Committee Member Volunteer Roles

The Association for Young People’s Health works to understand and meet the particular health and wellbeing needs of 10-25 year olds. We are recruiting several voluntary positions to join our Board of Trustees and Advisory Council.

• Our vision is that all young people have the best possible health and equal access to high quality youth friendly services.
• Our mission is that we work with everyone to understand and meet the particular health and wellbeing needs of 10-25 year olds. Young people and their rights are at the centre of everything we do.

We are looking for Trustees who have experience of working with small charities and fundraising. We are also looking for members of our Advisory Council who have experience in a broad range of skills including education. All candidates should have a commitment to improving young people’s health and AYPH’s vision and mission.

TRUSTEES

 As a Trustee of AYPH you will receive:

• Induction, training and reimbursable expenses
• Opportunities to network with senior professionals
• Opportunities to support the organisation with new ideas and diversity in the development of our strategic direction, funding framework and policy agenda
• Opportunities to develop new skills
• Opportunities to shape new projects and research
• Opportunities to attend our events and conferences

Time commitment: The board meets quarterly during the year online; one of these meetings will incorporate a strategic away day and AGM in London. There are opportunities for ad hoc committee work.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

As an Advisory Council member of AYPH you will support the Board of Trustees in its governance function by discussing and prioritising issues in the young people’s health field from a broad professional perspective. The Advisory Council responds to the needs of the AYPH membership as well as reflecting and responding to the views expressed by other professionals in the field.

Time commitment: The Advisory Council meets twice a year online, with opportunities to attend the away day and other AYPH events.

Both Trustees and the Advisory Council link with our Youth Advisory Panel to explore Young Ambassadors’ perspectives on young people’s health together.

Why we want you

As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
• Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
• Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

The skills you need

• Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

We are recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Board and ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction to achieve its full potential. We are looking for someone with proven commercial or entrepreneurial experience to lead on growing the charity - creating networking opportunities and potential partnerships with other organisations, corporates and individuals.

Ideally you will have previous experience of being a Chair of a Trustee Board, you will be experienced in working with small charities, strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the organisation and knowledge and experience of best practice, good governance and compliance relevant to charities and the Charity Commission.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people from diverse backgrounds, and welcome individuals who want to apply their knowledge and learn from our young people, staff and fellow Board members.  A full induction and training on the work of Sculpt will be provided. 

Role Description

· Key tasks:   

• 1. Chair of Trustee duties
  

• Work in partnership with Trustees and the Chief Executive to ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction to steer the charity to achieve its full potential, overcoming challenges and maximising opportunities that arise
• Ensure that the board of Trustees fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity, working with the Chief Executive to ensure compliance with the Charity Commission
• Chair Board meetings and work closely with the Chief Executive to set agendas and priorities
• Lead on behalf of the organisation on creating networking opportunities and potential partnerships with other organisations, corporates and individuals
• Provide line management to the Chief Executive

· 2. General Trustee duties     

• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings as appropriate
• Declare any conflict of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a young trustee
• Take collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Abide by all relevant policies and procedures
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• Provide feedback on board papers, lead discussions, focus on key issues, provide advice and guidance on new initiatives
• Attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings
• Attend sub-committee meetings as appropriate
• Participate in other task as arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising

Volunteer Fundraising team leader

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role:

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We're looking for someone with:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Thank you for joining us and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection.

We are seeking three individuals to be active members of our Board of Trustees, working collaboratively with other trustees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to help the food bank in pursuit of its Vision and Strategic Plan. The Trustee will also be expected to lead on certain areas and initiatives, as required by the charity, and which utilises the Trustees experience and skills.

Volunteering is a fantastic way for you to be involved in your local community and volunteers are at the heart of all that we do as a food bank. The role of volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to support people in crisis will continue to be critical as we work together to fulfil our vision of seeing a UK without the need for food banks.

Key Tasks:

• ensure that Stratford Upon Avon Foodbank complies with and pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, charity and company law, and other relevant legislation or regulations
• ensure that the food bank applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• give firm strategic direction to the food bank contributing to the food bank’s strategic plan, helping set policies, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• appoint the food bank manager and monitor their performance
• safeguard the good name and ethos of the food bank
• ensure the effective and efficient administration of the food bank
• lead and/or serve on sub-committees and attendance at various other meetings, including with the charity’s staff, volunteers, and stakeholders. 
• ensure an understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion

Trustees may also undertake additional work for the charity between meetings subject to their availability and skill set.

About you:

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a desire for helping and making a difference to people who do not have enough money to afford the essentials
• a passion for, and commitment to, Stratford Upon Avon Foodbank
• compassion, honesty, openness, kindness, and integrity
• an ability to listen and engage effectively
• an ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

The food bank would particularly welcome applications from those with experience and/or skills in one or more of the of the following areas: 

• Fundraising
• Communications and/or Public Relations
• Local connectivity and networking
• Facilities Management
• Digital/Technology applications in the Charity Sector

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Stratford Upon Avon Foodbank.

University of Stirling Students’ Union

Finance Trustee

Stirling

Voluntary Position

At the University of Stirling Students’ Union, they are proud to be student centred with representation at the very core of all their work. They work in partnership with the university to deliver the best experience and outcomes for students building lifelong memories along the way.

The Students' Union is entering a period of significant change as they look to build strong foundations and look to do things differently. A new strategic plan will be launched later in 2024 which will help shape their influence on campus and how they better support students and provide opportunities for all.

As a member-led organisation they are committed to sustainability and positive change, providing platforms for students to develop their own projects that will have a lasting impact. Their work is guided by a values framework rooted in ambition, creativity, and responsibility. They are committed to fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement and want Trustees to help embed these drivers in creating the foundations of a sector leading students’ union.

About the Role:

As a Trustee you’ll bring your passion, energy, and ideas to make a better Students' Union. Primarily this will be by engaging in the strategic oversight of activities and organisational performance, challenging them to innovate and bringing your expertise to suggesting how they can improve. Trustees have an overriding duty, individually and as members of a Board, to always act in the best interests of the charity, with a commitment to promotion and support of the charity.

You will join a team of others, each with a unique outlook on the world. Their aim is to have a diversity of thought, experience and background across all Trustees as they firmly believe that diverse boards make better decisions.

The Trustee Board is made up of:

Four elected Sabbatical Officers (full-time paid representatives)

Three appointed current Student Trustees (volunteers)

Four External Trustees (volunteers)

We are seeking a qualified accountant with a keen eye for Finance to join the Board. In addition to your professional qualifications, you will be passionate about Students’ Unions and understand the importance of good governance. With prior board experience and a member-centered approach, you'll help ensure that decisions always prioritise the needs of Stirling’s diverse student body. Your leadership skills, networking abilities, and understanding of legal responsibilities will be invaluable as you serve as an ambassador for Stirling Students’ Union.

External Trustees typically participate in four in-person Trustee Board meetings, which are either full morning or afternoon sessions. Additionally, they support one of our sub-committees, engaging in hybrid 90-minute meetings held up to four times per year. External Trustees are appointed for a standard three-year term and have the option to serve for a second term, ensuring continuity and stability in governance.

How to Apply:

Please email to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.

Closing Date: Midday, Tuesday 22nd October

This search is being conducted exclusively for the University of Stirling Students’ Union by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our feline friends in a different ways. They take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve, help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our volunteer treasurers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our volunteer treasurers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way.  

What can you expect to be doing?

• Preparing budgets
• Keeping accurate financial records
• Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)
• Paying invoices and volunteer expenses
• Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure
• Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds
• Managing and monitoring donations made to the group
• Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by overseeing the finances of a local volunteer groups or team. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Experience or knowledge of accounting, book keeping and/or good numeracy skills
• The ability to collect and present information clearly and logically
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to use own initiative  
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our feline friends in a different ways. They take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve, help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our volunteer treasurers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our volunteer treasurers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way.  

What can you expect to be doing?

• Preparing budgets
• Keeping accurate financial records
• Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)
• Paying invoices and volunteer expenses
• Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure
• Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds
• Managing and monitoring donations made to the group
• Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by overseeing the finances of a local volunteer groups or team. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Experience or knowledge of accounting, book keeping and/or good numeracy skills
• The ability to collect and present information clearly and logically
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to use own initiative  
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Our ambition is to continue to develop outstanding services that meet the needs of our community; if you want to be part of our future, we would love to meet you to discuss this further.

The Trustee Board is crucial to the successful running of the Home-Start Southwark. The Board, in partnership with the CEO and senior executive team, ensures that the organisation operates effectively, setting its strategic vision and supporting the delivery of business plans and key objectives. The Treasurer role is to oversee the charity’s financial and risk management processes; monitor the charity’s income, outgoings and cash-flow forecasting; and maintain a strategic overview of the organisation’s financial resources.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Upbeat Communities achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity, and they also ensure we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the leadership team to enable Upbeat Communities to grow and thrive, and through this, empower refugees to thrive.

Through regular meetings, strategy days and written reports provided to the board, trustees are able to set the direction of the organisation, develop its strategic objectives and support and keep the staff team accountable in delivering on these
strategic goals.

Trustee meetings are currently held every 2 months either in person in Derby or online (hybrid). We have an annual strategy away day and trustees are also invited to be part of our sub-committees. Trustees are requested to be available to attend occasional ‘unscheduled’ meetings or engage in email communications which address urgent business as it arises, join working groups when needed and spend time preparing for meetings by reading and considering the papers circulated before meetings.

Benefits of Being a Trustee

We believe being a trustee of Upbeat Communities offers a number of fantastic
benefits:

• Strategic decision-making that positively impacts the lives of over a thousand
• asylum seekers and refugees every year
• Supporting an innovative, talented and passionate staff team as they develop
• our work and explore new services and ways of working
• Being part of a committed and focused trustee team working to see the charity
• grow
• Using your skills, experience and passion to contribute to an effective and wellfunctioning
• board
• Opportunities to learn new skills and experiences to contribute to your own
• personal development

Duties

Any individual acting as a trustee for Upbeat Communities would be required to
carry out the following:

• Promote the vision, mission and values of the charity
• Ensure Upbeat Communities and its representatives function within all legal and
• regulatory requirements applicable, and in line with its constitution, continually
• striving for best practice in governance
• Determine the overall direction and development of Upbeat Communities
• through good governance and clear strategic planning
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their
• implementation
• Oversee Upbeat Communities’ financial plans and budgets and monitor and
• evaluate progress
• Review and approve the charity’s financial statements
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively
• Provide support and challenge to Upbeat Communities’ Chief Executive in the
• exercise of their delegated authority and affairs
• Contribute to regular reviews of Upbeat Communities’ own governance.
• Attend Board meetings, and be adequately prepared to contribute to
• discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and
• protect the charity’s interests, avoiding any personal conflict of interests
• Take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a
• material risk to the charity
• Maintain confidentiality about all aspects of the trustee’s business

Finance Specific Duties

• Lead on the strategic financial management of the charity at board level
• Liaise with our outsourced finance team (including our Finance Director)
• Chair the finance sub-committee (which meets 6 times per year ahead of every
• board meeting)
• Maintain a clear grasp of the charity’s financial position and ensure full and
• timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the board
• Support the board of trustees in financial decision making processes
• Review and approve annual budgets
• Advise on banking and investments
• Take an active role in the financial audit process
• Contribute to the financial management of our trading subsidiary (Upbeat
• Enterprises Limited)

YMCA Lincolnshire is seeking new Trustees to join us in bringing energy, enthusiasm, wise governance and strategic guidance to maximise our reach and impact on people's lives and communities. We are passionate about the causes we support, we are an ambitious team and we operate within an equitable, open and engaging culture. Our passion and ambition for the work means we are not afraid of taking informed risks and new challenges. We are looking for people who really want to make a difference through giving of their time, knowledge and experience.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in education/youth work, business/commercial operations or housing/homelessness.

We hold bi-monthly Board meetings in Lincoln, which we ask Trustees to attend in-person. As well as some other training and Sprint events taking place in-person. Other tasks such as reading Board papers can be done remotely. 

Role of a Home-Start Trustee

Home-Start is a voluntary organisation in which volunteers offer regular support, befriending and practical help to families with young children who are under stress in their own homes, helping to prevent family crisis or breakdown. Trustees collectively oversee the work of the organisation and are legally responsible for all aspects of its operations.

Within the Board, individual Trustees have specific roles that enable them to use their individual skills and experience to lead in particular activities. Each role has specific responsibilities that a Trustee will lead on to enable the Board as a whole to operate more effectively. 

Home-Start Barnet (HSB) Trustees give a high level of commitment and reliability in their roles and work very closely with the staff team to enable HSB to deliver a high quality and well-respected service. Trustees are empowered to make well informed decisions through training and reporting systems. 

What do Home-Start Trustees do? 

Trustees work collectively, to hold HSB in trust for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Attending quarterly Board meetings and any additional sub-committee meetings to keep informed and plan an active role in decision making for Home-Start Barnet
• Providing leadership and direction for the charity within the ethos and values of HSB 
• Ensuring that the charity has a clear mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these 
• Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard 
• Being responsible for the effective performance and management of the charity 
• Ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, the objects of the charity, the governing documents and quality standards 
• Undertaking an ambassadorial role for Home-Start
• Attending ongoing support and training sessions as necessary to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the role

What are the responsibilities of a Home-Start Trustee? 

Home-Start asks all Trustees to commit to the Home-Start ethos and to understand and implement relevant Home-Start’s policies which will be explained at the Trustee induction.

Trustees work collectively to: 

• Set the strategy and undertake the strategic management of the charity
• Ensure that the charity pursues its objects as defined in the governing documents 
• Ensure the charity accounts for its activities to its funders, the relevant Charity Regulators, its members, the local community and others 
• Ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• Ensure the financial stability of the charity 
• Ensure proper accounting records are kept 
• Ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Ensure that the major risks to which the charity is exposed are reviewed annually and managed
• Ensure the organisation has appropriate risk assessment procedures in place and appropriately mitigates against perceived risks 
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity 
• Approve the charity’s policies 
• Ensure the charity fulfils its responsibilities as a good employer and is an effective manager and supervisor of staff and volunteers 
• Ensure the charity is appropriately insured 
• Protect and manage the property of the charity 
• Monitor and evaluate the work of the charity and to contribute to quality assurance self-assessments and reviews 
• Safeguard the good name and ethos of Home-Start Barnet

What Duties are involved in being a Trustee?

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Scrutinising board papers in advance of meetings
• Approving the strategic plan annually and monitoring progress against it 
• Determining and approving the annual budget and monitoring progress against it 
• Preparing and approving the annual report and accounts 
• Ensuring compliance with the Home-Start Agreement and Quality Assurance system
• Acting within the spirit and in accordance with Home-Start’s equality of opportunity and diversity policies and procedures 
• Signing acceptance and understanding of the Home-Start Safeguarding/Child Protection Code of Conduct annually

Individually to:

• Regularly attend Board meetings 
• Play an active part in the trustees’ meetings and deliberations 
• Exercising due care and attention and using reasonable skill in dealing with the charity’s affairs 
• Use own skills, knowledge and experience to help the trustees reach sound decisions 
• Avoid any conflict of interests and declare areas where they may arise
• Reflect annually on the board’s performance and your own performance as a trustee
• Take part in Quality Assurance self-assessments and reviews 
• Ensure that major decisions and policies are made by trustees acting collectively
• Work within the organisations policies and procedures

What is the time commitment? 

• Attendance of quarterly Board meetings held at HSB offices
• Attendance at the Annual General Meeting
• Attendance of any sub-committee meetings for any additional work taken on
• Attendance of training when required
• Work at home to deliver the requirements of the role (estimate 3 hours a month)

What will Home-Start do for me? 

In return for your hard work and commitment, you will receive: 

• Excellent preparation for your role, through the induction programme course 
• Information required for you to fulfil the role appropriately
• Opportunities for self-development and ongoing training
• Social events and the opportunity to get more involved in the charity if you would like (e.g., fundraising, promotional events) 
• The opportunity to be involved in a vital local service and to be part of a national network 

This is exciting and rewarding work which requires energy, commitment, reliability, creativity and a sense of humour.

Person Specification

Essential

• Time to commit to meetings, preparation and additional tasks to fulfil the role of Trustee
• Understanding of and commitment to Home Start Barnet’s work and ethos
• Reliability
• Have a positive, non-judgmental attitude to working with people of any gender, family status or sexual identity, or who are from any ethnic origin, culture, or religion, or who may have a disability 
• Have a clear understanding of the confidential nature of the service and safeguarding in the context of family support
• Have good communication skills including an ability to listen 
• Have a warm and open personality and a sense of humour 
• Be able to work as a member of a team 
• Be prepared to attend any training needed to deliver the role. 

Training can be provided if there is no prior knowledge or experience of the following:

• Understanding of the Legal responsibilities of a Trustee
• Understanding of effective charitable Governance

Desirable

• Local knowledge
• Knowledge and experience relevant to the operations of Home-Start Barnet
• Role specific experience to inform an aspect of the Board of Trustee’s responsibilities

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.

Our mission is to help and support homeless and vulnerably housed people in and around the London Borough of Merton. We operate a twice-weekly Drop-in, currently welcoming 50-60 individuals each day, while our Winter Night Shelter provides a warm, dry place to sleep every night during the coldest nights of the year – this winter from 4 December until 10 March 2024.

Our current Secretary is retiring, having completed the maximum of nine years in the role. We’re now looking for an enthusiastic and committed volunteer for the role which covers the following positions:

1. Company secretary
2. Secretary to the Trustees

The current incumbent fulfils both roles but we would consider splitting the responsibilities if two complementary applications were received.

The Company Secretary & Secretary is a volunteer with an active role in the work of the organisation. The Faith in Action Merton Homelessness Project (FIAMHP) Board of Trustees, Company Secretary & Secretary, together with senior staff, form the Management Committee of the Charity.

Company Secretary’s responsibilities:

The Company Secretary keeps the organisation legal by:

• Working with Trustees to ensure that the Charity complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, company law, employment law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Ensuring that the Trustees are aware of the requirement to comply with relevant codes such as the Code of Conduct for Charity Trustees and the Charities Governance Code, and that these are adhered to.

• Ensuring that the Articles of Association reflect the current work of the Charity, liaising with the Charity Commission and Companies House as appropriate if an update is needed.

• Liaison with Treasurer as needed.

• Filing annual Confirmation Statements and other Company Returns including the annual Trustees Report & Accounts with Companies House and the Charity Commission by the due dates.

• Advising Companies House and the Charity Commission of changes to Company and Charity details by the due dates – this includes Trustee appointments and resignations.

• Maintaining the statutory records.

• Monitoring the composition of the Trustee board, and liaising with the Chair and other Trustees to ensure that new Trustees are recruited as necessary, so that all roles needed are covered. Organising new Trustee applications and interviews, and obtaining references.

• Organising and running the Annual General Meeting, and any other General Meetings required.

• Any other duties which may reasonably arise.

Secretary’s duties

The job of the FIAMHP Secretary is to assist the Trustees in the smooth running of the organisation by:

• Organising Management Committee meetings in consultation with the Chair and other Trustees: setting meeting dates and venues; producing meeting agendas, receiving and sending out meeting notices and papers, checking that meetings are quorate, taking meeting minutes, liaising with the Chair and other Trustees as necessary; sending out draft minutes.

• Assist with liaison between Trustees, Staff and Volunteers as needed.

• Awareness of the work of the organisation and the needs of its guests and service users.

• Ensuring that decisions and actions of the Board of Trustees are accurately recorded and implemented.

• Maintaining an appropriate and secure filing system so that all Trustee papers are retained and accessible.

• Assisting with Business Plan development and the Trustees’ Annual Report as required.

• Ensuring that Policies and Risk Register are filed and accessible to all who need access.

• Tracking progress with implementation of the organisation’s Business Plan.

• Ensuring that any correspondence for Trustees is brought to the attention of the Board.

• Any other duties which may reasonably arise.

The Company Secretary and Secretary must have:

● Commitment to the Charity and its work.

● Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a Company Secretary

● Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as Company Secretary and Secretary

● Strategic vision

● Good independent judgement

● Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

For more information about either post, please contact Bernie McAlister, Chair of Trustees.

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our feline friends in a different ways. They take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve, help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our volunteer treasurers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our volunteer treasurers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way.  

What can you expect to be doing?

• Preparing budgets
• Keeping accurate financial records
• Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)
• Paying invoices and volunteer expenses
• Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure
• Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds
• Managing and monitoring donations made to the group
• Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by overseeing the finances of a local volunteer groups or team. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Experience or knowledge of accounting, book keeping and/or good numeracy skills
• The ability to collect and present information clearly and logically
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to use own initiative  
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+