Activities Support Volunteer Roles in Manchester, Greater Manchester

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. 

With your expertise and support we will achieve so much! 

We need volunteers who have expertise in leadership and strategic planning.

You will get new skills and experience whilst enabling us to help more animals. 

Overview of the Branch Chair opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to improve animal welfare by playing an instrumental part in the production, monitoring and review of our Branches development plan. You will be able to influence how we raise our funds and how these are allocated in our local area. 

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a bi-monthly committee meeting lasting around 2 to 3 hours (virtual meetings are an option). However, the commitment may vary depending on your availability,  and if  you decide to take on additional duties.

Trustee do not need to live within the branch boundaries but occasional travel to Branch sites may be required from time to time.

About the National RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local Branches which are run by staff and volunteers, supported by the RSPCA National Society.

Preston & District Branch has been affiliated with the National RSPCA for 150 years!

A separately registered charity looking after animals in the local area and engaging with the local community. 

Our mission is to seek out safe homes for abandoned, neglected or abused animals who are  nursed back to health, rehabilitated and found forever loving homes.

Preston & District Branch is part of a network of 140  branches, and 1 of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre. 

The rehoming centre is within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6). 

RSPCA Preston & District Branch is a well established Branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations and raises all its funds locally through supporters and other income streams.

To continue helping animals in need the Branch also operates 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham (within our specified branch area) which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open. 

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Chair

• Take the chair at branch committee meetings and direct the activities.

• Act jointly with all co-trustees and work closely with the branch secretary and treasurer.

• To act as co-signatory, if required, on branch cheques and ensure that proper financial procedures are always followed, in line with charity legislation.

• Ensure that all committee members are familiar with branch rules, national Society policy and their responsibilities as a charity trustee.

• Be instrumental in the production, monitoring and review of a branch development plan.

• Actively coordinate the activities of the branch, including the delegation of tasks.

• Ensure that a branch representative is appointed to the regional board and that the representative gives the committee a full report on the business conducted after each meeting.

• To ensure that all the essential roles within the committee are filled by suitable, appropriate trustees or volunteers.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas- finance, legal, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation. These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.

We are looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the board and to help put those ideas into action. 

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Ultimately we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. 

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.

• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.

• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.

• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.

• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected at our AGM.

• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.

• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.

• References will also be required.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

What is the purpose of this role?

Panellists will inform and influence the support we offer to older people and help us deliver services that older people need and value.

What impact does this role have?

Our Panellists will help us to shape our services and our strategy. They will support us to make sure that people know about our charity, that our services have a positive impact on the lives of older people, and that we are a valued, local resource for older people to rely on.

What are the responsibilities of the role? 

• To support our charity and its aims and to act as an ambassador for our services and projects and the wider Age UK network.

• To ensure our charity is aware of emerging needs and issues related to older people in the City and County that could influence future planning.

• To represent the wider community of older people and their interests – including topics such as social, health, wealth, and longer-term needs.

• To develop an understanding of customer service within the charity and how it can be improved for older people.

• To maintain a positive commitment to, and active promotion of, Age UK Notts’ Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy.

What are we looking for?

• Integrity

• A commitment to the charity

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Good, independent judgement

• A willingness to speak their mind

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

What is the time commitment?

• The charity holds four meetings per year (Including the AGM), with each meeting lasting around 2 hours.There will be a mix of in-person and online meetings.

• In addition, Panellists need to set aside a minimum of 1 hours reading time before each meeting.

• Depending upon agreed actions, Panellists may be asked to dedicate some time to activities within the community, or for the charity outside of the meetings.

• Should exceptional circumstances arise, there may be a need for additional meetings, but this will be a rare occurrence.

• A chair and vice-chair will be elected by the members every 3 years and holders may serve a maximum of 6 years in total in either role.

What training will you be given?

You will be given a basic induction to the Charity and some basic compliance training to allow you to undertake your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to influence the largest, local charity providing support for older people. It’s a chance to bring your views, experience and knowledge to the table as well as building new relationships and meeting new challenges.

Please note the following key information

• You must be at least 18 years old

• You must agree to be properly appointed by our robust volunteer recruitment process (including references and DBS check).

• The role of a OPAP Panellist is voluntary and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

Ready for an adventure? Dive into the heart of Quilombo UK by exploring our website and videos! Explore the values that guide our mission, values, and the impactful work we do to make a difference in our community.

Join us in leading positive change!

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to Quilombo's mission by fostering meaningful relationships and collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders. In the HR department, you will play a crucial role in expanding our reach, promoting our initiatives, and creating a dynamic network of partners to support our organization's growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Develop and nurture strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as Ambassadors, academic institutions, and private/public sector partners, through effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for establishing new partnerships and maintaining existing ones, ensuring positive and productive interactions.
• Proactively identify and pursue potential collaborations, partnerships, or initiatives that align with Quilombo's mission and goals.
• Stay updated on Quilombo's achievements, initiatives, and developments to effectively promote and represent the organization to stakeholders.
•  Collaborate closely with various departments within Quilombo to gather information, share updates, and coordinate activities related to partnerships.
•  Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of stakeholders, tracking interactions, commitments, and follow-up actions.
•  Coordinate and facilitate meetings, presentations, and other events to foster relationships and promote Quilombo's initiatives.
• Prepare and present reports, proposals, and presentations to stakeholders and internal teams, highlighting partnership opportunities and progress.

Essential Qualifications:

• Proven experience in partnership development, stakeholder management, or relationship building roles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
•  Proactive, self-motivated, and able to take initiative.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.
• Proficiency in customer relationship management.

Location: UK-wide with a registered office in Birmingham

Applications close on Monday 18th November

Are you passionate about the arts, culture, and heritage? Do you have a keen interest in digital technology and its potential to democratise access to creative content? The Space, a leading community interest company funded by Arts Council England and other public funders, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Chair to guide us through the next exciting chapter of our journey.

About The Space

The Space is at the intersection of arts, culture, and digital innovation. We collaborate with cultural organisations, creative practitioners, and public service broadcasters to deliver diverse, high-quality cultural content to audiences across the UK. As we broaden our support to include museums, libraries, and heritage sites, our focus is on expanding the range of programmes we offer, diversifying income streams, and championing technical innovation in areas such as AI, digital rights, and immersive content.

As we look to continue to develop and grow, we have key strategic priorities which include strengthening our income streams, continuing to support place-based ecologies and addressing the needs of diverse communities across the UK, enabling broadcast co-production and broadening the range of cultural activities alongside supporting technical innovation and maintaining a UK wide reach.

Who we are looking for

As our current Chair concludes their term, we are seeking a new board leader to guide The Space through the next phase of our growth. We are looking for a dynamic board leader with a deep passion for the arts, culture, and heritage, coupled with a strong interest in harnessing digital technology to broaden access for diverse audiences. A strong familiarity with not for profit governance is key.

Our new Chair will provide strategic and inclusive leadership to the Board, acting as both an advocate and ambassador for The Space, building relationships with funders and stakeholders as we continue to support broadcast and digital cultural content across the UK. You will be an ambassador for The Space whilst being strategic, providing stretch and a balance of scrutiny and support alongside stewardship of the organisation. We are looking for an advocate and convener for The Space in the rapidly evolving world of digital and broadcast content creation, ensuring we remain resilient and forward-thinking.

We are looking for a board leader who is inclusive, has a strong familiarity with not for profit governance and leadership experience, who is passionate about the arts and digital, who has experience and knowledge of public funding and working in organisations and sectors that experience change and transformation.

Time commitment

The Board meets four times a year (usually online), with one in-person ‘Away Day’ in either Birmingham or London. The Chair will also participate in additional committee meetings. We expect the overall time commitment, including ad hoc conversations with the executive and board members, preparation for meetings and attending events etc. to be the equivalent of c. 1-2 days a month.

The Space is committed to equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications for this role from disabled people and those from diverse backgrounds.

Join us at The Space and be part of a mission to transform how audiences access and engage with arts and culture across the UK.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Monday 18th November.

A Little Bit of Sunshine UK (ALBOS UK) is seeking to recruit a Director of Education and Programmes to lead and oversee our education and outreach programmes. 

About A Little Bit of Sunshine

A Little Bit of Sunshine is a charity dedicated to giving young people a voice in shaping mental health services that work for them. By connecting young people and decision-makers, we can co-create mental health systems that are inclusive, accessible, and effective for everyone.

We're a small charity run by volunteers and are looking to expand our team as we continue to grow. We are an inclusive charity and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Overview of the role

As the Director of Programmes and Education, you will lead the development and delivery of key projects, workshops, and outreach programmes. You will manage existing projects while also developing new ones that align with the charity’s strategy, ensuring that all work is driven by the needs and experiences of young people. Additionally, you will help build and maintain relationships with external partners and key stakeholders in the charity, mental health, and youth sectors.

This new role will provide an exciting opportunity to help shape and deliver programmes and educational initiatives that make a real impact on young people’s lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the charity’s ongoing programmes and create new initiatives to meet strategic goals.
• Lead the development of an impact reporting, evaluation, and learning framework.
• Ensure that our work reflects developments in mental health, youth work, and social action.
• Build relationships with senior managers across various sectors, including charity, health, and social care.
• Work closely with the Youth Steering Group and wider team to co-create impactful programmes.
• Support the Senior Leadership Team by providing strategic advice on mental health education initiatives.

More responsibilities are listed within the attached role description.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a charity that is making a difference in the mental health landscape for young people. You will be able to shape the future of our programmes and work alongside a passionate team dedicated to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for youth mental health.

We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Selection Process

• This role will close on the 18th November 2024 at 9am.
• Stage 1 selection process: 25th-29th November
• Stage 2 Interviews: 9th-14th December

If you’re interested in this role and would like to have an informal chat, please get in touch with us!

Member of the Global Communities Sub-Committee

Do you want to make a difference and contribute to The Methodist Church? Are you a keen and experienced individual who is interested in supporting the work we do within the Connexional team? Could you a new member of the committee supporting the exciting and vital work of the Global Communities in the Methodist Church in Great Britain

About the role

The Global Communities Sub - Committee is charged with responsibility to keep in constant review the mission and ministry of the Global Communities work across the British Connexion. The Global Communities Sub-Committee will work with relevant Connexional team members in developing new ways of working across the Connexion and advising the missions committee on polices and recommend specific learning points from these Communities that could enrich the wider mission and ministry of the Methodist Church in Britain. The Global Communities Sub- Committee will report to annually to the Missions Committee.

About You

We are looking for an experienced, committed person who has transferable skills, this individual will:

• Be a member in good standing of the Methodist Church in Britain
• Have an awareness of the variety of contexts that exist within the Methodist Church in Great Britain including those from Global Communities 
• Have a working knowledge of the Organisational arrangements of the Methodist Church.
• To contribute to the discussions and decision making at the meetings with other members of the sub-committee as appropriate to enable the group to advise the missions committee on policy in relation to the work of the Global Communities.
• To be able to listen and learn from members of the Global Communities in the Methodist Church in Britain
• To be able to work as part of a team  

We advise you to review the candidate pack, the role description and person specification ahead of completing and submitting your online expression of interest form. The candidate pack includes some useful information about our processes. 

If you have questions about the role or require reasonable adjustments to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us. 

Indicative Recruitment Timetable:

Closing date: 15th November 2024

Shortlisting Date: 22th November 2024

Interviews Date: 29th November (by Zoom)

Provisional appointment start date: January 2025 subject to the Missions Committee approval

This is a voluntary unpaid position; however, some additional expenses can be agreed.

Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent is committed to making later life better for everyone in Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent. We have an active board of Trustees from a range of different backgrounds who continually provide guidance and support to the charity.The Trustee role offers an exciting opportunity to get involved in an engaging, decision making role which contributes to the strategy, financial strategy and day-to-day management of the organisation.

Our existing Board has a diverse range of experience and skills and we are looking to grow and develop these to support the organisation in the future.  We are particuarly interested in hearing from people with experience and/or knowledge of the following areas:

• Financial Management (including investment planning/management accounts) 
• Estate Planning
• Charity Retailing
• Fundraising / Income generation Fundraising

This is not an exclusive list of skills as each new Trustee brings their own valuable skills and experience.  We are keen to develop our Board's diversity and appreciate that the role of a Trustee is new to some people.  If you would like an informal chat about what the role involves please contact us.

Electus Global Education Co, Inc.

We’re a start-up on a mission to launch a million happy futures, through impactful innovation. Our ed-tech super app aims to democratize success through financial capability, entrepreneurship and career readiness education to underserved communities, globally.

The educational landscape has long been criticized for its lack of preparation for real-world challenges, particularly in critical areas such as financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Despite mounting evidence of the growing importance of these skills in today’s economy, traditional education systems remain focused on academic achievements that often do not translate into practical abilities for managing finances or understanding business dynamics. This oversight is more than an educational gap—it's a societal issue. Young individuals are entering adulthood without the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of personal finance, investment decisions, or the entrepreneurial acumen required to innovate and drive economic growth.

Moreover, the absence of these essential skills contributes to broader economic problems, including poor personal debt management and a lack of entrepreneurial ventures, which are crucial for job creation and economic vitality. In an age where financial crises are frequent and the entrepreneurial landscape is rapidly evolving, there is an urgent need for an educational model that integrates real-life financial management and business skills into the foundational stages of learning.

The long-term lack of financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills leads to problematic outcomes for communities and families. Communities suffer from increased crime rates as financial instability can drive individuals towards illegal activities. Families face heightened stress and instability, resulting in poor mental and physical health outcomes. Additionally, inadequate financial management and lack of entrepreneurial ventures limit access to quality healthcare due to insufficient financial resources, thereby increasing mortality rates. These negative outcomes underscore the urgent need to incorporate comprehensive financial education early in the learning journey to foster more resilient and economically stable communities.

Electus rises to address these educational deficiencies through its revolutionary platform, Life Hub, which seamlessly blends financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness into a cohesive learning model tailored for children aged 6-18. Life Hub harnesses the latest advancements in AI and machine learning to create highly personalized learning experiences that adapt to individual learning paces and styles, ensuring that each student can thrive. Unlike traditional financial education platforms that focus narrowly on savings and budgeting, Electus offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide spectrum of financial interactions, from earning and investing to spending and giving, all integrated within an engaging educational experience.

The platform’s hands-on approach is designed to transcend theoretical knowledge, allowing students to participate in real-world financial activities and simulated business environments, which helps to cement their understanding of complex concepts through practical application. This experiential learning is further enhanced by the platform's integration capabilities, making it a versatile educational tool suitable for diverse learning settings—from conventional classrooms to innovative micro-schools and home-school environments, as well as rehabilitation programs within juvenile justice systems.

Furthermore, Electus is committed to continuously updating and refining its content and methodologies to keep pace with global financial trends and technological advancements, ensuring that the education it provides remains relevant and forward-thinking. This commitment extends to adapting the platform to different cultural and educational standards across global markets, illustrating the scalability and flexibility of the Life Hub solution. By providing a foundational platform that not only educates but also engages young learners in meaningful ways, Electus is setting a new standard for what educational success looks like in the 21st century, preparing a generation of informed, confident, and capable individuals ready to lead happy and successful lives.

As a social enterprise, our mission is to improve the quality of life through our ground-breaking education and financial technology called Life Hub.

Join our team of passionate individuals who are improving the quality of life of children under 18 nationwide daily.

Presentation Designer

Role Description

We are seeking a creative and skilled Presentation Designer to join our volunteer team. In this role, you will design visually engaging presentation decks using various tools like PowerPoint, Gamma, Designr, and others. Your work will be crucial in enhancing our digital presentations and supporting our mission to launch a million happy futures through democratizing financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness.

Responsibilities:

Design Creation: Produce high-quality presentations for business and marketing campaigns, and educational materials.

Brand Consistency: Ensure all designs align with Life Hub’s branding and effectively communicate our mission.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role

6+ months remotely

Call for Applications for New Trustees

Safe Passage International is looking for people to join our Board of Trustees who are passionate about our mission to champion safe passage for people seeking asylum.

We would particularly welcome applications from people who have lived (personal) experience of having to leave their home and cross borders in search of asylum and from people from Black, Asian, and other Minoritised Ethnic communities.

We are particularly seeking expertise in the following areas:

• UK and, international / EU law and public policies on the subject of asylum-seeking and immigration.

Safe Passage International has offices in the UK, France, and Greece, and we welcome international applicants with the expertise we require.

Whether you have been a Trustee before or are considering a Trustee role for the first time, we want to hear from you!

About Safe Passage International

Safe Passage International (SPI) is a charity that champions the rights of people seeking asylum and displaced people as they flee persecution. We use the law to help them access safe routes to a place of safety and we work alongside them to campaign for change and build public support for safe passage for all.

We have a particular focus on supporting unaccompanied children and young people to reunite with family and reach protection in Europe, although we also work with adults and family groups too.

We are based in the UK, with small offices also in France and Greece. These offices are locally registered not for profit companies who are part of Safe Passage International, overseen by the international UK Board of Trustees.

 Safe Passage International advances its mission through five main strands of work:

• providing legal advice to asylum-seekers and their family members to help them be safely and legally reunited;

• holding governments and decision-makers to account on their legal obligations to people seeking asylum;

• campaigning and advocacy with policy makers in Government, Parliament, and other authorities to provide safe and legal routes for people seeking asylum;

• helping young people seeking asylum to settle upon arrival and working with them to campaign on issues that they are passionate about;

• Improving public awareness of the need for safe routes.

How to apply

Please read the role description linked below for full information about becoming a Safe Passage Trustee and how to apply for this opportunity.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 20th November 2024 at 11.59 pm

Interview Date: Wednesday, 4th December 2024

The Children’s Book Project is a rapidly growing charity set up to tackle book poverty nationwide and to improve the social, emotional and educational outcomes of young people across the UK.  We seek an energetic and supportive new Chair for our next phase of growth.

We are a young, rapidly growing charity set up to tackle book poverty nationwide and to improve the outcomes of young people across the UK. We seek an energetic and supportive new Chair for our next phase of growth.

Who we are

The Children’s Book Project is a grassroots charity that understands the enormous power that reading has in shaping children’s lives. We have an ambition to eradicate book poverty and believe that, regardless of their circumstances, every child deserves access to inspiring reading material, expanding their perspective on the world and helping them to fulfil their potential. We collect new and lightly used books from families and publishers and gift them onwards to children growing up in poverty,

The role

1. We want to change mindsets2. We will proactively collaborate3. We need to build authorityWe will continue to focus on developing a sustainable funding model, will continue to conduct various strands of research that evidence impacts amongst our beneficiary audiences, seek to raise our profile further within the publishing and educational sectors and to develop a robust national programme of delivery.

The Chair will provide inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each Trustee fulfils their responsibilities for effective charity governance and their engagement with our disparate activities including regionally, operationally and from an audience perspective.

The Chair will also support the executive team, acting as a mentor to and building a solid working with the Chief Executive.

GovernanceStrategyFinanceMentorship:

• Act as an ambassador and public face of the charity together with the CEO

Charity governance; Commercial acumen, Finance & accounting; Fundraising; Human resources; Legal; Sector expertise (e.g. literacy, social policy or publishing); Experience in scaling a charity.

We also hope that the Chair will bring the following strengths to the role:

• in children’s lives and the impact of book poverty.
• , objectives and values.
• and the ability to chair meetings effectively.
• in the best interests of all stakeholders.
• and understanding.An understanding of trustees’ legal duties
• (or a commitment to gaining this)
• (and a commitment to expanding this).
• As we actively seek to increase the diversity of our trustee board, we welcome any candidate who can contribute diversity to the Board in its widest sense, including diversity of background, life experience and career. We know that different voices, ideas and perspectives will enable us to better tackle book poverty and deepen our impact.If you like the sound of this role but don’t quite meet all of the criteria, we still encourage you to apply.We are very open to first time trustees joining the board.We particularly encourage applications from candidates who have childhood or adult experience of life on a lower income, and from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME), LGBT+, disabled and socially diverse candidates.

Chair of the Global Communities Sub-Committee

Do you want to make a difference and contribute to The Methodist Church? Are you a keen and experienced individual who is interested in supporting the work we do within the Connexional team? Could you the Chair of this exciting vital work of the connexion?

About the role

The Global Communities Sub-Committee is charged with responsibility to keep in constant review the mission and ministry of the Global Communities work across the British Connexion. The Global Communities Sub-Committee will work with relevant Connexional team members in developing new ways of working across the Connexion and advising the missions committee on polices and recommend specific learning points from these Communities that could enrich the wider mission and ministry of the Methodist Church in Britain. The Global Communities Sub-Committee will report annually to the Missions Committee.

About You

We are looking for an experienced, committed person who has transferable skills, this individual will:

• Be a member in good standing of the Methodist Church in Britain
• Have previous experience served as a Chair Committees at Local, District or Connexional Level
• Have an awareness of the variety of contexts that exist within the Methodist Church in Great Britain and Cross Cultural Ministry
• Have a good knowledge of the organisational arrangements of the Methodist Church.
• Have the ability to think strategically and connect vision, aims and strategies through theological reflection.
• Be a leader who is able to show humility, offer direction and able to exercise sound judgement in working with others in the Methodist Church in Britain and within the Global Communities. 
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team

We advise you to review the candidate pack, the role description and person specification ahead of completing and submitting your online expression of interest form. The candidate pack includes some useful information about our processes. 

If you have questions about the role or require reasonable adjustments to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us. 

Indicative Recruitment Timetable:

Closing date: 8th November 2024

Shortlisting Date: 11th November 2024

Interviews Date: 19th November 2024 (held on Zoom)

Provisional appointment start date: 1st December 2024 subject to Mission Committee appointment 

This is a voluntary unpaid position; however, some additional expenses can be agreed.

About the Richard Whitehead Foundation 

The Richard Whitehead Foundation is a small charity with big aspirations to create social change and use the power of sport for the benefit of disabled people. We believe in the impact of sport: the increased mental well-being, the confidence, the self-esteem, the social inclusion and employability which can come from it.  We want disabled people to be able to thrive and benefit from all these opportunities.

• Our vision: Enabling disabled people’s ambitions.
• Our purpose: We believe disabled people should have access to the life-changing power of sport.
• Our mission: We place the individual at the centre of our work. We provide access to life-changing support, mentoring, information, advice, equipment, and opportunities that will spark a sustained lifetime intervention.
• Our values: Person Centred, Dynamic, Powerful, Authentic, Inclusive

Trustee - Role Profile

Term of office: 3 years

The Richard Whitehead Foundation exists to support disabled people to achieve their ambitions and improve their social welfare through participation in sport and physical activity.

All Trustees have joint responsibility for the following main duties:

1 - Ensure the Richard Whitehead Foundation (RWF) is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit. This means you should:

• ensure you understand RWF’s purposes as set out in its governing document;
• plan what RWF will do, and what you want it to achieve;
• be able to explain how all RWF’s activities are intended to further or support its purposes;
• understand how RWF benefits the public by carrying out its purposes.

2 - Comply with RWF’s governing document and the law. You and your co-trustees must:

• make sure that RWF complies with its governing document;
• comply with charity law requirements and other laws that apply to RWF including submitting an annual return.

3 - Act in the Richard Whitehead Foundation’s best interests. You must:

• do what you and your co-trustees (and no one else) decide will best enable RWF to carry out its purposes;
• with your co-trustees, make balanced and adequately informed decisions, thinking about the long term as well as the short term;
• avoid putting yourself in a position where your duty to your charity conflicts with your personal interests or loyalty to any other person or body;
• not receive any benefit from RWF unless it’s properly authorised and is clearly in RWF’s interests; this also includes anyone who is financially connected to you, such as a partner, dependent child or business partner.

4 - Manage RWF’s resources responsibly. You must act responsibly, reasonably and honestly. This is sometimes called the duty of prudence. Prudence is about exercising sound judgement. You and your co-trustees must:

• make sure RWF’s assets are only used to support or carry out its purposes;
• not take inappropriate risks with RWF’s assets or reputation;
• not over-commit RWF;
• take special care when investing or borrowing;
• comply with any restrictions on spending funds.

5 - Act with reasonable care and skill. As someone responsible for governing the Richard Whitehead Foundation, you:

• must use reasonable care and skill, making use of your skills and experience and taking appropriate advice when necessary;
• should give enough time, thought and energy to your role, for example by preparing for, attending and actively participating in all trustees’ meetings.

6 - Ensure the Richard Whitehead Foundation is accountable. You and your co-trustees must comply with statutory accounting and reporting requirements. You should also:

• be able to demonstrate that RWF is complying with the law, well run and effective;
• ensure appropriate accountability to members, if RWF develops a membership separate from the trustees;
• ensure accountability within RWF, particularly where you delegate responsibility for particular tasks or decisions to staff or volunteers.

Experience, Skills & Behaviours required to fulfil the role of Trustee effectively:

• Passion for social change and helping disabled people who face significant barriers.
• Awareness and passion for equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Diversity of thought and an openness to listen to fellow Trustees.
• Commitment to attend meetings, and to respond to communication between meetings. Currently the Board meetings are face to face quarterly, usually at a weekend, and with interim online committee meetings, usually in the evenings and quarterly.
• Attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• A willingness to be contacted on an ad hoc basis.
• Ability to ensure decisions are taken and followed-up.
• Good time-keeping.

Safeguarding

The Richard Whitehead Foundation is committed to safeguarding and protecting the individuals we work with. As such, posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and a safe working environment.

Inclusion and diversity

The Richard Whitehead Foundation strives to engage an ability-based workforce which reflects the diverse nature of our communities. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and it is important to us that this is reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us.

Application process

To apply, please send your CV and an expression of interest, answering the following questions.

• What has drawn your attention to the Richard Whitehead Foundation and why are you applying?
• How do you think your skills, experience and networks will add value to the ambitions of the organisation?
• How do you meet the person specification identified in the role profile?

You can send us a link to an active LinkedIn profile if you wish. Expressions of interest can be video, audio, or Word-based files – whatever works best for you.

Expressions of interest should be submitted by 5pm on 15th November 2024. They will be reviewed by a panel of existing Board Trustees, and you will be invited to have an informal discussion prior to being invited to join the Board.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Mark Fosbrook.

Please let us know if you need us to adapt the process to best suit any needs around disability.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Could you be our next Trustee?

Every hour, two people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. In fact, it’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. 

Parkinson’s doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can get it.

Despite this, evidence suggests where you live, your income, ethnicity or gender can impact when you’re diagnosed and the support and services you can access.

We want to change that. We can and must do more. We want to remove barriers so that everyone in our community can access the right support and services, tailored to their needs. 

To do this, we are building a diverse and inclusive board that reflects the community we serve.  By having a diverse network of people working right across the charity we’re more likely to make breakthroughs that change the lives of people with Parkinson’s. 

In the last 50 years, we’ve invested more than £120 million in cutting-edge research to uncover the causes of Parkinson’s. We believe we’re close to finding a solution. But to get there, we need more people like you!

What you’ll do

Guided by the Parkinson’s community, we’ve shaped our strategy ‘Every Parkinson’s Journey’ for 2023 to 2026.   Our strategic aims are focused on improving access to health and care; improving our community offer and continuing with our groundbreaking research.

We're a growing organisation with 605 employees, 4000 volunteers and a projected income of £43m. The Board of Trustees and its committees govern the charity with diligence and enthusiasm and make sure we're financially stable, well-run, and delivering what the Parkinson's community really needs.

Our trustees and independent committee members come from a wide range of backgrounds and have diverse experience, which we draw on to guide and oversee the charity’s work. Trustees share this responsibility both individually and collectively. This requires Trustees to contribute in an informed and active way to all aspects of the Board’s work. 

What you’ll bring 

To complement our collective skillset we are looking for a new Trustee to join the Board (currently comprising 13 Trustees) who is, or who has significant and recent experience as a Parkinson’s health and care professional in the UK,  to help oversee the charity’s activities in health and social care.

We welcome applications from candidates, who can demonstrate the following:

• Substantial specialist Parkinson’s clinical experience in a UK health or social care setting

• Good understanding of wider issues and opportunities in UK health and social care, for example in:

1. the delivery of services to people with Parkinson's and/or 
2. educating and developing the workforce

• Understanding or willingness to learn about what it means to be a trustee

• Willingness and availability to devote the necessary time and effort

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Effective networking and  communication skills to represent the charity with external stakeholders

Who can apply?

It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic group, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.   To find out more about our ambitions and strategy that underpins this commitment, please see here.

Whether you are an experienced trustee or looking to take on your first trustee role, if you have the skills, time and energy to commit to the role, we’d love to hear from you and can provide full support. 

Please apply by following the link and uploading a CV or a short bio, together with a detailed supporting statement which will fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria of the role, as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the role description.

Closing date: 6 November 2024

Interview date: 29  November 2024

No Agencies

What's it like to work for us?

We aim to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's - and you could help us achieve this.

We offer a variety of paid job roles and volunteer opportunities both at our UK office in London and across the UK.