Independent Living Service Volunteer Roles in Battersea, Greater London
About you
We are looking for people with or without board level experience, and we would welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds.
In order to continue to enhance the diversity of our board, we would particularly like to hear from people from ethnically marginalised groups, particularly Black African backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with physical disabilities, and other marginalised groups, and especially those with direct experience of services provided by our hospice.
On this occasion and following a recent skills audit of our current trustees, we are particularly looking for people with expertise in any of the following areas:
- Finance and accounting (with a view to succession planning for our current Treasurer)
- Co-production, community engagement and community development
- Property and estate management
Commitments from trustees and from the hospice
Trustees are expected to attend, in person or via tele-conferencing:
• Sessions agreed as part of each trustee’s personalised induction programme.
• Bi-monthly board meetings.
• Approximately two board away days per year, dedicated to strategic planning.
Where they are willing and able, trustees may be asked to join one of the board sub-committees.
Whilst this is an unpaid, voluntary role, out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. A personalised induction programme, training, support and mentorship will be provided.
Person specification
Each trustee must have:
• commitment to the vision of the hospice
• willingness to meet the minimum time commitment
• integrity
• strategic vision
• good, independent judgement
• the ability to think creatively
• willingness to speak their mind
• understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• the ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good
of the hospice.
Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and the hospice welcomes applications from all ages and backgrounds.
Closing date for applications is Monday 7 October.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others. What you’ll be doing • Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand. • Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss. • Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people. • Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals. What you’ll gain from the role • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people • An empathetic and professional manner. • Good communications skills with active listening. • An interest in helping people access the information they need.
Letter from Imelda Redmond, our chair of trustees
The current Board is a welcoming, collegiate and energetic group, working hard to make a positive impact on the lives of older people in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. I have recently joined the organisation as chair and am looking forward to steering the organisation through an exciting period of transformation as we begin to implement our new, and ambitious, five year strategy.
AUKEL has sound finances and a strong reputation for its service delivery (Hospital to Home service, community services, digital inclusion and Information and Advice). From this base, the organisation has an ambition to amplify the voices of older people within our communities and to create a more collaborative culture which both improves the connectedness of our services and also strengthens our relationships with local voluntary, statutory, community and faith groups.
We are looking for someone with the time, passion and expertise we need to work collegiately with trustee colleagues to lead the organisation through this next exciting phase.
Yours,
Imelda Redmond
AUKEL Chair of trustees
About us
Age UK East London (AUKEL) is a local independent charity, which is part of the national Age UK network. We work across Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham to deliver services which support older people to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.
Our work
Each year we support around 20,000 older East Londoners by providing flexible practical and emotional support in homes, hospitals and in the community.
Our boroughs have the country’s highest pensioner poverty in the country, further exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis.
How we help
-
We tackle poverty
Each year our advice service supports over 2,000 older people to claim £3.2million in welfare benefits, grants and relief entitlements. During the cost of living crisis we distributed £42,000 worth of emergency vouchers for food, helping older people ensure there was food in the fridge.
-
We alleviate loneliness
According to a national model, Tower Hamlets has the highest rates of loneliness in London and in England. Our East End Friends initiative teams housebound older people who’d like a bit more company with a volunteer to visit them at home. 92% of older people said they felt less isolated and lonely and 100% of volunteers would recommend the scheme.
-
We improve health.
Many older people in our boroughs have very poor health. For example, at age 65, women can expect just six more years of good health, which is the lowest in London and almost the lowest in England. This reduces their quality of life and can make it harder to remain independent. As well as increasing income and addressing loneliness (both determinants of health) we offer yoga, walking, and chair-based exercise groups at our community centre in Bow. 87% of participants said they are more independent as a result.
-
We increase independence.
Many older people live alone and struggle to manage around the home. Our home from hospital service supports 3,000 older people to return to a safe and warm home. Just 6% are readmitted to hospital within 28 days compared to 15.3% in areas where there aren’t these services.
The Team
We have an established and talented Senior Management Team, a committed staff team and an extraordinary group of volunteers. Fifteen months ago the board recruited a new Chief Executive. She is ambitious for the charity, comes with a great track-record of charity leadership, and has worked hard with trustees to develop our new organisational strategy.
Role Requirements
We are looking for someone to be our Trustee Safeguarding Lead, and to contribute to the strategic development of our service delivery offer. We are therefore looking for someone with experience in Safeguarding and who has experience of overseeing significant service delivery (NHS, local authority or large third sector organisation).
You must want to improve the lives of older people across East London and be committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and understand the impact disadvantage and discrimination has on the life chances of our population. You will be curious, collaborative and ambitious and able to commit to an average of one-to two days a quarter (most meetings are in the evenings).
We would really like our board of trustees to look more like the community we serve. We would particularly encourage you to apply if you are an older person and/or you are a person of the global majority.
Full role description can be found in appendix 1 and 2
Context of the safeguarding trustee role
As an organisation we have a safeguarding responsibility to all clients and staff members.
The Charity Commission, our regulator, is clear that safeguarding is the responsibility of all Trustees and expects organisations interfacing with vulnerable people to appoint a Trustee Safeguarding Lead (TSL) to hold accountability at Board level for safeguarding within the organisation. The TSL has high level oversight of an operational safeguarding agenda that is managed on a day-to-day basis by the Safeguarding Lead (SL).
Information and Support for the Role
If appointed to the role of TSL you will be expected to engage as a critical friend (rather than operationally) and will triage any safeguarding issues brought directly to you.
You will be supported by the Chair of Trustees (who is currently the interim TSL), and/or if required an adviser, and will receive training appropriate to the role as required.
You will attend meetings throughout the year, both physical and virtual, including full Board meetings, Service Development Committee meetings and at least one review meeting with the organisation’s Safeguarding Lead.
What I get out of being on the AUKEL Board
'I continue to be impressed with the extent of the help AUKEL provides in our communities. The need for the service is increasing as the cost of living crisis deepens. I see the Trustee role as an enabling role. I enjoy rolling up my sleeves alongside my fellow trustees to tackle some challenging issues with our combined skill sets. I particularly enjoy working on the new People sub-committee and I can sense a renewed enthusiasm for finding ways to optimise the Trustee contribution.'
Time commitment
Trustees will be required to complete an induction to the organisation and the Board. This will include site visits and meetings with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Chair and Board members.
The Board meets quarterly on Wednesdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in East London.
In addition to the full Board meetings, the Finance Committee meets quarterly on Thursdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in East London, the People Committee meets quarterly on Mondays from 6.00-7.30pm online, and the Service Development Committee meets quarterly online (regular days/times tbc). The Safeguarding trustee will be expected to attend the Service Development Committee.
Board members may be asked to commit additional time to support staff recruitment, review tenders and share expertise.
The agenda and papers for each meeting are usually emailed to Trustees a week in advance
To allow for preparation time.
Travel expenses can be reimbursed.
How to apply
If you are interested in being considered for this role please submit your CV/LinkedIn profile with a covering letter explaining why you wish to join the charity and the skills/experience you will bring to the Board
Please consider the information in Appendix 1&2
Potential candidates are welcome to have an informal conversation about the role. Please contact AUKEL recruitment team to arrange this.
Closing date is: Monday 30th September 2024. Interviews will take place during October.
Appendix 1: Trustee role description
Purpose of the role
The Board is responsible for the governance of the organisation, supporting the Chief Executive to ensure things run smoothly and effectively You will be supporting our 75 members of staff and part of our 90+ strong volunteer team. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how to tackle the challenges that our beneficiaries face, and how to deliver appropriate co-produced services that enrich older people’s lives and enhance the whole community of East London.
Trustee Main tasks
-
Make decisions for the benefit of Age UK East London, exercising independent judgement and declaring any interests, exercising reasonable skill, care and diligence in carrying out activities.
-
Contribute to Board meetings, helping to give firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting policy and targets and evaluating performance.
-
Be familiar with the rules that govern Age UK East London (Articles of Association) and make sure we follow those, Charity Law, Company Law and all other relevant legislation and regulations., training and support is available.
-
Ensure the organisation’s financial stability, overseeing the setting of the budget and monitoring variance against the budget (the Board also has a Finance Sub-Committee to help oversee this).
-
Ensure that we use our resources in line with our Articles and the requirements of
funders, and that our accounts are a ‘fair and true’ representation of our finances.
-
Safeguard the values of Age UK East London a maintain positive reputation for the organisation and its work.
-
Contribute to a subcommittee that best suits your knowledge.
Trustee Person specification
A blend of the following skills and experience would be beneficial:
-
A commitment to the mission and values of AUKEL
-
Strategic vision
-
Good, independent judgement
-
An ability to think creatively
-
A willingness to speak your mind
-
An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
-
An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of AUEKL
-
Have a personal commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life
-
selflessness
-
integrity
-
objectivity
-
honesty
-
leadership
In particular, we are looking for individuals with a skill set in Safeguarding, ideally with experience of overseeing large-scale service delivery (NHS, local authority or large third sector organisation).
Appendix 2: Trustee Safeguarding Lead role description
Purpose of the role
-
To act as an independent source of support and critical friend to the organisation's Designated Lead Safeguarding Lead (SL)
-
To act as an independent source of confidence and assurance to the organisation and the Board of Trustees.
Main tasks
The key areas of responsibility of the TSL include, but are not limited to:
-
Supporting the SL and Board of Trustees to champion effective safeguarding throughout the organisation.
-
Ensuring that safeguarding concerns are handled appropriately by the SL.
-
Ensuring AUKEL's staff regularly review (1) the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures to ensure they reflect current safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and the safeguarding expectations of all applicable regulatory bodies and (2) the strategic plans of the organisation to ensure they allow for the exercise of the obligations in (1) above.
-
Ensuring there are procedures in place which allow that specific safeguarding risks are appropriately recorded and managed through the Safeguarding log and organisational Risk Register.
-
Regularly reviewing, in conjunction with the organisation's SL, the safeguarding mechanisms within the organisation to keep people safe and promote a healthy safeguarding culture.
-
Ensuring safeguarding is a standing agenda item within Committee and Board meetings and assumes a high profile within the organisation.
-
Ensuring the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures are effectively promoted and accessible within AUKEL.
-
Ensuring staff are implementing effective monitoring systems, and reporting routes are in place in respect of Safeguarding requirements
-
Discussing and supporting shared learning from case reviews with the SL and Board of Trustees, ensuring implementation of lessons learnt.
-
The term for this role will be three years. A Trustee may offer themselves for re-election to be agreed by a majority of the Board
Relationship with Whistleblowing
-
It is intended that this role has a remit narrowed to the treatment of safeguarding issues. Significant concerns (not related to safeguarding) raised under the protection of the Whistleblowing legislation will necessarily be handled according to the terms of the Whistleblowing Policy,
Trustee Safeguarding Lead Person specification
-
Recent senior level safeguarding experience in the statutory or voluntary sector
-
Good Knowledge of The Care Act 2014.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others. What you’ll be doing • Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand. • Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss. • Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people. • Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals. What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.
What skills and experience are needed?
- • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people • An empathetic and professional manner. • Good communications skills with active listening. • An interest in helping people access the information they need.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA) is looking for a Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership for the charity, working in partnership with our Operations Manager and supported by a committed team of Trustees.
Who we are
Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) is a long-term side-effect (‘late effect’) of pelvic radiotherapy treatment affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the UK. People affected by PRD often have a complex set of symptoms affecting the bowel, bladder, sexual function or other functions for many years after radiotherapy, sometimes only appearing several years after radiotherapy treatment
PRDA is a small UK charity whose objectives are to see that the effects of PRD are minimised, that people affected by PRD are given the best possible care and treatment, and that PRD is accepted as a serious problem and given the attention it deserves.
Duties of the Chair
In addition to the duties of a Trustee, the Chair will:
- Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that PRDA achieves its mission.
- Work in partnership with the Operations Manager and team to achieve our mission.
- Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
- Optimise the relationship between the board and PRDA’s staff and volunteers.
- Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
- Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for PRDA.
What PRDA is looking for
Each trustee must have:
- a commitment to the vision and aims of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
- willingness to meet the minimum time requirement
- integrity
- strategic vision
- good, independent judgement
- an ability to think creatively
- a willingness to speak their mind
- an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of PRDA.
Ideally, trustees should also have one or more of the following:
- Understanding of the impact of Pelvic Radiation Disease on people’s lives either through personal or professional connections, or be willing to learn about this;
- Prior experience of committee/trustee work;
- Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by PRDA (helpline, support groups, online support, health professional engagement, awareness-raising) and/or fundraising for a small charity, and
- Leadership skills.
Please see the full job description for more detail.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact David Jillings, PRDA Treasurer & Vice-chair.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others. What you’ll be doing • Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand. • Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss. • Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people. • Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals. What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people • An empathetic and professional manner. • Good communications skills with active listening. • An interest in helping people access the information they need.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others. What you’ll be doing • Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand. • Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss. • Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people. • Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals. What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent. If you have any questions or are unsure if this role is right for you.
What skills and experience are needed?
- • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people • An empathetic and professional manner. • Good communications skills with active listening. • An interest in helping people access the information they need.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others. What you’ll be doing • Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand. • Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss. • Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people. • Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals. What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people • An empathetic and professional manner. • Good communications skills with active listening. • An interest in helping people access the information they need.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking to appoint a new Trustee to the Board to support CHEER’s mission of providing advice, friendship and support to Elmbridge’s older community.
We’re particularly seeking someone interested in supporting charify fundraising across individual giving, coerporate and major donor fundraising and community fundraising. However, we are also open to hearing from anyone with experience in business management, marketing, finance, human resources and/or older people and social care for other opportunities.
If you have an interest in the issues surrounding the elderly living in the UK, a desire to give those who need a helping hand somewhere to go to get help and support - we’d love to hear from you.
More on CHEER: CHEER is a registered charity serving the local community of Elmbridge for over 60 years. Our mission is to provide advice, friendship, and support to help older community in Elmbridge lead full, dignified and independent lives. We do so through delivery of 5 core services (befriending, benefits, events, signposting and CHEER’s Parkinson’s group) designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation and alleviate financial hardship.
We consistently achieve remarkable things with minimal resources and are often told we have changed people's lives relying on a dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers to deliver these essential and beneficial services.
Our trustees are all volunteers, most of whom live or work in the local community, and all of whom use their skills, knowledge and experience to guide and govern our service, shape strategy, and give direction to the charity. We are a small and friendly team, collectively responsible for CHEER and each enjoying the chance to contribute to our community.
The main responsibilities of a trustee are:
· Formulating and reviewing CHEER’s vision, values, and strategic direction
· Establishing and monitoring policies to provide guidance for staff
· Ensuring compliance with the Charity’s governing document and the law
· Ensuring accountability to such bodies as the Charities Commission, donors, staff and volunteers
· Managing the Charity’s resources responsibly
· Contributing to the discharge of the Board’s duties and effective Board performance
· Promoting the charity and protecting its excellent reputation
· Appointing staff, giving them guidance and support
· Monitoring the Charity’s performance
· All trustees are expected to adopt Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for an IT professional to join our Board and provide thought-leadership on our digital and IT strategy, including guiding us through Cyber Essentials accreditation. If you can help us use technology to improve our local advice service, we would love to hear from you.
As our digital and IT expert, you will work alongside the Chair, Chief Executive and the external IT support company we use to:
- Ensure our IT operating systems and equipment are fit for purpose
- Guide the charity through the work needed to obtain Cyber Essentials accreditation
- Advise how we can use technology to improve our service to clients
- Translate the risks and opportunities of IT for other trustees
- Take the lead in evaluating IT related proposals for the Board.
We need someone who either lives, works or studies in Elmbridge (or the surrounding area) and who has:
- Demonstrable experience of delivering IT and business change management
- Experience of IT strategy planning and execution
- A good understanding of cyber security including obtaining Cyber Security Accreditation
- A good understanding of Microsoft 365 multi-factor authentication
- Experience of business continuity and disaster recover planning
- A good understanding of risk management
- A commitment to the Citizens Advice organisation
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
- We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse board of trustees and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Experience of Citizens Advice work is not required.
Time commitment
Our trustees are expected to attend six board meetings each year. These normally take place on a Monday evening, at our office in Esher. Reading preparation for each board meeting will take around one-two hours. All Citizens Advice trustees are required to complete a small number of e-learning courses each year.
In addition, as the IT lead, you will need to have time to participate in various IT discussions with our management team and with the IT support company we use. This work may average around 1-2 hours a week.
What difference will you make?
People with good local knowledge and strategic vision can really help us to develop a service that meets the changing advice needs of our community.
More specifically, your input will help us to reach more people and provide more timely advice.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Citizens Advice is a well-respected and influential organisation. This is an opportunity to help develop this much-needed charity at a local level, really making a difference to people's lives.
As well as intellectual stimulation, the role will provide you with practical management experience of the voluntary sector to help develop your career.
Initial induction and training takes place in-house and through peer support but there is the opportunity to attend national Citizens Advice conferences and seminars. Travel expenses to these events are paid.
We are a business-like but friendly board, keen to welcome new members.
We exist to shape a society where people face far fewer problems.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Letter from Imelda Redmond, our chair of trustees
The current Board is a welcoming, collegiate and energetic group, working hard to make a positive impact on the lives of older people in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. I have recently joined the organisation as chair and am looking forward to steering the organisation through an exciting period of transformation as we begin to implement our new, and ambitious, five year strategy.
AUKEL has sound finances and a strong reputation for its service delivery (Hospital to Home service, community services, digital inclusion and Information and Advice). From this strong base, the organisation has an ambition to amplify the voices of older people within our communities and to create a more collaborative culture which both improves the connectedness of our services and also strengthens our relationships with local voluntary, statutory, community and faith groups.
We are looking for someone with the time, passion and expertise we need to work collegiately with trustee colleagues to lead the organisation through this next exciting phase.
Yours,
Imelda Redmond
AUKEL Chair of trustees
About us
Age UK East London (AUKEL) is a local independent charity, which is part of the national Age UK network. We work across Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham to deliver services which support older people to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.
Our work
Each year we support around 20,000 older East Londoners by providing flexible practical and emotional support in homes, hospitals and in the community.
Our boroughs have the country’s highest pensioner poverty in the country, further exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis.
How we help
-
We tackle poverty
Each year our advice service supports over 2,000 older people to claim £3.2million in welfare benefits, grants and relief entitlements. During the cost of living crisis we distributed £42,000 worth of emergency vouchers for food, helping older people ensure there was food in the fridge.
-
We alleviate loneliness
According to a national model, Tower Hamlets has the highest rates of loneliness in London and in England. Our East End Friends initiative teams housebound older people who’d like a bit more company with a volunteer to visit them at home. 92% of older people said they felt less isolated and lonely and 100% of volunteers would recommend the scheme.
-
We improve health.
Many older people in our boroughs have very poor health. For example, at age 65, women can expect just six more years of good health, which is the lowest in London and almost the lowest in England. This reduces their quality of life and can make it harder to remain independent. As well as increasing income and addressing loneliness (both determinants of health) we offer yoga, walking, and chair-based exercise groups at our community centre in Bow. 87% of participants said they are more independent as a result.
-
We increase independence.
Many older people live alone and struggle to manage around the home. Our home from hospital service supports 3,000 older people to return to a safe and warm home. Just 6% are readmitted to hospital within 28 days compared to 15.3% in areas where there aren’t these services.
The Team
We have an established and talented Senior Management Team, a committed staff team and an extraordinary group of volunteers. Fifteen months ago the board recruited a new Chief Executive. She is ambitious for the charity, comes with a great track-record of charity leadership, and has worked hard with trustees to develop our new organisational strategy.
Role Requirements
We are looking for someone with finance expertise, and a recognised accountancy qualification, to support our treasurer. This is potentially a developmental role where you will gain knowledge and experience of charity finance practice. Any previous experience in the voluntary sector, adult social care, NHS, or similar relevant experience to the work of AUKEL would be helpful.
You must want to improve the lives of older people across East London and be committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and understand the impact disadvantage and discrimination has on the life chances of our population. You will be curious, collaborative and ambitious and able to commit to an average of one-to two days a quarter (most meetings are in the evenings).
We would really like our board of trustees to look more like the community we serve. We would particularly encourage you to apply if you are an older person and/or you are a person of the global majority.
Full role description can be found in appendix 1 and 2
What I get out of being on the AUKEL Board
'I continue to be impressed with the extent of the help AUKEL provides in our communities. The need for the service is increasing as the cost of living crisis deepens. I see the Trustee role as an enabling role. I enjoy rolling up my sleeves alongside my fellow trustees to tackle some challenging issues with our combined skill sets. I particularly enjoy working on the new People sub-committee and I can sense a renewed enthusiasm for finding ways to optimise the Trustee contribution.'
Trustees will be required to complete an induction to the organisation and the Board. This will include site visits and meetings with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Chair and Board members.
Time commitment
The Board meets quarterly on Wednesdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in East London.
In addition to the full Board meetings, the Finance Committee meets quarterly on Thursdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in East London, the People Committee meets quarterly on Mondays from 6.00-7.30pm online, and the Service Development Committee meets quarterly online (regular days/times tbc).
The new finance trustee will be expected to attend Finance Committee meetings.
Travel expenses can be reimbursed.
Board members may be asked to commit additional time to support staff recruitment, review tenders and share expertise.
The agenda and papers for each meeting are usually emailed to Trustees a week in advance
To allow for preparation time.
How to apply
If you are interested in being considered for this role please submit your CV/LinkedIn profile with a covering letter explaining why you wish to join the charity and the skills/experience you will bring to the Board
Potential candidates are welcome to have an informal conversation about the role. Please contact AUKEL recruitment team to arrange this
Closing date is Monday 30th September. Interviews will be in mid-October.
Appendix 1
Trustee role description
Purpose of the role
The Board is responsible for the governance of the organisation, supporting the Chief Executive to ensure things run smoothly and effectively You will be supporting our 75 members of staff and part of our 90+ strong volunteer team. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how to tackle the challenges that our beneficiaries face, and how to deliver appropriate co-produced services that enrich older people’s lives and enhance the whole community of East London.
Trustee Main tasks
-
Make decisions for the benefit of Age UK East London, exercising independent judgement and declaring any interests, exercising reasonable skill, care and diligence in carrying out activities.
-
Contribute to Board meetings, helping to give firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting policy and targets and evaluating performance.
-
Be familiar with the rules that govern Age UK East London (Articles of Association) and make sure we follow those, Charity Law, Company Law and all other relevant legislation and regulations., training and support is available.
-
Ensure the organisation’s financial stability, overseeing the setting of the budget and monitoring variance against the budget (the Board also has a Finance Sub-Committee to help oversee this).
-
Ensure that we use our resources in line with our Articles and the requirements of
funders, and that our accounts are a ‘fair and true’ representation of our finances.
-
Safeguard the values of Age UK East London a maintain positive reputation for the organisation and its work.
-
Contribute to a subcommittee that best suits your knowledge.
Trustee Person specification
A blend of the following skills and experience would be beneficial:
-
A commitment to the mission and values of AUEL
-
Strategic vision
-
Good, independent judgement
-
An ability to think creatively
-
A willingness to speak your mind
-
An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
-
An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of AUEKL
-
Have a personal commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life
-
selflessness
-
integrity
-
objectivity
-
honesty
-
leadership
In particular, we are looking for individuals with a skill set in Finance.
Appendix 2
Finance Trustee role description
Purpose of the role
To support the Treasurer and Board in overseeing the financial operations of the charity in line with good practice, the Articles of Association and legal and reporting requirements.
Main tasks
-
Liaise with the Treasurer Director of Finance and Operations (or other appropriate member of staff) and support on financial matters
-
Support the Board to monitor the financial viability of the charity.
-
Advise on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
-
Review the annual accounts in liaison with the Treasurer and Director of Finance and Operations
-
Review the annual budget and management information in liaison with the Treasurer
-
Ensure close working relationships with the internal Finance Department and Finance subcommittee.
-
Deputise for the Treasurer at Finance subcommittee and main board meetings
-
Assist the Treasurer and the Director of Finance and Operations to ensure that sound financial management is maintained in line with our Financial Procedures and related policies.
-
Assist the Treasurer in formulating and recommending to the board an appropriate reserves policy
-
Assist the Treasurer to ensure annual audit is carried out a timely manner
Finance Trustee Person specification
-
Recognised accounting qualification, ACA or ACCA
-
Good financial analysis skills.
-
Ability to communicate clearly.
-
Integrity, independence of thought and judgement, being prepared when necessary to recommend unpopular decisions.
-
Ability to work well as a team member and values diversity in all forms.
-
Can demonstrate AUKEL values (accountable, kind, flexible, inclusive, collaborative)
Desirable experience
-
Charity sector experience
-
Up to date knowledge and experience of finance practice relevant to small/medium charities, including the Charities statement of recommended practice and reporting standards.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Watford Mencap supports over 600 people with learning disabilities and their families in South West Herts. They are affiliated with Royal Mencap but are a self-funding and independent local charity that has provided services and support to local families for the past 70 years. They currently operate across 10 sites in Hertsmere, Three Rivers and Watford. It’s an exciting time of change for the charity, having recently bought a new building to bring together its head office and children’s centre along with their plans to develop a range of brand-new short breaks services in this exciting new central hub for the charity in Watford. Over the next 5 years they shall expand and develop this hub into a multipurpose site used by the charity and other local groups.
Watford Mencap is now looking to appoint their next Chair of Trustees – ideally, someone with previous experience of being a Chair or a Charity CEO who can demonstrate significant experience in helping an organisation with their strategy, governance and management. You will be enthusiastic about supporting people living with learning disabilities and want to Mencap develop the services they offer.
Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and highly rewarding way to support an award winning organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.
Watford Mencap is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, Mencap are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.
Do you have the legal expertise to support world-leading translational research with this grant-making charity empowering smaller charities to achieve their objectives?
Location: London / Hybrid
Time commitment: c.1 day per month
Application closes at 9 a.m. Monday 4th November
Who we are.
The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust is a grant-making charity endowed by Sir Jules Thorn, who formed one of the UK’s largest electrical businesses. Since its foundation in 1964, the Trust has so far pledge £120m to support projects at many universities, hospitals and charities across the UK.
In keeping with the founder’s wishes, the Trust’s largest grants support translational medical research undertaken in the UK’s leading medical schools and NHS organisations. The Trust also supports projects to integrate and improve care for people living with physical or mental ill health and to help smaller charities provide practical and emotional support to people living with ill health or disability, and to their families and carers.
Who we are looking for.
The Board is seeking to appoint a new Trustee to contribute to the Trust’s work and the development of its strategy for 2025-29. We are looking for someone with legal expertise (ideally with knowledge of the law governing charities and foundations, although this is not a requirement).
Previous experience of operating at the Board level is desirable, and first-time Trustees are welcome to apply.
The role of the Trustees is to safeguard the Trust’s assets and to apply them to our charitable purpose. The Board must always act in the best interests of the Trust, exercising as much care as if they were dealing with their own affairs or looking after the affairs of someone for whom they are responsible. The Trustees should take advice where required to ensure they are fulfilling this duty of care.
In that context, the Board is seeking to appoint a Trustee who has:
- a commitment to the mission and values of the Trust
- strategic vision
- good, independent judgement
- a willingness to speak their mind and respect diverse views
- an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
- a commitment to act in accordance with the seven ‘Nolan’ principles of public life, by demonstrating selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
- an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of the Trust.
Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Application for this role closes at 9 a.m. Monday 4th November.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Alike is a charity with one simple mission: To end the loneliness and isolation that people impacted by cancer experience. We exist to empower our community to make meaningful connections through seamless digital experiences which help people find their sense of belonging. We were created for people impacted by cancer, by people with cancer.
Driven by our mission and inspired by the start-up mentality, we operate with agility and pace. In 2021, we launched our ground-breaking iOS and Android app as a space exclusively for the cancer community to connect. Now we’re looking to scale nationwide, and we need your help to do it. Alike is the only non-for-profit organisation providing a large scale, tailored peer support platform across all ages and diagnoses, whether someone’s facing a sleepless night or a lonely weekend.
We're looking for 1 legal trustee to join our scaling charity! We are particularly interested in people who have a background or experience in UK law, such as IP law or data protection. Read more about what we are looking for in more detail below. If this doesn't sound exactly like you but you feel you have something to give, we'd still love to hear from you.
Our Trustees:
Our board of trustees is essential to Alike’s mission. Working as a team, they take shared responsibility for maintaining alignment between our vision, strategy and day-to-day operations. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team, driving Alike’s growth, inspiring new approaches, and helping us scale. Their perspective, insights, passion and collective experience is crucial to our mission as we continue combating loneliness and isolation throughout the cancer community.
Your Responsibilities:
Joining our board of trustees is a commitment to Alike’s mission as well as our products. We need our trustees to not just believe in our potential, but to authentically champion it. Our ideal trustee can clearly envision Alike taking a leading role in combating isolation in the cancer community - and in making a lasting, positive change. We’re looking for active, engaged and experienced trustees to join our existing board during this thrilling period of growth and innovation.
Beyond that, you would be required to collaborate on certain statutory duties (listed below), and to provide advice and guidance throughout Alike’s new initiatives. The power of our board lies in a diversity of viewpoints, so your unique combination of specialist knowledge, skills and experiences is key to success in this role.
We would expect you to contribute this set of skills to the board’s shared responsibility: making sound decisions for the charity’s direction. This would include - but by no means be limited to - scrutinising board papers, leading meetings, chairing discussions and taking an active role in board meetings.
Time Commitment:
- Regular board meetings (6 per year, 3 in-person meetings, 3 virtual)
- Additional time for sub-committee work and strategic planning
- Flexible availability for brief ad-hoc advisory calls or meetings
- Attendance at our Annual General Meeting in central London
Skills and Experience:
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
- An understanding of the challenges faced by those living with cancer and the impact of emerging technology in addressing these challenges
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working style
- Strategic and critical thinking skills - a problem-solver with a lateral thinking style
- Strong financial literacy
- An understanding of the tenets of employment law and GDPR compliance at scale
We need trustees with a diverse range of skills, experience and knowledge, and would love to hear from people who could bring the following:
- Experience in UK law, ideally in employment law, data protection or intellectual property
If you’re interested in joining Alike on our mission to bring comfort, support and community to the millions of people impacted by cancer across the UK, then we would love to hear from you.
You might not necessarily tick every single box - and that’s okay: if you’ve got the passion and you feel confident that this role is for you, please do get in touch anyway. You may still be the perfect fit.
Please attach a brief cover letter (no more than 500 words) telling us why you think you'd be a great Trustee at Alike and what you can bring to our Board of Trustees.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you looking for a challenging but rewarding volunteer opportunity?
We are seeking volunteers to work with adults and young people who have sexually harmed to integrate them safely into the community, model appropriate behaviour and combat social isolation which can often lead to re-offending. You will be part of a small group of volunteers who will work with a 'core member' to provide a Circle of Support & Accountability. You will have close support from a trained coordinator.
Our mission is 'No More Victims' and hope to create safer communities.
Circles South West needs more Circle Volunteers from all walks of life. We are looking for adults who are approachable and emotionally stable, with a mature outlook. The ability to maintain firm boundaries is essential. Circle Volunteers commit around 2-3 hours per week for 12 months. We provide full training, ongoing professional support and reimburse expenses. Appointment is dependent on suitability assessment, satisfactory references and criminal records checks.
Please note: we can no longer accept foreign nationals without a full criminal record check from their country of origin to our programme due to new DBS guidelines. If you were born outside of the UK or have spent a significant amount of time abroad then please let me know at enquiry.
Circles South West are a community-led organisation that seeks to reduce sexual harm. Our vision is 'No More Victims'.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.