Fundraising Trustee - Volunteer in Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is seeking a Fundraising Trustee to join our Board and help sustain and grow our income, enabling us to continue welcoming and supporting refugee families and making a meaningful impact in the Sevenoaks district.

Why volunteer as an SWR Trustee?

• Flexible & rewarding – An opportunity to use your skills in a way that fits around your existing commitments.
• Make an impact – Supporting meaningful activities and events that bring people together and support refugee resettlement, integration and economic independence.
• Be part of a supportive team – Work with passionate volunteers and make new connections.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for commitment to be an active team player on the Board, happy working with and motivating diverse groups from across Sevenoaks district. Someone who can bring energy, enthusiasm and practicality to the role and who will help broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. You do not need to have been a Trustee before – we will provide a full induction and support.

Desired qualifications and experience

• Experience in fundraising, community engagement, marketing, events, business development or partnerships.
• 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 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.
• Enthusiasm for SWR’s mission and a strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Time commitment and support

We anticipate a time commitment of around 2–4 hours per week, which may vary over the year (for example, around major events). This includes:

• Overseeing and supporting SWR fundraising plans and events, where time commitments are ‘lumpy’.
• Monthly Board meetings (typically the second Wednesday of each month, 7–9pm; largely in person with occasional online attendance possible).

We recognize that this is a voluntary role and will work with the successful candidate to manage the time commitment in a realistic and sustainable way.

What will you be doing?

SWR raises most of its income from the local community. Our main current income streams include:

• Our annual concert in the spring.
• Our Dragon Boat team in the summer.
• Our winter/Christmas fundraising event in December.
• Participation in local fairs and events where we share our work and sell donated items.
• Regular donations from individual supporters.
• Support from corporate sponsors and local government grants.

The Fundraising Trustee will help shape and oversee these income streams (working closely with the Treasurer and Chair) and look for opportunities to grow and diversify them, so that SWR can continue to deliver its program and meet its medium‑term goal of welcoming three new refugee families to the district each year over the next three years. You will not be doing this alone. The Fundraising Trustee is supported by SWR volunteers and beneficiaries who help design and run events, and by volunteers who manage relationships with individual donors and support grant applications.

Key Responsibilities – Fundraising Trustee

• Help develop and oversee SWR’s fundraising strategy and annual fundraising plans.
• Support the planning and delivery of key fundraising events (e.g. annual concert, Dragon Boat race, winter event) and our presence at local fairs.
• Explore and encourage new fundraising opportunities such as sponsored walks, runs or community campaigns.
• Support and encourage volunteers who lead on specific fundraising activities or donor relationships.
• Work with the Treasurer and Chair to ensure that fundraising activity is realistic, sustainable and aligned with SWR’s priorities and values.

Responsibilities of All Trustees

• Attend Board meetings (held monthly, usually in Sevenoaks with some online attendance possible), adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Support and provide advice on SWR’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation, including those related to fundraising.
• Oversee SWR’s financial plans and budgets and monitor progress.
• Ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and managed effectively.
• Provide support and constructive challenge to SWR’s Chair in the exercise of their responsibilities.
• Contribute to regular reviews of SWR’s governance and ways of working.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect SWR’s interests.
• Contribute to the wider promotion of SWR’s aims and reputation by applying your skills, experience, knowledge and networks.

As a small charity, there will be times when Trustees need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may include leading or supporting discussions, providing advice on new initiatives, or representing SWR externally in areas where you have particular expertise or interest.