Volunteers volunteer roles in morden, 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!
Who are we?
Switchboard LGBTQIA+ exists to provide members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as their friends, family and those supporting them, with a listening service that they can contact via phone, instant message and email between the hours of 10am to 10pm every day.
We are happy to talk to service users about any topic they wish. Topics we often talk to service users about include: sexual health, safer sex, relationships, coming-out, gender identity, transitioning, mental health, experiences of hate crimes, support for meeting other LGBTQIA+ people and making friends, and much more.
However, we want to also be upfront and transparent about the fact that not all of our conversations are positive or constructive. Our volunteers can also be exposed to abuse from the public, manipulative callers, sexual fantasies and safeguarding concerns.
What is our over 50's club?
Our over 50's club is a new initiative for Switchboard.
We want to create a space that enables older members of the LGBTQIA+ community to volunteer with us on our phone lines and instant messaging service, whilst providing a social element that encourages volunteers to come together at our London HQ.
This club will meet on both Mondays and Tuesdays during the day (you can choose which day works better for you), completing a shift either between 10am to 1pm or 2:00pm to 5:00pm. You can join us weekly or bi-weekly, whichever you prefer.
We then come together between 1pm and 2:00pm to have lunch (paid for by us) and a good natter!
Volunteers who support Switchboard in this capacity are trained to take both phone calls and respond to instant messages. They do not respond to emails, however.
Who are we looking for?
To ensure we can provide a high quality service to those who contact us, we are looking for volunteers who:
-
Simply put, like communicating and chatting with other people (you’re most likely a people-person who feels energised by this type of communication)
-
Feel comfortable taking calls and speaking over the phone to people you do not already know
-
Are familiar with different instant messaging platforms (such as WhatsApp and other chat tools) and the types of communication they might receive
-
Are able to read between the lines to decipher messages
-
Are good listeners who let others lead conversations and instead create the space they need
-
Are able to ask broad, open questions to keep conversations flowing
-
Understand the importance of using the right tone when communicating in writing, and are able to flex their writing style to suit different people
-
Have a strong attention to detail, with a particular focus on spelling and grammar
-
Are able to evaluate sources of information and identify those that can be trusted, from those that cannot
-
Know when to challenge and when to step back
-
Have essential digital literacy skills (such as using email tools such as gmail and outlook, search the web for information and copy and paste website URLs)
-
Understand and support our mission
-
Have an awareness of the challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community
-
Are empathetic in nature
-
Agree to uphold our values of being non-directive and non-judgemental
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!
IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.
IAPWA are currently seeking a Community Fundraising Co-ordinator to join their UK team to support their development of volunteer community fundraisers throughout the UK.
From identifying ways to engage with potential animal lovers who would be interested in supporting our cause to nurturing those relationships and helping them to make an impact, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.
IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK registered charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need

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!
About IHF
The International Humanity Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering underserved children in Kenya, Indonesia, and Thailand. We believe in transparency, equal opportunity, and self-sufficiency.
Role Summary
We’re seeking experienced Fundraising Volunteers (remote) with a proven track record—at least 3 years of successful fundraising or grant writing. Your efforts will directly support our global programs and mission.
Responsibilities
Identify and pursue fundraising/grant opportunities
Craft compelling proposals and campaigns
Engage donors and support long-term funding strategies
Work with and lead our fundraising team
Coordinating our At Home volunteers and Global Leadership Development candidates
Requirements
3+ years fundraising experience
Proven fundraising success
Strong writing and communication skills
Self-motivated, reliable, and results-driven
What You Gain
Strategic involvement in meaningful NGO initiatives
Opportunity to expand your global portfolio and build international credibility
Access to leadership roles and professional growth within a purpose-driven organization
A platform to make measurable, lasting impact in the lives of children and communities
Reports To:
Global Outreach Coordinator
Director of Fundraising Initiatives
Please note that shortlisted applicants will go through two rounds of interviews before any contract decision is made. These interviews are designed to assess both your expertise and alignment with our mission and team culture.
Only successful candidates from both interview rounds will be considered for a contract offer
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!
IvybridgeLink the charity for the BridgeLink Community Centre is looking for trustees with a passion for social justice, a concern for under represented groups and the willingness to support our staff in developing activities and services for our diverse local community. Useful previous experience would be: fundraising, governance and compliance, community work, education, human resources, IT, buildings management, food and catering.
JOB DESCRIPTION FOR CHARITY TRUSTEES
Overall Purpose
The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity Ivybridgelink, supporting its values and developing the organisation's aime and objectives.
Main Responsibilities
- To ensure that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector continually striving for best practice in governance.
- To uphold the aims and objectives of the charity IvybridgeLink:
- To promote learning and educational achievement
- To encourage pathways into employment
- To support healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing
- To offer opportunities for recreation / leisure activities
- To build a positive sense of community
- To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.
- To follow non-discriminatory and non-judgemental practice, and adhere to the confidentiality policies and procedures.
- To ensure the charity complies with regulatory requirements, as laid out in the governing document.
Main Duties
- Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
- Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to meet the needs of local residents.
- Overseeing sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objectives, and investment activities meet accepted standards.
- Overseeing recruitment processes following safer recruitment procedures.
- Monitoring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources.
- To follow the IvybridgeLink confidentiality policy and maintain absolute confidentiality regarding all information shared or received.
- An understanding and commitment to equalities issues in relations to working in the community.
- Support the centre’s management team to deliver projects and run events
Accountable to:
As the board are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity,they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including: service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. Close attention must be given to the governing document to ascertain the type of organisational structure and the range of interested parties.
Please let us know why you would like to be a trustee and what you feel you could offer.
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!
Our ambition is to continue to develop outstanding services that meet the needs of our community; if you want to be part of our future, we would love to meet you to discuss this further.
Becoming a trustee for Home-Start Southwark (HSS) is an exciting and fulfilling role. The role of a trustee is to ensure that HSS fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries through contributing to the strategic development, effective governance and financial management of the organisation. The board of trustees are both jointly and individually responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of HSS, its financial health, the integrity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals.
We are particularly interested in receiving applications from people with the following skillsets:
- HR
- Legal
- Finance, accountancy, bookkeeping
- Fundraising
- Media and communications
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 making a difference? Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? No Going Back, an innovative and forward-thinking charity, is looking for dedicated volunteers to support a series of pre-employment workshops for ex-offenders preparing to re-enter the workforce. This is a powerful opportunity to help individuals on their journey to rebuild their lives, gain confidence, and take meaningful steps toward sustainable employment.
Join us and be part of a movement that changes lives - one second chance at a time.
About Us We are a committed and compassionate charity focused on providing support and opportunities to individuals who have faced significant challenges in their lives. Our mission is to empower ex-offenders by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to secure meaningful employment and lead fulfilling lives.
As a Sector Mentor, you will:
- Share your professional experience and insights with participants.
- Provide guidance on various job roles and career paths within your industry.
- Help participants understand the skills and qualifications needed for different positions.
- Offer advice on navigating the job market and accessing employment opportunities.
By volunteering with us, you will:
- Make a positive impact on the lives of ex-offenders.
- Gain valuable experience in teaching, mentoring, and community support.
- Meet new people and expand your professional network.
- Receive training and support from our experienced team.
- Be part of a supportive and friendly community of volunteers.
Join us in supporting ex-offenders as they reintegrate into the workforce. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, but we do have a few requirements:
- A genuine desire to help ex-offenders integrate back into society.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude.
- Availability to commit to a regular schedule of workshops and mentoring sessions.
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!
Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.
As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.
This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.
You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.
As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.
About you
Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Apply
Read the role description
All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.
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!
Fundraisers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.
East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces.
We are looking for fundraisers to contribute to our community-led fundraising strategy, to develop relationships with funders and to write funding applications.
You would join our fundraising circle, which coordinates our fundraising efforts. It is currently exploring grant opportunities and developing relationships with businesses and other funders. We meet online on Google Meet and volunteers complete agreed tasks remotely.
If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you.
We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers.
We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.
East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project. Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen, so you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces




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!
Founded in 1997, the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants provides a place for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum to rebuild their life with support and community. From classes to casework to financial assistance, the Centre has a wide offering available for our community of over 200 people. Our approach is compassionate and human and the support we offer is long term - on average people stay with us around four years.
The current Board brings a wide range of charity and public body experience including strategy and fundraising and we are looking for skills to both enhance and complement these strengths.
The Centre has a dedicated and talented staff team led by our CEO, Andy Ruiz Palma, who joined in 2000 as an English teacher. In addition to this staff resource we have around 40 volunteers who provide direct support through activities. We also have in place accountancy support to the executive and a dedicated fundraising team.
We are looking for people who can demonstrate a strong empathy with our client group and who understand how to work with organisations rooted in a local community. You will bring excellent people and communication skills and demonstrate good team-working.
You will demonstrate this through your experience working with marginalised communities (either in a frontline operational role, a policymaking role, or on the Board of another organisation) or personal lived experience as a member of a marginalised community.
We are open to applications from people looking for their first Trustee role or who may not have considered being a Trustee before and will provide mentoring to help trustees find their feet.
We are looking to recruit 2- 3 new trustees and have a strong preference for any of the following or a combination of these skills:
- Finance/Accountancy qualification – we have an excellent Treasurer Trustee and are looking for a deputy
- HR
- Fundraising
- IT/Data management
- Lived Experience as a refugee or migrant
Our mission is to offer people the emotional support, practical tools and sense of community they need to be happy and have a decent quality of life.
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!
Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.
As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.
This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.
You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.
As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.
About you
Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Apply
Read the role description
All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.
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!
About Croydon Community Energy (CCE)
Croydon Community Energy is the only community energy organisation in Croydon, combining grassroots climate action with real-world renewable power projects. Since launching in 2021, we’ve built a passionate volunteer-led team and are in the process of our first major initiative: installing rooftop solar across three community sites. In early 2025, we successfully raised over £120,000 in community investment in just eight weeks — a huge vote of confidence in our mission to cut carbon, lower energy bills, and empower local people. As a Community Benefit Society, everything we do is rooted in social impact, from delivering free energy advice to creating hands-on opportunities for residents to lead the energy transition.
Job Purpose
We are seeking an organised and detail-oriented individual to join our community energy group as a Secretary. As the Secretary, you will play a vital role in supporting the Chairperson and Board of Directors, as well as ensuring the smooth administration and financial compliance of the organisation. This voluntary position offers an opportunity to contribute to the success of our community energy initiatives and make a meaningful impact on sustainable development.
The below are example responsibilities you might be undertaking.
Responsibilities
Annual Duties
-
Help organise the annual general meeting (AGM) in accordance with the society’s rules. It is usual for the AGM to take place within six months of the society’s year end in order for members to receive the accounts, and for them to be filed within seven months of the society’s financial year end. Usual AGM business includes:
-
Election of governing body members (usually directors) or the announcement of results if the election is held beforehand.
-
The receipt of balance sheets, accounts, the auditor’s report (if any) and consideration of any reports from the governing body.
-
The setting of any member subscription.
-
-
Arrange for society accounts to be audited (if applicable)
-
Send annual return and accounts to the FCA within seven months of society’s year end
-
Display the society’s latest balance sheet
Continual Duties
-
Keep a Register of Members at the registered office
-
Keep minutes to record the proceedings of all meetings
-
Ensure that the number of members does not fall below three
-
If membership falls below three the registrar has the power to cancel the society’s registration.
-
Provide each member with a free copy of the rules
-
Give proper notice of all general meetings to all members and to the auditor
-
Prepare and distribute meeting materials, reports, and other relevant documentation to board members in a timely manner.
-
Assist in the coordination and execution of special events, workshops, and community engagement activities.
-
Handle incoming and outgoing correspondence, including emails, letters, and phone calls, and ensure timely responses and appropriate follow-up actions.
-
Draft and edit official communications, letters, and announcements on behalf of the organisation and the Chairperson.
-
Maintain the organisation's contact database, keeping it up to date and accurate.
-
Assist in managing the organisation's general email account and redirect inquiries to the appropriate individuals or teams.
Qualifications
Even if you don’t feel you meet 100% of the requirements, please don’t be deterred from applying - we would still love to hear why you’re the right person for the role!
Essential
-
Strong organisational and administrative skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in drafting professional correspondence and meeting minutes.
-
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
-
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with board members, volunteers, and stakeholders.
-
Reliable and responsible, with a commitment to fulfilling duties and responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner.
-
Passion for sustainable development and renewable energy initiatives within the community.
Desirable
-
Familiarity with financial administration processes and an understanding of financial regulations and compliance.
-
Proficient in using office software and tools, such as word processing, spreadsheet, and email management applications.
-
Previous experience in a secretary or administrative role.
Join our community energy group as a voluntary Secretary and contribute to the success of our organisation in promoting renewable energy and sustainable development. Together, we can create a greener and more resilient future for our community.
Terms and Conditions
Length of contract: 12 months (until next AGM)
Salary: Voluntary, expenses covered inline with our expenses policy
Hours/days: Approximately 10-15 hours per month
Place of work: Remote, with occasional face-to-face meetings in Croydon
Upon taking the position, you will be required to sign a Director’s agreement including a commitment to attend monthly Board meetings and monthly wider volunteer meetings (giving reasonable notice if you cannot attend), and the agreement to log time spent on CCE activities.
Develop renewable energy projects and deliver energy education to empower our community.



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!
Introduction
The Passage is establishing a new Special Events Fundraising Committee to support the Senior Events and Community Manager, with the primary goal of growing income from Special Events and attracting new supporters to The Passage.
Purpose of the Committee
- The purpose of the committee is to support The Passage’s Senior Events and Community Manager in delivering successful fundraising events that generate significant income and expand The Passage’s network of supporters. Specifically, the Committee will:
- Work collaboratively with the Senior Events and Community Manager to meet or exceed fundraising goals through special events.
- Source exclusive, money-can’t-buy auction items and experiences to enhance the appeal and revenue of live and silent auctions.
- Leverage personal and professional networks to sell tickets and tables for events like A Little Night Music and the Sports Quiz.
- Introduce new supporters to The Passage through event participation.
- Explore and implement creative ways to promote The Passage’s events to a wider audience, increasing awareness and attendance.
- Utilise personal and professional networks to identify potential corporate sponsors.
- Leverage connections to bring celebrities or high-profile individuals to the event to increase its visibility and appeal.
- Assist in innovation of the Special events portfolio.
Desired skills & expertise
- Sales and Business Development experience
- Marketing and Comms skills
- Knowledge of fundraising
- Networking and relationship building
- Creativity and innovation
- Entertaiment or sports industry connections
- Committed to the values of The Passage
How to apply
Please submit a short covering letter outlining your motivation and suitability for joining the committee and link to your LinkedIn / a very brief employment history to Martina Tamburrino, People Services & Volunteers Partner.
We are also able to arrange an informal discussion with Emma Noble, Director of Income Generation & Communications and Rachel Fenton, Senior Events & Community Manager.
Above all we are looking for inspiring and committed individuals who have a genuine desire to support people, and to help them to rebuild their lives.
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!
Do you want to co-ordinate vegan volunteering?
As an Organiser, you would be the caretaker of your local area. This is the more time-intensive role but so rewarding! Tasks would be emailed to you directly every month by our Volunteering Coordinator, who would be your main point of contact here at The Vegan Society. It would then be your job to send out the task to Advocates in your local area and get feedback from them. You'll also be able to ask your Advocates for help with any stalls and lobbying. Every Organiser receives an outreach pack, including a table runner, leaflets and banners. We make sure you are fully supported with an Organisers' WhatsApp group for socialising and ideas. We also have a monthly gathering on video.
What does the Organiser role involve?
Every month, you will be sent a collection of tasks to choose from. We create these from our programme of campaigns. You would be the point of contact for Advocates in your area, sharing these tasks and coordinating activities, such as stalls and lobbying councillors. We will provide you with a campaign toolkit and be in regular contact with you to ensure you have everything you need. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group and WhatsApp chat.
We would expect you to provide any updates from your group and give feedback on each task. It's vital that we measure the impact that we are having, in terms of positive conversations and leaflets handed out. You can also give us ideas you have for future outreach tasks or campaigning. Many Organisers find a huge sense of satisfaction, improvement in self-esteem and enjoy the social side of volunteering in this role.
You will also be responsible for welcoming new Advocates in your area. We will let you know when somebody new applies, and you will help them to get involved with any activities. As the main contact for Advocates, this role does require some awareness of safeguarding and data protection procedures and policy. There will be full training on your role in this, as well as a handbook and ongoing guidance and support.
What training and support is available?
There will be a full induction to the role, with a gradual introduction of new tasks and responsibilities. To start with, we will provide an initial training session to cover the basics of community organising, communication skills and event planning. This will be done remotely from wherever you are. Along with this, we will provide a full pack of resources that covers a range of work that we do.
From there, there will be regular conversations and reviews, where we can discuss other training requirements. Staff are always available to Organisers for any questions, via phone or email.
What skills would be useful in doing this role?
- Great organisational skills
- Experience of coordinating people
- Experience of working to specific dates and deadlines
- Good time keeping
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to motivate people around the topic of veganism
- Ability to stick to branding
- Ability to read emails in a timely manner and translate tasks into actions quickly
- Ability to report back on activities
- Excellent knowledge of vegan issues
How much time do I need to invest?
You should be able to commit around two days a month to carry out actions, and this is usually spread out across the month. We also expect timely responses to emails. When a new Advocate applies to work with you, we would like them to be contacted within seven days via email.
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!
About YAUK
Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.
Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.
We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.
We are looking to recruit four people who can commit their time and effort on a voluntary basis. We are recruiting Communications Officers to join either our Social Media team or our Website Development Team.
Responsibilities
-
To input into a regular flow of communications activity in either the website or social media team
-
To work with others to design content and design strategy
-
To take part in regular team meetings
-
To carry out tasks as assigned
Requirements
-
To have an interest in social media, marketing, website development or public relations
-
To have strong communication and people skills
-
To have strong IT and digital working skills
-
To be competent in the use of Canva, Wix and social media
Benefits
-
This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.
-
Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
-
Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.
Why Volunteer with Us?
We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.
We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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.