Independent Living Service Volunteer Roles

St Helens College are searching for an experienced finance or audit professional to join our Audit Committee.

We have an exciting opportunity for you to make a difference by helping students in St Helens and Knowsley to excel and
achieve the best outcomes. Providing quality education since 1896, St Helens College and Knowsley Community College, part of the College Group, is one of the largest further and higher education providers in the Northwest, supporting students of all ages, studying at all levels.

We provide courses and training to approximately 8,000 students across St Helens and Knowsley. We aspire to be one of the very best technical and vocational colleges in the country. The Governing Board is looking to appoint a co-opted member to its Audit Committee.

Can you balance intellectual curiosity and professional scepticism?
Are you courageous when making tough decisions?
Will you listen to others and commit to building strong relationships?
Do you understand risk and its impact on businesses?
Are your deliberations balanced and ethical?

If you answered ‘yes’ to the above questions and your qualities, skills and knowledge fit with our vision and values, please take the time to read through this pack and consider making an application to join our team.

We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply and welcome a diverse range of attributes. We are committed to inclusive governance and we see lived and business experience as keys attributes for our governors.

We are currently looking for a Governor (Chair of Residential Care Sub-Committee) to join our governing body at St John's College.

All Governors are expected to play their part in contributing to the overall work of St John's College's aims and goals in raising its standards for all. We are seeking Governors for St John's College Governing Body to play a vital part in supporting autistic children and young people.

We are looking for individuals that have experience in either special educational provision or adult social care provision. However we would encourage any individual applying for this role, if they are interested in becoming a Governor, as we will be able to offer a number of training.

The role of a Governor is to:

• Determine what education and training the college will provide.
• Agree the strategy for delivering it.
• Lead the drive for improved standards in teaching and learning by ensuring good control systems.
• Challenge areas for improvement.

Each individual Governor has a responsibility, working alongside other members of the Governing Body, to learners, staff of the school and the wider community.

We offer all our Governors an in-depth induction, termly training sessions and a variety of online training courses to ensure they can make the most of their time on the Governing Body. In addition, there are opportunities for Governors to take on more responsibility as a Link Governor in a specific topic area they are interested in.

If you would like to discover more about this exciting opportunity, need any further information or you wish to have an informal discussion, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Could you look after the finances for the local SSAFA service in your area? You don’t need a military background, just some basic I.T and finance skills. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Branch Treasurer?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into small local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a treasurer overseeing the divisions that, in turn each have a treasurer of their own. This is a key role involving financial planning and financial administration.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles and fundraisers.

One of the key ways we help people is by tapping into various sources of funding on their behalf. Monitoring and reconciling this flow of funding into and out of SSAFA accounts is important to ensure clients receive timely support and we are able to account for all charitable funds in our care.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. This flexible role involves using our on-line financial management system and on-line bank accounts and so can be done when and where suits you best. You will need to attend a number of branch committee meetings each year.

What would you be doing?

• Maintaining and reconciling local bank accounts and recording transactions
• Supporting divisions to manage their local finances.
• Making and recording all authorised payments
• Preparing year end accounts and financial statements including arranging an independent review
• Working with the branch secretary, advise on a local fundraising programme to cover branch running costs.
• Identify and manage the return of any surplus monies from grants as appropriate.
• Providing reports to the branch committee and to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Maintaining accurate records using our on-line finance management system
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a responsible role in a well-respected charity
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – treasurers webinar (with some pre-course learning), and financial management system training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Support from the branch Chair and the Finance team based as our central office.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses
• Support from the Volunteer Support Manager and the Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with some experience of financial administration
• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Willingness to use our on-line banking and on-line finance management system (this is covered in training)
• Reliable attitude: contact volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to gravel to meetings etc.

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

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Could you look after the finances for the local SSAFA service in your area? You don’t need a military background, just some basic I.T and finance skills. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Branch Treasurer?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into small local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a treasurer overseeing the divisions that, in turn each have a treasurer of their own. This is a key role involving financial planning and financial administration.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles and fundraisers.

One of the key ways we help people is by tapping into various sources of funding on their behalf. Monitoring and reconciling this flow of funding into and out of SSAFA accounts is important to ensure clients receive timely support and we are able to account for all charitable funds in our care.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. This flexible role involves using our on-line financial management system and on-line bank accounts and so can be done when and where suits you best. You will need to attend a number of branch committee meetings each year.

What would you be doing?

• Maintaining and reconciling local bank accounts and recording transactions
• Supporting divisions to manage their local finances.
• Making and recording all authorised payments
• Preparing year end accounts and financial statements including arranging an independent review
• Working with the branch secretary, advise on a local fundraising programme to cover branch running costs.
• Identify and manage the return of any surplus monies from grants as appropriate.
• Providing reports to the branch committee and to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Maintaining accurate records using our on-line finance management system
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a responsible role in a well-respected charity
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – treasurers webinar (with some pre-course learning), and financial management system training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Support from the branch Chair and the Finance team based as our central office.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses
• Support from the Volunteer Support Manager and the Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with some experience of financial administration
• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Willingness to use our on-line banking and on-line finance management system (this is covered in training)
• Reliable attitude: contact volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to gravel to meetings etc.

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

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Herts Disability Sports Foundation is where everyone (absolutely everyone!) is empowered to experience the joys of belonging, achieving and physical activity. Through our diverse activities, individuals become functionally fitter, but also develop self-esteem, confidence and life skills as they connect to and belong to a safe community of others like them. And we have a lot of fun!

We operate in Hertfordshire and are now being recognised across the county as a source of expertise for disability sport and physical activity - from our track record, the skills of our staff and our open commitment to ‘practise what we preach’ on a daily basis.

HDSF believes that quality of life can be improved through involvement in sports and physical activity opportunities - and that everyone should have access to these benefits. The Charity exists to provide support, education, training and the opportunity to take part in sporting activities for individuals who struggle to access sport and physical activity - to improve physical health and wellbeing.

We are looking for a Treasurer who will bring enthusiasm to the role and broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. This is a crucial position that will help guide our financial strategy and ensure the sustainability of our programs. We are an inclusive organisation, and welcome applications from anyone interested to support our purpose.

Above all, our Treasurer should be passionate about what HDSF is striving to achieve.

Charitable Activities

We are a relatively small charity (CIO with 6 permanent staff) working to support adults and children in Hertfordshire to participate in recreational sporting activities, with a focus on those with physical and/or learning disabilities. We aim to provide and support opportunities in sports and physical activity that can be accessed by everyone, whether it be through participation, volunteering, coaching or education in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

We offer a fully inclusive service across three key programme areas; Community activities, Bikes without Barriers and our hub for outdoor activities at Stanborough Park. Working with a diverse range of partners (including Day Services, special schools and community groups) and individuals, we provide cycling opportunities for young people and adults, community fitness sessions in a variety of locations, weekly activity sessions at Stanborough for young people and adults (including watersports), and holidays session for children with physical or learning disabilities and their siblings. Our activities include cycling, boxercise, keep fit, paddleboarding, bellboating and many more – each activity is adapted to the needs of the individual without any assumptions about what they can and cannot do.

In addition, we work in partnership with a number of different agencies across Hertfordshire, including Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership, to provide training and advice on how to make physical activities accessible to all.

More information on our work can be found on our website.

About the role of Trustee (Treasurer)

HDSF Trustees meet face to face 5 times per year (usually in the Hatfield area); 4 Board meetings and one full day for strategic planning and teambuilding. We also have online meetings in the intervening months for training or a briefing on a specific topic. Trustees are also encouraged to visit HDSF activities at least once a year.

Salary: This is a voluntary role although HDSF will refund reasonable travel and subsistence expenses and all work-related expenses.

Hours: A minimum commitment of 8 hours per month. Formal Trustee meetings are conducted every 3-4 months, a total of 4 a year. The Board will also conduct a monthly 1-hour conference call to discuss key areas around HDSF.

HDSF Trustees serve for a three year term with the potential to serve for 2 terms as a maximum.

Role Description

In this role, as part of the Board of Trustees, and with the Charity Director and Senior Management Team (SMT), you will have the opportunity to help inspire, set and maintain HDSF’s vision, mission and values, as well as developing strategy. Trustees are expected to be familiar with the work of HDSF through attendance at activities and events. With fellow Trustees, you will be responsible for ensuring compliance and accountability for finance, legal and governmental obligations.

Role Purpose:

• To assure the Board that the Charity’s financial affairs are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practices.
• To oversee all financial aspects of the charity on behalf of the Board to ensure the Charity’s short and long term viability. Ensuring the Charity’s strategic and operational plans are underpinned by robust and fit for purpose financial management.
• To assist the Chair, other honorary officers and the Charity Director (CD) in ensuring that the Board fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper financial governance of the charity. This includes the provision of advice, guidance, challenge and reassurance on all aspects of the Charity’s financial activities.
• Oversee the transformation of the Charity’s financial procedures and protocols, including implementation of current and any new accounting software.

Key responsibilities

Overview

The role of Treasurer is key to the effective governance of HDSF. While financial matters are the responsibility of all trustees, it is often the treasurer that the other trustees look to for advice, guidance and reassurance on all aspects of the charity’s financial management and reporting, control systems, solvency, investments, etc. In addition to their general responsibilities as a Trustee, the Treasurer will be expected to monitor the financial administration of HDSF and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals on its state of financial health, in line with best practice, and in compliance with the governing document and legal requirements

Specifically

The main responsibilities and duties of the treasurer include;

• Overseeing and presenting budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the board of trustees,
• Leading in the board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled, invested and economically spent, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements,
• Leading in the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost‐management and investment policies,
• Liaising, where applicable, with the CD and Chief Operating Officer,
• Chairing any finance committee in line with standing orders and terms of reference, and reporting back to the board of trustees,
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity,
• Overseeing the implementation of and monitoring specific financial controls and adherence to systems,
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan,
• Overseeing the charity’s financial risk‐management process,
• Acting as a counter signatory on important applications to funders, and
• Board‐level liaison with the Independent Examiner on specific issues.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate would have;

• Commitment to the vision and aims of HDSF and the willingness to devote the necessary time and effort,
• The ability to communicate and clearly explain financial information to non-finance Board members,
• A willingness to contribute fully to Board discussions,
• An accounting qualification,
• An ability to challenge in a constructive manner,
• Strategic financial planning and financial analysis skills,
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team,
• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board,
• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis,
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

The following skills and experience are desirable but not essential;

• Experience of charity accounting,
• Experience of charity SORP.

Equal Opportunity

• The Trustee Board welcome all applications from people with accounting experience and/or accounting qualifications and are particularly interested in receiving applications from those who have lived experience of disability and from those from sectors of our community which are often under-represented on charity boards.
• We are committed to providing equal opportunities and our policy is to ensure that no job Applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment, particularly on the grounds of sex, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age.
• We have designed this application process to help us select the best candidate for the job and to eliminate the possibility of discrimination.

A trustee is required to act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and must always bear the interests of HDSF in mind. Section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993 disqualifies anyone who:

• Has been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty, unless the conviction is spent
• Is an un-discharged bankrupt
• Has previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the court or the Charity Commissioners
• Is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986

It is an offence to act as a charity trustee while disqualified unless the Charity Commission has given a waiver under section 72(4) of the Charities Act 1993.

Application Process:

Please apply by sending a copy of your CV with a covering letter to Sine Bates, Chief Operating Officer, or contact her with any questions about the role or HDSF.

Closing date – Monday 25th November 2024

Shortlist meeting – Thursday 28th November 2024

Interviews - Evening of Thursday 5th December 2024 in Hatfield

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Help shape the future of the science profession.

The Science Council is a small but influential Royal Chartered body, registered charity and membership organisation with over 30 Members, professional bodies and learned societies.

We are looking for a new Chair of our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee to support the Science Council; to strengthen the collective impact of the science community for public benefit and realise our ambition of a diverse science profession that is trusted, respected and equipped to deliver national ambitions.  We do this by connecting the science professions to foster knowledge exchange and, through its professional registers, offers interdisciplinary recognition for scientists across the world. 

As the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, you will have experience of charity finance and a track record of being an effective Chair. We are looking for an individual who is forward-thinking and capable of taking a balanced approach to decision-making, with the ability to actively listen and involve others in the process. A positive and engaging demeanour that fits well with a supportive and principled Board culture is essential.  

The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic vision, finance experience, and a commitment to advancing the science profession. Essential qualities include strong analytical skills, the ability to think critically, and a collaborative approach to working with other Committee members, management and the Board of Trustees. Experience of in the working within professional body, membership or regulatory sectors will be highly beneficial. Additionally, candidates would benefit from having a solid understanding to charity audit and risk management frameworks to support our financial stability and strategic growth.

It is an exciting time to join the Science Council as we develop our next three-year strategy, focused on growing the registers and income by developing products that will support science employers to develop their workforces. We are also moving into the next phase of a project, funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, to promote science apprenticeships. 

We are committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and as such we welcome applicants of all backgrounds to represent the diverse population of people that we serve. 

This is your opportunity to join an ambitious and well-run organisation and play a leading role in the shaping the future of the Science Council.
Please note that employees and members of our Member Organisations are not eligible for this role.