We are currently seeking two Trustees to join a highly collaborative Board committed to making a difference to ethnic minority adults and their families.

Who we are looking for

We particularly welcome applicants who have:

• Lived experience of English as a second language
• Good commercial or organisational common sense
• The potential to become an officer or committee chair

LEAH provides services in the London boroughs of Merton, Kingston, Richmond and Hounslow. We welcome applications from across London, or surrounding areas, from people who are able to attend occasional in-person meetings in Kingston.

Training will be offered to those who are new to trusteeship, to support the transition into the role. An induction and onboarding process is offered to all new Trustees.

Our current Trustees bring a wide range of skills, experience and backgrounds, including legal, financial, education, marketing and commercial expertise.

Overall purpose

Trustees are responsible for the governance of the charity, ensuring that it achieves its stated objectives: to advance the education and integration of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants who do not speak English as a first language, and to improve their access to support services and future education, employment and volunteering opportunities.

This is achieved through:

• Board meetings, held approximately every two months, with a mix of in-person (in Kingston) and remote meetings
• Three sub-committees — Finance, Fundraising and Governance — which allow detailed discussion and help Board meetings focus on key decisions
• Specific Trustee roles, for example one Trustee focusing on services in Merton, and ad hoc working groups (e.g. supporting the development of the strategic plan)

Main Trustee responsibilities

• Ensure that LEAH complies with its governing document, charitable objectives and relevant charity law
• Contribute actively to the Board and its sub-committees, helping to oversee the effective management of LEAH. Be willing to challenge constructively and, once decisions are made, support them collectively
• Contribute to strategy development. A strategic plan was agreed at the end of last year, and a volunteer strategy is currently being developed. Trustees help define goals, set targets, monitor progress and ensure that LEAH remains focused on its strategy
• Oversee and help ensure the ongoing financial sustainability of LEAH

Desirable skills and experience

• Leadership qualities, including critical thinking and sound decision-making
• Experience of fundraising or working with grant-making bodies
• A good understanding of the challenges facing asylum seekers and refugees

Time commitment

Approximately 1.5 days per month, including attending meetings, responding to emails and reading papers between meetings. Trustees should also be willing, where possible, to attend occasional events involving volunteers, beneficiaries and potential funders.

LEAH values

We have four values that staff, volunteers and Trustees are expected to uphold:

• R – Respect: valuing each beneficiary and their experiences
• I – Inclusivity: ensuring beneficiaries feel welcomed, valued and part of the community
• S – Support: addressing beneficiaries’ needs in English and broader life skills
• E – Empowerment: helping beneficiaries develop the tools, confidence and voice to influence decisions that affect them

About LEAH

LEAH was established over 40 years ago. In 2024, at the request of another charity, we took responsibility for services previously provided in Merton.

Over 100 volunteers currently support more than 600 beneficiaries each year, traditionally through one-to-one mentoring or small group sessions. We provide regular training and support for our volunteers, many of whom have been with LEAH for several years.

More recently, we have expanded our provision to include classes, which in Merton are delivered by qualified ESOL tutors.

Like many charities, LEAH is operating in a more challenging funding environment. The organisation is currently going through a period of change to manage costs and simplify internal processes. Our commitment to beneficiaries remains unchanged and, subject to continued funding, we aim to maintain all current services.

As a result of these changes, the Board is working more closely with the staff team, and we expect this to continue until the end of the year. We are committed to ensuring that LEAH continues to thrive and delivers high-quality services to its beneficiaries.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter explaining your interest in the role to Sharon Landa, Chair, at slanda@leah.org.uk

If you would like an informal discussion before applying, please contact Sharon by email.

Deadline for applications: 6 May 2026.