Activities Support Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Bristol

Tafara Wellness Initiative

We are dedicated to empowering women and children in African communities to overcome mental health challenges and cultivate resilience and joy through providing free counselling.

Africa has a serious mental health issue that has to be addressed right away as the continent has the highest suicide rate in the world, estimated at 11.2 per 100,000 people, despite a moderate reduction over the past ten years (far above the global average of 9.0 per 100,000). Part of the mental health emergency is due to the AIDS epidemic, widespread poverty, and a lack of mental health resources and infrastructure. Providing mental health is essential for sustainable development as it enables individuals to pursue education, maintain employment and contribute positively to their communities. For women and children specifically, better mental health can lead to improved family dynamics, increased school attendance, and greater economic participation.

The Tafara Wellness Initiative looks to address the mental health crisis and build more resilient and thriving communities in Africa through:

• Ensuring women and children in Africa have access to timely, appropriate and tailored psychological and mental wellness programs that enable them to thrive.
• Expanding communal support and awareness for mental health and eliminate stigmas around mental health in African communities

Partnerships Manager

Role Description

-Identify and research potential corporate partners and sponsors that align with our mission and values. -Develop and implement partnership strategies to build long-term relationships with companies and organizations. -Create compelling proposals and presentations to pitch partnership opportunities to potential collaborators and sponsors. -Negotiate partnership agreements and funding contracts to ensure mutual benefit and alignment with organizational goals. -Collaborate with internal teams to develop partnership initiatives and campaigns that enhance the organization’s reach and impact. -Manage and nurture existing partnerships, ensuring ongoing engagement and satisfaction. -Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to identify new opportunities for collaboration and growth. -Track and report on partnership performance metrics, providing insights and recommendations for improvement. -Represent the organization at networking events, conferences, and meetings to build brand awareness and connect with potential partners.

Volunteer 4-6 hours per week for 6+ months remotely.

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!

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person 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 terms aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a  committee meeting every other month lasting 2 hours either in person or virtually (can alternate). However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

• Apreciate 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.  
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Support Specialist 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 and regional conference.
• 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.
• 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.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:

•  Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
•  Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
•  Local community and supporter relationships;
•  Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
•  Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.

Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will 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.

This is an exciting opportunity to pass on your human resources and employee relations expertise whilst helping the RSPCA; promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things.

As a HR & Employee Relations expert you would be supporting the branch by helping them maintain and develop staff throughout the organisation. You would play a key role in advising Trustees on the long-term and strategic direction of human resources and contributing towards policy setting.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a  committee meeting every other month lasting 2 hours either in person or virtually (can alternate). However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

•  Advise Trustees on the long-term vision and strategic direction for investment in human resourceSupport the Branch grow, maintain, and develop staff throughout the organisation.
• Contribute to HR policy setting, strategic direction, goal and target setting, and evaluate performance against targets, budgets, plans and charitable objectives.
•  Ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to the RSPCA Isle of Wight Branches charitable objectives and complement the company culture.
• Advise on and help improve management of HR.
•  Ensure the Board of Trustees properly remunerates staff, reviewing and rewarding performance and development opportunities.
• To work with the Branch Manager to review current HR management arrangements and provide guidance on HR strategy and short and long-term direction. 
• Receive progress reports on HR and any recurring staffing issues.

 What we are looking for in a volunteer:

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.

Alongside Human Resources experience, including a CIPD membership, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

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 – HR & Employee Relations

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything  you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by regional 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.

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.

Video Editor - Content Creation

Role Description

Role: Video Editor Time Commitment: Flexibly 7+ hours per week About Us: Electus Education is a social enterprise committed to empowering the next generation through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. As a volunteer Video Editor, you will help us bring our mission to life by creating interesting visual content for social media and our website that inspires and educates.

About the Role: We are seeking a skilled Video Editor to join our volunteer team. In this role, you will create and edit video content that highlights our programs, showcases success stories, and supports our educational initiatives. Your work will be key in engaging our audience and amplifying our impact.

Responsibilities:

• Video Production: Edit raw footage into polished, high-quality videos for social media, campaigns, and the website.
• Creative Direction: Collaborate with the content team to develop video concepts that align with our mission and resonate with our audience.
• Branding: Ensure all video content is consistent with Electus Education’s branding and message.
• Feedback and Revisions: Implement feedback from team members to refine video content.
• Content Optimization: Optimize videos for different platforms to ensure maximum reach and engagement.

Volunteer 7-9 hours per week for 3-5 months remotely.

Role: Trustee Board Member & Finance Committee Chair

Voluntary / Homebased

About the Jon Egging Trust (JET)

At JET, we support vulnerable young people to get back on track and realise their potential; more than 40,000 young people right across the UK to date, and there’s so much more we can do. We’re an organisation that really values its people and we’re immensely proud that our team culture is based on caring and raising each other up. 

Jon Egging Trust – Inspiration, Teamwork, Leadership, Employability

Why you should join the JET family:

JET is in an exciting stage of expansion and national recognition, and we are always looking for fresh thinking and positive ideas to enhance and further energise our committed board of trustees and committees. Being a Trustee of JET is a rewarding and fulfilling role:

· Opportunity to work with and learn from like-minded, experienced and accomplished trustee colleagues 

· Driving towards a common goal of helping grow the quality and reach of a brilliant and unique, established charity  

· Networking opportunities among JETs corporate, military and individual partners and supporters as we develop our work with and through them

The most effective Boards benefit from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. Across the JET team we cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for our young people.

What the Finance Trustee role entails:

We are looking for a dedicated and passionate Trustee to join our Board and become a member and chair of our Finance Committee (FC), with specific skills and expertise in financial management, ideally bringing charity finance experience.

Our Trustee Board is the legal entity, which is ultimately responsible for everything that the Trust does and is accountable for the organisation's financial regularity and all other aspects of propriety. Trustee Council is made up a group of volunteers who hold the financial and legal responsibility for everything the Trust does. They bring a wide range of knowledge, expertise and experience to the charity and are responsible for approving our strategic plans, annual budget and Annual Report & Accounts.

The Finance Committee (FC) is a sub-committee of our Board that assures we have suitable financial systems and controls in place, that they are working effectively, and that risks are properly identified, managed, mitigated and reported. FC is currently chaired by a long serving member of the Board.

What we ask of you and your time:

Our Board meets at least every 3 months remotely/virtually via Teams. Board meetings tend to be held on weekday evenings lasting approximately 1.5 hours, normally starting at 6pm. Board papers are circulated 1-week prior to each meeting to enable plenty of time to read through and ask questions prior to the meeting.

Our Finance Committee meet at least every 3 months, around a week in advance of the Board. Again, these meetings are remote/virtual, generally lasting 1.5 hours, normally on a weekday afternoon.

The role is meant to be compatible with a full-time job and caring responsibilities, and we always aim for trustee input to be as flexible and time-efficient as possible. We are always open to new ideas to make our Board and Committee rhythm accessible and reasonable for our members.

We welcome individuals who have:

· Strong empathy with JET’s mission.

· Significant experience of strategic financial leadership, ideally including charity finances.

· Demonstrable experience of working at a senior leadership team or Board level.

· Good, unprejudiced judgement and strategic vision.

· An understanding, awareness, and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and a cover letter explaining how they could contribute to JET’s lifechanging work and why they would like to join as a Trustee. For more information please take a look at our latest Trustee Annual Report: JET Trustee Annual Report and Accounts FY23 Signed

If you have any additional questions or would like an informal chat with the Director of Operations and Finance, please contact through our website

Child and adult at risk protection policy statement:

The Jon Egging Trust is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in its services and activities. The Trust takes its extended moral and legal duty of care very seriously in relation to children, young people, staff and volunteers. We seek to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and to protect them from harm or abuse when they engage in any of our activities. JET expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment.

Electus Global Education

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.

Blog Writer and Content Marketer

Role Description

Role: Blog Writer Time Commitment: 5+ hours per week About Us: Electus Education is a social enterprise on a mission to launch a million happy futures. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed through our innovative education model and app, Life Hub. As a volunteer Blog Writer, your work will be instrumental in sharing our story and expanding our reach, helping us create a brighter, happier future for the next generation.

About the Role: We are seeking a passionate Blog Writer to join our volunteer team. In this role, you will craft engaging blog posts that highlight our mission, impact, and the stories of those we empower. Your writing will help raise awareness, inspire action, and build our community of supporters.

Responsibilities:

• Content Creation: Write insightful and inspiring blog posts that reflect our mission and engage our audience.
• Research: Gather information and conduct interviews to develop well-informed content that resonates with readers.
• SEO Optimization: Implement SEO best practices to increase the visibility of our content.
• Collaboration: Work with the marketing team to align blog content with ongoing campaigns and initiatives.
• Feedback and Edits: Revise content based on feedback to ensure it meets our quality standards.

Volunteer 4-6 hours per week for 3-5 months remotely.

Home-Start Trustees Recruitment  - Trustees including Chair of Trustees

Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead (HSEEB) is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families and children.  Staff and Volunteers offer regular support, including providing emotional and practical help to families in the families’ own homes and connecting families with specialist services within the community.

We are looking to recruit a new Chair of Trustees and additional Trustees; who will increase the range of skills and experience on the Board. This is essential for us to make the best decisions for HSEEB and our families.  For the Chair role, you will need leadership skills and a good understanding of governance. For the Trustee roles, there is no requirement for you to have  been a trustee before, however, you do need to be passionate about improving the lives of children and the families we support.

You will be good at working with others, ready to speak up and ask questions, be thoughtful and open to learning and able to stand back to see the bigger picture. You must take the responsibilities of a Trustee seriously.

We are looking to better reflect the experiences of our community, to bring the skills and experiences of diverse Trustees to the Board, as well as recruiting Trustees with lived experience of or insight into socio-economic disadvantage.

We would like to hear from people who can bring some of the following skills and expertise: Contracting; Governance; Event Planning; Bid Writing; Early Years; Mental Health; IT and Media

An enhanced disclosure check will be required.

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th July 2024 at 5pm

 Interviews:  August/September

 For more details about how to apply, please see our website.

 Please note: We do not accept CVs

 Registered Address: 128 Great Tattenhams, Epsom Downs, Surrey, KT18 5SE

 Home-Start is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity.

Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead is committed to safer recruitment practice as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults

Home-Start Epsom, Ewell and Banstead is a Company Limited by Guarantee No 8765689 & a Registered Charity No 1156539 

Hope Against Suicide is a non-profit organisation committed to providing crucial listening, signposting, and advocacy support to anyone grappling with mental health issues. We aim to be a lifeline for those at risk of taking devastating actions. Our three key aims are to get the community talking again, improve mental health, and prevent suicide. We strive for a healthier, more compassionate community where hope can be found, and a reduction in deaths by suicide, one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

We are launching a new Listening Hub in Bristol’s busy shopping centre. This walk-in service will support individuals with mental health issues, their families, and local workers. It complements our Mental Health Responders, enhancing outreach and community support. To run this program, we are looking for a new team of dedicated volunteers that want to support the cause of suicide prevention and raising mental health awareness.

Key Responsibilities

In a Listening Hub setting, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Officer plays a crucial role in providing compassionate and professional support to individuals seeking assistance with mental health challenges. During your shifts, your tasks will be a combination of the following:

• Providing support to those facing mental health challenges
• Allowing any visitors to share their personal experiences and feel supported / listened to
• Lead conversations with an emphasis on active listening and empathy
• Supporting an open, non-judgmental space open to all
• Optional: Facilitating regular community sessions that provide a relaxed and open space for meeting new people and sharing personal experiences. These can be based on any activity (e.g. crafts, sports).
• You will be expected to donate around 3 hours of your time either per week or fortnightly and to attend a Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid training. Your shifts will be arranged to fit around your other commitments.

What you will gain from this role

• Supporting your local community and contributing to the cause of suicide prevention
• Qualifications in Mental Health First Aid and Suicide First Aid (funded after a three-month probationary period)
• Gaining experience in the charity and mental health sector
• Improving skills in Active Listening, adaptability, communication, empathy and resilience
• Becoming part of the friendly community of Hope Against Suicide volunteers

Required Personal Attributes

We do not require any specific skills or types of education. Anyone who is over 18 years old can volunteer, regardless of background or level of experience. You will be given all required training and supported throughout your volunteering journey. Still, we ask volunteers to identify with the following personal traits:

• Empathetic and compassionate with a genuine desire to help others.
• Resilient and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Open-minded and willing to learn
• Culturally sensitive and inclusive in approach.

We especially encourage applications from those who have personal experiences with mental health challenges, although this is not a requirement.

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers. We support, advocate for, champion and connect carers across the UK, so that no one has to care alone.

Our values

Carers are at the heart of everything we do. We are:

Attentive

• we welcome everyone and are always supportive and ready to help
• we listen carefully and respond with expertise and understanding.

Ambitious

• we’re courageous and innovative, aiming high and seeking out new ideas and opportunities that take us forward
• we are always learning and improving, pushing boundaries to increase our impact.

Achievers

• we are passionate about what we do and tenacious in our pursuit of change
• we adapt to new challenges and are always striving for excellence
• we love to collaborate and enjoy working with others to reach our goals.

Trustee role description

The duties of a Trustee are to:

• contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy and defining goals
• to set targets, and evaluate performance against agreed targets
• ensure that Carers UK complies with and pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, the Articles of Association
• safeguarding the good name and values of Carers UK
• ensure that Carers UK complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• ensure that Carers UK applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, ie the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
• protect and manage the property of the charity and ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• ensure the effective and efficient administration of Carers UK
• ensure the organisation acts within employment and health and safety laws
• appoint the Chief Executive and monitor their  performance.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions including the annual election of the Officers (Chair, Vice-Chairs and Treasurer)

Additional duties may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise, and positively representing the organisation.

Person specification

Trustees, collectively and individually, have ultimate responsibilities for the charity. To be effective each Trustee must have:

• a commitment to the organisation
• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort including attending meetings
• strategic vision
• good, independent judgement
• an ability to think creatively
• a willingness to speak their mind
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
• an ability to work as part of a team
• appreciation of Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Nations Trustee role description

We are specifically looking for two Nations Trustees, one each for Northern Ireland and Wales. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in the respective Nations. 

In order to discharge this responsibility, the Nations Trustee will be expected to: 

• attend the quarterly Nation Committee meetings and the Annual Conference
• establish working relationships with the Director of Devolved Nations, and with the Chair and other members of the Nations Committees
• represent Carers Wales and Carers Northern Ireland at some external events
• sit on recruitment panels as required.

Person specification 

• Sound knowledge of the relevant Nation’s issues, the devolved responsibilities held by the relevant Government, its diversity and geographical challenges
• A willingness to understand the work being delivered in the relevant Nation, context, key priorities and aims
• Be a Welsh/ Irish language speaker, or willing to learn (desirable)
• It is essential that the Trustee lives in the relevant Nation and is willing and able to travel to Cardiff/Belfast and London with some overnight stays required. 

Commitment 

10-12 days per annum.

How to apply

Please email us to request a copy of the full candidate pack. 

Please submit a CV outlining your experience, employment and volunteering history and any Trustee, non-executive or public service roles you currently have or have had in the past.

Please also submit a 500-word statement based on the Person Specification. You should clearly explain your ability and/or experience in relation to the criteria in the Person Specification.

Please also submit the Candidate Summary Form, Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form and the Declaration of Eligibility with your application. These start overleaf. 

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be asked to provide us with the names and addresses of two people who can provide references.

Applicants are required to declare any unspent criminal convictions. The Charities Act disqualifies people convicted of offences involving dishonesty or deception (unless the conviction is legally regarded as spent), undischarged bankrupts and those disqualified from company directorship from acting as charity Trustees.

Closing date for applications: 15 September 2024 5pm

Interviews dates:  October, dates to be confirmed. 

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.

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for an enthusiastic person who understands charity finance to support us in our mission to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate the suffering of animals.

We are looking for someone to volunteer as a Branch Treasurer for our Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone Branch. This role would play a vital role in supporting the Branches affairs so that it is governed and managed effectively, whilst continually having animal welfare at the forefront of their mind.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a  committee meeting every other month lasting 2 hours either in person or virtually (can alternate). However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Treasurer

aintain sound financial systems.

• Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branch income and expenditure.
• Provide a written financial report for every branch meeting.
• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and the treasurer’s report.
• Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.
• Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory.
• Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.
• In the absence of a branch box secretary, to assume responsibility for the branch network of collection boxes.
• Arrange payment of the annual branch contribution to the appropriate RSPCA fund.
• Coordinate financial control of all branch fundraising activities.
• Make quarterly VAT returns to headquarters promptly.
• Ensure the production, monitoring and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy in accordance with the charity commission’s requirements.
• Liaise with branch officers, branch support specialist and Branch finance co-ordinator on Financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.
• Ensure the retention and safekeeping of all branch financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• We are particularly looking for someone who has knowledge and experience in finance, who may already understand charity finance.
• As a trustee, you would be able to dedicate the time to attend monthly committee meetings, which  last approximately 3 hours.
• In between meetings, there will be additional volunteer duties such as; providing financial reports at  committee meetings, monitoring the budget which has been set by the trustees for the year,  processing payments, querying invoices, doing VAT returns, and processing Gift Aid claims.

Our trustee roles are subject to an informal interview and introduction period when you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow committee members and attend committee meetings as an observer . We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and will be subject to independent eligibility checks. As a membership organisation, branch membership is required to stand for election at the AGM. Full training and induction support provided

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Treasurer

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will 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.

BRANCH TRUSTEE

RSPCA SOUTH WEST SOMERSET BRANCH

Job description

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person 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 terms aims.

A a minimum, Trustees would normally be expected to attend a committee meeting every 4-6 weeks in the evenings, usually lasting up to 2 hours and the annual general meeting.  However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the Trustee takes on additional duties.

We are happy to take applications from outside the branch catchment area, as long as you are able to join meetings by electronic means such as Zoom, and are willing to travel to in person meetings a couple of times a year.

The RSPCA South West Somerset Branch

The RSPCA South West Somerset Branch is one of the branches of the RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of the RSPCA.

The RSPCA South West Somerset Branch runs charity shops in Taunton, Wellington, Chard and Bridgwater.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:

• Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;

• Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;

• Local community and supporter relationships;

• Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or

• Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.

Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

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.

• 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 on 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***

Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.

We are now seeking to appoint up to two people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.

It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, we have set out our stake as to how we want the world to change for carers. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy  while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.

We are specifically looking for two Nations Trustees, one each for Northern Ireland and Wales. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in the respective Nations. To find out more about this opportunity please download the Trustee recruitment pack.

Closing date: 15 September 2024 5pm

Interviews:October 2024

Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with 

Branch Trustee – Finance

Do you have professional expertise in finance, ideally charity finance,   you could use to help a good cause? We are looking for volunteer trustees to help run our Branch and are particularly looking for those with a background in finance and accounts.

Overview of the Branch Trustee – Finance opportunity

We are interested in speaking to individuals with a strong understanding of finance and accounts who can volunteer their time and expertise to help us improve the welfare of animals.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 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!

The RSPCA Suffolk Central Branch

The Suffolk Central Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Finance

• Implement and maintain sound financial systems to retain full control of branch funds.
• Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branches income and expenditure so the accounts balance in the long term.   
• Provide a written financial report for each branch meeting showing the income and expenditure, since the last meeting. 
• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer's report for the Branch Annual General Meeting.
• Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory on all branch cheques, if required. 
• Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• 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.
•  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 and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
•  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.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

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.

Alongside finance and accounts experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action. 

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 – Finance

• 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 regional 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.
• 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 on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.