Chair And Trustees Volunteer Roles

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

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

With your expertise and support we will achieve so much! 

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

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

Overview of the Branch Chair opportunity

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

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

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

About the National RSPCA

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

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

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Chair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

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

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

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

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

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

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

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

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

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

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

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

Practical considerations

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

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

• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

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

• References will also be required.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

Citizens Advice is a charity dedicated to providing free, confidential, and impartial advice to help people overcome their problems. We empower individuals to take control of their lives, offering support on a wide range of issues such as debt, housing, employment, and more. Citizens Advice Wyre Forest is a registered charity operated as a company limited by guarantee.

The Role: The Board of Directors of the Citizens Advice Wyre Forest are also trustees of the charity. To help us grow we need experienced members of the public to join our Board. We are particularly keen to recruit people with a connection, commitment and interest in the Wyre Forest community who have the following skills:

• Knowledge of legal processes

· Strong local networks and connection that could open doors and opportunities for the charity

Board meetings are held 4 - 6 times a year at local venues in Wyre Forest with the potential for further meetings, as decided by the Board.

The Board is responsible for guiding and overseeing the strategy and policies of Citizens Advice Wyre Forest and guides and supports the Chief Officer and their staff.

The Southover Partnership
The Southover Partnership (“Southover” or the “School”) is an independent special needs day school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder and other complex needs. It is situated on three sites in the London boroughs of Brent, Barnet and Enfield. All pupils have education, health and care plans (EHCP) and are placed by a wide range of local authorities. Typically, the pupils placed at the School have significantly disrupted educational histories. 
The work at Southover is underpinned by the principles of attachment theory. The School follows a small school model because we believe it delivers the best outcomes for our students. This means each school community gets to deeply know and understand its members and gives students the opportunity to be more directly involved in their own education. It allows the different school sites to serve as pupils’ primary attachment, and therefore build up a trusting relationship with others and eventually society. The aim is to deliver a truly personalised and holistic education experience for all our pupils.

Specific responsibilities

1.Provide oversight and support to the School Business Manager, together with the Chair and the Executive Headteacher.

2.Chair the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
3.Review and report on Southover’s financial performance to ensure the safeguarding of organisational assets and its short- and long-term viability.
4.Oversee the financial implications of strategic plans, annual budgets, risk management and financial management reports, explaining technical aspects in plain language.
5.Propose and implement an ongoing review of Southover’s financial and risk policies.
6.Ensure there is an effective external and internal audit function.
7.Act as sounding board and finance professional to the non-finance board members, while reminding each trustee of their own responsibilities in this area.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity/school, its strategic objectives and cause.

• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities.

• Demonstrate empathy, tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.

• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity/school.

• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events, functions, meetings etc as appropriate out of office hours. 

Experience 

Essential

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation

• Successful track record of achievement through their career

• Experience of working with or as part of a Board of Trustees

• Extensive experience of managing financial statements (P&L, balance sheet and cash flow) as FD or CFO of an organisation with revenue >£4m

• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events

• Experience of handling sensitive and confidential issues

Desirable

• Experience as a school governor

• Experience of charity governance

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, internal financial controls and systems, fraud prevention

• A professional accountancy qualification

• Knowledge and understanding of corporate and charity governance.

• Good understanding of the Charity Commission’s guidance in respect of Charity finances

• An approachable personality with the desire to meet with people from a range of different communities and disciplines. 

Desirable 

• Knowledge and understanding of the education sector.

• Understanding of the regulatory frameworks and governance of schools (and what it means to be both a school and a charity)

• Knowledge and experience of charity finance

• A good understanding of the key issues facing Southover and/or any SEN provider. 

Terms of Office 

The Chair will serve a three-year term, eligible for re appointment at the end of one term of office for one additional term only i.e. a maximum of 6 years.

Orchards is at an exciting point of growth as we expand into new hubs with our support and housing provision. We are looking for new Trustees to strengthen the Board and help position us for sustainable growth in the coming years. We are particularly looking for Trustees with experience in the following areas:

- Safeguarding – a qualified social worker or safeguarding professional with experience of adult safeguarding. This Trustee will work alongside the Safeguarding Lead to ensure best practice and ongoing monitoring of safeguarding strategy within the organisation.

- Church leader or church network leader – an experienced church leader able to work across denominations. This Trustee will help us to develop our church partnerships and to bring local church perspective into the strategy and growth of the charity.

- Housing – an experienced housing professional with knowledge of social and Local Authority housing. This Trustee will help us work strategically with Local Authorities as we expand our housing provision and seek creative ways to provide move-on housing options for women.

Orchards Trustees serve the board with a passion to see women free from sexual exploitation, bringing their relevant career experience and skills and prayerfulness. 

About Caspari Foundation:

Caspari Foundation is the UK’s only provider of educational psychotherapy in schools, and the UK’s leading trainer in this field. It offers a safe way for children to explore and make sense of experiences that may be blocking their development. The aim is to help them to learn about themselves, improve their relationships with peers and staff, and gain confidence. Together, this enables them to experience the joy of learning. Caspari Foundation is forward thinking, progressive and fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

What will you be doing: 

We are looking for a new Trustee to take the role of Treasurer to support our Trustee board and staff team, responsible for overseeing the financial management and health of the foundation/charity. This role is for someone who is organised and methodical, with a strong background in finance accounting or a related field. The Treasurer, as a member of the Board of Trustees, will work closely with the Business Director to ensure that the charity’s finances are managed effectively, transparently and in line with regulatory requirements.

What are we looking for:

We need someone

• Who has sound knowledge of financial planning and management, bookkeeping or accountancy
• With the ability to provide an overview of the organisation's finances to the Board, whilst providing support to the Business Director and Chair of Trustees
• With a willingness to challenge and support the Business Director and Chair of Trustees to spot trends and increase Caspari Foundation’s long term financial sustainability
• With an understanding of the charitable and voluntary sector and its governance will be an advantage, with an empathy for the aims and objectives of Caspari Foundation

What difference will you make:

This position is vital for the Board of Trustees' effectiveness in guiding the organisation. Joining Caspari Foundation allows you to shape its future and uphold governance standards. Becoming a Trustee offers a rewarding opportunity in the charity sector, providing valuable personal and professional skills for work and life.

Responsibilities of a trustee:

• Being responsible for directing the affairs of the charity
• Ensuring the charity is solvent and well-run
• Ensuring the charity delivers the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up
• Ensuring the charity complies with charity law, its own governing document, and other relevant legislation
• To consider the vision of the organisation as a whole and its beneficiaries ensuring that all the charity’s activities come within its charitable objects
• To set overall strategy and policy objectives and be mindful of them at all times
• To be an active member of the Board of Trustees in exercising its responsibilities and functions
• Chair or be a member of appropriate subgroup

Additional Duties as Treasurer

Financial Oversight:

• Identify and bring to the attention of the Board, any financial risks facing the charity
• To support the Board to understand its financial duties and responsibilities and the need to comply with all legislation
• Ensure that the charity’s financial resources are sufficient to meet the charity’s current and future needs, and to advise the Board on the charity’s reserves policy, and to ensure that this policy is reviewed and monitored regularly
• Review and monitor financial trends within the charity and the sector within which the charity operates

Budgeting:

• Scrutinise the proposed annual budget, and advise and guide the Board accordingly
• Scrutinise management accounts, performance against budget, trading performance etc, and to advise the Board accordingly
• Scrutinise and regularly evaluate the charity’s cash flow position, and to inform the Board of any concerns
• Review longer term forecasts of capital resources and of income and expenditure

Reporting:

• Work with the Business Director to formally present the accounts to the Annual General Meeting drawing to members’ attention all relevant matters, and to respond to questions from the floor

Compliance:

• Ensure that the charity operates within the financial guidelines set out in current legislation, by the Charity Commission, in the charity’s constitution and by the Board Record Keeping

Fund Management:

• Ensure that funding received for specific purposes is separately accounted for and spent for the purposes for which it was given

Audit:

• Ensure that the charity has adequate financial and internal audit controls and that these are monitored and reviewed regularly
• Meet the external auditor as required

Policy Development:

• To ensure that all financial policies, procedures and the appointment of external financial advisors are reviewed on a regular basis

Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate financial records, including documentation for all income expenses and donations

Person Specification - Essential

• Proven experience in finance, accounting or a related field (CPA or equivalent qualification)
• Be a Director of the company (limited by guarantee) Please check that you fulfil the conditions on the UK government website
• Be willing to provide data required to be added to the Charity Commission website, Companies House website and the Financial Conduct Authority Register – your name only will be visible to the public. 
• Have a Disclosure and Barring Service check for Caspari Foundation (DBS check are not currently portable unless you have joined the update service)
• Regularly attend Full Board meetings (currently every 3 months)
• Be confident about our purpose and work and be an ambassador for Caspari Foundation
• Excellent organisation and communication skills
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Quickbooks) and MS Office (especially Excel)
• Integrity, strategic vision and good/independent judgement
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties, including attending the bimonthly board meetings and finance related subgroup meetings
• Ability to take decisions for the good of the organisation
• Willingness to speak one's mind and listen to the views of other
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a Trustee
• Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations.
• Good financial analysis skills

Time Commitment:

• Four meetings a year (one per quarter, dates agreed with trustees)
• Further ad hoc (up to three) meetings a year to support the charity’s running and decision-making process

Term Length: Successful applicants will sign up to a (renewable) three-year term

Committed to supporting good mental health through counselling?
Could you be the new Chair of Sandhurst Counselling Service?

 If you have the skills and enthusiasm to govern cooperatively and lead our trustee Board to bring our strategy into action, you could be the next Chair of our small and long-standing charity, based in Sandhurst, Berkshire.

About us:

Sandhurst Counselling Service evolved from a drop-in service started in August 1990 by St Michael's church in Sandhurst, and provides a safe confidential space for anyone feeling anxious, stressed, depressed, hopeless or lost, to help people find their way. The charity is “a counselling service with a Christian ethos”, an unincorporated Charitable Trust, is registered with BACP,  and has an income of c£70k p.a.

About the role

We’re looking for someone with a commitment to our Christian Ethos and Servant Leadership of our Board and organisation. You will also have some prior experience of charity trusteeship, and understand the leadership role of our Chair, to work with other trustees and our Clinical Manager.

You will take on the role of Chair of the Board after an initial three to six months as ‘Chair-designate’. This period will enable you and the Board to determine your ‘fit’ to our organisation’s vision and strategy, and to properly induct you into the Chair’s role.

Our trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with understanding of our counselling services, and we require all new trustees to have strong empathy with our cause and our delivery.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles alongside our faith values to govern our organisation. We are looking for fresh expertise and experience from a variety of backgrounds to our charity.

The Board meets quarterly face-to-face at our premises, GU47 8HN, on a mid-week afternoon (this is flexible, and can be subject to future discussion/negotiation), for up to three hours.

As Chair-designate you will dedicate about three hours per month during the period leading up to your appointment as Chair; in addition to this regular time commitment, you will need extra time for induction and any training you may need or request.

Once appointed as Chair, you will need to dedicate whatever time is required, currently approx. six hours per month to the role, and at key times, probably more. This includes preparation for and attendance at Board meetings; many of your duties may be carried out online and by phone/video, as well as at face-to-face meetings.

It should be noted that the focus of this role is strategic and you will not be managing the organisation on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and close liaison with our Clinical Manager is required.

How to apply

This important appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification can be made available to you upon request.

You will need to be eligible to be a charity Trustee, which we will explain. Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

Your CV and supporting statement will be read by our existing trustees; an informal discussion followed by a more-formal interview can be offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply below for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone), explanation about this important role and any assistance in your application.

What would I possibly have to offer to a Students’ Union, you may ask? What even is a Students’ Union and why do they need Trustees and Board Members?

Queen Mary Students’ Union represents the interests of over 36,000 students at Queen Mary University of London, largely based across sites at Mile End, Whitechapel, and Barbican. Queen Mary describes itself as ‘a Russell Group University with a difference’. Many of our students come from our local community, 93% come from state schools, 72% are BAME, and 46% are the first in their families to go to University.

The Students’ Union is a registered charity. In its last accounting year, the students’ Union had a turnover of over £6.5m (including our wholly owned trading subsidiary, Queen Mary Students’ Union Services Ltd).

The Board of Trustees is the Students’ Union’s governing body. It has overall responsibility for the management and administration of the Students’ Union, including its governance, budget and strategy. It is made up of elected Officer and Student Trustees, and six External Trustees. Day-to-day management of the operation and administration of the Students’ Union is delegated by the Trustees to the Chief Executive who reports to Trustees at each Board of Trustees’ meeting.

We are currently seeking to appoint an External Trustee to join our Board. We will provide full training and support on the role and responsibilities of a Trustee and the work of a Students’ Union. Whether you have never considered being a Trustee before, or whether you have already served in this role, we would like to hear from you

Queen Mary Students’ Union Services Ltd (QMSUSL) is the Union’s wholly owned trading company, through which we provide a range of commercial services for our members, the profits from which are returned to the Union to help fund our work. QMSUSL has its own Board of Directors who oversee our commercial activities. All profits generated from the Union’s trading are gift-aided and re-invested in its services and activities for the benefit of its members.

We are looking for a new Non-Executive Director (NED) to join our Board. We will provide full training and support on the role and responsibilities of a Board Member and the work of a Students’ Union. As a Board Member, you will contribute the benefit of your experience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to both challenge and support us in our work. This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be paid.

Emmaus Leicestershire ad Rutland operate a unique model to support people who have experienced homelessness, known as companions. We provide them with a home, care, training and mentoring, support for as long as they need it, and work opportunities within our social enterprises, which are based around the recycling and sale of preloved goods donated by members of the public.

We are seeking a suitable candidate to fill a vacancy for the important volunteer trustee position of Honorary Treasurer. Given the growth of the community, the ambitious programme of projects in our Strategic Plan, and the need to consider new directions and initiatives, the Board is looking for a Treasurer with experience in these areas. The successful appointee will be a trustee, Company Director, and a member of the Board, working with other trustees and other stakeholders, to oversee the implementation of our strategy and to address homelessness issues.

About

Red Kite Schools Trust (RKST) was established in September 2015.  We were previous known as White Hill Schools Trust. We changed our named to Red Kite Schools Trust in January 2019.

Our Vision

Our vision is for everyone at Chesham Grammar School to enjoy, achieve and belong and for our students to be exceptionally well prepared for life.

Our Values

Our core values are aspiration, kindness, and respect.  These underpin everything we do.

TRUSTEES – specialising in Safeguarding

OVERVIEW

Trustees on the board assist the senior leaders to provide strategic direction and vision to support and enhance the teaching and learning of Chesham Grammar School students from Years 7 – 13.  The Board holds executive leaders to account for the educational performance of CGS and in the future, any further schools joining the Trust.  Trustees provide knowledge and experience in their relevant area of expertise to assist in the running of the Trust, which is equal to a medium-sized business.

KEY CHALLENGES

Over the next two years

• Continue to build a strong, strategic Trust Board to ensure the best outcomes for Chesham Grammar School
• Maintain and develop the wellbeing of all CGS students and staff
• Continue to improve the school environment to support learning and sustainability
• Ensure excellence in leadership and governance

FUTURE AIMS

The board seeks to secure exceptional outcomes and continued improvement in these areas:

• Safeguarding and wellbeing
• Attainment and progress
• Curriculum and planning
• Accountability through robust financial management and governance
• Quality assurance
• The school community – staff, students, and parents

TRUSTEE’S CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• To hold executive leaders to account for the educational performance of Chesham Grammar School and any school joining the Trust in future years
• To hold leaders to account for the financial performance of Chesham Grammar School and any school joining the Trust in future years
• To manage the business of the Trust and may exercise all necessary powers in compliance with the Trust’s charitable objectives, company, and charity law

PRINCIPLES OF THE ROLE

• Every trustee is expected to abide by the seven principles of public life set out by Lord Nolan:  Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

TIME COMMITMENT

• The Trust Board meets four times per year and the ‘Finance, Audit and Premises’ committee meets termly alongside the ‘Curriculum and Standards’ Committee.
• Trustees are expected to attend the meetings of the Board and one committee.  Whilst meetings may be on different days (to suit trustees’ availability) they will usually start at 5pm and last up to two hours.  These meetings are always planned well in advance
• Link visits for specific areas of responsibility, such as safeguarding, will likely involve up to six hours per term. 
• Overall, it is expected that trustees will need to devote around eight hours per month (on average) to Trust business.  This will include reading documents ahead of meetings which can be done flexibly to suit individual requirements

SHORTLISTING

Shortlisting will take place as soon after the closing date as possible.

INTERVIEW

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a meeting with the Chair of Trustees and the Headteacher.

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

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chair?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.

What would you be doing?

• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. 
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
• Good written and spoken English.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chair?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.

What would you be doing?

• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. 
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
• Good written and spoken English.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

We are currently recruiting volunteer trustees who are passionate about supporting young people.

Gospel Oak Action Link Youth Club (GOALYC) is a Camden based Charity providing at no cost to our users, a rich variety of sports, music, education and other activities to mostly disadvantaged young people in the Gospel Oak area. We offer training and employment opportunities for older teenage members, helping to boost their skills, self-confidence and aspirations, regardless of background or learning abilities. Our Trustees will guide the charity's direction, upkeep, and policies, making key decisions that create a positive difference to our youth. This involves: • Overall strategy decisions. • Organise fundraising. • Liaising with our partner organisation, QCCA. • Reviewing grant applications and reports to funders. • Board Meetings three to four times a year.

If you are based in London / Camden area, please join our Board of Trustees to help our local youths.  We look forward to hearing from you.

We are recruiting for RNLI Trustees 

People will always need our help. You could play an important part in making sure we can always be there to answer that call. 

As we launch into our third century of lifesaving, we are seeking people to join our trustee board who have experience as a Non-Executive Director or Trustee and experience within large, complex organisations, in any of the following areas:

• Providing commercial and financial leadership
• People management at a senior level
• Audit, risk management and/or assurance 

For further details about the role and what skills you will need please see the attached recruitment pack. 

The impact you will make

This is an important role for the RNLI, our trustees are a body of volunteers who carry the full financial and legal responsibility for everything the RNLI does. You will be contributing advice, expertise and effective leadership as a Trustee. You will be helping us to adapt for the future, enabling us to continue achieving our purpose of saving lives at sea.

This is an unpaid voluntary opportunity within the RNLI. Travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed in line with RNLI policy. 

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for over 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone.

In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable). 

In person interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled to take place in London in the week commencing 17th March 2025. 

To apply, complete an application form and attach a copy of your CV. The closing date for this role is Sunday 23rd February 2025.

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chair?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per week. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.

What would you be doing?

• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. 
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
• Good written and spoken English.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No