Governance Officer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

Join our board as a treasurer: help us navigate a path to a sustainable future

Are you a finance professional with a passion for making a difference?

CMV Action are seeking a proactive and committed treasurer to join our board of trustees, bringing financial expertise and strategic guidance to help our charity navigate a challenging period.

About CMV Action

CMV Action is the only charity in the UK providing support and information to families affected by congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV). Congenital CMV is the most common viral infection that can affect babies before birth, with potential long-term health impacts such as hearing loss, developmental delays and vision loss. It can also cause miscarriage and stillbirth.

As many as 1 in 200 newborn babies are born with congenital CMV.  The majority of these will not have any symptoms.  However, around 1 in 1,000 born in the UK every year will have permanent disabilities as a result of congenital CMV – around 900 children every year.  As congenital CMV is a relatively unknown condition, it is a common misconception that it is rare.  It is in fact more common than Down’s syndrome, Toxoplasmosis, Spina Bifida or Cystic Fibrosis.

Despite the prevalence and potential severity of congenital CMV, awareness and knowledge are alarmingly low among healthcare professionals, parents and the general public. One of our key roles, therefore, is to develop and deliver resources and training for healthcare professionals, run public awareness campaigns, and collaborate with researchers and policy makers to improve outcomes for those affected by congenital CMV.

The Role

As treasurer, you will play a key role in overseeing the financial health of our charity and ensuring we are well-positioned to continue our work. You will work with us to ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.This is an opportunity to make a significant difference by contributing your financial expertise to help us develop and implement a sustainable funding strategy.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a Treasurer who shares our values and can bring the following skills and experience to our board:

• Financial expertise: A background in finance, accounting, or financial management, with a qualification in line with a recognised professional body (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW). Experience in charity finance is highly desirable.
• Proactive and purposeful: Ability to think strategically, explore new financial pathways, and drive change to support the charity’s long-term viability.
• Collaborative spirit: Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to working closely with others to build a sustainable funding strategy.
• Accountability and integrity: A commitment to honest, transparent, and ethical financial management and reporting.
• Evidence-based decision making: An analytical mindset, using data and research to guide financial decisions that support our mission.
• Commitment to inclusivity: A passion for ensuring that our work is accessible and equitable for all, embracing the diverse needs of those affected by congenital CMV.

The Southover Partnership
The Southover Partnership (“Southover” or the “School”) is an independent special needs day school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder and other complex needs. It is situated on three sites in the London boroughs of Brent, Barnet and Enfield. All pupils have education, health and care plans (EHCP) and are placed by a wide range of local authorities. Typically, the pupils placed at the School have significantly disrupted educational histories.
The work at Southover is underpinned by the principles of attachment theory. The School follows a small school model because we believe it delivers the best outcomes for our students. This means each school community gets to deeply know and understand its members and gives students the opportunity to be more directly involved in their own education. It allows the different school sites to serve as pupils’ primary attachment, and therefore build up a trusting relationship with others and eventually society. The aim is to deliver a truly personalised and holistic education experience for all our pupils.

Specific responsibilities

1.Provide oversight and support to the School Business Manager, together with the Chair and the Executive Headteacher.

2.Chair the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

3.Review and report on Southover’s financial performance to ensure the safeguarding of organisational assets and its short- and long-term viability.

4.Oversee the financial implications of strategic plans, annual budgets, risk management and financial management reports, explaining technical aspects in plain language.

5.Propose and implement an ongoing review of Southover’s financial and risk policies.

6.Ensure there is an effective external and internal audit function.

7.Act as sounding board and finance professional to the non-finance board members, while reminding each trustee of their own responsibilities in this area.

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!

We are a charity that focuses on education and campaigning to support the needs wider community and of people seeking sanctuary primarily within Swindon but also considering the national situation too.

The Chair should be able to lead the charity over the next 3-5 years and empower the trustees and paid members of staff to work towards achieving all of our charitable objectives.  We are looking for an individual with a passion for the fair treatment of people seeking sanctuary within Swindon and for the education of the town's population as to the value of this group to our wider community.

What are we looking for?

A commitment to the vision and mission of Swindon City of Sanctuary.

Successful experience of operating effectively in leadership roles, ideally leading diverse teams, within a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation.

An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Charity Manager and acceptance of the legal dues, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

Demonstrable ability and experience of building and sustaining relationships with stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.

Knowledge of current global/national/local context relating to migration and seeking sanctuary

An ability to work effectively as a member of a team Preparedness to make difficult  recommendations to the Board, when necessary, with diplomacy.

A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.

Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries when required.

Lived experience of migration or seeking sanctuary would be welcomed.

Specific skills, experiences or areas of expertise to complement the existing members of the Board.

Knowledge of the Swindon community

Previous chairing experience and human resources knowledge

The full list of skills, experience and qualities are listed on the attached Job Description.

Generally we are looking for someone with leadership experience/skills, who can plan strategically taking the rest of the team with them.

What difference will you make?

This position will give the successful individual a chance to lead a well respected local charity and develop its influence over the next 5 years.  You will be able to see Swindon further develop as a safe place for people seeking sanctuary and a local population who fully understand their role in being part of the process.

With our links to the national City of Sanctuary organisation you will be able to lead campaigns that will help to shape government policy on all areas of immigration policy.

Before you apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining why you feel you are suitable for the post.   You will then be contacted and an informal meeting will be arranged.