Charity Shop Volunteer Roles

Volunteer with us!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Ledbury shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

Join Candlelighters as a Fundraising & Events Office Volunteer!

Are you looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families affected by childhood cancer? We invite you to be part of our team!

As a Fundraising & Events Volunteer, you will support the team during an exciting phase as we aim to increase income and enhance our services for families. You will support corporate fundraising efforts, ensuring local businesses have an excellent experience supporting Candlelighters.

You will also play a key role in organising our Business Collaboration Events—fun, networking-focused gatherings that bring together current and potential supporters to foster collaboration.

Location: 8 Woodhouse Square, Leeds, LS3 1AD

Time commitment: 1 day per week (flexible)

Key Activities

General Fundraising

• Research potential new business partnerships.
• Approach businesses to explore partnerships with Candlelighters.
• Support the team in managing our business club.
• Thank supporters through letters or emails.
• Respond to supporter inquiries via telephone and email.
• Update the supporter database.
• Approach businesses to secure raffle and auction prizes.

Business Collaboration Project Event

• Book venues and negotiate with suppliers to secure free support wherever possible.
• Secure sponsorships for the event.
• Manage event invitations, including design and distribution.
• Organise the event itinerary, including speakers, games, and networking activities.
• Communicate with guests in the lead-up to the event.
• Liaise with the Marketing team to develop promotional materials.
• Perform other administrative tasks to support the fundraising team.

We are looking for volunteers who are: 

• Confident, friendly, and organised.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Reliable, proactive, and calm under pressure.
• Experience organising events is desirable.

This role is subject to a basic criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please note that a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from this role. We assess each application on a case-by-case basis.

Support and Benefits 

It’s vital that our volunteers feel rewarded for their amazing efforts so we want to match your goals, aspirations, availability and everything else with the right opportunity for you. Here are a few examples of what you will receive as a volunteer:

• Thorough induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability 
• Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters 
• Ongoing support from the Fundraising and HR teams 
• Certain expenses to be reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy 
• Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role 
• Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer 
• We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months 
• Access to the mental health hotline 
• Charity Worker Discount card 
• Access to The Company Shop 

We are recognised by Great Place To Work® on multiple Best Workplaces Lists in 2023 and 97% of our employees say Candlelighters is a great place to work!

Trustee Role ( Branch Treasurer) RSPCA Chiltern Branch

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

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

About our Branch

At RSPCA Chiltern Branch, our primary mission is to rescue and foster animals—predominantly cats—and provide financial support to pet owners in need of veterinary care. We are supported by a dedicated team of six volunteer trustees, an animal coordinator, and a full-time shop manager. Our successful charity shop in Buckingham helps funds our vital work.

We are seeking to recruit the next generation of trustees, including someone to take on the important role of Branch Treasurer. We welcome applications from people of all social and cultural backgrounds, aged 18 to 99. Our trustees play a key role in shaping our work and are passionate about improving animal welfare.

While we cover a wide area across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, trustees do not need to live locally, as most of our work is conducted remotely through calls and regular Google Meetings. However, if you are nearby, there are opportunities to assist with occasional tasks, such as delivering donations or meeting for a friendly coffee.

If you are passionate about improving animal welfare, we would love to hear from you.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Treasurer

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

What we are looking for in a volunteer

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

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Treasurer

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
•  The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
•  A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch. 

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

Animal Fosterer (RSPCA Chiltern Branch)

We are looking for animal-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of our furry friends whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their perfect furever home?

About our Branch

At RSPCA Chiltern Branch, our primary mission is to rescue and foster animals—predominantly cats—and provide financial support to pet owners in need of veterinary care. We are supported by a dedicated team of six volunteer trustees, an animal coordinator, and a full-time shop manager. Our successful charity shop in Buckingham helps funds our vital work.

We are seeking new Trustees and Fosterers to join us in roles such as Animal Fosterer, Treasurer, Secretary, and General Trustee. We welcome proactive, compassionate individuals aged 18 to 99 from all social and cultural backgrounds who share our love for animals. Fosterers provide a safe, loving temporary home in their time of need, with all animal expenses covered by the branch.

We are a unique, fun and friendly branch. Due to the wide area we cover in Bucks and Herts, and the unusual requests we sometimes receive, there is support available and opportunities available for self-learning on the RSPCA website. 

Primary responsibilities of an Animal Fosterer

As an animal fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing either our cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, or other small furries with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in their wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Once everything is in place, the animal centre will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your foster. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our animals are in your foster care, you will:

• Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
• Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
• Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required.
• Provide them with your time and patience.
• Help us spread the word about the animals in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
• Playing and cuddles are also a must!                                                                                   

What we are looking for in a volunteer Fosterer

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for animals.
• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
•  For their wellbeing, the whole family should be on board with fostering an animal.
• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they can’t be so, please let us know if this is the case).

  What we can offer you as a volunteer Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your care.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

It is worth mentioning that our animals do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster animal.

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

 If you are passionate about improving animal welfare, we would love to hear from you.

Finance & Audit Committee Trustee – Voluntary Role
Salary: Voluntary Role
Location: East Anglia

We have an opportunity for you to join our Finance & Income Generation and Audit, Risk and Compliance Committees in a voluntary role to make a positive contribution to the work we do and ensure strong financial governance.

Are you:

• Experienced in the private, public or voluntary sectors with the drive to make a difference.
• A fully qualified accountant with broad business experience.
• Experienced at a senior level (ideally Finance Director)
• A member of CIMA, ICAEW or ACCA.
• Over 18 and eligible to act as a Charity Trustee in England.
• You are able to drive and have your own transport?

Can you commit to:

Four full day committee meetings per year (held in person at our hospice near Norwich) as well as four half day meetings held at our Milton (Cambridge) hospice.

There is normally an additional one-day awayday meeting annually and some ad hoc activities, such as hospice quality visits or attendance at fundraising or community events in the East Anglia region.

Our trustees drive our strategic development and hold our management team to account and the range of perspectives and lived experience trustees bring to board-level discussions helps us respond more effectively to our service users and the children and young people we support.

We would particularly like to hear from you if you are well networked in our local communities across East Anglia (with a particular interest in those in the Cambridgeshire region) and you will have a high level of financial and business acumen working (or previous working) at a senior level in industry.

Trustees are appointed initially for a three-year period and can be reappointed for up to an additional two 3 yearly terms.

What can a trustee role give you?

Being a trustee can be extremely rewarding.

Trustee positions are un-remunerated although reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid. This role offers a person the chance to make a strong valuable contribution to a respected community organisation with exposure at Board level.

You will have:

• A comprehensive induction and training plan
• Opportunities to influence important strategic decisions
• Opportunities to gain new skills and to collaborate with senior managers across a variety of functions at EACH
• Influence to shape innovative projects
• Build broader business awareness and professional development
• The chance to improve the palliative and end of life care of children and young people and the support we offer to their families

We value hugely the contribution trustees make to EACH and helping us to ensure our service users and families receive safe, well-led compassionate care.

The organisation

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) ensures the best possible quality of life and makes every moment count for children and families across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Our family-centred approach includes specialist nursing care, symptom management nursing, short breaks, wellbeing activities, therapies, care at end of life, bereavement support, counselling and volunteer services in the family home; all meeting the individual needs of the child, young person and whole family.

In 2020, all three of our hospices; The Nook (Norfolk), The Treehouse (Ipswich) and Milton (Cambridge) were rated OUTSTANDING by the Care Quality Commission.

Our people are central to our success. We have a talented workforce of staff and volunteers in Care, Fundraising, Retail, Facilities, IT, Finance, Marketing & Communications and Human Resources.

We employ around 400 employees and have more than 1,800 volunteers across the organisation, including 49 shops and a Retail Distribution Centre.

The closing date for applications is 13th April 2025
Interviews expected to be held on Friday 2nd May 2025
EACH reserves the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Diversity statement

At EACH we believe in fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued and respected. We are committed to building a culture of inclusion where differences are embraced. We are actively seeking talent from all walks of life, recognising that diversity drives innovation, creativity and success.

Join us on a journey to create a more inclusive workplace, where everyone has equal opportunities to grow, contribute and succeed. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply for opportunities at EACH and adjustments will be made to facilitate the application and selection process.

Please note:

This post is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to appointment.

It is a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in Regulated Activity (under the Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group.

EACH has a legal responsibility to ensure that its employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Therefore, if you are made an offer of employment, this will be subject to verification that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work.

No agencies please.

Branch Trustee (General Role) RSPCA Chiltern Branch

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much!

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

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

About our Branch

The RSPCA Chiltern Branch focuses on rescuing and fostering animals, primarily cats, and offering financial support to pet owners needing help with vet bills. Our dedicated team includes 6 volunteer trustees, 1 animal coordinator, and a full-time shop manager, and we run a successful charity shop in Buckingham.

We are seeking to recruit new trustees, including a Treasurer, Secretary, General Trustee, and Animal Fosterer. We welcome proactive individuals aged 18 to 99 from all social and cultural backgrounds who have common sense, a love for animals, and a willingness to contribute.

Most of our work is done remotely via calls and Google Meetings (monthly or bi-monthly), so you do not need to live in Buckinghamshire or Hertfordshire. However, if you are local, you may enjoy assisting with shop donations or meeting for a coffee. Our branch is a unique, friendly, and supportive environment, offering opportunities for self-learning through the RSPCA website and a variety of unusual and rewarding tasks.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

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

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

•  We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:
•  Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
•  Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
•   Local community and supporter relationships;
•  Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
•   Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.
• Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything  you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional  training provided by the relevant branch.
•  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.

We would be delighted to receive a short video introduction explaining why you would like to become a Trustee and what you feel you could offer RSPCA Chiltern – though this is entirely optional. Our voluntary roles involve an informal interview and a trial period. We will kindly request contact details for two referees, and depending on the position, you may be asked to sign an agreement and complete specific training before commencing your role.

If you are passionate about improving animal welfare, we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer with us!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Tewkesbury Superstore. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

Volunteer with us! - New Volunteer Oppportunity in Acorn's Children's Hospice Superstore retail store in Pershore 

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Pershore superstore shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

Chair of the Board - Lewisham Toy Library (Volunteer)

Inspire Play, Lead Change.

Lewisham Toy Library, a vital community resource since 1972, seeks a passionate Chair of the Board to lead our next phase of growth. We provide affordable access to toys and resources, fostering early childhood development and community connection.

About Us:

• Based in Lewisham Shopping Centre, serving families across the borough.
• Committed to inclusivity and accessibility so all children have access to play, offering reduced-cost memberships.
• Run by a dedicated Board of Trustees and two part-time paid Toy Librarians.

The Role:

• Provide strategic leadership and governance.
• Chair monthly Board meetings.
• Act as an ambassador, representing the Toy Library at events.
• Line manage the Toy Library Manager and oversee performance.
• Guide the charity towards our vision to larger premises and increased outreach in the community to reach even families that need us.

Time Commitment: 1-4 hours per week (remote, but monthly visits to the Toy Library in Lewisham preferred).

We're Looking For:

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
• Governance experience and financial acumen.
• Excellent communication and community engagement skills.
• Commitment to our mission and values.
• Experience of the voluntary sector is desirable.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real impact on children and families.
• Lead a dedicated and passionate team.
• Shape the future of a beloved community charity
• Flexible - all trustees are parents.

Lewisham Toy Library is committed to diversity and inclusion.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people remotely, in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:

• A companion telephone/video caller                                                               

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

• Or a combination of all three.

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Telephone / video calls for an older person/s on a regular basis at a mutually agreed time for a friendly chat. 

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

Please do note, however, that at the moment we are not looking for Volunteer Telephone Companions.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire which are currently NG4, NG5, NG6, NG9, NG17, NG18, NG19, NG20, NG25 

Please contact the volunteering team for further information

Volunteer with us! - New Volunteer Oppportunity in Acorn's Children's Hospice Superstore retail store in Pershore 

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Pershore superstore shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

The Trafford Centre Foundation is a new charitable grant-making trust undergoing formation and approval. In the coming few months, the Foundation is aiming to distribute funding received from the Trafford Centre’s owners, employees, brand partners and visitors to support communities within the North-West.

The Foundation is a key pillar of For Our Future, the Trafford Centre ESG programme, and is being established as part of a wider commitment of the owners of The Trafford Centre to positively support the Greater Manchester community and to work with partners, suppliers and key stakeholders to reduce our environmental impact.

The Charity looking for two additional Trustees with one acting as the Chair of the Trustee Board. The role of Chair is a key leadership role and provides the successful candidate with an opportunity to help curate the strategic aspirations of the Foundation and through leadership of the trustees deliver on the Foundation’s mission and goals. The Chair will work closely with trustees, to create a culture of excellence and accountability.

The organisation is purely grant awarding with no direct operations. The second role of an Independent Trustee is to work with the appointed board to deliver on the Foundation’s mission.

Trustees must be over 18 and must not have been disqualified under the Charities Act 2011 from acting as a trustee of a charity.

Applicants must be entirely independent of the Trafford Centre Limited and the onsite management team including suppliers, consultants and professional advisors.

Responsibilities of the Chair:

• Ensure trustees meet all legal obligations and responsibilities in accordance with charity law and governance best practices.
• Promote The Trafford Centre Foundation's strategic goals and work to develop trustee meeting agendas that support these objectives.
• Promote an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere across the Foundation.
• Uphold high standards across all areas of the Foundation’s operations, ensuring alignment with its values and goals.
• Maintain a well-planned board meetings calendar to oversee grant award operations.Chair board meetings effectively, ensuring agendas, reports, and minutes are prepared, circulated, and followed up on efficiently.Ensure timely review and approval of policies and procedures.
• Facilitate trustee involvement in all procedures of the Foundation.
• Collaborate with the delivery team to conduct regular governance reviews, ensuring the board’s size, composition, and skills are fit for purpose.
• Stay informed about the Foundation’s key risks and ensure these are reviewed and addressed regularly.
• Foster active participation from trustees in discussions and decision-making processes.

Responsibilities of all Trustees

• To set and maintain the Foundation’s vision, mission and values.
• To ensure compliance with the articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To maintain proper financial control and ensure the Foundation applies its resources exclusively in line with its objectives.
• To monitor the implementation of internal policies and procedures. These include equity and diversity as well as safeguarding.
• To ensure that risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out.
• To maintain effective board performance and ensure the productive and efficient administration of the charity including funding and insurance.
• To promote the Foundation and act in the best interests of the charity, never in the interests of yourself or another organisation.

Essential Experience and Skills:

• Leadership & Governance: An ability to provide strategic direction, oversee governance and ensure compliance with the Foundation's objectives and procedures.
• Decision Making: Strong judgement to assess funding priorities and approve grants responsibly.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial management, budgeting and risk assessment.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent communication skills to engage trustees, stakeholders and founders.
• Ethical & Values Driven Approach: A commitment to transparency, accountability and the Foundation's mission.
• Risk Awareness: Ability to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks effectively.

Role Location: Quarterly Board meetings are held in person, where possible, at the Trafford Centre in Manchester. Any additional board meetings will generally in person at Trafford Centre with an ability to attend virtually if required from time to time.

Duration of Board Appointments: The term of appointment is three years and you may be re-appointed for a second term subject to the continuing relevance of your skills and contribution.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary position. However, reasonable expenses incurred in the role of Chair and Trustee will be reimbursed.

Volunteer with us!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Ledbury shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

We are looking for Trustees for Exeter Scrapstore – Could you be one?

Are you interested in supporting a creative community asset and have a passion for recycling and re-use?

We could be a great fit!

We are looking for people with experience in any of these areas: Finance, HR, IT, Buildings and Fundraising.

About us:

We are a small friendly board of Directors/Trustees running a thriving charity that serves the communities in Exeter and its surrounding areas. We have two part-time paid staff and 8 volunteers.

The charity runs a warehouse and shop that makes a positive social and environmental impact by re-using clean post-industrial waste that would be sent directly to landfill. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of materials offering inspiration for creative and educational projects, and used by a wide range of users. These include individuals and families, creative practitioners, community groups, schools and higher education.

As well as reclaimed materials from businesses and industries, our shop offers second-hand and quality arts and crafts items at affordable prices.

Our charity is entering an exciting new phase, which includes refitting the retail space to make it more user-friendly and provide much needed inventory sorting space.

We meet 6 times a year.

Why not contact us for an informal chat about the role with our Chair?

Charity Number: 1143182
Company Number: 07619244

Hut 2, Belmont Park, Gordon Road, Exeter EX12D