English for All is an all-volunteer organization that offers English classes to asylum seekers in the Netherlands, and—as a new stichting—is recruiting members for its first Advisory Board.
About English for All
We are a diverse community of volunteers committed to supporting asylum seekers in the Netherlands while they await decisions about residency permits. By offering free, drop-in English language classes focused on everyday communication, we create a safe space for connection and learning. We operate in partnership with COA and offer classes at their centers (AZCs and emergency centers). We are currently a volunteer team of 130 and growing, operating in seven centers in South Holland Province. Begun in 2023, we are a new stichting and so the members of the Board are critical advocates and experts to support the continued growth of the program. For information about our program, teaching locations and how to volunteer, see our website: https://www.english-for-all.org/.
Board Responsibilities
Members of the Advisory Board provide advice and direction on relevant areas such as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Education in Emergencies (EiE), the Dutch resettlement system and policies, adult education, measurement and evaluation, risk management, volunteer management, and program scaling. Our Board roles offer a powerful platform to apply your skills beyond day-to-day operations, providing constructive support and strategic direction. We prioritise status holders who have previously lived in AZCs as their perspectives are essential to this program.
Our ideal candidates bring a combination of:
- Integrity, independent judgement, and strategic mindset.
- A collaborative yet confident approach, able to both support and challenge.
- Excellent communication skills, alongside tact and diplomacy.
- A genuine willingness to contribute time, insight, and energy.
- A passion for the non-profit sector and a real commitment to supporting asylum seekers.
The Advisory Board will include members as are qualified, interested and relevant across the areas of expertise needed, with a maximum of twelve.
The working language of the Boards is English.
What are we looking for?
Our Board roles offer a powerful platform to apply your skills beyond day-to-day operations, providing oversight, constructive support, and strategic direction. We are keen to connect with individuals who offer skills—in particular finance, but also—in fundraising, governance, legal, human resources, communications, programme delivery, strategy, and operations.
While senior experience is highly valued, we also welcome emerging leaders who bring strong judgement, fresh perspectives, and a passion for facilitating impact.
We prioritise status holders who have previously lived in AZCs as their perspectives are essential to this program. (Note that we are establishing another Advisory Council for those asylum seekers which are currently living in AZCs).
Our ideal candidates bring a combination of:
- Integrity, independent judgement, and strategic mindset.
- A collaborative yet confident approach, able to both support and challenge.
- Excellent communication skills, alongside tact and diplomacy.
- A genuine willingness to contribute time, insight, and energy.
- A passion for the non-profit sector and a real commitment to supporting asylum seekers.
Time Commitment:
Board members need to be available for two Board meetings each year (remotely is possible) with individual consultations as needed throughout the year. The term is for two years, renewable.
Contact:
Interested parties are invited to send a brief resume and statement of interest (one page) to zbreslar@gmail.com indicating which Board they are interested in joining. We accept applications on a rolling basis.