Coordinators would need to be living in the East Midlands and unlikely to move in the next 12 months. We welcome interest from students at East Midlands universities. 

We would ask that any Coordinator be at least 18. However, if you are under 18 but would still like to get involved in Amnesty, please do get in touch to find more about our youth groups. 

We welcome interest from people who are already volunteering with another community or campaign group with an interest in human rights, and who are interested in doing a local Human Rights Where You Live project as a collaboration between Amnesty and that group. 

Rainbow Migration, the longest-running UK charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is seeking a trustee who is or has been a refugee due to persecution as an LGBTQI+ person. This is part of an ongoing commitment to increase leadership in the organisation by people with lived experience of the issues we work on.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about our vision that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives, and our mission to support LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system and influence policy and practice.

At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We particularly encourage applications from people who have sought asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. 

More information on Rainbow Migration is in appendix 1 of the application pack.

If you would like to find out more before applying, you can attend a webinar on Friday 17 April 2026 from 1 to 2pm. This is an opportunity to meet Rainbow Migration’s Executive Director and a trustee and ask us any questions. It is not part of the application or selection process. Please register using the form linked in the application pack and a Zoom link will be sent to you. If you cannot attend, you can still fill out the form and request a recording afterwards.

If you would prefer to have a one-to-one conversation, or have any questions about the role, the webinar or how to apply, please contact us using the email address in the application pack.

The role of trustees

Trustees are volunteers who bring their skills and experience to shape our strategic direction. They have legal responsibility for the charity, ensure good governance, and make sure our finances and resources are used well to implement our mission. Trustees also play a role as ambassadors for the organisation and our work.

Trustees do not get involved in operational decision-making. For example, decisions on which social media platforms we use or what group activities we run for service users are taken by staff.

Because trustees are volunteers, they do not receive payment for their time. Rainbow Migration can pay your costs when incurred solely for fulfilling trustee duties (e.g. travel, phone top-ups if needed exclusively for trustee work).

You can find out more information about what being a trustee involves at the links available in the application pack.

Time commitment

We are looking for people who can commit to being a trustee for at least three years. Trustees can then be re-elected for another three years. The maximum term limit for our trustees is nine years (in line with Charity Commission guidance).

Trustees meet on a weekday evening, from 6 to 9 pm, five times per year. There may be additional meetings in 2026 as part of our work on anti-oppression and to develop our next organisational strategy.

Meetings are usually held on Zoom except in December when we meet in-person in London, with an informal dinner first. For in-person meetings, travel costs (and meals and accommodation if relevant) can be covered.

You will need to spend two to four hours reading 8 to 30 papers before each meeting. Papers are provided a few days in advance of meetings. The “Board Buddy” (see below under Support for Trustees) can help with understanding them. You can also ask to meet with the Executive Director or Chair to explain them.

You can see examples of topics of discussion at board meetings in appendix 2 of the application pack.

You will also need to give some time between meetings. This includes, for example:

• Spending 10 to 30 minutes reviewing and correcting the minutes (written record) of the last board meeting
• Spending 30 to 60 minutes reviewing and giving feedback on documents, such as a new or updated draft organisational policy (e.g. data protection, safeguarding, health and safety)
• Reading and responding to emails within one or two days.

The board has two subcommittees: one on HR and one on finance. You may be asked to join one of these a few months after you become a trustee. If you do, there will be up to four more meetings a year and there will be papers to read for each of these meetings.

Support for trustees

We provide numerous resources for trustees. Below are some examples but they are not exhaustive and we are open to suggestions. Support can be accessed throughout the time someone is a trustee.

Training:

• We can pay for trustees to access training on good governance, the duties of a trustee, and charity finance.
• We give access to webinars and online training e.g. on safeguarding and cyber-security.
• We provide internal training (by staff) on areas such as safeguarding and data protection.

One-to-one support:

• New trustees have induction meetings with Rainbow Migration staff.
• An existing trustee can act as a “Board Buddy” for new trustees, which includes formal and informal meetings and support around board meetings and papers.
• We can help you to find a mentor e.g. The Experts by Experience Employment Initiative can provide mentoring for people with lived experience of migration.
• We can discuss accommodations that are needed for disabled people and other ways to ensure trustees feel fully included and able to participate

Equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-oppression

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and we know this is ongoing work. We are also reviewing what we do and how we do it through an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens, as well as investing in being more informed and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. We want our organisation — including our trustee board — to be increasingly shaped and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum. That is why this trustee position is specifically for someone who has been granted refugee status in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person.

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, identities and experiences – including from people who are trans (including non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, gender non-conforming and agender) and intersex. We recognise that people have different journeys, strengths and access needs, and we are committed to removing barriers wherever we can. If you share our vision, mission and values, we encourage you to apply and let us know how we can support you through the process.

To support candidates during the interview process, we send some of the questions in advance to give applicants more thinking time. You are welcome to bring notes with you and also take notes in interviews to help process information. Please let us know if we can make other adjustments to support you through the application and selection process.

Once appointed, trustees can continue to access a range of support options throughout their time on the board.

Person specification

Essential

For this role, we are looking for someone who has been awarded refugee status in the UK on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. At this time, we are not accepting applications from people who still in the process of applying for asylum, or who have leave to remain in the UK on other grounds (e.g. work, human rights, marriage) as these experiences are already represented on our board.

We welcome applications from people who have used our services as well as those who have never interacted with us before.

In addition to having been granted asylum in the UK as an LGBTQI+ person, the following are necessary:

• Commitment to Rainbow Migration’s mission, vision and values
• Ability to work constructively with other trustees and staff
• Good English (so you can understand spoken conversations in meetings and contribute)
• Ability to read and understand long documents (e.g. trustees must be familiar with our policies, such as our safeguarding policy, and the key points in our publications such as Still Falling Short)
• Courage and enthusiasm to learn, encourage, challenge, influence and support other people and the organisation
• Confidence to ask questions (this helps everyone learn and improve) or request training or support
• Ability to analyse and scrutinise information provided by staff and trustees (the Board Buddy and other trustees can assist you in this)
• Ability to use independent judgement and share your thoughts with trustees and the Executive Director
• Willingness to share your opinion and give guidance to the board in areas where you have knowledge or experience
• Commitment to speak well about the organisation to others (e.g. funders, other charities)
• Regular access to a secure, private email account and a quiet, private space for joining online meetings and telephone calls
• Be living in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
• Aged 16 or over
• Not be previously disqualified as a trustee or company director, have an undischarged bankruptcy or have unspent criminal convictions for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud).

Desirable

It would be beneficial if you have work or volunteer experience in an area relevant to Rainbow Migration’s work (e.g. service delivery, communications, campaigning, lobbying, fundraising, HR, IT) but this is not a requirement.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that 
have been bereaved. 

THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:

- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life

- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call

- Are a good listener

- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature

- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills

- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice

- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:

- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed

- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call

- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others

- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs

- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:

- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life

- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation

- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills

- An opportunity to engage with your community

SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:

- Omega Chatterbox induction program

- Safeguarding training

- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support

- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate

- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

LOCATION OF THE ROLE:

- Home-based

WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:

- Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.