Become a Volunteer

Are you a passionate volunteer looking for a new challenge? FODI is looking for volunteers to help asylum-seekers and refugees integrate into the community. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to give back to our city and make a difference in the lives of others.

We need people to help us run workshops, events, and other activities that will help us welcome refugees into Sunderland. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student or retired. Just bring your love for helping people and join our team!

If you want to help us:

https://fodisunderland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Volunteer-Application-form-2024.pdf

    Application to Work as a Volunteer

    Please continue your answers on a separate sheet if necessary.











    What is your present work status? (please tick)







    Availability - What days would you normally be available to volunteer with FODI?

    Please circle all relevant times:


    Please give the names and addresses of two people who may be asked to give you a reference.













    Criminal Record. As you may have unsupervised contact with vulnerable people and/or people with disabilities,
    we require you to disclose any criminal record you may have (including convictions termed as "spent"),
    in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (exceptions) (amendments) 1986.


    Please note that disclosure of a criminal record will not necessarily disqualify you from consideration as a volunteer.



    Become a Trustee

    We are currently seeking trustees to add value to our trustee team of 7. We have a vacancy for a Secretary and we are also particularly interested in potential trustees with skills/ experience in the areas of fundraising, Human Resources (HR), and communication via social media, but we welcome approaches from anyone who may add value to our team. Most but not all of our current Trustees have lived experience of the asylum system in the UK, but this is not a requirement.

    The role of Trustee at FODI

    Our Trustees oversee the running of FODI, making sure we are achieving our aims and taking ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the organisation is solvent and well managed.

    Trustees are committed to FODI’s aims and objectives, which can be found elsewhere on our website.

    All FODI meetings are conducted in English and all documents are written in English.

    As part of their role, our Trustees:

    • Attend 6 bi- monthly Trustee meetings, which are held virtually
    • Attend our Annual General Meeting in person
    • Oversee and amend FODI policies
    • Respond to discussions via email or other methods within an appropriate time frame
    • Keep up to date with issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers
    • Are committed to equal opportunities and inclusion
    • Are aware of FODI’s safeguarding responsibilities

    Anyone interested in becoming a trustee with FODI should contact Steve Newman, Chair of Trustees,  via email s.newman@fodisunderland.org or ‘phone 07512193039.

    Trustee-information-doc