Job Description

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with refugee status and those seeking asylum in south west London? Consider joining our team at Refugee Action Kingston. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our values. We are a small, friendly team, driven by a passion to create positive and lasting change in our community.

Overview

Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) is an active and forward-looking charity based in Kingston Upon Thames. We help refugees and people seeking asylum to access essential services, including immigration and welfare advice, English classes, counselling and support into employment, volunteering and training.

We are a small charity that has significant impact: last year we assisted over 2000 individuals.  RAK won the Best in Supporting Young People award and was Highly Commended at the Kingston Borough Business Awards (KBBA) in 2025. 

The charity is seeking to recruit a volunteer chair of trustees, and would suit someone who has management experience in public or voluntary sector organisations. The chair will work closely with the CEO to help guide our next chapter of growth, providing governance and strategic direction inline with RAKs mission and values. Our board of trustees bring a wide range of expertise to the charity and work together, along with staff and volunteer input, to make decisions that inform its direction and achieve the best outcome for clients.  Your contribution will make a huge impact in shaping the future of those seeking sanctuary in our community, and we're excited to welcome someone passionate to the board. 

Key Responsibilities

The chair should lead or contribute to:  

• Regular trustee board meetings and key activities, including recruitment of trustees.

• Development and implementation of RAK's strategic plan.

• Governance of the charity to ensure it meets legal and regulatory requirements.

• Monitoring operational performance and implementation of a continuous improvement programme.

• Oversight of financial performance and fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability.

• Promotion of relationships with key stakeholders, including funding bodies, suppliers, and contractors.

• Regular meetings with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly when issues arise.

• Act as a spokesperson for RAK as needed.

Desirable

• Good understanding of issues and challenges faced by refugees and people seeking asylum in Kingston.

• Leadership qualities, including critical thinking and decision making.

• Experience of financial management and fundraising.

• Operational management experience gained in the commercial or voluntary sector.

• Experience of the principles and practices of governance in a commercial or voluntary organisation.

• Experience of being a trustee.

• Ability to use time and resources efficiently and responsibly to maximise the impact of our services for clients.

Core beliefs

• Commitment to promoting social justice and equity for all individuals, regardless of religion, culture, or background.

• Valuing and respecting diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, and fostering teamwork through inclusivity.

Please note that this is a voluntary role with reasonable volunteer expenses covered. The chair role requires a significant commitment of time and effort.

We seek individuals who are dedicated to contributing meaningfully and who are open to learning in areas where they may lack experience.Further information about RAK is on our website.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a personal statement of no more than 300 words that outlines your interest in becoming the chair of trustees.

Please note: RAK may hold interviews as and when volunteer chair of trustees applications are received. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.