Volunteer Trustees

What will you be doing?

We want individuals who are passionate about social justice and believe in the right of displaced and persecuted peoples to seek asylum in the UK. Your sense of fairness and empathy is much more important than any professional background you have. In fact, if you are keen to learn and support our staff team in a particular area of our work, we are happy to support you in developing new skills and an understanding of the asylum system in the UK. If you are new to being a Trustee, we will give you plenty of support and training and there are plenty of resources we can point you to too.  Our Trustees meet all together 4 times a year (either virtually or in person) for Trustees’ meetings, plus we have an annual general meeting every year. Our Trustees also take part in sub-groups such as the Finance sub-group, and some take on a governance responsibility like Chair, Treasurer or Secretary, or support an area of work such as hosting or advice or communications etc.

What are we looking for?

Your skills, knowledge and attributes are valuable whatever your background — professional or otherwise. Let us know where your interests lie and what you feel you can bring of yourself to our team.  We do currently have vacancies for particular Trustee roles such as Company Secretary and we would particularly be thrilled if anyone wanted to support our corporate governance and fundraising workstreams.

What difference will you make?

We estimate there are 100 destitute asylum seekers living in Bristol, caught in the loopholes of the system – unable to work and unable to claim benefits. Without an income, these individuals can’t find accommodation. This is an opportunity for the Trustee to join an organisation which extends solidarity to people seeking asylum and experiencing destitution through accommodation and creative community involvement. By joining us as a Trustee, you will help BHN continue its work in benefit of all its members.