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Become a Trustee

Become a Trustee

Volunteer Role: Trustee
Location: Remote/hybrid. Option to attend Monday morning Refugee Hub
Time: Flexible

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary is looking for enthusiastic people with lived experience of the asylum system, who want to make a difference by becoming a Trustee. 

Founded and launched in 2019, we began operating as a registered CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) in December 2020, in the City of Portsmouth in the south of England. 

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary (PCoS) is a non-political humanitarian organisation helping asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants in the Portsmouth postcode.  We are proud to be supported by a number of local organisations, projects and services. With values of compassion, community and choice we are committed to welcoming, orientating and advocating for clients;  see our Vision. Our dedicated team makes this happen. 

It is crucial that our charity is sustainable and we believe that trustee diversity is vital, reflecting our values. We welcome applications from people with a broad range of ages, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, including lived experience. We believe this will strengthen the overall team, promoting creativity and innovation, and we are committed to being fair and inclusive. 

The national movement, City of Sanctuary UK, offers support to local cities of sanctuary, guiding with programmes, such as, Universities of Sanctuary, Schools of Sanctuary and Local Authorities of Sanctuary, and offering the website platform.

What you will be doing:

PCoS is funded by a range of grant organisations including the 3-year National Lottery Community Fund (from April 2024). There is one full-time Portsmouth Migrant Refugee Support (PMRS) Manager, a part-time PMRS Senior Lead Caseworker plus a part-time Accounts Co-ordinator. Additionally over 40 diverse volunteers support the running of the organisation to enable us to meet our Charitable Objects. 

We bring people seeking sanctuary together with local communities through collaborative projects that promote integration. These include a multi-agency Refugee Hub, sports and creative projects, English classes, Welcome Box, bicycle project, a women’s HAVEN group and Action Asylum volunteering opportunities for sanctuary seekers. As a Trustee you will:

  • Join a team of 6 existing PCoS trustees.
  • Have the ability to think strategically and set goals.
  • Attend monthly board meetings (hybrid) or in person at the Refugee Hub on Monday at midday at All Saints Church, 334 Commercial Rd, Portsmouth PO1 4BT.
  • Be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to be able to work with a diverse range of individuals as part of a team. 
  • Act in the best interests of the charity.
  • Act reasonably and responsibly in all matters relating to PCoS.
  • Only use the charity’s income and property for the purposes set out in our governing document.
  • Make decisions in line with good practice and the rules set by the governing document.
  • Take reasonable steps to manage risks.
  • Serve as a Trustee for an agreed term.

Skills/qualities you will need for this role:

You don’t have to be an ex-immigration lawyer, or a refugee, you just need a useful skill or two, with bags of common-sense, and there will be an opportunity to do hands-on work too. 

  • Bring your experience, expertise and different points of view to a discussion.
  • Give insight into our beneficiaries’ needs and experience.
  • Make contacts in the community.
  • Think of new ways of doing things.
  • Excellent communicator.
  • Caring and supportive.
  • Friendly and encouraging.
  • Patient and positive.
  • Enjoy being part of a team.
  • Flexible, reliable with good time management.
  • Enthusiastic and supportive of PCoS and its projects.
  • DBS only needed if you’re doing casework (which most trustees don’t).

Benefits of being a trustee:

  • A serious enhancement to your CV and network.
  • Being part of a fantastic, supportive and passionate team.
  • A real opportunity to learn and demonstrate leadership and humanitarian commitment.
  • Use professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to the local community.
  • Giving a voice to those who cannot easily represent themselves.
  • Acquire a broader set of skills and deeper understanding of how an organisation works.
  • Assist large numbers of vulnerable migrants to get on their feet and integrate quickly and successfully. 

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary trustees are offered:

  • Full induction.
  • Training for new volunteers.
  • Regular support – and to be part of a dedicated and supportive team.
  • Access to other PCoS volunteering opportunities.
  • Opportunity to join team social events.

References: Yes

Age: 18 years minimum

To apply:

Please email a CV and cover letter to Chair of Trustee, [email protected], Subject: Volunteer application – Trustee, FAO the Chair of Board of Trustees.