Communications Volunteer Roles in Manchester, Greater Manchester

We’re looking for a passionate and dynamic individual to Chair our Board of Trustees. If you have the vision, leadership experience and a passion for landscape restoration, this is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of Beaver Trust.

Who we are

Beaver Trust is a nature restoration charity, established in September 2019, run by a small team with a diverse skill set and extensive experience in beaver ecology and restoration. We provide practical solutions to help people co-exist with beavers. We influence legislation that rebuilds ecosystems and strengthens our resilience in this ecological and climate crisis. Our vision is for thriving waterways vibrant with life, where beavers are embraced as a vital part of our biodiverse landscape.

​​Why Join Us?

As Chair of Beaver Trust, you will play a pivotal role in driving one of Britain’s most exciting and impactful restoration charities. You will have the opportunity to work with passionate individuals dedicated to restoring beavers to regenerate our landscapes. This is a unique chance to shape the future of Beaver Trust and contribute to achieving our vision of thriving waterways vibrant with life, where beavers are embraced as a vital part of our biodiverse landscape.​

​The Chair of the Board of Trustees provides leadership and direction to the Beaver Trust’s board, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance and strategic oversight of the organisation. The Chair works closely with the CEO and trustees to ensure that Beaver Trust’s mission and strategic objectives are achieved.

The Chair guides the board in making strategic decisions, and fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and innovation. The Chair also plays an important role in fundraising, networking, and advocacy for Beaver Trust’s work.

Beaver Trust values diversity, equity and inclusivity and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds.

Time Commitment

The Chair is expected to remotely chair quarterly board meetings and attend additional committee meetings as required. In person meetings may be held once or twice a year. Additional time will be needed for document review, strategy development, monthly meetings with CEO and ad-hoc meetings, estimated at up to two days per month.

Remuneration

Unremunerated. This role is voluntary and is not accompanied by financial remuneration; however reasonable expenses will be covered (for example, travel, accommodation, subsistence and supporting child-care expenses to attend meetings).

Term

Three-year, fixed-term post with the possibility of extension

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Leadership

• Provide leadership, alongside the CEO, in setting the organisation’s vision, strategy and values.
• Provide leadership to the board, to ensure that trustees act cohesively and effectively in the charity’s best interests, to manage its resources responsibly and act with care and skill.
• Ensure effective governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the board in supporting the CEO and Senior Management Team, fostering an effective partnership between the trustees and management.
• Support subcommittees where needed in their roles and responsibilities.
• Chair board meetings, ensuring they are well-run, productive, inclusive and focused on key governance and strategic matters.
• Ensure the board operates effectively, addressing skills gaps and recruiting new trustees as required.
• Develop and maintain a strong, productive working relationship with the CEO.
• Undertake an annual review of the CEO’s performance on behalf of the board.

Strategic Planning

• Work with the CEO and trustees to develop and monitor the implementation of Beaver Trust’s strategic plans, ensuring they are aligned with the organisation’s vision, mission and core values.
• Provide guidance on the development of policies, partnerships, and funding strategies that support long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead the board in reviewing key projects, offering strategic insights into new opportunities and risks.

Fundraising and External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for Beaver Trust, leading by example in alignment with our core values.
• Support fundraising efforts, working with the board and executive team to identify new revenue streams, partners, and donors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with applicable external stakeholders as required. This may vary according to the chair’s own experience and networks.
• ​Board Development & Performance​
• Work with all committees to ensure that they are representative of the charity and able to work effectively and productively within their remit.
• Conduct /cooperate with annual evaluations of the Chair, other trustees and CEO/board performance, addressing any issues and driving continuous improvement.
• Ensure succession planning is in place for key roles, including the Chair and CEO.

​Skills and experience

Essential:

• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• A proven understanding of governance and legal responsibilities of charity trustees, with a strong commitment to high standards of accountability and transparency.
• Experience in chairing boards or committees, with strong facilitation skills and the ability to manage diverse opinions and complex discussions, to reach clear and agreed decisions within agreed timeframes.
• Proven track record of strategic planning and implementation, with the ability to provide insight and oversight in complex situations.
• Strong emotional intelligence, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with trustees, staff, stakeholders, and partners.
• Passionate about environmental conservation and committed to Beaver Trust’s mission of restoring beavers to regenerate our landscapes.
• A desire to develop beaver-related knowledge.
• Ability to align with Beaver Trust values and ensure they shape our work.

Desired:

• Experience in fundraising, advocacy, or public relations, with established networks in the environmental sector.
• Understanding of the complexities of practical, political and social aspects of species restoration.
• Understanding of UK environmental law, restoration policy, and sustainable land management practices.
• Beaver related knowledge or experience

Role Title: 

Outreach Assistant

Brief Description:

Supporting animal-assisted intervention visits to venues including care homes, schools, hospitals and community groups

Where:

Visiting services at various locations across Greater Manchester, whilst it is possible to meet us on location assistance with packing and unpacking at our base is always appreciated.
Noah’s A.R.T.

1-9 Borough Arcade, Hyde, SK14 2AA

What’s in it for you?

• The chance to make a difference.

• Enjoy new experiences & develop new skills.

• Excellent training opportunities.

• Reasonable expenses covered.

• Be a part of an amazing team and meet new people.

• Gain experience working with animals.

• Opportunity to meet others who care about animals.

• Improve self esteem and confidence.

• The chance to contribute to the work of Noah’s A.R.T.

• Gain experience of animal-assisted interventions.

• Gain experience working with a wide range of people with differing needs.

• Opportunity to support others.

• The potential to gain the experience needed for a paid position. 

When:

Mondays and/or Fridays

Duration: 

Ongoing

Main Duties:

• Communicate promptly with the volunteer coordinator and lead therapists.

• Work as a team with the lead therapist and other volunteers .

• Support clients to interact with the animals.

• Be friendly, empathetic and attentive to clients’ needs.

• Notify staff as soon as possible if you cannot attend.

• Adhere to all Noah’s A.R.T. policies and procedures at all times.

• Understand that you represent Noah’s A.R.T. when volunteering, and behave respectfully, professionally and courteously to clients, carers, Noah’s A.R.T. staff and other volunteers at all times.

• Take reasonable care to avoid injury to yourself or others and report any accident or injury immediately.

• Take safeguarding seriously and report any concerns to staff.

• Understand that you must not disclose to a third party any confidential information you obtain whilst volunteering which is not available to the public.

• Maintain animal welfare standards during sessions.

• Understand the selection of animals for therapy work and suitability of animals with different clients.

• Promote the safety of the animals during sessions, including allowing them to have the choice to interact or retreat.

• Handle the animals confidently as needed.

• Recognise the signs of stress in the animals and understand how to reduce stress.

• Recognise signs of illness or injury in the animals.

• Be aware of behaviour changes in the animals and report this to Noah’s A.R.T. staff.

• Report any incidents such as nipping, biting, etc. (to self or participants).

About You:

• You have an interest in mental health/animal welfare.

• You have access to email and phone.

• You are polite, approachable, and friendly with good communication skills.

• You can volunteer as part of a team of people from different backgrounds.

• You are committed to equal opportunities and treat all individuals with respect.

• You understand, and commit to, confidentiality.

• You are punctual and reliable.

• You are able to take initiative and adapt.

• You are interested in developing your skills and experiences.

• You are passionate about contributing to the work of Noah’s A.R.T.

Skills & Experience:

ESSENTIAL

• 18+

• Able to manage potentially triggering situations; we visit mental health wards, care homes and eating disorder wards where you may be exposed to dementia or obvious instances of self harm.

• Willingness to engage with challenging clients such as those with neurodiversities or those who may be heavily medicated. 

• Whilst supervision is available you must be confident in your ability to manage your own mental well being.

DESIRABLE

• Driver.

• Knowledge of mental health needs.

• Experience working with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.

• Animal welfare knowledge.

About Us:

Noah’s A.R.T. is a family-run, community-based, not-for-profit social enterprise. It was founded in 2015 with a mission: to utilise the benefits of the human-animal bond to improve mental health and wellbeing in Greater Manchester. 

• We will provide on the job training, a volunteer induction and access to supervision if needed.

• We also provide invaluable training opportunities in a variety of areas with ourselves and other organisations.

• We will pay travel expenses and other expenses within reason (to be discussed with a member of staff prior to making a claim).

• We provide a friendly and welcoming work environment and are understanding of differing individual circumstances; we try to be flexible where possible in order to accommodate.

• If you have volunteered with us for three months or more we will be able to provide you with a reference.

Other Requirements:

• We ask volunteers to provide two references.

• Some roles require a DBS check.

• Volunteers must be over 14.

• Volunteers are expected to complete the online induction as well as attend relevant training.

• Volunteers must adhere to Noah’s A.R.T. policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines at all times.

Benefits to Noah’s A.R.T.

• Extra support for staff during sessions.

• Extra support for clients during sessions.

• Improved safety of the animals.

• Quicker identification of health issues and risks to/from the animals.

Chair of the Global Communities Sub-Committee

Do you want to make a difference and contribute to The Methodist Church? Are you a keen and experienced individual who is interested in supporting the work we do within the Connexional team? Could you the Chair of this exciting vital work of the connexion?

About the role

The Global Communities Sub-Committee is charged with responsibility to keep in constant review the mission and ministry of the Global Communities work across the British Connexion. The Global Communities Sub-Committee will work with relevant Connexional team members in developing new ways of working across the Connexion and advising the missions committee on polices and recommend specific learning points from these Communities that could enrich the wider mission and ministry of the Methodist Church in Britain. The Global Communities Sub-Committee will report annually to the Missions Committee.

About You

We are looking for an experienced, committed person who has transferable skills, this individual will:

• Be a member in good standing of the Methodist Church in Britain
• Have previous experience served as a Chair Committees at Local, District or Connexional Level
• Have an awareness of the variety of contexts that exist within the Methodist Church in Great Britain and Cross Cultural Ministry
• Have a good knowledge of the organisational arrangements of the Methodist Church.
• Have the ability to think strategically and connect vision, aims and strategies through theological reflection.
• Be a leader who is able to show humility, offer direction and able to exercise sound judgement in working with others in the Methodist Church in Britain and within the Global Communities. 
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team

We advise you to review the candidate pack, the role description and person specification ahead of completing and submitting your online expression of interest form. The candidate pack includes some useful information about our processes. 

If you have questions about the role or require reasonable adjustments to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us. 

Indicative Recruitment Timetable:

Closing date: 8th November 2024

Shortlisting Date: 11th November 2024

Interviews Date: 19th November 2024 (held on Zoom)

Provisional appointment start date: 1st December 2024 subject to Mission Committee appointment 

This is a voluntary unpaid position; however, some additional expenses can be agreed.

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

Remote Family Support Volunteer – Live Chat

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference. Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Organisational values:

Mission: We build better family lives together.

Vision: Families should have access to active support and understanding. 

Values: Trustworthy, Compassionate and Collaborative

Purpose of the role: To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Live chat: is a free confidential service that is accessed via our website. Service users are offered emotional support, information and advice and guidance on a broad range of family issues.

Supervised by: The Shift Supervisor

 Activities: The volunteer will be fully supervised, supported and trained to provide the following activities:

·Provide emotional support to family members via our live chat service

·Use the Family Lives support model and tools to provide an empathic responses

·Ensure that all service users receive a high quality experience

·Sign post users to other agencies for information and additional support

·Complete conversation data records

·Alert the shift supervisor to any difficult situations

General: Volunteers should be willing to:

·Attend the relevant volunteer training

·Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the other policies and procedures of the organisation

·Participate in regular support, supervision meetings and learning sessions as agreed

For home based volunteers only:

·Volunteers will need a Laptop/PC, plug in headset with microphone, fast broadband and a private place to work from home

·Volunteers need to be IT/PC literate and confident troubleshooting should they have technical difficulties

 Time: We would be looking for volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per week, plus attending training and supervision.

Location: working remotely from home

 You need to be a UK resident

Supervision and Support:

·Supervision during shifts

·Debrief after every shift

·1 to 1 supervision every 6 months

·Staff available outside of shift within office hours

·Annual review

The Benefits of Volunteering:

·Satisfaction in making a real and lasting difference to families who are struggling

·An opportunity to develop experience for CV and references. Family Lives is committed to helping volunteers develop their own learning and development, gaining new skills, knowledge or work experience

·Being part of a team of Family Lives volunteers and staff

·Personal development

·Opportunities to meet and interact with a wide range of people

·Out of pocket expenses reimbursed to a maximum of £10 per session if working from a centre

·Flexible hours

Volunteer Person Specification. We are looking for individuals who:

·Have experience of parenting/being in a parenting role or demonstrable experience of working with parents or children e.g. in their work, previous volunteering or a previous role

·Have an ability to respond empathically to emotional content

·Good written and verbal communication

·Have good keyboard skills and IT skills, with a minimum of 50 wpm

·Can demonstrate a willingness to question their own attitudes e.g. toward different forms of parenting

·Have a fluent, descriptive and expressive use of English

·Can remain open minded and non-judgemental

·Willing to commit to work within Family Lives’ policies, in particular our Confidentiality Policy and Risk of Harm Procedures

·Willing to commit to attending regular supervision and support sessions

·Willing to work as part of a team

·Willing to commit to a mutually agreed period or ideally a 12 months commitment to the organisation.

Typing Task Prior to Application for Live Chat

Prior to you submitting your application for a Live Chat Volunteer, we will require you to do a speed test, we ask for a minimum speed of 50 words per minute. 

Please take a screen shot and send it across with your application

You can have up to 3 attempts and decide which result you would like to forward as part of your application

Typing task

Go to the website typingtest

You are required to take the one minute typing test recording all of the results (speed, number of errors and adjusted speed).

We have remote voluntary call taker training groups the dates are below are you would need to be able to attend all 5 Modules from the training group.

November training dates:

Module 1 – Monday 4th November

Module 2 – Wednesday 6th November

Module 3 – Monday 11th November

Module 4 – Wednesday 13th November

Module 5 – Monday 18th November

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.

We’re BrightPIP, and we’re looking for our next trustees.

Do you share our view that every baby deserves to grow up feeling safe, secure, and loved? Do you understand how charities work? Are you good at leading small teams? 

About BrightPIP and Our Vision
Brighton Parent Infant Psychological Therapy (BrightPIP) is a small, local charity that provides intensive support to expectant parents and those with babies under the age of three. We are rooted in our community and responsive and connected to our families and referrers. Our standards are informed by clinical excellence so that we provide highly effective interventions that are tailored to each family. We are deeply commmitted to service development that is shaped by the community we serve. 

Our trustees play a big part in helping us realise and achieve our strategic objectives and meet the needs of those we’re committed to supporting: babies and their young families. As we enter our second decade, we’re now recruiting a new Treasurer and other trustees to support our growth and development as we enter an exciting next chapter.

We are looking for an experienced finance professional or who knows the charity sector and understands charity finance. Experience of being a Treasurer is ideal but not essential.

So, if you’re interested in changing the world, one baby at a time (starting in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex), we’d love to receive your application.

To apply, please send a CV and a cover letter setting out your interest in the position (maximum two pages) and use the reference: Treasurer.

The closing date for applications is 12pm on Friday 8 November.

Face to face interviews will be held on: Wednesday 13 November (afternoon) and Wednesday 20 November (morning). We are also offering limited virtual interview slots for those unable to attend in person on: Wednesday 20 November 6-8pm.

*Please indicate any time you cannot attend in your cover letter.

Change Agents UK is a sustainability education charity and not-for-profit, working towards the vision of a secure, resilient, zero-carbon and a fair future for all. We provide programmes and workshops to everyone from students and young people to professionals, helping them embed sustainability into their lives and careers and support the transition to Net Zero. We run a non-profit trading subsidiary, providing sustainability recruitment and employment services, creating fantastic career opportunities in future-focused work and supporting partner organisations to resource their sustainability and Net Zero goals.

We are seeking a range of Trustees and Directors to expand our Charity and Non-profit Boards and to support us as we grow. In particular, we are seeking people with a passion for sustainability and professional experience in areas including safeguarding, finance, fundraising, IT or HR.

Our Trustees and Directors play vital roles in making sure that Change Agents UK achieves its core purpose. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your professional skills to use to help us to achieve our mission:

• raising public awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals and the climate emergency,
• supporting and empowering the next generation to have the skills and knowledge needed for the future,
• and building networks that engage individuals and organisations in working towards an equitable and zero-carbon world.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking and skills on our Board.

 Personal skills and qualities

• A strong personal commitment to the principles of sustainability and the drive towards Net Zero
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities as a trustee or director and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Charity Trustees must be at least 18 years of age and you must not be disqualified from serving as a trustee 

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive Board, valuing a range of perspectives and experiences across race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and other characteristics. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who bring under-represented voices to our Board, including but not limited to individuals from the Global Majority, people with disabilities, people identifying as LGBTQ+ or people under 35.

You do not need previous Board experience to apply and will be provided with induction and support in the role.

Duties of Trustees & Directors:

• Support and provide advice on Change Agents UK’s vision, goals, strategy and activities.
• Actively promote and champion the work of the Change Agents UK, amplifying messages, campaigns and supporting our growth
• Approve (as part of the Board and with input from the Executive Team) financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Change Agents UK’s financial statements (with the advice of an Independent Examiner/Auditor).
• Provide support to the CEO/Executive Team
• Keep abreast of changes in Change Agents UK’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Change Agents UK’s own governance and policies.
• Attend Board meetings adequately prepared to contribute to discussions and participate in decision-making.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Change Agents UK’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader success of Change Agents UK’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

There will be times when the Trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve reading and commenting on board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are usually appointed for an initial 2-year term of office, with renewals thereafter agreed at the AGM
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses (for example, travel to and from CAUK events or meetings) can be reimbursed.

 Time commitment

• Attending 4 Board meetings annually and our AGM – these are usually held on Zoom, but we also welcome the opportunity to meet up in person when possible
• Attending an Annual Strategy Day
• 3-4 hours per month preparation and support time
• During the first 6 months of appointment, attendance at 2-3 of our workshops (delivered remotely, expected time commitment is 6-8 hours in total)

Committee membership

Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Sounddelivery Media is a dynamic charity tackling injustice and inequality. We’re looking to strengthen our board by recruiting a new trustee with financial experience to take us into the next stage of our development.

Who we are

Sounddelivery Media is a dynamic charity tackling injustice and inequality. We’re looking to strengthen our board by recruiting new Trustees to take us into the next stage of our development as an organisation.

Sounddelivery Media works alongside people with direct experience of social injustice and inequality to advocate for themselves and their communities publicly by providing training, support and media matches, media meet ups and media opportunities. We work to address representation and

The role

The overall role of a trustee with financial experience is to maintain an overview of the organisation’s affairs, including its financial affairs, ensure its financial viability and ensure that proper financial records, controls and procedures are maintained.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties include:

● Financial oversight of the charity – being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs.

● Overseeing and reviewing the preparation of the charity’s annual budget. Then presenting the budget to the Board for approval.

● Reviewing the quarterly management accounts and annual financial statements and presenting to the Board for approval in collaboration with the CEO and Finance and Operations Manager.

● Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy.

● Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.

● Liaising with any paid staff and external accountants about financial matters.

● Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans.

● Ensuring that the annual financial statements are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission.

● Ensuring external scrutiny of the financial statements in the manner required and any recommendations are implemented.

● Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.

● Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation.

● Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required.

● Lead oversight of the risk register to ensure that the risk mitigating actions are appropriate and being undertaken

● To act as the lead person for staff to raise in confidence any concerns about fraud.

About you

In addition to the person specification of a trustee, duties of the trustee with financial experience include:

● Financial qualifications and experience within the charity sector

● Extensive experience at setting and managing budgets.

● Some experience fundraising, income generation and pension scheme.

● Alignment with Sounddelivery Media’s mission.

● Supporting the board to make decisions relating to the financial health of the charity

● Providing appropriate oversight at operational level

● The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences

● A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time

● A willingness to learn and carry out the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship

​​For a full description of the trustee with financial experience role, please see our application pack.​

We’re BrightPIP, and we’re looking for our next trustees.

Do you share our view that every baby deserves to grow up feeling safe, secure, and loved? Do you understand how charities work? Are you good at leading small teams? 

About BrightPIP and Our Vision
Brighton Parent Infant Psychological Therapy (BrightPIP) is a small, local charity that provides intensive support to expectant parents and those with babies under the age of three. We are rooted in our community and responsive and connected to our families and referrers. Our standards are informed by clinical excellence so that we provide highly effective interventions that are tailored to each family. We are deeply commmitted to service development that is shaped by the community we serve. 

Our trustees play a big part in helping us realise and achieve our strategic objectives and meet the needs of those we’re committed to supporting: babies and their young families. As we enter our second decade, we’re now recruiting a new Chair and other trustees to support our growth and development we enter an exciting next chapter.

We are looking for someone with experience of leading an organisation, who knows the charity sector and understands charity governance. Experience of being a Chair is ideal but not essential.

So, if you’re interested in changing the world, one baby at a time (starting in Brighton and Hove, and East Sussex), we’d love to receive your application.

To apply, please send a CV and a cover letter setting out your interest in the position (maximum two pages).

The closing date for applications is 12pm on Friday 8 November.

Face to face interviews will be held on: Wednesday 13 November (afternoon) and Wednesday 20 November (morning). We are also offering limited virtual interview slots for those unable to attend in person on: Wednesday 20 November 6-8pm.

*Please indicate any time you cannot attend in your cover letter.

BrightPIP is fully committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce. We particularly welcome applicants with lived experience of any of the issues we are seeking to address in our work: parent infant attachment, early years intervention, or amelioration of mental health or Adverse Childhood Experiences. 

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

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

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

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

As a charity trustee, you will be responsible for ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the branch, you will provide leadership and support for the branch management team.

We are recruiting for a  complementary mix of skills within our trustee board. Whilst a passion for animals is crucial, we are also looking for a diversity of  skills such as general business management , finance, marketing, Legal, IT, HR and H&S etc, if this is you, we would love to hear from you.

Your role as a Trustee will require working in collaboration with your fellow trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure our branch continues to deliver our  important  animal welfare work.

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

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

About the National RSPCA

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

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

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee 

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

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas-
• Financial, Human Resources, Health & Safety backgrounds or legal; Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
• Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
• Local community and supporter relationships; Project management, business development
• Awareness of employment and/or charity legislation
• General management or business administration

These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.

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

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

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

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

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

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

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected at our AGM.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
•  References will also be required.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

Closing date: 15 November 2024

Ref 6869

Save the Children UK has an exciting opportunity for an individual with finance expertise to join our Board of Trustees. 

 About Us 

Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.  When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave.  We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach. 

About the role 

We are looking for a Trustee with recent and relevant finance expertise to join our Board of Trustees. 

Trustees of Save the Children UK (SCUK) play a unique role in delivery of our mission. They are collectively responsible for the governance of the organisation and for all decisions made by the Board. They set the strategic direction for the organisation, ensuring alignment to our values, and are responsible for setting organisational policy, defining targets, agreeing the financial plan, evaluating performance, and ensuring that strong relationships are maintained between the Trustees and the Executives. 

As a Trustee, you'll be required to attend all Board meetings (four Board meetings and one or more Board calls per year). You may also be asked to participate in Board strategy days, telephone conferences, or travel on behalf of SCUK. 

As a Trustee of SCUK, you will:

• Act in SCUK's best interests, ensuring the charity complies with its governance responsibilities, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation or regulations, and ensure the effective management of resources and of risk.
• Provide support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team to ensure the delivery of SCUK's mission and implementation of its strategic plan.
• Bring personal experience and professional expertise to the Board; contribute to key strategic debates within the organisation and to specific departmental and cross-team initiatives; and help to strengthen Board governance.
• Help ensure that SCUK continues to maintain the highest safeguarding standards in line with legislation, statutory guidance and best practice, and organisation policy and procedure.
• Ensure that safeguarding remains embedded in the culture of SCUK encouraging a safer environment for those we serve, our staff and volunteers.
• Attend quarterly Board meetings at SCUK's Head Office in Farringdon, London as well as any ad hoc Board meetings that arise.
• Represent SCUK at key functions, including fundraising and profile-raising events.

As a Trustee with finance expertise, you will:

• Become a Member of the Finance Committee, which provides oversight of SCUK's financial resources, fundraising and marketing, and attend quarterly meetings.
• Become a member of the Investment & Pensions Committee (IPC), a sub-committee of the Finance Committee, which provides oversight of the investment of SCUK's reserves and the pension arrangements for staff and attend quarterly meetings.

 About you 

 We are seeking to recruit a Trustee who:

• Is engaged with, and excited by, SCUK's vision, mission and values.
• Will work to guarantee the highest standards of integrity and governance and help ensure statutory requirements are met.
• Has Board-level or equivalent experience of financial management of large and complex organisations.
• Has knowledge of charity finance, accounting and governance.
• Understands the financial risks facing major international development charities, and the financial strategies available to address them.
• Will ensure that key financial issues are clearly communicated to and understood by the Board.
• Is able and willing to devote the necessary time to the role. Trustees are required to attend all Board meetings (four Board meetings and one or more Board calls per year), quarterly Finance Committee meetings and quarterly Investment & Pensions Committee meetings. Trustees may also be asked to participate in Board strategy days, telephone conferences, or travel on behalf of SCUK.
• Has a demonstrable commitment to championing diversity and inclusion, and a clear understanding of power, privilege, and how this affects everyone, particularly the children and communities with which we work.

Highly desirable capabilities:

• Collaborative, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker: ability to strategically assess financial risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions in line with the organisation's mission.
• A good understanding of the context within which SCUK works, with an appreciation of and strong an interest in international affairs.
• Experience in, or an understanding of, the technology sector, digital development and innovation.
• Willingness to build and use networks to make introductions for Save the Children UK, for example to explore best practice in or facilitate fundraising, or advocacy and campaigning.
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, corporate governance issues, especially those that might affect a large international not-for-profit organisation.
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Trustees, and of the difference between governance and management functions.

The knowledge and skills listed above represent “the ideal candidate”. Please do not be deterred from applying if you do not fulfil every highly desirable capability. We warmly welcome applications from people who have not served as Trustees before. To ensure our Board of Trustees represents the wider society we serve, we encourage applications from candidates based in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and regions of England outside London.

Terms of Appointment: 

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. We want to do what we can to remove barriers for Trustees on low incomes or with little spare. Please let us know during the application process if this could be an issue for you, so that we can explore options together. 

Trustees are appointed for an initial term of 2 years, after which Trustees can be reappointed for two further terms of 3 years each, up to a maximum of 8 years. 

Visit our website to learn more about our Board of Trustees and to explore our other current Trustee positions!

Closing Date: Friday 15th November 2024

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: 

Save the Children believes in a world that is inclusive, where equal opportunities and outcomes exist for all children, regardless of where they are growing up. 

We also apply this to our workforce and Board of Trustees - we are committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation where all employees and Trustees feel a sense of belonging and feel they can be “Free to be Me”. We are not looking for just one type of person - we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas or challenge that disrupts the risk of group thinking.

We aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce and Board of Trustees that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We are especially interested in people whose childhood experiences - of life on a low income, of migration, of being in a racialised community, of the care system, of being LGBT+ or in an LGBT+ family or living with (or with someone with) a disability - help us to see things we might otherwise miss. Whatever your story is we want to hear it because we know that different voices, ideas, perspectives and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of children around the world. This is the reason why we are all here.

Join Transition Network as a new Trustee

Do you have wisdom, a fresh perspective, time and energy that you want to place in service to an innovative organisation?

Transition Network is a charity registered in England and Wales that works internationally to support the Transition movement.  We are looking for new trustees from a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences who can help guide our strategy and join an ongoing experiment in shared governance. We are seeking to recruit several new trustees, including generalists as well as a new trustee Treasurer.

We Are Family is hiring! We have an exciting role within our adopter peer support community to join us as our Chair of Trustees. 

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees with a strong understanding of the challenges facing adoptive parents and who shares our commitment to supporting adopters and prospective adopters throughout their adoption journey. Ideal candidates will have strong governance knowledge, the capacity to think strategically, work collaboratively and lead the Trustees in making significant contributions to our future.

You will join the Board as the organisation heads into its second decade, with established services, partnerships and a growing membership base. Our quality and consistency of service provision is leading to exciting conversations nationally, and we are looking for our new Chair to help steer us through this next stage of growth.

We’re looking for an IT professional to join our Board and provide thought-leadership on our digital and IT strategy, including guiding us through Cyber Essentials accreditation. If you can help us use technology to improve our local advice service, we would love to hear from you.

As our digital and IT expert, you will work alongside the Chair, Chief Executive and the external IT support company we use to:

• Ensure our IT operating systems and equipment are fit for purpose
• Guide the charity through the work needed to obtain Cyber Essentials accreditation
• Advise how we can use technology to improve our service to clients
• Translate the risks and opportunities of IT for other trustees
• Take the lead in evaluating IT related proposals for the Board.

We need someone who either lives, works or studies in Elmbridge (or the surrounding area) and who has:

• Demonstrable experience of delivering IT and business change management
• Experience of IT strategy planning and execution
• A good understanding of cyber security including obtaining Cyber Security Accreditation
• A good understanding of Microsoft 365 multi-factor authentication
• Experience of business continuity and disaster recover planning
• A good understanding of risk management
• A commitment to the Citizens Advice organisation
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse board of trustees and welcome applications from all sections of the community.  Experience of Citizens Advice work is not required.

Time commitment

Our trustees are expected to attend six board meetings each year.  These normally take place on a Monday evening, at our office in Esher. Reading preparation for each board meeting will take around one-two hours.  All Citizens Advice trustees are required to complete a small number of e-learning courses each year.

In addition, as the IT lead, you will need to have time to participate in various IT discussions with our management team and with the IT support company we use.  This work may average around 1-2 hours a week.

What difference will you make?

People with good local knowledge and strategic vision can really help us to develop a service that meets the changing advice needs of our community.

More specifically, your input will help us to reach more people and provide more timely advice.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Citizens Advice is a well-respected and influential organisation.  This is an opportunity to help develop this much-needed charity at a local level, really making a difference to people's lives.

As well as intellectual stimulation, the role will provide you with practical management experience of the voluntary sector to help develop your career.

Initial induction and training takes place in-house and through peer support but there is the opportunity to attend national Citizens Advice conferences and seminars.  Travel expenses to these events are paid.

We are a business-like but friendly board, keen to welcome new members.

Use your skills and experience to serve a nationally respected, Christian homelessness charity growing in its impact and influence.

Oasis Community Housing (part of the wider Oasis Charitable Group) is a Christian homelessness charity with 40 years’ experience of delivering bespoke, effective services for vulnerably housed and people experiencing homelessness.

We exist to reignite a hope and a future for everyone facing homelessness. We believe that anyone’s life can be transformed however dark things may seem.

We run supported accommodation programmes in the North-East and London for young people, particularly young women and mums facing homelessness for a variety of reasons. We also run drop-in crisis centres providing emergency housing on a ‘housing first, no questions asked basis’, a warm shower, food, clothing and access to advice. Additionally we run a programme to help victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence to break the cycle of abusive relationships.

The last 3 years have been tumultuous and challenging for us all due to the enduring legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic. Over this period we have been stretched and tested across the range of our work. But in the testing, our passion for our mission and ability to innovate and be agile have shone through.  

In spite of the challenges of the last 4 years we have seen a 41% increase in unrestricted donations over the last two years.

This is an exciting time to consider joining Oasis Community Housing.

We are now looking for two or more Trustees. The priority areas we are seeking to cover include:

Finance – with strategic financial leadership experience in order to ensure effective oversight and risk management at a governance level.

Property/Facilities Management/Planning – with experience of lease agreements, property licensing and planning regulations.

Whilst these are priority skill areas we would also be open to considering candidates from other professional backgrounds too.