Community Champion Volunteer Roles

Job description

Please note this is a volunteer role:

Bridge the gap ending Digital Poverty C.I.C is a Community interest organisation based in Hackney set up to support families , children and the wider community. We aim to provide a non discriminatory service to all enabling everyone to feel comfortable. We would love for you to join our warm and friendly team and play a part in creating our future as a volunteer digital skills champion. This role is aiming to operate in our community hubs starting in October 2024 which will be ongoing .

Recruitment period August -September

Role Description

• Must live in or be local to Hackney
• To support residents in basic tech knowledge using digital devices such as Laptops, tablets /Ipads or phones
• To support/guide participants to navigate through their devices safely
• To support residents on a one to one basis weekly for 8 weeks or during our weekly drop in sessions
• To Develop and maintain positive relationships with residents enabling them to build confidence
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times
• To support residents to give feedback on what they have learnt

Commitment

The role requires a weekly commitment of around 2-4 hours on a weekly basis.

Bridge the gap ending digital Poverty C.I.C are committed to achieving an inclusive environment which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from unlawful discrimination for everyone who works within and accesses our organisation and services.

Benefits

• work in a supportive team
• company events
• Training
• volunteer Travel/lunch reimbursed
• opportunity to grow within BTG
• DBS

Ready to apply?

All applications are completed online. You’ll answer some simple questions and upload your CV/Cover letter.

If applicants need support they will not be negatively assessed, instead helped through the process. Please get in touch.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Free or subsidised travel

Schedule:

• Day shift
• No weekends

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hackney: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:

• Computer literacy: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering and supporting the serving community? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.

What is a Serving Community Team Volunteering Coordinator?

There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas, SSAFA have Serving Community Teams which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team is formed of a group of trained volunteers who make this possible.

A Volunteering Coordinator is a key role within the Team, supporting with local recruitment, induction, and celebration of volunteers and volunteering. They ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported. This role also has voting rights for the grant giving process.

What difference will you make?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and the number of people contacting us for help rises each year. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, SSAFA must maintain a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Serving Community Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator:

• Keeping track and keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of volunteer details, ensuring volunteers complete training, checking in with volunteers about their experience and passing on feedback.
• Monitoring and planning: Working alongside the Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required.
• Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups. Liaising with the Engagement and Events Coordinator and SSAFA’s Marketing and Communications team for support with branding and publicity materials.
• Welcoming and supporting: Working in partnership with SSAFA Central Office teams to coordinate local volunteer recruitment and induction, supporting new volunteers through these steps. Ensuring every volunteer has access to supervision and support, signposting to support from SSAFA Central Office teams as required.
• Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking opportunities to celebrate volunteering, engaging in local initiatives and finding ways to say thank you to volunteers for all their efforts.
• Partnership working: building positive relationships and working together with national and regional employees, who are available to offer you support.
• Being a volunteering champion: working with the Regional Operations Support Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the Team and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.

What about training and support?

• Instructor led training alongside like-minded volunteers will guide you through everything you need to know about volunteering good practice and volunteer management.
• Online, e-learning, training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
• Local induction and support.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Support from SSAFA volunteering and operations staff.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Some experience of coordinating people is desirable but not essential.
• Empathy regarding the needs and challenges of the serving community
• Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
• A belief in the impact of volunteering.

Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.

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

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.

Minimum Age: 18

Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).

Is a criminal record check required? No

We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing two suitable references, and completing relevant training for your role.

Are you passionate about making a positive difference in your community? Do you have any time to spare each week or month? MindWell is looking for volunteers to join our team and help us connect more people in Leeds with vital mental health and wellbeing resources. 

About the role

We're excited to offer a new volunteer role that will be crucial in helping us reach and support more people across Leeds. 

As a MindWell Training and Learning Volunteer, you’ll be part of the MindWell team and play a vital part in helping to raise awareness of the information, guidance and support MindWell offers. 

• You’ll support the Volunteer and Engagement Manager in producing presentations and training sessions for individuals and organisations.
• You’ll speak to key contacts from organisations to find out what their needs are so that presentations are relevant and helpful to the audience. 
• With support from the Volunteer and Engagement Manager, you’ll deliver online or face-to-face training sessions, showcasing the key areas of the MindWell website.
• You’ll gather feedback from attendees about the training they’ve received and promote further opportunities to engage with MindWell. Encouraging people to sign up for the MindWell newsletter will also be a huge help. 

Who we’re looking for

We welcome volunteers living in Leeds from all walks of life especially those with personal experience of mental health challenges, and those from LGBT+, disabled, and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. 

You don’t need any specific skills - what matters most is your willingness to help and your enthusiasm to learn. We’re looking for people who are:

• Caring and compassionate
• Positive and motivated
• Reliable and committed
• Collaborative and good at communicating 
• Open to learning and growing with us

Even if you don’t feel you match all these qualities perfectly, that’s okay! We’ll provide all the training and support you need to feel confident in your role.

Volunteer benefits:

• Learn new skills and gain experience in the mental health field.
• Be part of a supportive, friendly team.
• Receive induction and ongoing training, including free eLearning.
• Make a meaningful difference in your community.
• Have your travel expenses reimbursed and enjoy discounts on event tickets.

About MindWell

MindWell is the go-to online resource for adult mental health and wellbeing support in Leeds.

The website provides clear, practical, and reliable information to promote understanding, normalise self-care, remove barriers and help people find the support that’s right for them. Join us in creating a caring and mentally healthy Leeds.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Producing presentations and training sessions for individuals and organisations.
• Speaking to key contacts from organisations to find out what their requirements are.
• Delivering online or face to face training sessions, showcasing the key areas of the MindWell website.
• Gathering feedback from attendees about the training they’ve received.
• Promoting further opportunities to engage with MindWell.
• Encouraging people to sign up to the MindWell newsletter.
• Representing MindWell and acting as our ambassador.

Are you passionate about making a positive difference in your community? Do you have any time to spare each week or month? MindWell is looking for volunteers to join our team and help us connect more people in Leeds with vital mental health and wellbeing resources.

About the role

As a MindWell Research Champion, you’ll be part of the MindWell team and play a vital part in helping to raise awareness of the information, guidance and support MindWell offers. 

• You’ll help us to identify health and wellbeing events across the city and key locations for distributing and displaying MindWell materials. 
• You’ll make contact with event organisers and locations to find out whether MindWell can support them in any way. 
• You'll create a calendar of events, build contacts and relationships with organisations and individuals across the city. and work closely with MindWell Events and Promotional Volunteers. 

Find out about our other MindWell volunteer opportunities on Be Collective. 

Who we’re looking for

We welcome volunteers living in Leeds from all walks of life especially those with personal experience of mental health challenges, and those from LGBT+, disabled, and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. You don’t need any specific skills - what matters most is your willingness to help and your enthusiasm to learn. We’re looking for people who are:

• Caring and compassionate
• Positive and motivated
• Reliable and committed
• Collaborative and good at communicating 
• Open to learning and growing with us

Even if you don’t feel you match all these qualities perfectly, that’s okay! We’ll provide all the training and support you need to feel confident in your role. 

Volunteer benefits:

• Learn new skills and gain experience in the mental health field.
• Be part of a supportive, friendly team.
• Receive induction and ongoing training, including free eLearning.
• Make a meaningful difference in your community.
• Have your travel expenses reimbursed and enjoy discounts on event tickets. 

About MindWell

MindWell is the go-to online resource for adult mental health and wellbeing support in Leeds. 

The website provides clear, practical, and reliable information to promote understanding, normalise self-care, remove barriers and help people find the support that’s right for them. Join us in creating a caring and mentally healthy Leeds.

Tasks and responsibilities

• You’ll research events across the city that are focused on improving health and wellbeing.
• You’ll research locations for distributing and displaying MindWell materials.
• You’ll contact event organisers and locations to find out how MindWell can support them.
• You’ll create a calendar of events, build contacts and relationships with organisations and individuals.
• You'll represent MindWell and act as our ambassador.

At Koala NW, our volunteer support is at the heart of what we do and we know how much our families appreciate the support our volunteers offer.

Our volunteer oral health champion will be attending events such as family events,drops ins at schools and nurseries and Koala North West events across Liverpool to promote children's oral health and engaging with local families. This role is flexible around your own commitments

As a Koala North West volunteer, you will be given the training and support to make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work. You will make friends along the way and join other volunteers for peer support sessions and join in celebrations like National Volunteers week & Christmas events.

What does Koala NW expect from you?

• You have a non-judgemental attitude
• You are flexible and are able to commit to 6 hours per month
• You are able to attend an oral health training course.
• You are willing to attend ongoing training to support you in your volunteering role.

We are proud that 43% of our current staff started as volunteers with Koala North West.

Since we started, we have supported in excess of 12,000 families and trained more than 1,500 volunteers.

Volunteering can change a family's life and 1-2 hours per week can make such a huge difference. Our volunteers are the difference.

Full training will be provided and paid travel expenses.

Job Type: Volunteer

Work Location: In person

Irish in Britain is the national membership body for Irish community organisations and Irish individuals in Britain. To help us to achieve our aims and ensure the organisation is effectively managed we are seeking professional and inspiring new members to join our Board of Trustees.  Board level experience is essential as is a shared understanding of the values of Irish in Britain. We would be particularly interested to talk to you if you have senior level experience in the following fields:

                                                                            Public/Health Policy

                                                                            Culture/Heritage

                                                                            Finance Management

As the national body representing Irish community interests in Britain, we understand that effective equality, diversity and inclusion practice helps a board to make better decisions. We are actively seeking to bring more diversity of perspectives and experience to our Board and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Help us to grow brand-new online charity platform A Good Thing in your local area! Come on board as a community champion: use your communications skills to drive more businesses and charities to sign up.

A Good Thing is a not-for-profit set up with one mission: to send less to landfill, and more to a good cause. We are rolling out fast across the UK, momentum is building, and we are growing a network of passionate local volunteer champions right across the country to drive our growth.

You’ll be using your connections (friends, family, colleagues, neighbours...), as well as your insights into the local area, to help us to build the numbers of businesses and charities signing up in your part of the UK. You might do this through making connections with businesses in your area, taking A Good Thing to the doorstep. Or you could approach businesses virtually, using your expert written communication skills to create communications that will engage and inspire them. You’ll definitely be using social media and your brilliant online networking skills to build links and relationships where you live.

Come with us on our journey towards reducing waste and boosting wonderful local charities at the same time.

Be trained to support young primary school children in numeracy, and help them to attain interest, confidence, and skills which will put them on a path to achieving their educational potential.

What will I be doing?

Numeracy, like literacy, is a vital life skill, but many children fall behind.

Following training, you will work one-to-one with 6 to 8 year olds in a local state primary school to help them improve their confidence, enjoyment, and skills in maths. The school will select appropriate children who are behind in maths and likely to respond well to individual support.

Sessions are weekly, in school time, at a fixed time to be agreed between you and the school. Volunteers work one-to-one with each child for up to half an hour, normally with three children consecutively, for a total of about an hour and a half.

At each session, using games and other creative activities, support the child in learning or improving skills and gaining confidence in their own ability. The role is very much about helping the child learn, rather than you teaching.

Our Mentors (current or former teachers also volunteering with us) will provide you with direct support to help you plan sessions.

Commitment

We ask volunteers to commit to a weekly session in school for the full school year. (Recognising that you will have to miss occasional weeks.)

What impact will this have?

You will be helping improve the educational and life chances of the children you work with. A child who is behind in maths aged 6 often develops a dislike for the subject and a belief that "I can't do maths" which can stay with them forever. Helping the child acquire skills and confidence can let them not just engage better with maths but can improve their whole attitude to education, giving them better chances in life.

Over half the children we work with are "disadvantaged" in terms of being on pupil premium or having family difficulties You will be giving these children the support that is normal for other children.

You will not change the life of every child, but the experience of having a purposeful one-to-one relationship with a considerate adult from outside their family will be transformative for some children.

By helping to improve the performance of individual children, you are saving the teacher from having to devote so much time in class to them. This lets the teacher involve the whole class in better-received lessons, improving the educational experience for all the children.

What will I get out of it?

Training
Support through the year
Being active in your local community and meeting new people
Working with young children is (usually) fun and rewarding
The great shared achievement when the child "gets it"

Some of our volunteers have gone on to a career in teaching.

We welcome - and we have - volunteers from a wide variety of ethnicities and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of London. We will do our best to accommodate those with disabilities or access needs.

A bit about this role

We need Fundraising Volunteers to help in and around Medway. The postcode areas we are active in are ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME6, ME7, ME8.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help. 

Our Volunteer led branches operate within local communities nationwide and rely on funds donated by generous members of the public to continue to help cats and kittens in need of new homes, supporting owners with neutering, managing trap, neuter and return programmes and educating people about cat welfare. 

Our fundraising volunteers are part of a passionate team that help raise funds to help cats. They help plan and deliver exciting and varied fundraising events, which can be anything from craft fairs, cake sales, sponsored abseils – and anything in between!

What can you expect to be doing?

• Helping organise fundraising events in your local area 
• Championing our cause and making a better life for cats
• Getting involved with new and exciting fundraising ideas 
• Engaging communities, spreading awareness and starting conversations
• Promoting National fundraising initiatives where appropriate

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 help raise funds that will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication skills
• Responsible to handle money
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation 

Our fundraising volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role. You can offer your time flexibly, seasonally or remotely and it 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.

 Become more relevant to more people by ensuring we reflect the diversity of the communities in which we live and work, by increasing opportunities and reducing barriers for marginalised and underserved groups. 
- Cultivate an inclusive movement and culture where we are ‘Wild About Inclusion’, where difference is celebrated, everyone can be themselves, feel respected and able to contribute to their full potential.
- Communicate inclusively - the ways that we connect with our communities will be intentionally inclusive and  nurture a sense of belonging.  We want to demonstrate solidarity for people from different  backgrounds, abilities, and identities, and ensure they are empowered to change the natural world for the better.
- Provide access and engagement for everyone. We aim to increase our engagement with diverse  communities, to better understand and overcome barriers to accessing and engaging with nature and to ensure that everyone can benefit from the joy of wildlife in their daily lives.

A bit about this role

We need Fundraising Volunteers to help in and around Bexley. The postcode areas we are active in are DA1, DA2, DA3, DA4, DA5, DA6, DA7, DA8, DA9, DA10, DA11, DA16, DA17, DA18, BR8, SE2, SE18, SE28.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help. 

Our Volunteer led branches operate within local communities nationwide and rely on funds donated by generous members of the public to continue to help cats and kittens in need of new homes, supporting owners with neutering, managing trap, neuter and return programmes and educating people about cat welfare. 

Our fundraising volunteers are part of a passionate team that help raise funds to help cats. They help plan and deliver exciting and varied fundraising events, which can be anything from craft fairs, cake sales, sponsored abseils – and anything in between!

What can you expect to be doing?

• Helping organise fundraising events in your local area 
• Championing our cause and making a better life for cats
• Getting involved with new and exciting fundraising ideas 
• Engaging communities, spreading awareness and starting conversations
• Promoting National fundraising initiatives where appropriate

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 help raise funds that will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication skills
• Responsible to handle money
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation 

Our fundraising volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role. You can offer your time flexibly, seasonally or remotely and it 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.

A bit about this role

We need Fundraising Volunteers to help in and around Mitcham. The postcode areas we are active in are SM1, SM2, SM3, SM4, SM5, SM6, SW2, SW4, SW8, SW9, SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, SW16, SW17, SW18, SW19, SW20, SE1, SE5, SE11, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE24, SE25, SE26, CO0, CR4, CR7, KT1, KT2, KT3, KT4, KT17, KT19.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help. 

Our Volunteer led branches operate within local communities nationwide and rely on funds donated by generous members of the public to continue to help cats and kittens in need of new homes, supporting owners with neutering, managing trap, neuter and return programmes and educating people about cat welfare. 

Our fundraising volunteers are part of a passionate team that help raise funds to help cats. They help plan and deliver exciting and varied fundraising events, which can be anything from craft fairs, cake sales, sponsored abseils – and anything in between!

What can you expect to be doing?

• Helping organise fundraising events in your local area 
• Championing our cause and making a better life for cats
• Getting involved with new and exciting fundraising ideas 
• Engaging communities, spreading awareness and starting conversations
• Promoting National fundraising initiatives where appropriate

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 help raise funds that will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication skills
• Responsible to handle money
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation 

Our fundraising volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role. You can offer your time flexibly, seasonally or remotely and it 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.

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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement 

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 vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)
• Willingness to learn (full training provided)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

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.

About Us 

Mary Ward Settlement was founded in 1895, and today is a multi-service charity that focuses on empowering people to enrich and transform their lives by offering inclusive education opportunities, legal advice, and community support services. Advancing equality and diversity remains at the heart of Mary Ward Settlement, born from its inception in the Settler’s Movement, and our founder Mary Ward’s vision of ‘equalisation’ for adult learning to open up educational opportunities for all. In 2018 we merged with Blackfriars Settlement, sharing a common vision and foundation, which has strengthened our offering to the communities we support in London. 

We deliver our services from our newly opened, purpose-built  Mary Ward Centre, and from Blackfriars Settlement in Southwark. It's an exciting time for Mary Ward as we now look forward to fully utilising both our new facility and increased outreach as focal points in our communities.

About the role 

The Board of Trustees is an integrated Board, offering strategic oversight and professional expertise across the three charities that make up Mary Ward. The Chair of Mary Ward is more than a conduit between our Board of Trustees and our Senior Management team. The Chair orchestrates support from our trustees which recognises skills and experience, provides guidance and challenge to the management team, and is a visible connector, champion, and leader of our inclusive and warm culture. Our organisation is inquisitive and reflective, excited about learning, committed to community, and our Chair helps us reflect this passion across the group and to our wider community.

Requirements/Person Specification

• Working knowledge of good governance principles 
• Strong interpersonal skills grounded in supportive and positive values
• Strong leadership skills including those of diplomacy, influence, and mediating
• General business senior management experience which includes financial understanding, staff management, operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Commitment to a truly inclusive organisation, understanding equality, diversity, and inclusion has a wide application to reach all of our communities we serve. 

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Mary Ward Settlement in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and covering letter.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why are you interested in a Chair role, and why with Mary Ward Settlement?
• How can you contribute to Mary Ward Settlement as our Chair? Please highlight relevant experience you would like to share with us.

We welcome applications from anyone with a passion for our mission, and from a wide range of skills and experience, and we particularly welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups e.g. candidates bringing diversity in terms of age; ethnicity; socio-economic status and disability. 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can help with making the application process work for you. We would discourage you from deselecting yourself if you are in doubt about meeting all the criteria. Instead, if you have specific questions about the role, please get in touch with Melissa.

Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can help with making the application process work for you.