Chair Volunteer Roles in London

Are you passionate about putting the voice of disabled children and young people centre stage?  Do you believe that disabled children and young people have the right to a fulfilling life?

Bexley Snap are seeking a Chair for our Trustee Board.  In addition to the core responsibilities of all Trustees, the Chair is overall responsible for ensuring the Board works well together and supports the organisation to fulfil its purpose.Specifically, the Chair will:

• provide leadership to the Board of Trustees to ensure the Board gives firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process.
• ensure the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.
• ensure that trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership.
• monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
• appraise the performance of the Trustees and the Board on an annual basis.
• monitor the Director's performance through robust bi-monthly supervisions and appraisals.
• be the final point of decision making for any appeals for disciplinary/complaints escalated to Board level.
• ensure our operational business plan is utilised as a dynamic , current, working document, used to achieve our strategic objectives.
• foster, maintain and ensure constructive relatioships exist with and between the Trustees.

Relevant experience

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy  with our mission to provide positive opportunities for disabled children and young people and their families in Bexley.

We are looking for someone who:

• has effective experience of leading a Board/management committee.
• has a high degree of emotional intelligence, showing empathy, tact and diplomacy to others with the ability to listen and engage positively.
• demonstrates strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and bring people together.
• has a good undersanding of charity governance issues.
• has relevant experience as a parent, carer or professional.
• has a track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity.

We are looking for a dynamic leader to help steer Peace Direct in the years ahead. We are looking for someone who cares deeply about the importance of supporting local civil society, who has strong experience of charity governance, and is accustomed to working collaboratively with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team, and across cultural contexts to build a strong organisation. This is no ordinary Board Chair role. Peace Direct has been at the forefront of thinking about how the international NGO sector needs to transform itself, including how to tackle structural racism. We are looking for a Board Chairperson who will embrace the challenge of leading a Board that will model the changes we hope to see in the wider sector. As part of our commitment to shifting power, we are open to the idea of a co-Chair arrangement, with one Chair based in the Global South/Majority World. 

The Chair will lead the Board in its role of ensuring clear strategic direction for PD, compliance with requirements for effective financial and people management, and sound corporate governance in line with PD’s own values and relevant regulatory frameworks. The Chair will also support and, where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive and foster collaborative and constructive engagement within the Board and between the Board and Peace Direct’s management and staff. They should be willing to act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity as part of PD’s external communications efforts. The Chair will also line manage the Chief Executive in line with PD’s HR procedures. 

Track Acadermy is a small but highly respected sport for social change charity in North West London. We are essential in the local community and are currently seeking a proactive and postive Chair of Trustees to lead and bolster our board and give the support to staff, volunteers and coaches to help change young lives in London.

The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support, and where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives. They will act as an ambassador of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive.

Principal responsibilities:

• Strategic leadership
• Governance
• External Relations
• Efficiency and effectiveness
• Relationship with the Chief Executive and the wider management team

For more detail see attached job description.

We are particularly keen for a Chair with expertise in:

• Strategic leadership
• Charity governance.
• Charity fundraising.
• Service delivery and community work.

Desirables:

It would be great if a candidate has insight into any of the following: 

• Youth sports and athletics.
• Education sector.
• Small charities.

Do you want to utilise your strong leadership skills to have a positive impact on the strategic direction and governance of a charity?

Are you passionate about developing people and fostering good relationships?

Do you have the time and willingness to get involved in steering the work of a charity to provide invaluable support to its community?

Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC) is looking to appoint a leader with the passion and vision to Chair our Board of Trustees, ensuring we effectively fulfil our strategic goals and direction.

Who we are

Alex TLC provides invaluable support and information to people affected by leukodystrophy.

Leukodystrophies are genetic disorders that mainly affect the white matter of the central nervous system (i.e. the brain or spinal cord). There are more than 100 different known types of leukodystrophy, including some so rare they only affect one or two individuals.

Established in 2004 we are an internationally recognised centre of excellence and the only UK charity providing support and information to people affected by any of the leukodystrophy conditions worldwide.

Our expectations of you

In the role of Chair, you will be instrumental in ensuring effective and strategic governance of the Charity. Your collaborative efforts with our Board of Trustees will play a pivotal role in promoting inclusivity, driving excellent, well-rounded and considered decision making and ensuring our sustained success and progress.

We are looking for a Chair to join the Board immediately. You will be required to attend a minimum of 3 board meetings per year, review documentation in advance and maintain regular and responsive communication with the CEO outside of meetings. Mentorship can be arranged to support the transition into the role.

This is a voluntary and unremunerated position.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers to this post. If you have any additional support or have any access or communication needs throughout the recruitment process, please let us know. 

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is looking for a Chair of the House of Architecture Programme (HOAP) Committee to support them in advancing the organisation's vision and strategy for its members, visitors, and communities.

What will you be doing?

The HOAP commenced in 2021 with an initial focus on the refurbishment of 66 Portland Place and, since then, has grown to encompass other workstreams.

The House of Architecture is the future of RIBA.  It is a transformative programme to make architecture more accessible for everyone – our members, our profession, and the world.​

Building on our nearly 200 years of history, a major investment will galvanise our mission to support architects to make the future a better place.​

It will reinforce RIBA’s identity as an outward-looking cultural institution and - alongside a refreshed brand - help us promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of architecture among a broad and diverse audience and celebrate the very best of our members’ work. ​

RIBA is rising to the triple challenges of:

• Outdated and unreliable technology infrastructure and a disjointed digital platform
• 4.6 m collection items in five disparate locations
• An HQ which is inhospitable, inaccessible, has failing infrastructure and is environmentally and financially unsustainable

There are 5 workstreams that make up the HOAP. The Programme therefore seeks to transform and invest in:

• Our Collections: 
• Our Digital House of Architecture:
• 66 Portland Place
• Transition
• Fundraising

Overall Responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Responsible to the Board, together with other committee members, for executing the powers delegated to the committee by the Board and set out in the terms of reference.
• Ensure that decisions taken by the committee are in RIBA’s best interests and that its regulatory, legal and ethical responsibilities are met.
• Ensure that the committee’s decision-making process is transparent and in accordance with good practice.

Working with others

• To develop a productive working relationship with the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the CEO, supporting acting as a critical friend.
• To maintain the committee’s effectiveness by developing productive working relationships with individual stakeholders and ensuring that, as a group, members have the right mix of skills to support the committee’s work.

What are we looking for?

• Ability to lead a high-profile committee whose members have diverse skills and backgrounds.
• Ability to put the best interests of the charity at the heart of all decision-making and to make judgements that advance the charity’s interests.
• Supports the ambitions, values and objectives of RIBA.
• Has a high level of self-awareness and is passionate about continuous learning in their role as non-executive.
• Ability to forward plan agendas so that all essential board work is completed in a timely way.
• Team management and development.
• Project and programme management experience.
• A good grasp of financial issues and requirements.
• Values the benefits of collaboration and respects diversity of thought.
• Has clear integrity and adopts a non-discriminatory, non-judgemental, fair and balanced approach.
• Committed to devoting sufficient time and energy to the role competencies.
• Communicates effectively with a diverse range of people, listens and respects alternative views, is open and participative and able to influence.
• Builds, fosters and sustains effective relationships with all stakeholders.
• Is analytical - seeks out data and can assimilate, analyse and critically evaluate complex information; able to reach unbiased, logical conclusions in line with regulatory, legal and other key factors.
• Making decisions - holding self and others to account, accepting collective responsibility, appropriately delegating authority, using sound judgement and common sense.  Considers the members’ perspective in all decision-making.
• Willing to challenge and question constructively and fairly, unafraid to probe deeply.
• Demonstrates independence of thought but can facilitate collective decision-making, respects the views of others and supports the decision of the Board.
• Good understanding of the social, economic and political environment in which RIBA operates.

What difference will you make?

The HOAP Committee Chair is responsible for providing effective leadership and we are looking for an individual to;

• Lead the HOAP Programme Committee.
• Exhibit project and programme management capabilies
• Ensure alignment with RIBA's strategic goals and ethical standards.
• Foster relationships with stakeholders to support fundraising and development.
• Oversee progress and provide guidance on key initiatives.

The HOAP Committee will provide support and appropriate challenges to the Steering Groups and support the teams in maintaining a network of relationships with key stakeholders.  They also play an active role in supporting our fundraising and development objectives.

Working with the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the CEO, the HOAP Programme Committee Chair will lead in setting strategic direction and monitoring the progress of the HOAP by ensuring that RIBA activities focus on advancing our charitable purposes and strategic goals

Age UK Richmond upon Thames is a local independent charity supporting older people, carers and family members in Richmond upon Thames. We are committed to our mission to provide support to help local older people to live healthier happier and more independent lives.

Age UK Richmond upon Thames are a local partner of the national charity Age UK. This means we operate as an independent charity – responsible for raising our own funds and providing services to meet local need in Richmond upon Thames.

We currently have an excellent opportunity for a new Chair of Trustees to join our charity. Our current Chair is due to leave later this year.

Our wide range of highly valued and well utilised services currently include:

· Information & Advice, including support to claim welfare benefits and other financial support.

· Social & wellbeing groups, activities and centres.

· Leadership of the Community Independent Living Service (CILS) Partnership – working with 19 other voluntary sector groups.

· ‘Connect To Tech’ digital skills support.

· Leadership of Dementia Friendly Richmond, working in partnership to make the borough more dementia inclusive.

· Mental Health Peer Support.

· ‘Nightingale’ hospital discharge service.

· Handyperson & gardening.

· Housekeeping.

Our Chief Executive leads a team of around 50 committed staff, supported by around 100 volunteers. We support around 4,000 local older people every year.

Our income is currently around £2.3m a year. However, this includes a local authority contract we manage under which  a significant portion is passed  to other local charities we work in partnership with. Funding comes from a range of sources including local authority & NHS contracts; grant funders; chargeable services; donations and legacies.  

Our board is currently made up of nine trustees, led by the Chair – all bringing different skills and views.

It is an interesting time to be joining us. We are working on developing our ambitious new Strategic Plan for April 2025 onwards – and we are keen to ensure we are responsive to the changing needs of existing and new generations of older people. Rising costs and a more challenging income generation environment is starting to put more pressure on our finances although our current position is relatively stable – and we will need to think about how we adapt. We are also keen to strengthen our local partnerships and further the support for those with dementia and carers.

Our website gives further information about the charity.

We are looking for a dynamic Chair who is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable and isolated older people across Richmond upon Thames. Running a healthy and successful charity requires a strong Board that offers leadership and challenge in a collegiate and positive way and has our beneficiaries at the core of everything they do.

The role of the Chair

The Chair of Trustees leads the board, ensuring that it governs Age UK Richmond effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.

This is a voluntary unpaid role. Expenses can be reimbursed.

In addition to all the duties of a trustee, the Chair’s role includes:

· Providing leadership to the board and  ensuring that trustees fulfil their responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity.

· Ensuring the board sets a mission, vision, strategy and has the right policies to act in line with its Articles of Association and relevant legislation and that the Board monitors performance, spend and risk.

· Ensuring that the board as a whole works in partnership with executive staff.

· Ensuring good governance, with a systematic, open and fair procedure for the recruitment of trustees, with appropriate induction information and training.

· Ensuring the proper and efficient conduct of board meetings by; chairing trustee meetings effectively, seeking consensus, encouraging participation, taking an active role in ensuring that board agendas are meaningful and reflect the key responsibilities of trustees and that trustees receive timely and accurate information in order to allow the board to discharge its responsibilities.

· Regular meetings with the Chief Executive, to provide support and  review performance.

· Ensuring the Chief Executive provides an effective link between the board and staff.

· Attending events and forums when needed to help raise awareness of the charity and its work and support fundraising initiatives.

· Stakeholder engagement locally, and more occasionally regionally / nationally.

The Commitment

The Board of Trustees meet quarterly in person. Board members are asked to commit time to read papers, and to share expertise when needed. Board members are also expected to sit on at least one of two committees that also meet quarterly – Finance & General Purposes and Fundraising & Service Development. The Chair is an ex officio member of  both committees.

The Chair will also hold regular meetings with the Chief Executive. The role will also involve representing the organisation at events and attending occasional regional or national Age UK meetings.

Terms of Office

Trustees are appointed for an initial term of two years. Two further terms of three years can follow, up to a maximum of 8 years.

What we are looking for

● Experience of being on a board. You do not need to have been a Chair before however.

● Good understanding of governance and the duties of trusteeship.

● Senior level Health & Social Care and / or voluntary sector background.

● Experience of working with older people desirable.

● A keen sense of strategic purpose.

● An inclusive leadership style - able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.

● The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.

● Excellent communication skills.

Please click to apply to be taken to our website for full information and how to apply. 

Goals 4 Girls is a dynamic charity that leverages football as a powerful educational tool, empowering young women and girls from low-income communities to overcome barriers and excel in sports and education. Our programs focus on enhancing physical and mental well-being, improving school engagement, and supporting young women in making successful transitions into adulthood.

Goals 4 Girls (G4G) is thrilled to announce the search for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees. This is a pivotal moment for our charity as we continue to expand our impact, guided by our strategic vision to empower young women through sport & education. The Chair position is central to our governance & strategic direction, ensuring that we remain committed to our mission of breaking down barriers & fostering resilience & confidence among young women. We are eager to embark on this journey with a leader who is as passionate and dedicated to our cause as we are.

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will lead the strategic direction and governance of Goals 4 Girls, ensuring the charity achieves its mission of breaking down economic barriers within sports and education for girls. This role requires a leader who is not currently serving as a chair or trustee on another board, therefore able to dedicate and commit to Goals4Girls. The Chair will oversee the charity’s governance, strategic development, and financial management while embodying the values and passion for empowering young women and girls as well as complying with the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies requirements.

This is an active role, where time will need to be invested regularly outside of meetings to support this small charity so would suit an individual who has the availability to fulfill this requirement. Please note that we unable to accept applications from individuals who already have trustee committments at another charity. 

Application Process: Please view the full role specification document attached below for further information. 

Interested candidates should email a CV & a one-page cover letter detailing their suitability & qualifications for the role.

Please note that this is a voluntary role and only expenses will be reimbursed. 

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

Lead the board of EPIC Restart Foundation and empower people to restart positive lives after gambling harm.

• Location: Remote, with online meetings and once a year in person in the North East / North West
• Time commitment: The equivalent of 1-2 days a month
• Closing date: Monday 9th September

EPIC Restart is a charity founded in lived experience of gambling harm, delivering transformational programmes that change lives.

Our small team works closely with people in recovery, the National Gambling Support Network and expert delivery partners to pioneer innovative programmes that are empowering people across the UK to rebuild their lives after gambling harm. We also build crucial awareness of recovery support pathways and work to break down the stigma around gambling addiction.

We are responding to a significant gap in the availability of longer-term recovery support, and we are respected for our empowering approach that has lived experience at its heart. Our EPIC Restart Community is a powerful lived experience online network offering inspiration, learning and connection, and our intensive support programmes, Restarting Lives and Woman. Empowered, provide life-changing events, personal development opportunities and person-centred recovery coaching.

Our small team has directly supported over 600 individuals since we launched our pilot programme in May 2021, and we have reached over 20,000 more people through our online and outreach activities. We have recently embarked on a new two-year strategy, aiming to become a Centre for Excellence for gambling harms recovery, delivering transformational programmes with measurable, proven impact as well as influencing stakeholders and policymakers to increase the support available to those recovering from gambling harm.

Our founding Chair, Robert White, is stepping down after three and a half successful years. EPIC Restart is now seeking a new Chair to lead the Foundation into the next exciting phase of development and growth. Our Chair of Trustees will lead the board to shape the strategic direction of EPIC Restart, ensuring robust governance while acting as an ambassador and fostering strong relationships between the board, executive team and key stakeholders.

Who we are looking for.

As our new Chair, you will have proven leadership experience, strategic vision, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a passion for our mission and values. You will bring charity governance experience and strong commercial acumen and will lead and develop our board, bringing energy, enthusiasm and a proactive commitment to the role. Our new Chair will be excited about strategy development, board dynamics, building a relationship with our Chief Executive, Sharon Parr, and supporting people in restarting their lives after gambling harm.

If you’re ready to lead with purpose and inspire others, apply now to become our next Chair of Trustees and help us continue to transform lives.

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

Applications for this role close on Monday 9th September.

About Us

Every Future Foundation is an established anti-racism youth charity dedicated to challenging and eradicating racism and prejudices by educating the next generation and equipping them with the skills to be catalysts for change. Our primary focus is to deliver transformational anti-racism programs in schools and provide intensive training for educators. Our Activism Academy Programme empowers young passionate leaders to develop their skills in social action, community organising, and pursuing racial justice. 

Our Activities:

Every Future Foundation delivers impactful anti-racism interventions targeting London Boroughs with high rates of racist and Islamophobic hate crimes. Our core services include:

• Student Programme: Targets all ethnicities to increase understanding of racism, enhance racial empathy, and educate on combating racism.
• CPD Teacher Training: Equips teachers with skills to address racism and intolerance.
• Activism Academy: Inspires young leaders with lessons on leadership and activism.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Reviewing and supporting the creation of our 3-year plan - including:
  • Identifying new income streams to increase our income by 300% in the 3 year period, ideally moving away from dependence on grants & trusts.
  • Exploring new routes to market for our educator training offering to boost systemic impact and income generation (e.g. partnerships with Universities, teacher training orgs, headteacher training orgs, routes to market that aren’t through schools)
• Supporting with a change in management - with a shift from a full-time CEO to either 2 x Co-CEOs or onboarding a new COO or partnerships manager. Including supporting with the recruitment and onboarding of the new position.

Line Management Support

• Monthly 1-2-1's with our CEO/Director to support with strategy, financial health of the organisation and any ad-hoc challenges that the organisation might be experiencing.

Other Duties:

• Chairing our Trustee meetings held 6 times a year – and improving how effective these meetings are.
• Facilitate informed decision-making and collaboration among Trustees.

Term:

• Appointment for a 3-year term.
• The first 2 months will be a commitment of 4-5 hours a month with an ongoing 3 hour monthly commitment.

Help shape the future of the science profession.

The Science Council Board is looking for a new Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee to join the organisation and work collaboratively to support the Science Council to; strengthen the collective impact of the science community for public benefit; and realise our ambition of a diverse science profession that is trusted, respected and equipped to deliver national ambitions.

As the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, you will have experience of charity finance and a track record of being an effective Chair. We are looking for an individual who is forward-thinking and capable of taking a balanced approach to decision-making, with the ability to actively listen and involve others in the process. A positive and engaging demeanour that fits well with a supportive and principled Board culture is essential.  

The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic vision, finance experience, and a commitment to advancing the science profession. Essential qualities include strong analytical skills, the ability to think critically, and a collaborative approach to working with other Committee members, management and the Board of Trustees. Experience of in the working within professional body, membership or regulatory sectors will be highly beneficial. Additionally, candidates would benefit from having a solid understanding to charity audit and risk management frameworks to support our financial stability and strategic growth.

We are committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and as such we welcome applicants of all backgrounds to represent the diverse population of people that we serve. 

This is your opportunity to join an ambitious and well-run organisation and play a leading role in the shaping the future of the Science Council.

Are you passionate about driving positive change for single parents and their children? Do you have the vision and leadership skills to help shape the future of the only national charity dedicated to supporting single parents to overcome disadvantage, inequality, and injustice? Gingerbread is looking for a dynamic and experienced leader to join as Chair.

Applications close on Monday 19th August.

About Gingerbread.

Gingerbread is the leading charity working with single parent families. With single parent families making up 25% of all families in the UK, our mission is more critical than ever. Increasingly, these parents and families face significant challenges during the cost-of-living crisis, including poverty, housing instability, high childcare costs, and an inadequate welfare system. Single parents tell us they feel forgotten by policymakers or even discriminated against, and in the run-up to the General Election, we are hearing political parties offer various solutions, but it is crucial that the voices of single parents are heard. We provide expert advice and practical support and campaign for policy changes that improve the lives of single parents. Our vision is a society where all single parents and their children can thrive.

Our strategic priorities.

Our strategy for 2022-2030 focuses on several key areas identified through extensive research and engagement with single parents. These include addressing the cost-of-living crisis and ensuring single parents can access adequate income and financial support. We want to provide mental health support and tackle issues of isolation and loneliness through wellbeing. We are advocating for flexible employment opportunities and affordable, accessible childcare. We are challenging discrimination and negative attitudes towards single parents and influencing policy changes.

Why this role matters.

Single parents face unique challenges and are disproportionately affected by poverty, discrimination, and social isolation. At Gingerbread, we are committed to addressing these issues through direct support, advocacy, and systemic change. By joining our Board as Chair, you will play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction and ensuring that we can continue to provide vital services and support to those who need it most whilst campaigning for change.

Key qualities we are looking for.

We are looking for a visionary leader who can inspire and guide our Board and team to achieve our goals and ensure our charity is sustainable for the future. Our new Chair will provide robust support while offering constructive challenge to drive our charity forward. Our Chair will have a proven ability to lead and manage change, adeptly guiding us through transformative periods. The Chair will bring solid knowledge and understanding of the charity sector, valuable experience in governance, ensuring organisational integrity and accountability.

We are looking for a Chair who demonstrates strong commercial acumen, balancing financial sustainability with our charitable mission. Strategic thinking is crucial, alongside a collaborative spirit and strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity for a leader who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of single parent families and is ready to take our organisation to new heights.

Time commitment.

The Board meets quarterly for 2-3 hours, usually in central London, with an annual strategy away day. The overall time commitment, including engagement with the CEO, Trustees, and other key stakeholders, preparation for meetings, regular conversations with the chairs of the committees, ad hoc discussions and potentially attending events is expected to be the equivalent of 2-3 days per month.

Join us at Gingerbread and help us create a world where no single parent faces disadvantage, inequality, or injustice.

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

Applications for this role close Monday 19th August.

The Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology (TIMP), trading at Tavistock Relationships (TR) is looking to recruit a Chair of the Board of Trustees.
 
The Chair of Trustees is a key role in our organisation. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to meet our aims and objectives. Please see the job description for full role details. 

Tavistock Relationships has been helping individuals, couples and families since 1948, and now provides more than 20,000 therapy sessions to individuals and couples every year, online and in person. 

About Cruse

Cruse is Britain’s oldest and largest bereavement charity. In the Midlands, Cruse brings together more than 500 volunteers to helped support bereaved people, through a mix of individual and group sessions.

Cruse volunteers all pass through the same training process. Some volunteers are trained or trainee counsellors, whilst others have bereavement experience or put their listening skills to practice in helping people through their grief journey.

Cruse Worcestershire

The well-established Cruse branch of Worcestershire is seeking a Volunteer Chair. This active branch has 30 volunteers and can be supporting approximately 100 bereaved people at any one time. The volunteer team predominantly support service users via phone or Zoom, but does have outposts across the area. The team meet for regular forums and also hold in-person meetings, to socialise and cover learning topics specific to the work.

The role

The branch is looking for a Volunteer Chair. This role of Chair will be stimulating and call on your strategic and interpersonal skills.

It provides an opportunity to work alongside an experienced and diverse team of volunteers and staff in a rapidly changing environment to make a real difference to the people of Worcestershire.

The Chair provides a focal point for the branch, representing the volunteers and delivering a sense of cohesion to the volunteer group, championing their priorities and supporting key activities like learning, social events and fundraising.

The role is not remunerated. However, reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the role will be repaid.

Time Commitment

· The Branch Forum meets approximately 8 times a year for 1.5 hours in the evening (7pm – 8.30pm).

· Monthly operations-focused meetings with the volunteer administrators/part-time staff approx. every 6 weeks.

· Ad hoc communication outside of formal meetings.

· Attendance of Cruse national meetings based on interest/focus

· 3 in-person group social/learning events each year

What are we looking for?

The new Chair will bring their passion and commitment to the bereaved people of Worcestershire. Your skills and experience will help us to empower our volunteers to continue to provide excellent support for grieving people

We are interested in an individual who brings the following:

· Ideally the Chair will be local and have networks in Worcestershire.

· Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate a team.

· Have some experience of personal loss.

· Strong inter-personal, networking and relationship building abilities.

· Previous Board experience, either within a charity or in a corporate setting.

We warmly welcome candidates from a range of cultures, backgrounds, contexts, ages and experience. We strongly value the contribution that people with these characteristics will bring to our branch discussions.

What difference will you make?

The role of the Chair is key to ensuring that Cruse continues to thrive, meeting the needs of bereaved people in Worcestershire. We are a truly positive and diverse organisation that welcomes all people.

By providing your energy, enthusiasm and experience, you can help Cruse reach more people and do so in a way which is sustainable.

We are currently looking for a personal assistant to the charity's chair person.

Responsibilities typically include: 

· Acting as a first point of contact for enquiries: (email/calendar management and managing diaries 

· Typing, compiling, and preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence. 

· Miscellaneous tasks to support the Chair and CEO

· Forming a relationship with our clients as they are part of the community. 

Essential skills for this role are: 

· Organization skills: The ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and keep track of deadlines is crucial.  

· Communication skills: should be able to communicate effectively in writing. 

· Attention to detail: the ability to pick up on small details can prevent costly mistakes from occurring. 

· Problem-solving skills: the ability to identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.  

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. The organisation has a warm and friendly atmosphere and will be extremely rewarding for the candidate.