Volunteers volunteer roles in ilford, greater london
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!
We seek a Chairperson to head our Board at Evolve Counselling who will guide our strategic direction in the provision of lowest cost mental health counselling for individuals and businesses.
Location: Cambridgeshire area of operations. Chair can be fully remote.
Voluntary: Reasonable expenses paid
Commitment: Initial term of 1 -3 years. Flexible hours per month
Closing date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Overview
For over 40 years Evolve Counselling has provided lowest-cost professional mental health counselling for adults in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Northamptonshire and beyond, through the skill and dedication of our team of 60+ BACP-registered counsellors.
The role
We are looking for a new Chair who understands the growing demand for our services and the challenges of competing as a medium sized charitable business at this time. We shall look to our new Chair to build trust and engagement with our CEO, the Trustee Board, our volunteers, and supporters, as we capitalise on great recent work to stabilise and find new opportunities for significant growth.
The new chairperson will ideally bring health and wellbeing experience and commercial skills, as well as a demonstrable empathy for charitable working and commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life.
The role of the Chair is hugely rewarding and the scope under the leadership of the current CEO for Evolve to grow and innovate is significant. You will have significant senior leadership experience to drawn upon as you take ultimate responsibility for directing and inspiring the Trustees, making sure we are financially sustainable, and well run for our clients. Our ethos is to look upwards and outwards as we strive for a leading position in mental health services for all, and your commercial acumen, professional contacts, and powers of persuasion in business will be a huge support for our ambitions.
Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, plus away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month.
For further information or an informal discussion on the role, please contact Kevin Bottrell.
Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to our CEO Gordon Ackroyd.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
We are looking for a Trustee to join the Board at Ivy Learning Trust, with specific expertise in HR.
This is an exciting time for us as we launch our three-year People Strategy to attract, recruit and retain the best people. Our Trustees will be instrumental in monitoring the performance of this strategy.
You don’t need previous governance experience and full training will be provided. This is a voluntary role, with reasonable travel expenses paid.
About Ivy
Ivy Learning Trust is a family of 17 primary schools in Enfield and Hertfordshire. We are a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a great education for children in a warm, welcoming environment, inspiring them to develop a lifelong love of learning.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Landmark Arts Centre is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to continue their journey. The independent charity responsible for operating one of the largest multidisciplinary arts venues in south-west London.
Who they are
The Landmark is an independent Arts Charity responsible for operating one of the largest multidisciplinary arts venues in south-west London. For 30 years, they have been a vital cultural and creative hub for all. Housed in a stunning Grade II* listed building in Teddington, they welcome over 50,000 people annually to a rich programme of performances, classes, workshops, art fairs, exhibitions, and entertainment.
The role
They are seeking a Chairperson able to:
Be an enthusiastic advocate and ambassador of the Landmark Arts Centre and the arts in general.
Shape the future next steps to build on what they have already achieved and ensure they are able to deliver on the potential that their magnificent space offers to audiences and artists.
Work with the community and its leaders, the trustees, and the staff team in promoting well-considered strategic decision-making, effective oversight, and a culture of inclusion.
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!
Purpose of the Role:
As a Trustee of SAPHNA, you will play a vital role in ensuring the organisation achieves its mission to promote excellence in school and public health nursing. Trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial sustainability of SAPHNA.
Key Responsibilities:
- Contribute actively to the Board’s strategic decision-making and direction.
- Ensure SAPHNA complies with its governing document, charity law, and relevant regulations.
- Uphold SAPHNA’s values and promote its objectives.
- Provide guidance and expertise to support SAPHNA's development and growth.
- Oversee SAPHNA’s financial stability, approving budgets and ensuring resources are used effectively.
- Attend and actively participate in Board meetings (approximately four per year) and contribute to subcommittees or working groups as required.
- Support fundraising, partnerships, and advocacy activities where appropriate.
- Act as an ambassador for SAPHNA, representing the organisation to stakeholders.
Person Specification:
- A commitment to SAPHNA’s mission, vision, and values.
- Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
- Effective communication skills and a collaborative approach.
- Experience in governance, leadership, or relevant professional expertise.
- Knowledge of school and public health nursing or the broader healthcare landscape (desirable but not essential).
Time Commitment:
Trustees are required to attend quarterly Board meetings, participation in working groups or committees, and occasional representation of SAPHNA at events.
Please send a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.
To achieve equality and excellence in school nursing practice leading to improve health outcomes & reduce health inequalities for school aged children




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts 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!
Volunteer Trainee Roller Sports Coach
Locations: Ealing, Hounslow, Brent, Harrow
Flexible hours | After-school, evenings, weekends or holidays
Hybrid opportunities – community & club-based delivery with some remote learning
Full training provided
Be Part of Something Bigger. Start Your Coaching Journey with RollaDome All Skate.
Are you passionate about working with children and young people? Do you love roller skating and want to turn that passion into purpose? Join us as a Volunteer Trainee Roller Sports Coach and help deliver fun, inclusive, and empowering sessions that develop both skating skills and life skills.
Whether you’re an experienced skater or just enthusiastic and willing to learn, we’ll train you, mentor you, and help you gain valuable coaching and youth work experience.
What You’ll Do:
-
Support the delivery of engaging and safe roller skating sessions
-
Assist lead coaches with warm-ups, drills, games and group activities
-
Learn how to manage group dynamics, encourage participation and promote wellbeing
-
Be a role model to children and young people aged 4–18
-
Commit to personal development and training as a future community coach
What We’re Looking For:
-
A positive attitude and willingness to learn
-
Interest in working with children, youth or sport
-
Ability to commit to at least 4 hours per month (training and/or delivery)
-
Good communication and teamwork skills
-
Reliable, respectful, and ready to grow!
What We Provide:
-
Free training & mentoring (including Safeguarding, First Aid & Coaching Basics)
-
Access to formal coaching qualifications
-
Travel and refreshment expenses covered
-
Real experience working in sports development and youth engagement
-
A pathway into paid sessional coaching roles
No experience needed – just commitment, enthusiasm, and the drive to make a difference.
Ideal for young people (16+), students, career changers, or anyone looking to volunteer and grow.
Skate with purpose. Coach with passion. Belong with RollaDome.
RollaDome All Skate is committed to creating inclusive, safe, and empowering environments where children, young people, and families can experience th




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
DCD are seeking new (volunteer) grant assessors for DCD’s Grants Committee. The Grants Committee is authorised by our Board of Trustees to award retraining and entrepreneur grants to current and former dancers, via its application process. Awarding grants is the bedrock of DCD’s work, financially enabling dancers to realise their career aspirations and fulfil their potential.
We ideally plan to appoint three new Grant Committee members in July.
If you are interested in bringing your experience and skills to reviewing and assessing dancers’ applications for support, please read the Recruitment Brochure which can be found here on our website
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!
Cystar
Help women with PCOS manage their condition through our health program
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women globally, yet it remains one of the most under-diagnosed and misunderstood hormonal disorders. Our startup addresses the social and healthcare inequality faced by individuals with PCOS, who often experience delayed diagnosis, misinformation, and a lack of holistic support. Many face chronic physical and emotional challenges—ranging from irregular periods and infertility to anxiety, depression, and body image issues.
Socially, PCOS is stigmatised and frequently dismissed, especially in low-resource settings, where access to specialised care is limited and digital health education is minimal. Environmental challenges also arise from a lack of culturally sensitive, inclusive, and personalised resources for managing lifestyle and medical interventions.
We aim to close these gaps by providing accessible, evidence-based tools and community support to help individuals manage PCOS proactively—supporting not just physical health, but also mental well-being, self-advocacy, and long-term empowerment.
Our startup empowers individuals with PCOS to take control of their health through a personalised, holistic digital platform. We combine science-backed tools, expert guidance, and community support to address the unique and complex challenges of managing PCOS.
We focus on three core pillars:
Education & Awareness – We provide clear, accessible content to help users understand PCOS, its symptoms, and treatment options. By demystifying the condition, we help users become confident advocates for their own care.
Personalised Health Management – Our platform offers customised lifestyle plans (nutrition, yoga, mental health support and supplementation guidance) tailored to the individual’s symptoms, goals, and health data. We also support symptom tracking and integration with healthcare providers for a more cohesive care journey.
Community & Mental Health Support – We create safe spaces for peer support and access to mental health resources, helping users feel seen, heard, and supported. This combats the isolation and anxiety that often accompanies PCOS.
By blending technology, empathy, and expert insight, we aim to close the care gap, reduce stigma, and help users lead healthier, more fulfilling lives—on their own terms.
We’re a health initiative delivering holistic, culturally relevant treatment options for Indian women with PCOS. Our digital presence is essential to reach the right audience—women searching for trustworthy, lifestyle-based PCOS solutions. We’re looking for an SEO-savvy volunteer to help drive organic traffic and grow our reach.
SEO Expert
Role Overview
As a Volunteer SEO Specialist, you'll help optimise our website and content strategy to attract Indian women struggling with PCOS. You'll perform keyword research, improve on-page SEO, collaborate with the content team, and monitor performance to drive sustainable traffic growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Keyword Research & Strategy
- Identify high-volume, low-competition keywords relevant to PCOS treatment in India
- Build topic clusters and content outlines for blog, social, and app-related pages
- Support multilingual/localized keyword strategies (e.g. Hindi, Tamil, etc.)
- On-Page SEO
- Optimize titles, meta descriptions, headings, alt text, and internal links
- Provide SEO guidance on new pages, blogs, or educational content
- Collaborate with content writers to ensure best practices are applied
- Technical SEO (Basic Level)
- Audit site structure, page speed, mobile performance, and crawlability
- Flag issues and recommend fixes to our development volunteers
- Off-Page SEO & Authority Building
- Recommend backlink opportunities or partnerships (forums, blogs, health platforms)
- Suggest strategies for growing domain authority in a nonprofit context
- Performance Tracking & Reporting
- Monitor traffic, rankings, and click-through rates using Google Search Console and Analytics
* Report progress monthly with data insights and recommendations
Ideal Skills and Experience
- Experience with SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, Ahrefs, Ubersuggest, SEMrush)
- You'll have access to RankMath premium for optimisation
- Understanding of on-page, technical, and off-page SEO best practices
- Familiarity with content management systems (e.g., WordPress)
- Strong analytical and communication skills
* Bonus: Experience targeting Indian digital audiences or working with wellness/healthcare content
What You’ll Gain
- A real-world portfolio demonstrating SEO impact for a mission-driven initiative
- Data-driven results and progress reports you can showcase
- A letter of recommendation and LinkedIn endorsement upon successful completion
- The satisfaction of helping Indian women discover a credible, holistic PCOS care solution
Weekly Time Commitment
7-9 hours per week
Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)
3-5 months
We connect professionals with impact startups matching their causes, skills & schedule.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Bright Futures UK are looking for warm and energetic volunteer befrienders to provide support and a fun, safe space for young people with serious illness.
Provide companionship virtually for just one hour per week to fit flexibly around your schedule. If you have a hobby that you enjoy, a topic you are particularly passionate about or you just enjoy being sociable, we would love you to join us as a Volunteer Befriender!
What are we looking for?
-
Positive Engagement: Ability to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way.
-
Empathy and Understanding: A kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
-
Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment for a minimum of 14 weeks.
-
Adaptability: Willingness to try new activities and adapt to the needs of the young person you are paired with.
What difference will you make?
-
Impactful Contribution: Make a significant difference in the lives of young people who have missed out on many school experiences.
-
Personal Fulfillment: Gain personal satisfaction from helping young people feel less isolated and more engaged with their education and hobbies.
What will you gain?
-
Enhanced DBS will be provided
-
Safeguarding Level One Training
-
Skill Development opportunities
-
Direct experience working with children and young people
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
What we’d love your help with:
We’re seeking a creative and experienced volunteer to support the revamp our current WordPress website to better reflect our mission, values. We are about to undertake a rebrand and we want to ensure our website reflects the new identity. We want to ensure our programmes / events are easily showcased and make it easier for visitors to engage with us—whether that’s signing up for events, learning about our work, or volunteering themselves.
Key deliverable:
A refreshed, user-friendly, and mobile-optimised WordPress site that clearly communicates who we are, what we offer, and how people can get involved. This includes restructuring the layout, adding engaging calls-to-action, and creating easy-to-edit templates for our team.
Who you'll work with:
You’ll be supported by the Digital and Technogy Trustee, who will gather the content and admin access to the current site. We'll provide any written content or brand guidance you may need. The content will remain largerly the same, we are looking for more a fresh
Is this set in stone?
Not at all. While we have some goals and ideas, we're open to your input on how to make the site work best, especially if you spot opportunities for improvement we haven’t considered. We value collaboration and creativity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Are you passionate about nutrition and community wellbeing? Do you want to use your skills to support Latin American communities in London? Join the Latin American Disabled People’s Project (LADPP) as a Volunteer Nutrition Advisor and help us promote healthier lifestyles through our mental health and wellbeing services.
About LADPP
We are a community-led organisation supporting Spanish and Portuguese-speaking disabled people and their families across London. Our work is rooted in empowerment, inclusion, and promoting access to health and wellbeing.
About the Role
We are looking for a volunteer with knowledge of nutrition to support our in-person wellbeing and mental health activities. You will help us integrate simple, culturally sensitive nutrition advice into our support services, and share practical knowledge with our service users.
Key Responsibilities
Offer guidance on healthy eating habits and culturally appropriate nutrition
Support staff in developing easy-to-understand resources (leaflets, workshops, etc.)
Provide informal advice to clients during wellbeing sessions
Assist in the planning of nutrition-themed events or activities
Collaborate with our team to ensure accessibility and inclusivity
What We’re Looking For
Studies or background in nutrition, dietetics, public health or a related field
Friendly, approachable, and confident working with diverse groups
Understanding of the barriers faced by disabled and migrant communities
Available to volunteer in-person during weekday hours (flexible schedule)
What You’ll Gain
Hands-on experience in a grassroots community setting
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives
Support from a passionate and welcoming team
Travel and lunch expenses covered
References and recognition for your contribution
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!
TWO DIFFERENT POSITIONS AVAILABLE!
About Us – Bigger Than Us
Bigger Than Us is a bold and heart-led initiative that supports early-stage nonprofit and social enterprise founders, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, through immersive in-person intensives and residencies. We create spaces for mission-driven leaders to grow their organisations, connect with like-minded changemakers, and sustain themselves while doing purpose-led work.
We believe building a better world shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being. That’s why our programs focus on strategy and sustainability as well as wellness, leadership development, and community building.
Volunteer Role: Administrative Assistant
Location: Remote (with occasional Zoom check-ins)
Time Commitment: 4–6 hours/week (flexible)
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a detail-oriented and highly organised Administrative Assistant volunteer to support the smooth running of our July Intensive and general operations. You’ll work closely with the founder and the partnerships lead to help coordinate logistics, manage communications, and keep everything on track behind the scenes.
Key Responsibilities
-
Help manage participant and speaker communication (emailing, scheduling reminders, etc.)
-
Track sign-ups, responses, and forms in spreadsheets or Airtable
-
Support with workshop scheduling and calendar invites
-
Assist with meeting notes and light project management
-
General admin tasks as needed to support program delivery
We’d Love to Hear From You If:
-
You’re reliable, proactive, and love getting things organised
-
You enjoy supporting a small but passionate team
-
You’re familiar with Google Drive, Calendars, and can pick up tools like Airtable quickly
-
You care about social justice, equity, or nonprofit work
-
Bonus: You’ve worked in admin or operations before (not required!)
Volunteer Role: Community Outreach Lead
Location: Remote
Time Commitment: 3-6 hours/week (flexible, but some daytime availability is helpful)
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a creative, people-loving Community Outreach Lead volunteer to help us expand our reach. You’ll be responsible for finding and connecting with early-stage nonprofit founders who would benefit from the Bigger Than Us Intensive. This is a great role if you enjoy relationship building and believe deeply in equity and representation in the social impact space.
Key Responsibilities
-
Research and identify mission-aligned founders, organisations, and networks
-
Reach out to prospective participants via email or LinkedIn
-
Support follow-ups and manage a simple outreach tracker
-
Help build and maintain relationships with community partners
-
Share ideas for how we can reach and engage diverse communities
We’d Love to Hear From You If:
-
You’re a great communicator and feel confident reaching out to new people
-
You’re passionate about equity, justice, and supporting underrepresented founders
-
You’re organised and consistent with follow-ups
-
You enjoy storytelling and can convey the spirit of our work warmly and clearly
-
Bonus: You’ve worked in community outreach, partnerships, or engagement before
What You’ll Get From Volunteering With Us
-
A chance to work closely with a visionary founder, building a growing movement
-
Mentorship and experience in nonprofit management, program delivery, and/or partnerships
-
Impact—you’ll be helping early-stage founders access something transformative
-
A supportive and values-led environment where your voice matters
We look forward to receiving your application!
A residency that makes an impact that lasts and leaders that thrive
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
The AdAmi Project is on the hunt for a dedicated volunteer Safeguarding Trustee to join our friendly Board! You’ll help ensure young mothers in Sierra Leone are protected and supported as they rebuild their lives. We’re looking for someone with safeguarding knowledge, a collaborative spirit, and a strong commitment to accountability and care. Your guidance will help keep our work safe, ethical, and grounded in dignity.
WHO WE ARE
The AdAmi Project works together with young mothers in Bo district, southern Sierra Leone, to build happy, healthy and independent lives. We facilitate opportunities, foster hope, reunify families, build community and amplify the voices of young mothers so that they can be the drivers of their own lives.
ROLE OVERVIEW
As the Safeguarding representative on the Board of Trustees, your primary responsibility is to ensure that safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of the AdAmi Project’s work. You will provide support, oversight, and guidance to help protect the young mothers we serve.
Summary of additional responsibilities:
1. Leadership & Oversight
-
Serve as the Trustee’s lead for safeguarding and provide an update at quarterly Board of Trustee meetings.
-
Provide oversight on safeguarding practices with our local partners and respond to any concerns appropriately.
2. Policy & Practice
-
Support the implementation and regular review of safeguarding policies and practices for AdAmi UK and our local partners.
-
Ensure policies comply with UK Charity Commission guidance and are appropriately contextualised to Sierra Leone.
3. Training & Awareness
-
Ensure all staff, volunteers and Trustees at AdAmi UK and our local partners receive appropriate safeguarding training on a regular basis.
-
Promote a safeguarding culture and continuously share best practices.
4. Monitoring & Reporting
-
Regularly review safeguarding reports and incident logs.
-
Advise on managing safeguarding concerns or disclosures.
-
Support risk assessments related to safeguarding.
Required commitment:
-
Attend quarterly Board of Trustee meetings held virtually for up to two hours.
-
Liaise with local partners to review quarterly safeguarding reports and provide feedback on safeguarding best practices, as well as ensure teams receive refresher training at least once annually.
-
Ad hoc preparation and/or review of key safeguarding documents and policies.
-
Represent the Board of Trustees at AdAmi Project fundraising and awareness raising events, as and when is required (a few times a year, maximum).
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
-
Experience in safeguarding, ideally within the international development sector
-
Understanding of safeguarding policy, risk management, and best practice
-
Ability to advise on sensitive issues with care, cultural awareness, and professionalism
-
Willingness to liaise with partners in Sierra Leone and engage with safeguarding reports
-
Commitment to AdAmi’s mission of supporting young mothers to rebuild their lives
-
Strong communication and collaboration skills, especially in a remote team setting
-
Thoughtful, reflective, and able to handle complex issues with discretion
-
Reliable, responsive, and collaborative in board discussions
-
Warm, encouraging, and positive — even when tackling serious topics
TO APPLY
-
We aim to keep the process straightforward. To apply, please send a short email outlining your relevant experience, why you're interested in this role, and what you hope to contribute as a Trustee. You’re welcome to include a CV or a link to your LinkedIn profile too.
-
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal conversation with a member of our team. Formal references will be required before confirming any appointment.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Candidates have the option of including a LinkedIn profile link rather than a formal CV
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Become a Trustee at Sunrise Multicultural Project
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?
We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future of Sunrise Multicultural Project.
As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, ensuring we stay true to our mission, and supporting the development of initiatives that promote inclusivity and integration. We are seeking individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences – whether in community work, finance, governance, fundraising, or marketing – who share our commitment to empowering minority groups and fostering a more connected, diverse community.
If you are eager to contribute your time, expertise, and passion, we would love to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Letter from Imelda Redmond, our chair of trustees
The current Board is a welcoming, collegiate and energetic group, working hard to make a positive impact on the lives of older people in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. I joined the organisation a year ago as chair and am enjoying steering the organisation through an exciting period of transformation as we implement our new, and ambitious, five year strategy. AUKEL has sound finances and a strong reputation for its service delivery (Hospital to Home service, community services, digital inclusion and Information and Advice). From this strong base, the organisation has an ambition to amplify the voices of older people within our communities and to create a more collaborative culture which both improves the connectedness of our services and also strengthens our relationships with local voluntary, statutory, community and faith groups. We are looking for someone with the time, passion and expertise we need to work collegiately with trustee colleagues to lead the organisation through this next exciting phase.
Yours,
Imelda Redmond
AUKEL Chair of trustees
About us Age
UK East London (AUKEL) is a local independent charity, which is part of the national Age UK network. We work across Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham to deliver services which support older people to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.
Our work
Each year we support around 20,000 older East Londoners by providing flexible practical and emotional support in homes, hospitals and in the community.
Our boroughs have the country’s highest pensioner poverty in the country, further exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis.
How we help
1. We tackle poverty
Each year our advice service supports over 2,000 older people to claim £3.2million in welfare benefits, grants and relief entitlements. During the cost-of-living crisis we distributed £42,000 worth of emergency vouchers for food, helping older people ensure there was food in the fridge.
2. We alleviate loneliness
According to a national model, Tower Hamlets has the highest rates of loneliness in London and in England. Our East End Friends initiative teams housebound older people who’d like a bit more company with a volunteer to visit them at home. 92% of older people said they felt less isolated and lonely and 100% of volunteers would recommend the scheme.
3. We improve health.
Many older people in our boroughs have very poor health. For example, at age 65, women can expect just six more years of good health, which is the lowest in London and almost the lowest in England. This reduces their quality of life and can make it harder to remain independent. As well as increasing income and addressing loneliness (both determinants of health) we offer yoga, walking, and chair-based exercise groups at our community centre in Bow. 87% of participants said they are more independent as a result.
4. We increase independence.
Many older people live alone and struggle to manage around the home. Our home from hospital service supports 3,000 older people to return to a safe and warm home. Just 6% are readmitted to hospital within 28 days compared to 15.3% in areas where there aren’t these services.
The Team
We have an established and talented Senior Management Team, a committed staff team and an extraordinary group of volunteers. Two years ago, the board recruited a new Chief Executive. She is ambitious for the charity, comes with a great track-record of charity leadership, and has worked hard with trustees to develop our new organisational strategy.
Who we are looking for
We want our trustees to understand the community we serve and are therefore specifically looking for applicants who live in and/or have strong connections with Hackney, Tower Hamlets or Newham. Additionally, we are determined to increase the diversity of the current Board in line with our organisational EDI Objectives. For this reason, we are actively seeking candidates from the Global Majority (all non-white ethnic groups, including Black, Asian, and other groups previously labelled as "ethnic minorities" or ‘BAME’).
Previous experience in the voluntary sector, adult social care, NHS, or similar relevant experience to the work of AUKEL would be helpful. As would communications/marketing experience. However, this is potentially a developmental role where you will gain knowledge and experience of charity governance – so the most important thing is your commitment to our organisational aims and your local connection.
You must want to improve the lives of older people across East London and understand the impact disadvantage and discrimination has on the life chances of our local population. You will be curious, collaborative and ambitious and able to commit to an average of one-to two days a quarter (most meetings are in the evenings).
If you're new to being a trustee, we can offer additional training and pair you with a fellow trustee as a ‘buddy’ to help guide you. They’ll be there to walk you through trustee materials, answer any questions, and provide support along the way.
Full role description can be found in appendix 1
What I get out of being on the AUKEL Board
'I continue to be impressed with the extent of the help AUKEL provides in our communities. The need for the service is increasing as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. I see the Trustee role as an enabling role. I enjoy rolling up my sleeves alongside my fellow trustees to tackle some challenging issues with our combined skill sets. I particularly enjoy working on the new People sub-committee and I can sense a renewed enthusiasm for finding ways to optimise the Trustee contribution.' (Teresa, a current trustee)
New Trustees will complete an induction to the organisation and the Board. This will include site visits and meetings with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Chair and Board members. During your induction you’ll have the opportunity to really understand our services and get to know our team. You’ll be able to ask any questions you want and visit any service you wish!
Time commitment
The full Board meets quarterly on Wednesdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in our Hackney centre.
We hope that all our trustees additionally sit on a sub-committee which reflects their interests and/or expertise. All the Committees meet quarterly the Finance Committee meets on Thursdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm usually face to face in Bethnal Green, the People Committee 5 meets quarterly on Mondays from 6.00-7.30pm online, and the Service Development Committee usually meets from 6.00-7.30pm on Thursdays online.
Travel expenses can be reimbursed.
Board members may be asked to commit additional time to support staff recruitment, review tenders and share expertise.
The agenda and papers for each meeting are usually emailed to Trustees a week in advance.
How to apply
If you are interested in being considered for this role please submit your CV/LinkedIn profile with a covering letter explaining why you wish to join the charity and the skills/experience you will bring to the Board.Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.
Potential candidates are welcome to have an informal conversation about the role. Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.
Closing date is the 30th of June.
Appendix 1
Trustee role description
The Board is responsible for the smooth-running of the organisation and supporting the Chief Executive. You will be supporting our 70+ members of staff and part of our 80+ strong volunteer team. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how to tackle the challenges that our beneficiaries face, and how to deliver appropriate co-produced services that enrich older people’s lives and enhance the whole community of East London.
Main tasks
- Contribute to Board meetings, helping to give firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting policy and targets and evaluating performance.
- Make decisions for the benefit of Age UK East London, exercising independent judgement and declaring any interests, exercising reasonable skill, care and diligence in carrying out activities.
- Be familiar with the rules that govern Age UK East London (Articles of Association) and make sure we follow those, Charity Law, Company Law and all other relevant legislation and regulations.
- Ensure the organisation’s financial stability, overseeing the setting of the budget and monitoring variance against the budget (the Board also has a Finance Sub-Committee to help oversee this).
- Ensure that we use our resources in line with our Articles and the requirements of funders, and that our accounts are a ‘fair and true’ representation of our finances.
- Safeguard the values of Age UK East London a maintain positive reputation for the organisation and its work.
Person specification
We’re looking for someone who:
- Cares about older people and wants to make a positive difference in their lives.
- Is open-minded, fair, and respectful, and values the opinions and experiences of others.
- Understands equity, diversity, and inclusion and its impact on older people and organizational practices
- Is committed to the charity’s mission, values, and social impact.
- Is reliable, committed and can dedicate some time to attending meetings and getting involved in the charity’s work.
- Is willing to learn about the charity’s work, the role of a trustee, and the challenges older people face.
- Can work well with others as part of a team, sharing ideas and supporting the charity’s goals.
It would be helpful (but not essential) if you:
- Have personal or professional experience with older people, or an understanding of the issues they face.
- Have lived experience or a connection to the charity’s mission.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Summary
Can you inspire, energise and motivate young people aged 12-18 years?
Do you enjoy making a real difference to the lives of young people?
Detailed description
Mentoring within One YMCA is delivered through the youth team and volunteers. Young people aged 13-19 years can access the service which provides support and encouragement for young people to work towards their goals.
Mentors and mentees are paired based on experience, expertise and support needed.
This project will last for up to a year with each young person, with an average of 3-4 hours per month being given to the young person and their support.
Training for this role is due to commence on 22nd January 2025 (Time and Location TBC)
Pay: This is a voluntary role; however, expenses will be covered.
Key Responsibilities:
·To attend full induction training and complete all relevant child protection checks
·To arrange to meet with your mentee for 1-3 hours a month over a period of 12 months, in a public place.
·To prepare for your mentoring sessions with the purpose of progressing with their mutually agreed goals.
·To offer tailored support to your Mentee in areas such as confidence and resilience building, accessing services, careers focus and development. You may be working on a number of areas as the needs of your Mentee present themselves.
·To safeguard and promote the wellbeing of your Mentee.
·To complete feedback, monitoring and evaluation forms.
·To liaise with the mentoring coordinator for support in delivery of sessions where needed.
·To help identify the support that your Mentee requires, reporting any concerns you have to the mentoring coordinator.
·Completing regular reviews with your Mentee and mentoring coordinator.
·Any other reasonable task that is associated with the role.
Personal Specification:
Experience:
- Experience of working with young people
- Experience of working with young people from a variety of backgrounds
Skills:
- Ability to work on own initiative and a willingness to prepare for each session
- Ability to use online video platforms such as Microsoft Teams
- Ability to think creatively and problem solve
- Good communication skills
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to work as a part of a team
- A willingness to meet the young person in a public space
Personal Qualities:
- An interest in working with young people
- Ability to engage with a young person
- The willingness to have an open mind and non-judgemental approach to supporting a young person in their mentoring journey
- Ability to cope with potentially difficult conversations or situations
- Commitment to the mentoring project and to the Mentee
- Motivated by promoting the wellbeing of young people
- Commitment to and ability to work in accordance with ethos of One YMCA, their polices and boundaries
Other:
- Willing to undertake and induction and training
- Willing to provide 2 references
- Willing to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.