At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to influence and support refugees in the community.
- Company: SWR, a charity dedicated to refugee support and community engagement.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact and gain valuable experience in governance.
- Other info: Opportunity to broaden your network and develop leadership skills.
- Why this job: Help shape the future of SWR and promote positive narratives around refugees.
- Qualifications: Energy, enthusiasm, and experience in community engagement or volunteer work.
We are seeking to recruit two Trustees who will not have an operational role in SWR beyond contributing to Board deliberation and decisions and taking part in our public activities, when possible.
This new Trustee role will be important to the future of SWR as we lean into our 26-29 Strategic Plan and develop the services we offer refugees, the support we provide for our Volunteers, and develop a greater presence locally seeking to positively influence the narrative around refugees settling into the area. With the wider public narrative around refugees increasingly negative, the role of the Without Portfolio Trustees will be an important factor in strengthening our professionalism and our links to the local community and political bodies.
Looking forward a few years, it is likely that Sevenoaks district will merge with Tonbridge, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. Whilst not certain, it is possible SWR will increase its reach matching this pattern.
What are we looking for?
- Someone who can bring energy, enthusiasm and practicality to the role and help broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board.
- Experience in community engagement, events promotion, business development or working with volunteers.
- Commitment to be an active team player on the Board, happy working with and motivating diverse groups from across Sevenoaks district.
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with other volunteers, donors, partners and community groups.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, and to balance ambition with realism.
- Confidence in working with volunteers and helping others to organize and deliver activities.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
- Enthusiasm for SWR’s mission and a strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
What will you be doing?
Our Trustee Board has seven members, five have some operational responsibilities (treasurer, fundraising, safeguarding, communications and the chair) and two are non-operational, both will be leaving over the next three months. In addition, we have a fully operational committee (the Volunteer Leadership Team) that is responsible for the services we provide for Refugees and the support we provide for our Volunteers.
Earlier this year we launched a three-year strategic plan (2026 -29) and we are now seeking to broaden the set of skills and experience on our Board. The role of ‘Trustees Without Portfolio’ distinguishes it from Trustees who also perform ‘operational’ roles such as managing Communication, Fundraising or Safeguarding and Risk Management. Trustees 'Without Portfolio' may take on ‘special projects’ (such as reviewing a policy paper, the risk matrix, or the constitution) but this is exceptional and by mutual agreement. However, a ‘Without Portfolio’ Trustee would be most welcome to take part in our public outreach activities, such as the SWR stalls at local fairs and events and take on/share an operational Trustee role should they have interest, time and aptitude for a more involved role with the charity.
Trustee Without Portfolio - Volunteer in Sevenoaks employer: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering community engagement and making a meaningful impact in the lives of refugees. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity, we offer our Trustees the opportunity to develop their skills while contributing to vital outreach programs that enhance societal harmony. Our supportive work culture encourages personal growth and provides unique advantages, such as networking with like-minded individuals passionate about social change in the beautiful Sevenoaks district.
Contact Details:
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees Recruitment Team
