Volunteers volunteer roles in dorking, surrey
About Us
Age UK London is a charity that campaigns for an age-friendly London. We have been working to promote the interests of older Londoners for over 20 years and support the network of London Age UK’s and other older people’s organisations across all 33 boroughs.
Our CEO, Abigail Wood, joined us in 2020 and under her leadership Age UK London has gone through a significant period of consolidation and transformational change, streamlining activities and organisational structure, whilst maximising our impact.
Background to the role
A highly successful recent strategy day highlighted that the staff and trustees are closely aligned and have a strong sense of being part of one team, all pulling in one direction. We want to build on that by welcoming new Board members with key skills and expertise to enhance and further sharpen our work.
The Age UK London board currently comprises seven trustees, one of whose term will finish at our AGM in the autumn. Our chair, Tony Burch, took on the role in December 2024, having been a trustee since 2018. Our former chair, Imogen Clark, left having stayed on as a trustee until our CEO had returned from maternity leave in February of this year, and two other trustees resigned earlier this year for personal reasons.
We are a friendly, committed and effective board, and we foster a productive relationship with the Age UK London CEO and her team. We are passionate about campaigning to improve the lives of older Londoners.
We’re now keen to welcome someone who brings skills and experience in campaigning, public affairs and policy. Given that this is the key focus of our work, it’s important that our Board is replete with a deep understanding of the challenges as well as the possibilities for influence and change.
If you feel you are the right person to join our board, we would be delighted to hear from you!
Main Responsibilities
- To be aware of and accept the responsibilities of a charity trustee and director of a charitable company.
- To ensure equality, diversity and inclusion is promoted and sustained through all aspects of Age UK London’s work and relationships.
- To represent the board as necessary, on internal disciplinary and complaint panels or other panels, and on external bodies by agreement.
- To act properly at all times, declaring any conflict of interests or perceived conflict of interests which may have a bearing on their role as a trustee.
- To act in good faith with due care and diligence for the best interests of Age UK London and working within the charity’s vision, mission and values.
- To attend and actively participate in board meetings, contributing own opinions and ensuring that papers are read in preparation for meetings.
- To undertake training and attend induction.
- To respect the confidentiality of matters discussed at board and any other meetings set up by the board.
- To evaluate the performance of the board in relation to the agreed objectives.
- To engage with the wider work of Age UK London and its network.
- Willingness to commit to a minimum of two years in the role.
In addition to the above duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they may have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance on new initiatives or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
Person Specification
Among your key attributes, we are looking to secure experience at a senior level of public affairs, including how organisations can engage with Government and influence policy through a combination of lobbying and public campaigning, as well as:
- Ability to understand and accept the duties and liabilities of a Trustee and how they differ from operational management
- Empathy with the vision, mission and values of the charity
- Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort
- Ability to think and apply knowledge strategically
- Ability to analyse and evaluate management information and any other evidence
- Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively and to participate in discussions
- Ability to work effectively in group situations
- Ability to constructively challenge and ask questions in an appropriate manner
- Ability to manage difficult/challenging situations
- Ability to maintain confidentiality on confidential and sensitive information
- Ability to manage boundaries and conflicts of interest appropriately
Our commitment to diversity
We value equity, diversity and inclusion. We value and respect all the differences that make us who we are, including age, cultural background, ethnicity and race, disability and mental health, neurodiversity, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, social background and lived experience.
We believe that effective leadership and good decision-making is enabled through a diverse board membership, a culture of listening to, and acting on, diverse perspectives and, having board behaviours that embody respect, openness and constructive challenge. We are seeking to increase the diversity of our broad and warmly welcome qualified candidates who bring new perspectives.
How to apply
Eastside People is supporting Age UK London in the recruitment of these roles. Please click here to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.
Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:
- Why are you interested in a Trustee role at Age UK London
- Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.
The closing date for applications is 15 September. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Age UK London during the week beginning 22 September.
Thank you!
We believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a strongly held belief in the benefits that empowering leadership skills can have in shaping the future of the next generation.
We are looking for individuals that can promote our cause and are willing to share their personal and professional experience and insights as part of the collaborative decision-making of our Board of Trustees.
We are committed to diversity in the workplace through a workforce that reflects the population and communities we work with across the UK.
Our board of Trustees is currently under-represented by individuals with black, asian, and ethnically diverse heritage in addition to people aged under 30 years of age.
As such, we would welcome applicants with these backgrounds to support our aim of a nationally representative organisation workforce.
Knowledge, skills and experience
While we are interested in the person, we are looking for individuals with specific skills and experience in one, some, or all of the following areas:
o Working with primary and/or secondary schools, colleges, and/or youth-development organisations.
o Working in or with Awarding Organisations.
An understanding or experience of financial oversight is considered desirable but not essential.
Trustee commitment and responsibilities
All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated.
To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit approximately 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are generally held virtually.
Members of our Audit, Risk and Compliance committee additionally meet two weeks before each board meeting for finance and regulation focused discussions with the Executive team.
Effective Trustees support our work by:
· Ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do.
· Supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice, guidance, and opinion in the pursuit of the organisation’s objectives.
· Constructively guide the Executive in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy.
· Actively represent and champion the work of the Leadership Skills Foundation.
· Maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight promoting best practice as a Charity to ensure our sustainability and longevity.
Our values
Created in collaboration with the Leadership Skills Foundation team, our cultural values are our ways of working that we expect in all aspects of our interaction with each other and with our delivery centres, tutors, partners, and learners.
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We are better together
Together, we do great things. Collaboration, belonging and individuality aren’t just buzzwords to us; they’re deeply held commitments in the way we work. As we solve problems together, we make sure everyone feels listened to and valued.
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We are guided by goals
Every initiative we developed is guided by clear aims. From giving young people the confidence to achieve, to bringing major change to communities, all our goals are significant and focused on improvement.
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We evolve and innovate
As the world changes, so do the opportunities and challenges of the people we support. As different times call for different skills, we are brave enough to be different and to innovate to be fit for the future.
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We have pride in our programmes
We never forget how valuable everyone’s future is. That’s why we go above and beyond to deliver high-quality trustworthy and regulated programmes.
Know someone great for this?
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
NEW CHAIR WANTED FOR AGE UK MERTON’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who shares our values and passion for supporting older adults in Merton. The new Chair will formally take up the role at the AGM in November 2025.
About Age UK Merton
We are an independent charity operating within the national Age UK network providing services for older adults in the London Borough of Merton. Our role is to ensure older adults can access the support, services and care they need to help them to live active and fulfilling lives.
Our vision: Supporting our communities with opportunities to love later life.
Our mission: To provide quality advice and services that meet the needs of older adults in Merton.
Our values: quality, integrity, kindness, inclusivity and collaboration.
Our priorities
We are passionate about making a difference to the lives of older adults in Merton. Our Strategic Plan 2023-2026 outlines our three key priorities in support of our mission:
1. Providing high quality advice and practical support.
2. Building social connection.
3. Creating opportunities for lifelong active ageing.
Our services
Living Well: we deliver holistic person-centered home assessments creating a motivational action plan and supporting older adults to access services and improve their health and wellbeing.
At Home: we provide practical help to enable people to feel comfortable, safe and secure at home with domestic support, shopping and respite for carers.
Activity programme: our weekly-programme of activities includes chair-based exercise, Zumba, Tai Chi, social club with board games, craft club, quiz sessions, walking group, monthly special lunches and aqua fitness. We also run a wide range of out and about trips annually.
Information and advice: our trained advisers offer free accredited information and advice to older adults on benefits, health and end of life, housing, social care, local services and more.
Befriending and volunteering: we provide a high-quality, free, face-to-face and telephone befriending service, helping to reduce social isolation and promote independence.
Foot health service: we offer a low-cost paid-for foot health service for our clients.
Role description
As Chair, you will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Board of Trustees. Your regular responsibilities will include liaising with the CEO to set the agenda and agree the papers for Board meetings, chairing Board meetings, holding regular catch-ups with Trustees, and leading on Trustee recruitment and retention and Board development. In addition, you will also be the line manager to the CEO, holding regular meetings and undertaking the annual appraisal and objective setting. You will also sit on the Finance Committee (chaired by the Treasurer) and be responsible for determining complaints and grievances where a decision is appealed.
As a Trustee, you will have a number of core duties, including ensuring the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and relevant legislation; ensuring it pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document; ensuring the financial stability of the organisation; and ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
Person specification
Essential
· Previous Board-level experience, either as a Trustee or in another non-executive capacity
· Experience of chairing (either a Trustee Board or other professional experience)
· Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
· Willingness and capacity to devote the necessary time
· Good independent judgment
· A commitment to Age UK Merton and its vision, mission and values
· An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
Desirable
· Some experience or understanding of the adult social care or health sectors
· An understanding of Merton as a place
To find out more and to apply
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. While we would especially welcome applications from people who live in our local area, this is not essential to success in the role.
If you are interested in applying, please send a CV (maximum 2-sides of A4) and cover letter (maximum 1-side of A4) to our current chair. Please also contact our chair if you would like to have an informal discussion about the role. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 25th July 2025. Interviews will be held in August/September 2025 and the successful candidate will formally take up the role at the AGM in November 2025.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Corporate Justice Coalition (CJC) is seeking dynamic, motivated and experienced people who want to add their energy and expertise to pursuing our mission to end corporate abuses of human rights and the environment.
Corporate Justice Coalition’s (CJC) mission is to secure greater protection of human rights and the environment with regard to the global operations of UK corporations, including improved access to justice for those harmed by the activities of UK companies. We work with a diverse range of mainly civil society coalition partners from the fields of global poverty, environmental sustainability and human rights to: change government policies and the law; maintain and strengthen civil society advocacy and campaigning on corporate accountability; develop and promote shared policy solutions; promote public support for the rights of people affected by corporate abuses and solutions to this.
We are looking for two new trustees to join our board. We are looking for a treasurer and another trustee with experience of fundraising in the charity sector.
In addition to the time required to fulfil the responsibilities of any trustee, the role of treasurer would require around 1 additional hour a month.
We are seeking to deepen the diversity of our board and will take that ambition into account when appointing trustees. We would especially like to hear from people with lived experience of the impact of corporate wrongdoing - either overseas or in the UK. In addition, trustee members with experience or skills in running a small charity are always welcomed.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.
The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.
The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield.
We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.
We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:
- Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
- Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
- Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.
About the Role
All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.
Effective Trustees support our work by:
- ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
- ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
- approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
- appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
- constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
- actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
Maximise benefit entitlement, ensuring access to expert advice, improving the capability of advisers, disseminating information and influencing policy
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Join Us as a Charity Trustee: Help Shape the Future of Befriending
Are you passionate about building a more connected society, where no one feels forgotten or alone?
Befriending Networks, the world’s largest network of befriending projects, is recruiting two trustees to help us champion the vital role of befriending in reducing loneliness and social isolation.
Around 1 in 6 people worldwide experience loneliness. Befriending services respond to this need by matching people in their communities for planned social activities that build meaningful connections.
Befriending Networks supports over 300 member organisations to deliver quality befriending services, through sector-specific training, events, resources, awards and 1:1 support.
As a Befriending Networks trustee, you will be part of a welcoming and active board that enables befriending services across the UK and beyond to thrive. You will join us at an exciting time, as we begin to deliver our next strategic steps as an organisation.
Following a recent board skills review, we are seeking two individuals who can offer skills in the following areas:
- Income generation – This trustee will have an enterprising mindset, with experience of strategic fundraising, working with grantmakers, trusts and foundations or devising corporate sponsorships. Their guidance will help our charity to move into new ways of generating income, allowing us to become more resilient and advance our vision for a society where the importance of meaningful connections is valued.
- Sector influence and advocacy – This trustee will be a great communicator, with a skill for forming and sustaining effective relationships. They will have a broad professional network which might include national or international connections. They may have connections which include the private sector, academia, thinktanks or investors interested in making social impact. Their experience might include research, policy making or campaigning. Their guidance will help us advocate for the befriending sector with greater impact and effectiveness.
By joining the Befriending Networks board, you will play an integral role in moving our charity forward and helping us champion the impact of befriending on loneliness and isolation. If you have the skills we’re looking for and are energised by working collaboratively to help organisations (and others) succeed, we’d love to hear from you.
We are keen to hear from applicants with diverse lived experiences, especially those currently underrepresented in trustee boards. No previous board experience is required and you do not need to meet all requirements listed in the role descriptions to apply.
Location: Remote/UK-wide (with one in-person meeting in Edinburgh per year)
Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month. We have 6 board meetings per year (5 online and 1 in-person)
Applications close: Monday 18th August 2025
Our Board Executive will review all expressions of interest and will want to set up an online call with applicants to discuss their suitability for the role.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
A society where quality befriending support is available to everyone who needs it, and the importance of meaningful connection is recognised.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.