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
SWR is an exceptional employer that values community engagement and diversity, making it a rewarding place for individuals passionate about supporting refugees and local initiatives. As a Trustee Without Portfolio, you will have the opportunity to influence strategic decisions while working alongside a dedicated team committed to equity and inclusion. The collaborative work culture fosters personal growth and allows you to make a meaningful impact in the Sevenoaks district.
Contact Details:
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee Without Portfolio - Volunteer in Sevenoaks
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee Without Portfolio - Volunteer in Sevenoaks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
