Activities Support Volunteer Roles in Manchester, Greater Manchester

We are seeking a Clinical trustee to help CLAPA reach the next stage of its journey, with the clinical skills, knowledge and expertise to help drive the organisation forward.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we create and implement our new 5 year strategy for 2025-2030.

We’re looking for an IT professional to join our Board and provide thought-leadership on our digital and IT strategy, including guiding us through Cyber Essentials accreditation. If you can help us use technology to improve our local advice service, we would love to hear from you.

As our digital and IT expert, you will work alongside the Chair, Chief Executive and the external IT support company we use to:

• Ensure our IT operating systems and equipment are fit for purpose
• Guide the charity through the work needed to obtain Cyber Essentials accreditation
• Advise how we can use technology to improve our service to clients
• Translate the risks and opportunities of IT for other trustees
• Take the lead in evaluating IT related proposals for the Board.

We need someone who either lives, works or studies in Elmbridge (or the surrounding area) and who has:

• Demonstrable experience of delivering IT and business change management
• Experience of IT strategy planning and execution
• A good understanding of cyber security including obtaining Cyber Security Accreditation
• A good understanding of Microsoft 365 multi-factor authentication
• Experience of business continuity and disaster recover planning
• A good understanding of risk management
• A commitment to the Citizens Advice organisation
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse board of trustees and welcome applications from all sections of the community.  Experience of Citizens Advice work is not required.

Time commitment

Our trustees are expected to attend six board meetings each year.  These normally take place on a Monday evening, at our office in Esher. Reading preparation for each board meeting will take around one-two hours.  All Citizens Advice trustees are required to complete a small number of e-learning courses each year.

In addition, as the IT lead, you will need to have time to participate in various IT discussions with our management team and with the IT support company we use.  This work may average around 1-2 hours a week.

What difference will you make?

People with good local knowledge and strategic vision can really help us to develop a service that meets the changing advice needs of our community.

More specifically, your input will help us to reach more people and provide more timely advice.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Citizens Advice is a well-respected and influential organisation.  This is an opportunity to help develop this much-needed charity at a local level, really making a difference to people's lives.

As well as intellectual stimulation, the role will provide you with practical management experience of the voluntary sector to help develop your career.

Initial induction and training takes place in-house and through peer support but there is the opportunity to attend national Citizens Advice conferences and seminars.  Travel expenses to these events are paid.

We are a business-like but friendly board, keen to welcome new members.

As a Business Development Manager you will be the front of the charity by helping to create opportunities when engaging small, medium and large enterprises.  The role will provide effective day-to-day management relating to all aspects of the charity’s set up and operations.

The role will ensure financial sustainability by assisting the CEO, Marketing Lead and fundraisers identify and secure appropriate funding that supports the values of the charity, and to clearly demonstrate and promote the positive impact of the charity. 

What will you be doing?

• To manage all operational activity of the charity according to the strategic direction provided by the CEO and Trustees.
• Where required to undertake aspects of business development including identification of funding opportunities, bid writing and tender submissions.
• To assist the CEO with updating and revising the charity’s business plan and fundraising strategy in accordance with the Trustees’ strategic direction.
• Contacting potential partners to establish rapport and arrange meetings.
• Researching organisations and individuals to find new opportunities.
• Where appropriate attend conferences, meetings, and charity events.
• Develop a growth strategy focused both on financial gain and stakeholders’ satisfaction.
• To undertake any other relevant duties within the overall scope of the role, as requested by the CEO and Trustees of the charity.
• Lobby government and other policy makers on behalf of the charity’s cause or client group.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in business, sales and marketing or related field.
• Highly competent IT skills
• Proven customer service skills
• The ability to prioritise and manager own workload
• Understanding of data protection and confidentiality
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Ability to motivate and empower people
• High levels of commitment, reliability and motivation
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to learn quickly and take on tasks outside of current skill set.

Time commitment and expenses:

• 1-3 hours per week, either in or out of office hours.
• We request a minimum commitment of 3 months volunteering.

What difference will you make?

• Share your knowledge and experience.
• Learn new skills.
• Shape how the charity presents itself to service users, stakeholders, funders and the general public.
• Network with a friendly team of people.
• Make a difference to the charity and the lives of others.

Role Profile

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.

About our Board of Trustees

Joining the Safe Passage International Board means playing a leading role in a charity that supports people seeking asylum to access safe routes and reunite with family. By contributing your skills and perspective, you have the opportunity to support them to find safety. 

SPI is run by a Board of Directors known as Trustees. The Trustees work on a voluntary basis to uphold the core purpose of the charity, set its strategy, and protect its reputation. They are also responsible for overseeing the charity’s finances and ensuring that the charity’s activities fulfil its aims and are in line with charitable rules and regulations.

SPI’s existing Board currently has ten Trustees who between them have expertise by experience and / or knowledge and experience in the areas of safeguarding and casework, campaigning and advocacy, EU policies and law, finance, HR, leadership development, public policy, and governance.

It is very important that the Board’s decision-making is informed by the perspectives of people seeking asylum. We value the powerful insight that lived experience brings to the Board. We also respect that people’s identity is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the interview process unless they wish to. 

What support will you receive?

We welcome applications from people without prior experience of being a Trustee, as well as those who have been on Boards before. As part of our commitment to supporting a diverse and effective Board we will provide you with:

• Full induction
• Training sessions
• Guidance
• An experienced Trustee to buddy with   you
• Expenses (travel to meetings)

What is a Trustee at Safe Passage International expected to do?

The overriding duty of all charity trustees is to advance the purposes of their charity as well as several basic legal duties. You can find out more about Trustees’ legal responsibilities here.

As a new Trustee, you will be a full and equal Board member. The Board of Trustees works closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team of Safe Passage International to achieve its mission, and is responsible for providing support, guidance, and decisions in the following areas:

• Leadership: appointing the Chief Executive, supporting them in their role and holding them accountable.
• Accountability: ensuring that Safe Passage International is transparent and accountable to the public, our beneficiaries, and our donors about the way we carry out our mission and the way we spend the funds our supporters entrust to us.
• Strategic thinking: helping the charity to set goals and objectives, and work towards achieving them.
• Financial Oversight: including a formal review of the charity’s annual budget and supporting the Senior Leadership Team in financial management and organisation.
• Fundraising: including helping the charity to gain access to potential donors and supporters and providing general advice on areas of fundraising.
• Guidance and Support: including advising, where appropriate, the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team in areas such as employee management, strategic choices, and legal requirements.

Time Commitment and Expectations: If selected to join Safe Passage Internationals Board of Trustees, you will be expected to:

• Attend a range of training sessions prior to your first board meeting
• Attend 4 Board Meetings per year, plus one Strategy Day (in person where possible, otherwise   electronically).
• Read required Board documents before each meeting and be ready to ask questions and actively contribute to the Board’s discussion
• If requested, ad-hoc meetings on particular subjects
• Join a sub-committee to contribute to a specific area
• Attend occasional meetings with members of the public, for example with Safe Passage International’s supporters, or with politicians and policymakers
• Be an ambassador for the charity and for young people seeking asylum
• Collaborate and work with Safe Passage International’s staff as required. The successful appointee will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS or criminal record check, but a criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to being appointed to this role.

Safe Passage International’s Board members are appointed for a term of three years, which can be renewed. Throughout your time as a Trustee, we are committed to supporting your growth and offer access to relevant courses and development opportunities to help you build your skills and maximise your impact

Like all other charities, Safe Passage International’s Board members are volunteers. The role is therefore unpaid. However, SPI will pay for your travel to meetings and other necessary expenses.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying to become a Trustee and would like to find out more about our work and existing Board, we would be pleased to set up a conversation with our Chair of Trustees. Similarly, if you are excited by the idea of becoming a Trustee but are unsure if you have the right experience, we encourage you to reach out to discuss the role and the skills and experiences you think are relevant.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a Cover letter (no more than 2 pages) addressing the following points:

• Why you wish to join the Safe Passage International Board
• What skills and experiences you would bring to the Board, with reference to those listed in the role profile, including lived experience of seeking asylum

Email applications with the Email Subject Line: First name, Surname, Trustee Application. Attachments should be titled First name, Surname Cover Letter or CV.

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

Interview Date: Wednesday, 4th December 2024

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.

As an Events and Communications Coordinator volunteer, you will play an essential role in supporting the charity’s event planning and communication efforts.  While this role is unpaid, it offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience and contribute to the charity’s mission.

Responsibilities:

Event Assistance:

• Collaborate with the events team to assist in planning and executing events.
• Help with brainstorming event ideas or proactively coming up with event ideas that would be beneficial for the charity.
• Provide support with tasks such as coordinating logistics, contacting vendors and attendees and helping with on-site event management.

Communication Support:

• Assist with the development and implementation of communication strategies to the target audience and materials.
• Help to increase the reach and impact of communication pieces by distributing and sharing newsletters, leaflets, posts etc. to relevant communities and outlets.

Content Creation:

• Assist in writing and editing promotional materials, such as event invitations and social media posts.
• Help with graphic design tasks, such as creating event posters and online graphics.
• Document the event, as directed, through photos and videos that can be used by the marketing team for marketing purposes.
• Photo and video editing skills are not essential but highly valued.

Audience Engagement:

• Help to drive reach and impact of social media activity through engaging with posts and sharing to local communities.
• Help to drive event attendance, registrations and, ultimately, optimise results for every event undertaken.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with the organisation's teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding.

Event Support:

• Volunteer at events to assist with various tasks, such as registration, guest services, and ensuring smooth event execution.

Post-Event Feedback:

• Assist in collecting feedback and data to evaluate the success of events and communication efforts.

Personal specification:

This is a role for someone who can play an active and on-site role for Manchester-based events.

• Enthusiasm and dedication to supporting the organisation's mission and representing the charity in the best possible way.
• Reliability to carry out agreed tasks
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic skills in using communication and graphic design tools.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and to find solutions for problems if they occur.
• Attention to detail
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• A passion for event planning, communication, or marketing.
• Flexibility and the ability to commit to the volunteer role.

Time commitment and expenses:

• 3-7 hours per week, either in or out of office hours.
• We request a minimum commitment of 3 months volunteering.

We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Manchester United Foundation, to appoint new Trustees to join the board. 

The Foundation brings Manchester United to the heart of the local community by delivering a diverse range of educational, leadership, and personal development initiatives to some of the most disadvantaged areas across Greater Manchester. These initiatives are designed to develop young people to achieve and fulfil their potential.

As a Trustee, you will not only fulfil your general and statutory duties but also bring your unique knowledge and expertise to ensure sound decision-making by the Board. This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference and be a part of shaping a brighter future for the community the Foundation serves.

Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Strong business and commercial acumen 
• A track record of engaging with diverse stakeholders and external partners to achieve strategic and contractual goals
• Experience managing large budgets and ensuring allocated funds are maximised against agreed programme activity and objectives
• Knowledge of public affairs or media and communications

We are seeking individuals who possess the ability to work strategically and thrive in collaborative team environment. We value integrity and encourage constructive challenges when necessary. If you are driven by a genuine passion for the work of the Foundation, particularly its dedication to empowering young people and benefiting local communities across Greater Manchester, then we would love to hear from you. 

For more information, please contact Adam Stacey, Managing Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. To apply, visit the Charisma website and complete the application process. Please remember to include your CV and a supporting statement along with your submission.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Location: Manchester / London / Hybrid 

Closing date: 12 December 2024

Interviews are due to take place in January 2025.

Applications are being reviewed throughout the process. Charisma interviews will need to be completed by close of play on Monday 16 December in preparation for shortlisting on 18 December.

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 support and expertise, we will achieve so much!

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate people who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a charity trustee, you will be responsible for ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the branch, you will provide leadership and support for the branch management team.

We are recruiting for a  complementary mix of skills within our trustee board. Whilst a passion for animals is crucial, we are also looking for a diversity of  skills such as general business management , finance, marketing, Legal, IT, HR and H&S etc, if this is you, we would love to hear from you.

Your role as a Trustee will require working in collaboration with your fellow trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure our branch continues to deliver our  important  animal welfare work.

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 Trustee 

•  Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
•  Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
•  Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
•  Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting.
•  Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
•  Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas-
• Financial, Human Resources, Health & Safety backgrounds or legal; Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
• Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
• Local community and supporter relationships; Project management, business development
• Awareness of employment and/or charity legislation
• General management or business administration

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!

Join Transition Network as our new Trustee Treasurer

Can you bring an understanding of budgets and organisational finances, a fresh perspective, time and energy to help us to deliver on our purpose and strategy?

Transition Network is a charity registered in England and Wales that works internationally to support the Transition movement.  We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our team as a trustee, and we welcome applicants from a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences.  As Treasurer you would join a groundbreaking organisation, using shared governance structures and processes.