Can you help steer our growing organisation in an increasingly difficult political climate for our clients?

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity, offering a range of support to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants seeking refuge in and around Oxford. We provide everything from food and clothes, to advice, visits, legal support, education and assistance finding employment.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxfordshire community to help strengthen our governance and our approach. We are seeking new Board members with a range of skills and experience upon which we can draw. In particular, we are looking for people who have knowledge and experience of:

  • The reality of refugee experiences in the U.K.
  • Asylum, immigration or resettlement policy and practice
  • Research and programming expertise in relevant fields

You may have gained this learning in many ways, including:

 – Lived experience of being a refugee or migrant. This means that you have come to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker or have lived with or grown up alongside people who did, and you want to use your experience to others.

–  Your work paid or voluntary. This would be in a role that gives you relevant knowledge and insight that can help inform Asylum Welcome’s work going forward.

We welcome expressions of interest from people of all ages and backgrounds, and particularly encourage applications from people under the age of 30 as we have many youth clients and want to broaden the range of perspectives on our Board.

No prior trustee experience is necessary.

 Our dedicated and collaborative Board is keen to invest in and support new trustees,

Trustees are not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings. Other benefits including the opportunity to:

–  contribute to your local community and an important cause

–  expand your networks by exposing you to a variety of people and groups

–  gain professional experience

–  work with a dedicated, professional, and supportive team

The Board meets (via zoom and in-person) 6 – 8 times a year, currently early evening on a Wednesday. Dates are agreed a year in advance.

There is no set time commitment, although attendance at Board meetings and some training / workshop events is expected.

An introduction to the working of the organisation and Board will be provided, as well as any training required. There will also be an opportunity to buddy up with, or shadow other trustees, if requested.

For more information see the full role description here.

Apply

Email your CV and a short (max 1 page) covering letter setting out why you want to join us and how you meet the person specification to Val Johnson Co-Chair of Trustees at: trustee@asylum-welcome.org.

Get in touch

For an informal discussion to see if the role might be right for you, please email Val Johnson Co-Chair of Trustees at trustee@asylum-welcome.org.