Administration Support Volunteer Roles

St John Ambulance are looking for new Youth Leaders in North Yorkshire to help continue our efforts in teaching First Aid to young people across the region.

Youth Team Volunteers teach young people, of all different backgrounds, vital and life-changing first aid skills. We have two programmes – our Badgers (aged 5 – 10 years old) and our Cadets (aged 10 – 17 years old).

We are currently on the lookout for both Youth Helpers and Youth Leaders. By volunteering a minimum three hours per week you could make a massive difference to these cadets now and have a real impact on your community.

But it's not all about what you'll give - you will learn a lot too!

You’ll gain communication, listening and presentation skills and grow in confidence.

You’ll also have the chance to learn First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Adventure skills and take on more advanced leadership roles with training, all while being fully supported by the rest of your team.

Under your watch, cadets will develop their potential, they will learn vital first aid skills that they can deliver at events and activities across North Yorkshire and Teesside. They will gain confidence, make friends, and engage in community and social change.

If you’d like to know more or would like to try a taster experience of what it’s like as a volunteer in our Youth Teams or would like to chat to someone who does, please get in touch.

Role Overview:
As a Trustee with a focus on the Treasurer role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the
financial stability and integrity of DiMHN. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees
and the Chief Executive to oversee the financial management of the charity, providing
strategic guidance and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Oversight:
  • Maintain oversight of the charity’s financial affairs to ensure its financial viability.
  • Ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.
  • Monitor the financial administration of the charity and report to the Board of
  • Trustees at regular intervals.
  • Develop a cash reserves policy in compliance with Charities Commission requirements to maintain the financial stability and sustainability of DiMHN.
  • Budgeting and Reporting:
  • Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and monitor financial performance against it.
  • Present financial reports to the Board, including monthly management accounts, forecasts, and cash flow statements.
  • Prepare the annual accounts and ensure they are submitted to the relevant authorities in a timely manner.
• Compliance and Governance:
  • Ensure DiMHN complies with financial regulations and reporting requirements.
  • Oversee the charity’s financial risk management process.
  • Liaise with external auditors and ensure any recommendations are implemented.
• Strategic Planning:
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plan.
  • Provide financial input into the charity’s fundraising strategy and business plans.
• Trustee Responsibilities:
  • Act in the best interest of DiMHN, maintaining confidentiality and integrity.
  • Attend and actively participate in Board meetings and sub-committees as required.
  • Ensure that DiMHN pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.

Person Specification:

• Experience and Skills:
  • Proven experience as a Treasurer or in a similar financial role within a small charity.
  • Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
  • Experience of charity accounting principles and regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to analyse financial information and present it in a clear, understandable format.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Commitment to the mission and values of DiMHN.
  • Strategic vision and independent judgement.
  • Integrity, objectivity, and accountability.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

Time Commitment:

• Approximately 8 - 12 hours per month, including attendance at Board meetings (typically every 6 weeks).

Location:

• Most board meetings take place online, using Teams.
• We aim to have three in-person meetings - one full day strategy meeting, and two board meetings.
• You would be expected to attend our annual conference

Term:

• Trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years, with the possibility of renewal.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

At the Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN), we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We believe that diversity brings strength and innovation to our organisation, and we are dedicated to promoting equality of opportunity for all.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is fair and accessible to all, and we will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate any individual needs.

We actively seek to improve representation and participation of underrepresented groups within our organisation and encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to help us better reflect the communities we serve and to enhance our understanding of the issues faced by those with lived experience of mental health challenges.

If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact us and we will do our best to meet your needs.

The Blood Cancer Alliance is looking for 2 new trustees to join the trustee board. As a new organisation, it is a great opportunity to donate your expertise to ensuring the organisation is sound for the future.

Who we are

There are around 240,000 people living with blood cancer in the UK. Together blood cancers are the fifth most common type of cancer in adults, the most common cancer amongst children and the third most fatal cancer.

The Blood Cancer Alliance is a group of UK blood cancer charities, known as members. Our vision is to see all people with blood cancer live longer, better lives. Together, we are going to change the conversation around blood cancer in order to improve diagnosis, treatment and care.

The role

The Blood Cancer Alliance is looking for 2 new trustees to join the trustee board. As a new organisation, it is a great opportunity to donate your expertise to ensuring the organisation is sound for the future. If you are new to governance, we can upskill you with training and open discussion. You will also learn leadership skills; as a membership organisation, we must manage the interests of our members alongside our own work.

The most important thing for a trustee is to be enthusiastic about the cause and be willing to contribute your opinion and experiences to the organisation. We welcome all applications. The trustees have identified that the following skills would be of particular use to the organisation:

• Financial management and accounting
• Audit
• Charity law and governance
• Lived experience as a patient, family, friend, carer or otherwise close to someone affected by a blood cancer

For more information about the role of a trustees and the type of person we are looking to recruit, please read our full Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Who are we

There are around 240,000 people living with blood cancer in the UK. Together, blood cancers are the fifth most common type of cancer in adults, the most common cancer amongst children and the third most fatal cancer.

The Blood Cancer Alliance is a group of UK blood cancer charities, known as members. Our vision is to see all people with blood cancer live longer, better lives. Together, we are going to change the conversation around blood cancer in order to improve diagnosis, treatment and care. The main way we will do this is to engage with policy makers.

Vacancy - Chair of the Board of Trustees Barbara Bus Fund, Stanmore

The Barbara Bus Fund is recruiting for a new Chairperson.

The Barbara Bus Fund is a registered charity, which was set up in 1968 to help people who cannot get out or use public transport or an ordinary car, because they have a disability that necessitates full-time use of a wheelchair.

Today the BBF operates a fleet of 16 specially converted vehicles from Stanmore, Aylesbury and North Wales. The BBF is operated by a combination of paid and volunteer staff with head office at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore.

The role of Chair is a voluntary position with the requirement to commit to one to two days per month, attend online meetings every 6-8 weeks and the AGM. The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees, chair committee meetings and the AGM.

Previous trustee / charity experience is required and the commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Previous experience within the health / care / transport sectors will be a distinct advantage however, other relevant experience and the right attributes will also be considered.

The BBF holds an annual meal to thank the volunteers and staff, and there are other periodic meetings and events throughout the year.

Please see the full Application Pack for further information.

Tanzania Development Trust (TDT) works in some of the poorest parts of Tanzania, helping people to lift themselves out of poverty by funding small projects that meet their essential needs.  

It sponsors 40-50 small rural development projects p.a. in Tanzania, mainly in the areas of clean water, girls' education and small income generating activities. It also has 3-4 larger, longer-term projects. Its primary function is fundraising, although it provides general project management and business advice where appropriate. 

Around half of its income comes from individual donors, and half from Trusts & Foundations. It helps villagers in Tanzania who lack the capacity and language skills to present their projects to international donors, conducting project appraisals and monitoring project outcomes on their behalf. The projects are implemented by the villagers themselves, or by small local contractors.

TDT is run entirely by volunteers (17 regular volunteers in the UK and 16 local representatives in Tanzania). It has no paid staff, premises or overheads, so 100% of all money raised goes directly to projects in Tanzania.

We are looking for additional Trustees who can help us to grow by identifying potential donors, increasing awareness of our activities, and strengthening our project selection and monitoring procedures.

We would like at least one of the new Trustees to help us with fund-raising by piloting more innovative and creative approaches. Experience of living or working in Tanzania is not essential, but to improve the Board’s racial diversity we would like at least one of the new Trustees to be of Tanzanian origin or have strong connections with East Africa.

The Trustees are all unpaid. Although their main job is the overall direction of the business, they can become involved in day-to-day operations if they so wish. We all work remotely, which helps us to engage with our local representatives in Tanzania in everything we do.

The work we do is immensely rewarding. You would be joining a close-knit organisation that is growing and adapting to meet the needs of a changing world, where helping poor people to help themselves is of paramount importance. 

City of Chelmsford Mencap is a small independent charity providing support and structured classes for adults with a learning disability across mid-Essex. We have recently converted the charity's structure and are now embarking on an exciting period of strategic growth. We are seeking energetic and passionate new trustees who can contribute to our plans and help us deliver the next phase of our operating model. 

We would welcome potential trustees from any professional background. However, the following attributes are very important:

• A proven track record of integrity and respect for confidential and proprietary information
• A keen and respectful listener who is able to empathise and respectfully challenge
• Commitment to the charity and enthusiasm for its vision, mission and aims
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee.
• Strategic vision
• Sound, independent judgement
• Willingness to participate in frank and open discussion
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to coach staff where required
• The ability to read and understand management reports
• Skills to analyse proposals and their consequence
• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board
• General competence with IT
• Willingness to be available to provide guidance to the senior management team on an ad hoc basis
• Capacity to represent the charity to external parties and at local events

Much more information is available in our recruitment pack which is available on the apply page..

Please note that appointment to our Board is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and a clean enhanced DBS certificate (which we will arrange). 

The Charity

Ships and seafarers touch our lives like no other group of individuals and are largely invisible from us as they ply the oceans every day to bring us 90% of our daily necessities. To bring us our supplies seafarers navigate treacherous weather conditions and are separated from their homes and families for long periods. They often experience isolation, impacting their mental health. They can be abandoned by irresponsible ship owners, and they can be jailed through no fault of their own.

The Mission to Seafarers has been helping bring practical, emotional, and spiritual support to seafarers and their families since 1856. We are well established and well-known throughout the maritime world. Across our nine regions, our network of 200 port operations in 50 countries provides emergency assistance and the hand of friendship to those who find themselves lonely and isolated in a foreign port.

The Mission to Seafarers is a Christian charity closely linked with the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion. While this is central to its purposes, it also enjoys a wide diversity of trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters, prides itself on the breadth of its partnerships, is deeply committed to the service of those of all faiths and none and expresses its “mission” in strongly holistic and practical ways.

The Board

The Charity is led by a high calibre Board of Trustees who are prominent leaders with wide experience of the shipping industry, leading members of the clergy or industry leaders with relevant experience. The Board is led by the Chairman, Thomas Boardley, who has over 30 years’ experience in the maritime sector, including several years as Marine Director at Lloyds Register. 

The Trustees provide appropriate oversight, strategic direction, expertise, support and contacts for the Mission’s work and hold meetings a minimum of four times a year (usually January, April, July and October). The Board also has the following sub-committees which usually meet once or twice a year: Audit and Risk, Governance and Nominations, Grants and Programme, Investment, and Remuneration. Trustees are usually required to sit on a minimum of one committee and some Trustees serve as the lead Trustee for one of our nine regions, and act as a sounding board for the regional director. The position of Trustee is voluntary but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed by The Mission.

The Role

Each Trustee term lasts for three years and Trustees may be appointed to the Board for up to three consecutive three-year terms making nine consecutive years. Board meetings are normally held in London with a hybrid (online) option available for each meeting when Trustees are unable to attend in person. Meetings normally last about three hours and Trustees are expected to devote sufficient time to prepare for meetings and attend. The Remuneration Committee normally meets once a year with occasional ad hoc meetings as required. 

Whilst the Charity has a large global footprint, most of its global work is carried out through locally employed personnel in the various regions, some of which are grant funded by the UK entity. The remit of the Remuneration Committee is therefore primarily ordained and lay staff in the United Kingdom with opportunity to contribute expertise in broader Board discussions including those relating to Human Resources Management globally. 

Trustee Role Description

• Working with other Trustees to ensure that the Mission pursues its charitable object, as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, any other relevant legislation or regulations and principles of good governance.
• Placing the Mission’s beneficiaries at the forefront of all debates about strategic direction, budget-setting, planning and other relevant functions.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for good governance.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the charity and that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable object.
• Ensuring that the Mission defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the reputation and values of the charity and leading by example.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• Participating in any board induction, training and evaluation identified as an individual trustee and as part of the board or committee.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee is expected to use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. 

Member of Remuneration Committee Role description

In addition to those duties and responsibilities performed by all trustees, this role involves being a member of the Remuneration Committee. Responsibilities include:

• Alongside other members of the Committee, contributing skills, experience and opinions in order to ensure adequate scrutiny of the Charity’s remuneration policy.
• Advising the Committee and the Board on the charity’s HR practices and remuneration strategy.
• Acting as a sounding board for the Chief Operating Officer on HR matters as required.
• Acting as Deputy Lead Safeguarding Trustee. Experience of safeguarding practice is not essential to fulfil this role.
• Representing the Mission at occasional events, meetings or functions as appropriate.

Person Specification 

• Commitment to the charity’s purpose, values, and Christian ethos. 
• Qualified human resources professional with demonstrable commercial awareness and knowledge of compensation and benefits. 
• Ability to work effectively and collegiately as a member of the Board. 
• Sound, independent judgement and a willingness to speak their mind.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship and a willingness to adhere to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please provide:

• A comprehensive CV, including your recent achievements
• A supporting statement, addressing your motivations for applying. This should be no longer than one side of A4.

Closing date for applications: Friday 11th October 2024

Interviews: Week commencing 28th October 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.

We’re recruiting a Treasurer to provide strategic leadership over our continued financial growth to support our ambitious new strategy to be launched in 2025.

We’re seeking a Treasurer to join our board of trustees and work with our CEO to ensure the financial stability and growth of Camcycle. You will be a committed and enthusiastic supporter of cycling in and around Cambridge and a member of Camcycle. This does not mean you need to cycle very far, very often or indeed at all, but rather that you understand the benefits large-scale everyday cycling can have for our society and environment. (If you are not currently a member you can join in advance of submitting your trustee nomination form).

Ideally, you will have a formal accountancy qualification and/or practical experience with charity finances. You will also understand the dynamics of a small high-performance organisation, and be able to work with a variety of stakeholders including staff, other trustees, volunteers, members, donors and other partners. Our Treasurer will not be expected to get involved in day-to-day financial operations.

If you would like to learn more about the role of Treasurer or express interest in the position please get in touch. We will arrange a conversation with our CEO, Chair of the Board or Chair of our Finance Subcommittee to discuss the role.

Who we are and what we do

Camcycle (Cambridge Cycling Campaign) is a high-profile and influential local charity working for more, better and safer cycling, for all ages and abilities, in and around the Cambridge region, where half the population cycles at least once a week. We are democratic and member-led, with over 1,700 members and many volunteers.

Our funding is derived from membership subscriptions, donations, grants from grant-making bodies, corporate partnerships, advertising and merchandise sales. We have five permanent members of staff, periodic interns and freelancers and many active volunteers including our board of trustees. In 2025/2026 we expect to complete our transition to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

Our Finance Subcommittee of trustees and staff oversees the financial processes and operations of the organisation. Our CEO and Finance Assistant run our day-to-day finances and we have plans to add a Finance Director or similar role to the team in the near future.

Camcycle’s work includes:

• Responding to planning applications and public consultations.
• Organising events including our Cambridge Festival of Cycling, the Reach Ride with 1,000 participants, stalls at community events, workplace information sessions and campaigning meetings.
• Publication of print and digital cycling advocacy materials including leaflets for students, our quarterly magazine and blogs and social media posts.
• Making representations to the media and public bodies such as the council in the interest of a wide diversity of people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities who are cycling for general transport purposes in the greater Cambridge region.

Read more about our work and our finances in our latest annual reviews and find out more about becoming a Camcycle trustee.

Our values

Camcycle is: Inclusive, Informed and Influential

Our work is: Positive, Practical and Professional

We’re looking for a motivated finance professional to provide financial direction to our local advice charity and help us improve our long-term financial sustainability. If you’re excited to help us grow and strengthen our resilience so that we meet the advice needs of the diverse communities we serve, we would love to hear from you.

The Treasurer is an officer of the Trustee Board and not a paid member of staff.  The purpose of the role is to ensure that the charity’s finances and supporting financial control systems are robust and comply with relevant regulations.

The role works closely with the Chair of the Trustee Board, the Chief Executive and the volunteer Financial Accountant.

The Treasurer is responsible for chairing the Finance sub-committee, including preparing the agenda and arranging for the production of the minutes of each quarterly meeting,

Treasurer main duties and responsibilities

Financial accounts

· Every quarter, review entries on Xero made by volunteer Financial Accountant (

· Review quarterly management accounts prepared by volunteer Financial Accountant before submitting report to the Trustee Board

· Ensure that year-end accounts are prepared to in compliance with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) Accounting for Charities and submitted by the deadline to Charity Commission and Companies House, and make arrangements for them to be independently examined as required

Budgets and planning

· Prepare annual budget and obtain Trustee Board sign off each March

· Review and update forecast of annual outturn

Financial control and compliance

· Comply with the charity’s financial policies and procedures

·Liaise with the CEO to prepare costings for any funding bid applications

· Ensure capital expenditure authorisations and limits are followed, and prepare expenditure justifications where appropriate

· Ensure that money received is spend only on the purposes for which it was given and ensure that reports and accounts demonstrating this are submitted to funders

· Submit regular financial reports to national Citizens Advice as required, and meet all financial obligations of the Citizens Advice Membership scheme

Relationship with Trustee Board

· Provide financial advice as required to the Chair and Trustee Board

· Explain, guide and advise the Board on the key assumptions and financial implications of the budget, operational and strategic plans

· Keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

· Ensure that all Board members have a clear understanding of the accounts presented at meetings

· Ensure that the organisation has an appropriate reserves policy and a realistic budget that meets the service’s needs

· Provide input to the risk register process

· Present accounts at the Annual General Meeting in an accessible way

· Chair the Finance sub-committee, preparing the agenda and arranging for the production of the minutes for each quarterly meeting

Treasury

· Act as key contact on the charity’s bank accounts

· Transfer money between savings bank accounts to optimise interest income

· Maximise the interest on savings by comparing available interest rates

· Review investments (in conjunction with other trustees)

· Review and update cheque signatory and electronic payment authorisation

· Authorise salaries and PAYE payments to HMRC

Other (annual)

· Review reserves policy

· Prepare salary review (in conjunction with Personnel Committee)

· Review office insurance policy

· Review Gift Aid claim prepared by volunteer Financial Accountant

YOUTH LINK NETWORKS is a UK registered charity with projects currently in Uganda. It has a mission to deliver sustainable initiatives that alleviate poverty in vulnerable communities across Africa and the Caribbean. The organization implements projects focused on education, skills training, and healthcare, acting as a resource for young people to develop their skills, create employment opportunities, and advance their education. YOUTH LINK NETWORKS aims to create a global network of young people to inspire social and economic progression in their respective countries.

Role Description

This is a volunteer Chair of the Board of Trustees role at YOUTH LINK NETWORKS, with the flexibility for some remote work. The Chair of the Board of Trustees will be responsible for overseeing the organization's strategic direction, providing leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, and representing the organization externally. This is a hybrid role, primarily located in the London Area, United Kingdom, with the option for some remote work.

Qualifications

• Skills in Charities, Finance, and Business Planning
• Experience in Strategic Planning and Corporate Governance
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Knowledge of fundraising and grant-writing processes
• Experience in the non-profit sector is a plus
• Previous board or governance experience

This is an exciting time to join us as we move into a new season of change and strategic planning to achieve our goal. As the appointed chair, you’ll lead the board, so expected to attend and chair all the annual meetings which take place once a quarter (4 times a year - March, June, September, December). 

To apply, please send a CV with cover letter explaining why you should be considered for this role.

Are you passionate about young people and wellbeing?

The Junction is an award-winning charity that takes a holistic approach towards young people’s health and well-being. Our vision is for all young people to achieve their full potential.

We work with 12-21 year olds in North-East Edinburgh offering one-to-one support, counselling and creative projects to support their wellbeing by helping them explore their life choices.

Trustee opportunities

We are looking for committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference with The Junction and build your skills. We are currently recruiting for Trustees to join our board from October 2024, with a particular interest in candidates with experience in the following areas:

• HR
• Charitable / third sector
• Marketing
• Fundraising

We are looking for candidates with Trustee/Board experience, who are committed to our values and in supporting young people in the community, with an understanding of the issues affecting them as well as the opportunities and challenges of the third sector landscape.

The most important attributes of trustees joining us include a willingness to ask questions, share our values of equality, transparency and community as well as their time commitment to the role. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

Role responsibilities

Duties/tasks for the year include:

• Attend 4 board meetings a year (quarterly)
• Attend or dial-in to 4 informal meetings with board members
• Contribute to a sub-groups that meets roughly 4 times - a team of staff and board members
• Attend 2 Development Days with staff and/or trustees (usually but not always a Saturday in Spring and Autumn)

Trustee Role Description

Purpose of role:

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA).

Scope and objectives:

Trustees have a duty individually and collectively to:

• Determine the overall direction and development of WCA through good governance and clear strategic planning.
• Ensure that WCA pursues the objectives defined in its governing documents, and complies with charity law, company law, employment legislation, and with all other relevant legislation, constantly striving for best practice in governance.
• Uphold the financial responsibilities invested in their position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in WCA.
• Ensure that WCA uses its resources in pursuit of its charitable objects.

Main duties:

• To contribute actively to the Board’s role in providing direction for WCA, in setting overall policy and in maintaining a framework of good governance and accountability, and in evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To give clear direction, leadership, guidance, and advice to the WCA director and staff.
• To safeguard the good name and values of WCA and to act as an ambassador for the organisation.
• To provide vision, inspiration, and support to the WCA director and staff.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of WCA.
• To ensure the financial stability of WCA.
• To appoint the director and monitor his/her performance.
• To use specific skills, knowledge, or experience to help the Board of Trustees to reach sound decisions.

This may involve:

• Scrutinising Board papers;
• Contributing to or leading Board discussions;
• Acting as a board champion for a particular area of WCA’s work;
• Identifying and focusing on key issues;
• Providing guidance on new initiatives;
• Being part of a working group.

Duty of care:

Each Trustee will:

• Apply reasonable care and skills as a Trustee, using their knowledge and experience to ensure that WCA is well run and efficient;
• Be ready to consider the need for external professional advice on matters where there may be material risk to the charity, or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties;
• Safeguard the good name and values of WCA.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality about sensitive information received in the course of responsibilities as a Trustee.

Each Trustee will:

• Ensure that the charity is and will remain solvent; keeping informed of the charity’s activities and financial position;
• Avoid undertaking activities that might place the charity’s property, funds, assets or reputation at undue risk.

Each Trustee is required to act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and must always bear the interests of WCA in mind.

Section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993 disqualifies anyone who:

• Has been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty unless the conviction is spent.
• Is an un-discharged bankrupt.
• Has previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the court or the Charity Commissioners.
• Is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986.

It is an offence to serve as a charity trustee while disqualified unless the Charity Commission has given a waiver under section 72(4) of the Charities Act 1993.

Accountability:

The law imposes a duty of care on Trustees to act responsibly and prudently in all matters relating to their charity and to act in the best interests of the charity.

WCA is a registered Charity and Company Limited by guarantee and Trustees are therefore accountable to the members, the Charity Commission, and to Companies House (as company directors).

Suitability as a WCA Trustee will include many of the following:

• Commitment to Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA).
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Availability to attend meetings regularly.
• Strategic vision.
• Good, independent judgement.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Willingness to participate actively in discussions, listening to others and con- tributing accordingly.
• To use professional experience and any technical skills and knowledge to contribute to Trustee decision making.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ambassadorial ability and willingness to represent WCA in a range of situations.
• Experience of involvement in community or residents’ groups and/or in building community involvement.
• Commercial awareness including, but not limited to: marketing, branding, fundraising and social media.
• Skills and experience within finance or communications.
• Valuing diversity, with experience and/or knowledge of minority issues and perspectives.
• Capacity to pursue potential sources of charitable investment in WCA.
• Willingness to take part in training and learn new skills.

Person specification

Trustees should possess:

• Commitment to Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA);
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort. This will include attending a minimum of six out of the eight Board meetings a year, plus additional related meetings, in addition to the Annual General Meeting;
• Contribute to WCA Strategic vision;
• Good, independent judgement;
• Ability to think creatively;
• Willingness to speak their mind, and to lead and contribute to discussions enabling their professional experience to contribute to trustee’s decision- making;
• Willingness to use their experience and or specific technical skills for work areas reserved for Trustees;
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and the governance role;
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team;
• Ambassadorial ability;
• Chairing skills or the willingness to develop them.

If you are interested in the role, please apply with your CV.

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.

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!

Becoming a Trustee for Herts Musical Memories

Herts Musical Memories are celebrating there 8th Year of becoming a charity and we are now at last, beginning to recover from the Pandemic. We urgently need to expand our board to ensure that the charity continues to grow – the following provides some background to our work and lays out what it means to become a trustee.

Herts Musical Memories purposes are:

• To facilitate structured group sessions designed around the principles of music therapy and group singing for people with dementia and their carers.

Herts Musical Memories objectives are:

• To provide activities for people with dementia and their carers that help stimulate memories

• To provide activities that incorporate social interaction and peer support for people with dementia and their carers

• To reduce feelings of isolation for families coping with dementia and to provide access to artistic and social stimulation

What Herts Musical Memories values are:

Health, wellbeing and equality will be at the core of all Herts Musical Memories activities relating to service users, staff and volunteers and the wider public.

In relation to our service users Herts Musical Memories will actively promote equality for people with dementia.  To free them from fear and isolation and to use our services to demonstrate to the wider public that people with dementia still have a place in society and should be treated with dignity and respect.

The Singing Sessions:

‘Thank you for Bringing the sunshine into my Mum’s week.’  Carer

Herts Musical Memories provides stimulating social activities involving music, seated movement and singing for people with dementia and their carers.  The charity runs 9  groups in 4 weekly blocks across Hertfordshire with an admin and song preparation session every 5th week.  There is an average of 25 people per session with sometimes over 30 people attending.  The sessions last 90 minutes with time set aside for socialising and light refreshments. 

Most of the participants are dealing with the impact of an early diagnosis and are usually accompanied by a family member, usually a spouse.  People who live alone often come with a professional carer.

Sessions are held at fixed dates and times in community centres or church halls. The venues are chosen carefully for ease of access, to be on regular bus routes, good parking and for having good facilities. This does mean that, sometimes the venue can be expensive, but the venue plays an important part in making the sessions a positive experience.

The sessions are structured to include a range of activities that are repeated each week providing the service users with a routine that becomes familiar with regular attendance.  Songs are chosen from popular music from the 1950s going up to the 1970s. The sessions will include; songs that require movement, singing rounds where people get a chance to sing in harmony, rhythm exercises using percussion instruments and exercises in dexterity using bean bags.

The service users are taught new songs – incredibly due to the way the human brain remembers music, people with dementia can cope with this and actively enjoy learning new things – this increases their confidence and boosts their self-esteem.

The sessions are delivered by a professional group leader with the support of volunteers. 

Finances:

Herts Musical Memories has no formal funding – we raise a contribution through fees which are £6 per session, we raise up to £10,000 per year through events held on our behalf another £5,000 through donations and the rest we have to fundraise for.  To run the charity effectively we need to raise just over £10,000 per group.  To help us achieve this we have developed a 5 year fundraising strategy.  Our goals are to achieve enough funding to recruit a part time administrator, create a reserve of 6 months running costs ensuring a sustainable future.

‘I’d like to thank you, you make me feel so happy’ - guest

What Does it Involve to Become a Trustee

Trustees share formal responsibility for the charity and must act in its best interests, regardless of how they're elected or appointed. Some trustees may take on specific roles on the board, such as chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer.

Herts Musical Memories meets 4 times per year mainly on Zoom but with some face to face in West Hertfordshire.  If a trustee has particular expertise in finance, fundraising, HR we do occasionally hold one on one sub meetings with the CEO.  No experience is necessary as there is plenty of training available – it is a commitment but it is a rewarding commitment.  Becoming a trustee is about taking on a position where you can make a real difference to the people who live in your local community.

Top five traits of a good trustee

· A good trustee is ready for a challenge – running a small charity is always a challenge and supporting the CEO in facing those challenges is a vital role of a trustee.  Whether it be support, advice or helping to access the necessary expertise that can support the charities development

· They are open and listen to many voices – there are many people prepared to offer advice and many voices to be heard, from the team running the charity to the beneficiaries.  Listening and understanding enables a trustee to offer advice and help the charity seek solutions that will improve and enable it to reach its goals.

· Trustees are team players – running a charity is a team effort which is relevant from the Board through to the beneficiaries by working together as a team a charity is more likely to prosper and grow.

· Trustees have expert knowledge – this expert knowledge can be in training, marketing, fundraising, HR, Law or it could be in a first hand knowledge of the charities services and the impact it has on families and the ability to use that understanding to enhance the charities service for people living with dementia.

· They exercise good judgement and care – this is essential, working with vulnerable adults comes with a lot of responsibility. We need to be sure we work within the parameters of Charity Commission’s guidelines to ensure good practice which protects all involved from the  trustees, staff and beneficiaries.

A good trustee also knows what they are doing within the framework of their role. At a basic level, they should understand and know how to act as described by The Charity Commission.  The regulator’s ‘The essential trustee’ guidance sets out six main duties:

· Ensuring that the charity is working for the benefit of the public

· Compliance with the law

· Acting in the best interests of the charity

· Ensuring accountability

· Financial responsibility

· Acting with reasonable care and skill

It may seem overwhelming to become a trustee but it is, as mentioned so rewarding and the satisfaction, that as a trustee you are truly making a positive difference to people lives.

 Please note Herts Musical Memories is based in Bushey, Hertfordshire (Hence why this is the position location listed), however meetings with trustees are typically held in locations within West Hertfordshire or remotely via Zoom.