Community Champion Volunteer Roles

Cecil Gardens is a large service containing ninety-nine apartments, close to the city centre of Hull and easily accessible by public transport. The service supports adults with a wide variety of needs including Over 18s, Mental Health needs, Older People, Learning Disabilities and Autism. Our service users live in self-contained apartments and have access to several communal spaces, including a restaurant, a hairdressers and a spa.

We are currently looking for volunteer befrienders at our Cecil Garden service in Hull, if you have a couple of hours to spare and can commit to volunteering on a regular basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Are you a warm and chatty person, who’s also a good listener? We are looking for befrienders who can help someone gain confidence and engage with the local community. Maybe going for walks, trips to a local café, or, supporting somebody to attend their appointments.

Our volunteer befrienders will also encourage people to connect to our internal community here at our service, which includes a wide variety of activity sessions held in several communal spaces on site. As part of our Wellbeing service we are hoping to build a community amongst our Service Users and you will visit service users in their flats and encourage people to join in our activities and take part in events held here.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

Ad Infinitum is looking for new Trustees to join its board.
"Ad Infinitum have given audiences some of the most imaginative and provocative theatre in recent years" British Theatre Guide

We hold a position in the UK’s cultural landscape as a diverse-led company that is internationally renowned, award-winning, and making transformative theatre through a collaborative devising process we’ve refined over 18 years. 

Our purpose is to highlight complex but urgent socio-political issues through theatre which is entertaining and accessible. We create ambitious, experimental productions that contribute to national conversations and provide opportunities for audiences to engage, respond and contribute to lesser heard perspectives on universal themes.

Looking towards an exciting future, our current trustees wish to further transform and develop the board. Through broadening the skills, knowledge and lived experience of the trustees we will ensure Ad Infintum's board is representative of the work we make and the people we make work with and for.

In 2024-25, we wish to recruit new trustees to our board from across the following sectors and areas of expertise:

• Artists and freelancers working in the cultural sector

• Teachers or people working in other professions in the education sector

• People with finance, organisational development, fundraising or governance expertise working in the public or cultural sector

• People with experience of working with and in communities, particularly in Bristol and the surrounding area

• People who have experience of working in policy-making, diversity and inclusion, social activism or human rights

The lived experience of our trustees is of equal importance to their professional achievements. We want our board to represent and give a voice to the collaborators we work with, our core team, our city and our audiences. We believe that a diverse board will lead to stronger and more effective governance.

We actively encourage people whose backgrounds, lived experience and skills are underrepresented in the sector to join us and positively impact our organisation. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people from the Global Majority and Deaf and disabled people to join our board.

Please see our website for more information, including in BSL.

Empower Change as a Legal Advisor with Mast Cell Action: Championing Medical Support in the UK

Are you a dedicated legal professional looking to utilise your expertise for a cause that truly matters? Join the dynamic team at Mast Cell Action, a UK-based charity committed to supporting people with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Your legal skills can play a vital role in advancing our mission and providing much-needed assistance to those in need.

Position: Legal Advisor (Volunteer)

As a Legal Advisor at Mast Cell Action, you will be a crucial contributor to ensuring our operations align with UK laws and regulations. By providing expert legal guidance, you will enable us to navigate legal complexities and make informed decisions that drive our mission forward. In this role, you will:

Responsibilities:

Offer legal counsel on matters related to UK regulations, compliance, and policies.

Review and draft contracts, agreements, and legal documents to facilitate our initiatives.

Provide advice on matters of governance, organisational structure, and risk management.

Collaborate with internal teams to ensure legal compliance in fundraising, advocacy endeavors, and community outreach.

Represent Mast Cell Action in legal negotiations, disputes, and external communications.

Qualifications:

Qualified solicitor or barrister with current registration in the UK.

Experience in healthcare law, nonprofit law, or related field is advantageous.

Strong familiarity with UK healthcare regulations, privacy laws, and compliance standards.

Benefits:

A unique opportunity to leverage your legal skills for a meaningful cause.

Collaboration with a passionate and dedicated team.

Remote work and flexible arrangements.

Satisfaction in contributing to improved support for individuals in the UK.

Application Process:

If you are eager to apply your legal expertise to drive positive change, we invite you to submit your CV and cover letter. Please highlight your relevant experience and your alignment with our charity's mission.

Mast Cell Action is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals affected by mast cell disorders.

Join us in championing medical support and empowerment for all. Apply today to be part of a transformative journey.

Could you be Rosa’s new Chair? Rosa is the UK’s only grant making fund dedicated to supporting women’s and girls’ organisations helping to create a society in which women and girls are safe, healthy and equal at work, at home and in public life. Over the last six years, our organisation has gone from strength to strength: growing our staff team and Board to fulfil our vision of a society in which women and girls are safe, healthy and have equal opportunities at work, at home and in public life.

We are looking for a Chair who shares our ambition to ensure adequate and consistent funding for organisations that support women and girls. Our Board is comprised of twelve dedicated and skilled Trustees with a range expertise and backgrounds and we are now seeking a new passionate and committed Chair.

Founded in 2008, our work focuses on the key issues affecting women’s and girls’ lives including violence and sexual abuse, reproductive rights and health, poverty and economic inequality and mental health and recognises the connections between them. We have channelled funding to small charities and organisations working in the most deprived areas of the UK and responded to the specific challenges faced by Black and minoritised led women’s and girls’ organisations.

This is an exciting time to join the organisation. We are currently working on our new strategy which will begin in 2025. This strategy aims to meet the evolving needs of the UK women’s and girls’ sector, leveraging our influence for its benefit and attracting diverse funders to invest in the sector.

We are proud of our strong partnerships with funders and investors and with women’s and girls’ organisations. We have a dynamic Chief Executive who leads a small, professional team to develop and deliver targeted programmes to meet the needs of the women and girls’ sector across these issues and across the UK.

We are particularly keen on hearing from those with experience as a Chair or Committee Chair, possessing strong leadership skills, and the ability to build trust, drive governance, and guide strategic planning and stakeholder engagement optimally in a charitable, non-profit organisation, public body, or equivalent organisation.

Rosa takes its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion extremely seriously, recognising the value that this adds to our success.  Rosa reaps the benefits of having a diverse board and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and life experiences. We are therefore particularly keen to hear from people from across the UK, people with a variety of educational backgrounds and experiences, people from Black and Asian communities and other racially minoritised ethnic groups, and disabled people.

It is estimated that the role will require the equivalent of approximately forty days per annum, (averaged out over the course of the year). Our board meetings (three online and one in person) are held quarterly in the early evenings. The Chair is also invited to join Board Committees.

The role is unremunerated, but we will reimburse all reasonable expenses.

Are you interested in the personal and professional development of local young people?

Play an important role in the functioning of our Trustee board.

We are looking for a new Trustee & Secretary.

Overview 

Esteem works with young adults aged 14 - 26 to build lasting self-Esteem and stronger communities through group activities and 1-2-1 support. 

Esteem creates spaces where everyone matters.

Esteem works with 200 young adults annually across all of Sussex who face barriers to achieving their life goals. We have a base in Shoreham and offer a variety of different opportunities, including social drop-in sessions, mentoring, wellbeing sessions, volunteering and counselling. We have a dedicated staff team with various backgrounds and a commitment to championing the views of young adults throughout the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer for a charity that is passionate about giving young adults the chance to develop their skills and confidence, both for their own benefit and for that of society as a whole. Esteem works with young adults to run Wellbeing, Social, Mentoring and Volunteering opportunities, with a youth-led and asset-based approach.

This voluntary role of Trustee & Secretary will include duties such as organising and minuting board meetings and some administrative duties to support the board.  As well as the normal duties of a trustee (see The Essential Trustee Duties) The main aim is for the Trustee Secretary to support the Chair and the CO in ensuring the smooth functioning of the board of trustees. This would also compliment other areas we seek to enhance the trustee team, which include a wide range of skills, and expertise in youth work, strategy planning, business development, financial administration and fundraising, as well as an interest in vocational and personal development for young people, combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions.

You will be jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. All trustees should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

During Trustee meetings, your role would be to take minutes and record actions. Following each meeting, you would write up the minutes, share with the Board, as well as support the Chair and CO to plan for the next meeting.

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with Esteem’s goal of enabling young adults to flourish. The Esteem Secretary will be expected to contribute around 6 hours per month to the organisation, including board meetings, which run for two hours every two months, from 6-8pm at The Old School House, Shoreham. A minimum commitment of two years would be preferable. This post requires some flexibility due to the nature of Esteem being a growing organisation.

Your regular tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Attend Board meetings on Tuesday evenings eveyy 8 weeks at Esteem, from 6-8pm

• Read meeting minutes and pre-reading documents ahead of meeting (sent at least 1 week before the meeting)

• Contribute to all aspects of Esteems Strategy and maintain oversight of the organisation

• Ensuring meetings are effectively organised and minuted

• Ensuring meeting minutes are agreed with Chair and circulated post-meetings

• Maintaining effective records and administration

• Assisting the trustees to uphold  the legal requirements of governing documents, to be compliant with charity law, company law etc. (where relevant)

• Communication and correspondence to include:

• Liaising with the Chair to plan Board meetings 

• Draw on the Governance calendar to help plan agenda items and liaise with the CO  and trustees to produce the necessary updates for review at the Board meeting

• Receiving agenda items from committee members and staff

• Circulating agendas and reports with trustees, staff and Esteem’s youth steering committee with the support and direction of the CO and Chair

• Assist in organising the Annual General Meeting - including 

• Developing the Agenda with the Chair 

• Organisation of venue and dates and invitations

• Circulation of papers

• Supporting the smooth running of the day

• Minuting of the AGM

• Seeking agreement of the minutes from Chair and distribution

• Support the Trustees with organising trustee induction and ongoing training

Person Specification

Essential:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Effective time management and organisational skills

• Ability to work to specified deadlines

• A keen eye for detail

• Experience of record keeping, information retrieval and dissemination of data/documentation to Trustees (or Directors or senior managers) and relevant parties. 

• Experience of writing agendas and concise minutes

• Competent computer user and able to communicate by email

• Able to exercise independent judgement and take reasonable care, skill and diligence in their role

• Commitment to working towards Esteem’s values of Trust, Support, and Respect

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Charity law and the voluntary sector.

• Knowledge of, or experience in, the role of a company secretary

• Knowledge and understanding of issues affecting young adults. 

• Have knowledge of Google Drive

Appointment to this role is subject to satisfactory vetting and barring checks.

What we offer

• A Diverse and Inclusive Environment: Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to Esteem’s values and how we work. We are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and support young adults and staff from different backgrounds so they can be their best selves. Our networks include All Sorts (LGBTQIA+), Adur Refugees and Possibility People.

• Wellbeing Activities: You will be invited to attend wellbeing activities that our staff team and young adults enjoy every three months in our Wellbeing Week.

• Training Opportunities: You will be invited to training opportunities.

Applicants that are offered an interview will be asked to provide two referees and bring ID to the interview to enable us to take up references and undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Esteem welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and promote inclusion through our activities, as well as in our policies and practices. Our culture and values reinforce this. We seek to create an inspiring and inclusive environment where all feel valued and able to contribute to the organisation.

If you have the skills, knowledge and drive that we are looking for, and are passionate about making a real difference in young adults' lives, we would love to hear from you.

If you have an enthusiasm and commitment to the environment and 'healthy streets' agenda or an understanding of the issues, we’re looking for a volunteer to support the London Healthy Streets Scorecard project. This highly influential project, now in its fifth year, is led by a coalition of major London and national environment and transport charities. It promotes six key actions we want London boroughs to take – and we publish data each year to show how they’re doing.

Your role will be to help make this project even more influential by supporting our Project Manager with tasks ranging from research and PR to communications, policy, and campaigning work. Ultimately what we need is someone who can help us ensure local borough councillors and officers feel public pressure.

About CPRE London

At CPRE London we campaign to save and promote green spaces in Greater London and make London a better, greener, and healthier place for everyone to live in, work in and enjoy.

We are part of the national network of CPRE, the countryside charity.

About the project

We’re looking for a volunteer to support the London Healthy Streets Scorecard project. This highly influential project, now in its fifth year, is led by a coalition of major London and national environment and transport charities. It promotes six key actions we want London boroughs to take – and we publish data each year to show how they’re doing.

Tasks associated with the project:

• Research
• Public relations (PR)
• Communications
• Policy work
• Campaigning
• Support for local campaigners

Benefits of the role

• You will work with some amazing campaigners across several high-profile and well-respected organisations and have the opportunity to network and gain contacts and skills in this increasingly important sector.
• You will be working on a project having a huge impact across London, on the lives of Londoners and our environment. 
• Enhance your CV by developing new skills and gaining valuable experience
• We can give you a reference for your future work or volunteering
• Get involved with social events and workshops on a local and national level, including the annual CPRE conference
• The opportunity to attend a volunteer induction run by CPRE’s national office
• We provide out-of-pocket travel expense

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone who can help make this project even more influential by supporting our Project Manager with tasks ranging from research and PR to communications, policy, and campaigning work, and supporting our 350-strong network of local campaigners. We can be flexible and are open to creating a volunteer role reflecting a person’s skills and interests. Ultimately what we need is someone who can help us ensure local borough councillors and officers feel public pressure. 

What skills are we looking for? 

• Enthusiasm and commitment to the 'healthy streets' agenda
• Ability to perform a range of tasks
• Good written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Understanding of environmental issues

We are open to fitting around the skills that you have and supporting you to develop skills if you wish. Most of our volunteers and interns have gone on to find paid work in skilled jobs in related fields. We can fit around what you would like to do.

What commitment are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who can commit at least one day per week, some hours office based, but offer flexibility on any additonal hours. 

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes here on our website.

Outline of the Coordinator role

The Coordinator is the first point of contact for those who want to learn to read. Using a simple assessment, the Coordinator will explain to a potential new ‘Reader’ how Read Easy may be able to help them. The Coordinator pairs up new Coaches with those who want to learn to read and provides ongoing support to these reading pairs. They visit reading sessions occasionally and maintain support through regular calls with both Reader and Coach to check all is going well, calling on the group’s Literacy Specialist to respond to any literacy related difficulties a pair may be having. Being a Read Easy Coordinator is very flexible. You decide how much time you have to offer, and this will determine the number of reading pairs you look after. The role provides lots of variety, is home-based and can work well around other commitments.

How we will support you

You will be provided with the Coordinator Handbook, training, induction, policies, resources and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser. In addition, the Coordinator Supporter will meet with you regularly to provide support and find out how your Reading Pairs are getting on. You will be invited to Read Easy UK’s volunteer forums and National Conference which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.

What you will be doing:

● Help interview new Coaches when recruited and shortlisted by the Volunteer Recruiter.

● Enrol and assess new Readers, using the simple resources provided.

● Match Readers with Coaches, make introductions, and help them organise their reading sessions (which will take place in an approved venue or online).

● Visit your reading pairs to provide encouragement, presenting certificates on occasion.

● Work collaboratively with any other Coordinators in the group.

● Contribute to Coach meetings where volunteers discuss their experiences and receive further support. (Run by the Management Team typically every 8 weeks.)

● Attend Management Team meetings when invited, typically every 6-8 weeks either in person or remotely.

● Record progress of your reading pairs using resources provided, sharing these with the Management Team to keep them fully informed and submit expenses for payment egularly.

The skills you will need:

● A passion for supporting others achieve either their reading or coaching goals;

● A willingness to become familiar with the methods of the phonics based Turning Pages coaching manuals, so that you can confidently guide others;

● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Strong organisational, time management and record keeping skills;

● Self-awareness, personal responsibility and a professional approach;

● Reasonable confidence in using IT(accessing documents, completing electronic forms and records, email, Teams/Zoom meetings);

● The ability to use initiative and willingness to work independently and as part of a team;

● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures;

● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for support from the Management Team;

● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included;

● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of 2-3 hours a week to commit to the role.

What's in it for you? You will:

● receive outstanding Reading Coach Training;

● meet and work collaboratively with new people, and

● be active and engaged, adding value to your local community.

“It’s been a life-changing experience. Last week I read a book to my grandson. I never read to my children because I couldn’t.” Peter, from Read Easy Poole Witnessing these transformations are one of your greatest rewards as Coordinator.

Interested?

If you think you can offer the time, skills and experience that we are looking for and would be interested in taking up this role, often described as ‘the best role in Read Easy’ because it is so rewarding, please contact the person who sent you this role description.

Please note: All Read Easy volunteer roles are subject Safer Recruitment procedures which include verification of identity and two references. This role also requires an Enhanced without barring DBS Check (in line with DBS Code of Practice)

Hebden Court supports adults with Complex Needs. The service consists of 17 flats and is close to the centre of town and is easily accessible by public transport.

We are looking for volunteers to deliver fun and engaging activity sessions. Your role would be to set up a weekly board games session. As a volunteer you will be warm, friendly and approachable and enjoy playing games such as monopoly, cluedo and others.

As part of your volunteer role you will help us by setting up the games ready to play ensuring no pieces are missing, teaching people the rules for the game, and tidying away at the end of the session. You will also promote the board games being played each week to our service users and encourage people to join in.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

The core purpose of Framework’s Board is to determine its vision and strategy and to direct, control, and scrutinise Framework’s affairs. This purpose is achieved by the Board carrying out the following essential functions:
• Ensuring that, as a charity, Framework is carrying out the purposes for which it was set up, for the public benefit
• Setting and ensuring compliance with Framework’s mission, strategic aims, corporate objectives and values, ensuring its long-term success
• Approving strategies, policies and plans to secure the achievement of the above
• Setting a positive culture, with strong service user focus • Ensuring that Framework operates effectively, efficiently and economically
• Monitoring Framework’s performance in relation to the delivery of strategies and plans and the achievement of budgets
• Providing oversight, direction and constructive challenge to Framework’s Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
• The appointment (and, if necessary, the dismissal) of the Chief Executive, along with the approval of the Chief Executive’s initial salary, benefits and terms of employment
• Satisfying itself as to the integrity of financial information, approving each year’s budget, long-term financial business plan and statutory accounts
• Establishing, overseeing and reviewing a schedule of delegation and systems of internal control
• Establishing and overseeing risk management processes in order to safeguard the assets and reputation of the organisation
• Ensuring that Framework complies with its adopted governance code and includes, as necessary, an explanation of any non-compliance within its annual financial statements
• The appointment (and, if necessary, removal) of the Chair. Personal Qualities of Board Members
• Demonstrates a strong empathy with the purpose, culture and values of Framework
• Champions the right of service users to have influence, and access to excellent services
• Works in a way that builds and maintains trust and credibility with a wide range of people, regardless of background
• Proactively works to build inclusive networks and relationships; recognising and valuing difference and diversity
• Has the time, availability, drive and commitment to effectively discharge the responsibilities of a Board Member
• Self-aware, open to feedback, reflective and prepared to develop
• Behaves in a way that is a positive role model to others.

Desirable experience/expertise
• Empathy with the services and client groups that Framework seeks to serve
• Able to support and build on the strategic vision
• Able to influence, engage and build strong working relationships
• Capable of balancing the bigger picture with more immediate needs; avoiding getting bogged down in detail
• Able to build credibility and maintain the trust of the Board
• Contribute to the organisation’s commitment to embedding Equality, Diversity and inclusion in its thinking, planning and actions
• Governance experience would be desirable, either as a member or Chair of a Board or similar
• Experience in any walk of life, however expertise in Finance and Risk and Housing and Supported Housing would be an advantage

We currently have a volunteering opportunity in the East Finchley area of North London for a Volunteer Befriender. If you have a couple of hours to spare and can commit to volunteering on a weekly basis, we’d love to hear from you.

Are you a warm and chatty person, who’s also a good listener?

Are you looking to help someone gain confidence and engage with the local community? Could you organise and source activities that align with our service-user’s interests, which include comedy and writing poetry?

Can you commit to learning Creative Support’s Safeguarding Procedure and be able to implement this if needed?

We are looking for a reliable, friendly, outgoing and supportive person who can join us as a Volunteer Befriender.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer’s peer support group. Together we can make a difference.

Suggested time commitment: 2 hours a week.

Creative Support is a passionate, inclusive, and anti-racist organisation. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, Disability Confident Employer who have recently received Investors in People Silver award. We actively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and cultures.

We are looking for a gardening volunteer to develop and run sessions at our service. Our service users are really keen to make use of our fantastic garden space. We are looking for people who have a good knowledge of gardening, in particular using the correct tools, growing and looking after plants, and would like to pass on that knowledge.

The gardening sessions will run weekly and we can be flexible on days and times. If you love gardening and have experience of allotments, or planting and growing vegetables in your back garden then this is the volunteering opportunity for you!

We support our volunteers with an Induction, training for the role, a named volunteer supervisor, a monthly newsletter and a monthly online peer support group.

Duties:

· Coming up with ideas for gardening sessions

· Running gardening sessions and including the group in decision making.

· Sharing knowledge of how to grow plants and look after the garden space

· Clearing away at the end of the session

· Helping to promote the sessions to service users

· Make sure good health and safety is followed.

· Report any concerns to staff members.

As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.

We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.

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.

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.

Join Ardgowan Hospice as our new Chair of the Trustee Board and lead us in our mission to become the best wee hospice in Scotland, providing exceptional palliative care with love, compassion, and innovation. 

What will you be doing?

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively in service of its vision and values. The Chair leads inclusively, supporting the Board’s work and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador and figurehead for Ardgowan Hospice.

Leadership

• Be willing and able to lead the organisation in partnership with the Chief Executive.
• Support the Chief Executive by influencing our future well-being by having or developing relationships with principals in our locality in both the public and private sectors.

Clarity of Purpose

• Ensure the Board discusses and agrees on the strategy and core values of the organisation.
• Ensure that decisions advance the purpose, strategy, and values of the organisation.

Cohesive Board

• Create productive relationships with and among individual Board members.
• Create the environment for a high-performing Board team.

What are we looking for?

It’s essential for you to:

• Have a keen sense of strategic leadership and purpose.
• Have an inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
• Listen and engage effectively; be comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others while fostering a collaborative Board environment.
• Advocate; be able and willing to champion Ardgowan Hospice’s work through personal networks, social media and other channels.
• Be strongly committed to reducing health inequalities.
• Be responsive; as a small charity, things sometimes “come up” that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to. It is, therefore, helpful to have a Chair who is available and responsive.

It’s desirable for you to:

• Be passionate about Hospice and palliative care.
• Be familiar with local health and social care networks, and have knowledge of the HSCP/health care environment.
• Have Trustee or Chair experience, but this is not essential.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of Ardgowan Hospice, you will have a profound impact on the lives of patients and families in Inverclyde by guiding our strategic vision and championing our mission to provide exceptional palliative care. Your leadership will be crucial in navigating financial challenges, spearheading a transformative capital building project, and ensuring our services reflect the dynamic and compassionate ethos of our community. Join us in this pivotal role and help shape the future of palliative care in Inverclyde.

Before you apply

Reach Volunteering's TrusteeWorks team are supporting Ardgowan Hospice with our recruitment. 

We are asking you simply to send us a letter that introduces yourself to us, along with your CV. Within that letter, we’d like you to answer the following questions: 

1. What is it about this role that excites you? 
2. What is it about you that makes you a great candidate for this role? 
3. Why Ardgowan Hospice?

If you would like to have an informal conversation in the first instance, please contact the TrusteeWorks team to arrange it.