Independent Living Service Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

What is the purpose of this role?

Panellists will inform and influence the support we offer to older people and help us deliver services that older people need and value.

What impact does this role have?

Our Panellists will help us to shape our services and our strategy. They will support us to make sure that people know about our charity, that our services have a positive impact on the lives of older people, and that we are a valued, local resource for older people to rely on.

What are the responsibilities of the role? 

• To support our charity and its aims and to act as an ambassador for our services and projects and the wider Age UK network.

• To ensure our charity is aware of emerging needs and issues related to older people in the City and County that could influence future planning.

• To represent the wider community of older people and their interests – including topics such as social, health, wealth, and longer-term needs.

• To develop an understanding of customer service within the charity and how it can be improved for older people.

• To maintain a positive commitment to, and active promotion of, Age UK Notts’ Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy.

What are we looking for?

• Integrity

• A commitment to the charity

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Good, independent judgement

• A willingness to speak their mind

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

What is the time commitment?

• The charity holds four meetings per year (Including the AGM), with each meeting lasting around 2 hours.There will be a mix of in-person and online meetings.

• In addition, Panellists need to set aside a minimum of 1 hours reading time before each meeting.

• Depending upon agreed actions, Panellists may be asked to dedicate some time to activities within the community, or for the charity outside of the meetings.

• Should exceptional circumstances arise, there may be a need for additional meetings, but this will be a rare occurrence.

• A chair and vice-chair will be elected by the members every 3 years and holders may serve a maximum of 6 years in total in either role.

What training will you be given?

You will be given a basic induction to the Charity and some basic compliance training to allow you to undertake your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to influence the largest, local charity providing support for older people. It’s a chance to bring your views, experience and knowledge to the table as well as building new relationships and meeting new challenges.

Please note the following key information

• You must be at least 18 years old

• You must agree to be properly appointed by our robust volunteer recruitment process (including references and DBS check).

• The role of a OPAP Panellist is voluntary and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Use your expert knowledge in architectural history and heritage or digital marketing/communications skills to serve a nationally respected charity growing in its grant-making, impact and influence.

The National Churches Trust exists to support churches, chapels and meeting houses so that they remain at the heart of the communities for which they were built and can continue to play an integral part in all our lives.

The future of our churches, chapels and meeting houses is the single biggest challenge facing the heritage of the United Kingdom. It is also a challenge that goes to the heart of questions about the future of our communities, above all those that are more isolated and vulnerable. Our churches include nearly half of our most important historic buildings, listed Grade 1 or equivalent. They also contain by far the nation’s largest collection of art, sculpture and stained glass.

Increasingly too, from food banks to credit unions, the UK’s church buildings provide a growing list of essential services for people in urgent need. They are the ‘National Help Service’ providing the safety net that stops our most vulnerable people falling through the cracks and being the social glue that keeps our communities together.

However, despite their importance, our churches are at risk as never before.

More churches are closing, and many others face a very uncertain future. Historic England’s 2023 At Risk Register includes over 900 churches. In Wales, about a quarter of historic churches have closed in the last ten years, with many more now in danger. Meanwhile, in Scotland, as many as 40% of the Church of Scotland’s churches face closure.

We are seeking three trustees that will further align the board’s expertise with our vision and strategic plans to galvanise long-term support to help as many churches as possible, by bringing skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Architectural history, heritage and Conservation: in-depth knowledge and experience of, as well as strong networks in, the heritage and conservation sectors.

• Digital and technology: experience of leadership where digital technologies or digital marketing are central to an organisation’s strategy.

• Communications: first-hand experience of how the media operate and in-depth understanding of how to communicate effectively with different audiences.

We recognise the immense value of different perspectives brought by those with varied backgrounds, characteristics and life experiences. We particularly welcome applications from under represented sections of the community (specifically in our context, individuals of Global Majority Heritage) and from candidates based outside London and the South-East of England, specifically from Scotland but also Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you have a passion for The National Churches Trust’s mission, please find out more about this opportunity.

Closing date for expressions of interest is Wednesday 15th January 2025 at 12 noon GMT.

Orchards is at an exciting point of growth as we expand into new hubs with our support and housing provision. We are looking for new Trustees to strengthen the Board and help position us for sustainable growth in the coming years. We are particularly looking for Trustees with experience in the following areas:

- Safeguarding – a qualified social worker or safeguarding professional with experience of adult safeguarding. This Trustee will work alongside the Safeguarding Lead to ensure best practice and ongoing monitoring of safeguarding strategy within the organisation.

- Church leader or church network leader – an experienced church leader able to work across denominations. This Trustee will help us to develop our church partnerships and to bring local church perspective into the strategy and growth of the charity.

- Housing – an experienced housing professional with knowledge of social and Local Authority housing. This Trustee will help us work strategically with Local Authorities as we expand our housing provision and seek creative ways to provide move-on housing options for women.

Orchards Trustees serve the board with a passion to see women free from sexual exploitation, bringing their relevant career experience and skills and prayerfulness. 

Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.

We are now seeking to appoint up to two people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.

It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, we have set out our stake as to how we want the world to change for carers. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy  while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.

We are specifically looking for two Nations Trustees, one each for Northern Ireland and Wales. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in the respective Nations. To find out more about this opportunity please download the Trustee recruitment pack.

Closing date: 22 January 2025 10am

Interviews:February 2025

Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with 

Seeking Volunteer Trustees to join in the starting up of a Peace Charity in Manchester, UK.

- This is an unpaid volunteer Trustee position & does not pay expenses. The charity is only just starting, when the charity is more established we can consider paying expenses for volunteer roles, but currently at the present time the role is unpaid with no expenses. If the charity takes off, we can have a board meeting about paying volunteer expenses.

- We need a Board of Trustees before we can apply to the Charities Commission for England & Wales for registration, we intend to register as a Charity in 2025 after we have a solid and diverse Board of Trustees in place.

The founder will be Cindy Baxter, Trustees that join now will be considered co-founders as well as Trustees given they would help to set the Charity up from scratch.

Job Summary
The Trustee plays a pivotal role in the governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This position involves overseeing the management of resources and ensuring that the organisation operates in accordance with its mission and objectives. The Trustee will work collaboratively with other board members to enhance the organisation's impact, engage in fundraising activities, and foster positive relationships within the community.

Duties

• Attend regular board meetings and actively participate in discussions regarding the organisation's strategy and policies.
• Provide oversight on financial management, ensuring that funds are used effectively to achieve organisational goals.
• Engage in fundraising efforts, utilising personal networks and community connections to support financial sustainability.
• Assist in marketing initiatives to promote the organisation's mission and programmes to a wider audience.
• Foster positive public relations by representing the organisation at events and within the community.
• Collaborate with staff to develop programmes that align with organisational objectives and community needs.

ABOUT THE PROPOSED CHARITY:

The International Society for the Promotion of Permanent & Universal Peace (International Peace Society - IPS for short) will be an inclusive and ethical Society created in the UK in Manchester, the 'City of Peace', to further Domestic & International Peace initiatives. Especially to in future, if the Society becomes successful & raises enough funds, employ professionals, in particular, of the Social Sciences - particularly those skilled in Peace & Conflicts, Social Work, Psychology, Community Development, Humanitarian efforts, Domestic & Family Abuse, International aid, International Diplomacy & many others. The Society, if successful, will have other jobs & volunteers also of all types of skills & abilities relevant to the Society's aims as well. The founder of this 2024 Society is Cindy Baxter, a Social Scientist & Registered Social Worker in England with 8 years experience in Safeguarding (Child Protection) across two countries (Australia & the UK), with studies in Psychology, Sociology, History & a Social Work Masters Degree that included a community development course. Cindy has an enormous amount of experience of doing paperwork for Government, experience of working with asylum seeking children, has experience of travelling to other countries & interacting with people from different cultures & Cindy is also a descendent of the Peace Family Line - her Great-Grandfather is Robert J C Peace who was born in Battersea in London in 1921. Cindy will go on to study a PhD in Social Sciences part-time whilst helping to run the Society alongside other founders & trustees. If the Society became successful, & enough funds were raised, an employment call would then go out to locate a suitable Peace President for the Society & other essential staff.

At the moment however the Society is at the very beginning stages where Trustees are needed to help start the Society, help with fundraising & apply to register the charity with the Companies House & the Charities Commission as a Charitable Not-For-Profit Company (Limited by Guarantee) in England in 2025.

There would be two main aspects to the Society:

- Domestic Peace & International Peace

CHARITABLE PURPOSES:

- The advancement of human rights, conflict resolution or reconciliation or the promotion of religious or racial harmony or equality and diversity

- The advancement of health or the saving of lives (saving lives by preventing wars, ending wars, de-escalating the negative impacts of wars & by domestic & family abuse assistance)

- The prevention or relief of poverty (where it relates to war or domestic/family abuse/exploitation)

- The advancement of education (Peace Education & Social Sciences)

- The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science (The advancement of Social Sciences specifically)

A brief overview - this is not an exhaustive list of everything the Society will aim to do but a general starting point:

The International section of the Society would likely involve forms of overseas aid, focus on diplomacy, encouraging Peace between Nations, spreading messages of peace & peaceful resolution of conflicts, attempts to avert war, especially nuclear war, employing independent Diplomats, etc. Attempting to encourage communities to unite in a spirit of peace, for example by hosting events for the public & the Society's members to attend, such a big peace walks or charity luncheons or charity galas etc. The Society will start in Manchester but if it becomes successful could branch out into other regions of the UK or even into other Countries. The Manchester office where it will start, may in future employ people or enlist volunteers who may work overseas at times as part of their role. The main reason would be to encourage as much as possible conflict/dispute resolution & encourage Nations and differing Nationalities to find diplomatic ways of resolving difficulties in an effort to end wars & prevent new wars/conflict from continuing to occur. Social Scientists, Social Policy graduates and other professionals may also be employed to uncover the deeper reasons behind what is causing specific conflicts/wars in particular regions of the world & give advice on how best to proceed to attempt to end the war/address the underlying problems that are leading to conflict/war.

- support offered to veterans & victims of conflicts/wars including those who are asylum seekers/refugees due to war

- Representing Peace in the North of England

- If the Peace & Justice Project based in London was willing to partner with the IPS we could work in tandem with them, they focus a lot on the Politics of Peace

In terms of Domestic Peace (within the UK) there will be a section of the Society that assists people & families having difficulties with domestic & family abuse or other family problems that are disturbing the peace (e.g. if the Society raised enough funds in future we could hire couple's therapists, domestic abuse specialists or partner with or support local agencies that already specialize in domestic & family abuse)

- support offered to survivors of abuse/neglect/trauma

Other potential aims:

Peace Education, Peace Awareness, Peace initiatives, Humanitarian efforts.

Further aims & purposes of the Society will be discussed in Trustee meetings, we are open to collaborating to discuss the overall aims & purposes of the Charity & how these can be brought into reality. Ultimately we want to have a Charity that helps a lot of people both within the UK & Internationally. This Society is only just starting right now, as such it is not yet registered. The purpose of this advertisement is to recruit Trustees to the Board of Trustees & be able to start the process of having the charity registered once we reach a fundraising goal of £5000.

Seeking to recruit up to a maximum of 11 Volunteer Trustees for the IPS. Applications from people of varied backgrounds, skills & abilities welcomed, including people with disabilities. If you think you have what it takes to be a Trustee for the IPS please apply.

You can access more information about the Trustee role for Charities on the UK Charity Commission website "what is a trustee and how to become one" & "the essential trustee what you need to know what you need to do".

What the IPS needs from you as a Trustee on the Board of Trustees:

- A commitment to act as a volunteer Trustee for the IPS for at least 1 year, however ideally for 3 years or longer

- Time commitment of at least 6 hours per month to join trustee meetings & discussions regarding the founding document & other various administration matters related to setting up a Charity. A virtual option will be provided for meetings for those that wish to work from home.

- Preferred location of Trustees - Greater Manchester - at least 3 of the Trustees need to be based in Greater Manchester or surrounding areas & be able to commute to Manchester Central easily.

However applications from regions outside of Greater Manchester & surrounds will be considered as long as the applicant will commit to either commuting into Greater Manchester for meetings, or commit to joining us virtually. Remote option is available.

You must live in the UK & be legally entitled to volunteer in the UK.

If you are outside of Greater Manchester & surrounds, but live in the UK, please mention this in your CV & indicate whether you are willing to commute into Manchester Central or join regular meetings virtually.

- The IPS values diversity, we encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds & with disabilities

- You will need a basic standard of English to apply for this volunteer position

- You must be at least 18 years old to apply for this volunteer position

- Two references required

- Proof of identity & address in the UK

Preferred attributes/values:

- A strong desire to see both domestic & international peace & the motivation & drive to ensure the Charity can start up strong, become a successful charity & become registered

- Integrity, kindness & an ability to work well with others in a team

- Experience in the charity sector, social sciences (including Peace & Conflicts graduates), social care and/or management of a charity/setting up a charity. If you have experience in any or multiple of these areas & are interested please submit an application

Preferred skills/abilities/experience: IPS will need a diverse range of skills & talents on the Board of Trustees. Some skills & abilities we will be seeking are:

- Charity management

- Management of charity finances & fundraising

- Payroll & HR work experience

- IT support for the new website & social media channels

- Business administration

- Experience or vast knowledge of overseas aid, diplomacy and other peace initiatives and efforts (For the International Peace side of the IPS)

- Domestic & family abuse work experience & qualifications (for the Domestic Peace side of the IPS)

- Couples counselling work experience and/or social work dispute resolution & de-escalating conflicts work experience

An applicant who has experience of fundraising & of starting and/or managing a Charity will be highly favoured. Particularly an applicant with experience of International aid & Diplomacy.

If you have skills/talents/abilities which have not been listed above which you believe would contribute beneficially to a role as Trustee for the IPS, in line with the IPS' goals, aims & charitable causes then please describe how your unique skills/abilities/talents will suit a Trustee role for the IPS in your application and this will be considered.

The main criteria is a passion for the cause of peacemaking. If you are passionate about peacemaking and believe you could be a Trustee for the IPS please apply. For those who wish to be a general volunteer for the IPS, another call will go out next year for general volunteers after the Board of Trustees has agreed on the structure of the organisation and completed the founding document.

Please be aware that all applications which proceed onto potential recruitment to Trustee positions with the IPS will be required to undergo DBS checks before being allowed into any Trustee meetings.

Please read the guidance on the UK Government page about who is ineligible to be a Trustee - "Automatic disqualification rules for charity trustees and charity senior positions".

Prospective trustees will be asked to sign a declaration to confirm that they are not disqualified from acting as a charity trustee if successful in the recruitment process.

The likely set up for the Charity will be a Not-For-Profit Charitable Company (limited by Guarantee), this will require registration with the Companies House & The Charities Commission for England & Wales once the charity is able to prove earnings of £5000 or more per year. Please keep this in mind. Trustees will have very limited liability, at maximum £10. Trustees are not expected to contribute money to set the charity up, you do not need to have money to be a Trustee, however having fundraising experience or an ability to talk to others in the general community about the importance of raising money for Peace Initiatives will be essential for at least some of the 11 Trustees that will be recruited. Or have the ability to manage future volunteers (not in Trustee positions, general volunteers) to help them learn or develop the skills to fundraise for the IPS.

Fundraising is an essential part of any Charity & we will need to demonstrate we can raise £5000 annually before we can register our Charity. Applications close on the 15th of January 2025. All applications will be considered as such please do not despair if you haven't heard back before the 15th of January 2025. Interview times will be able to be flexible around the applicants with interviews occuring late January or early February 2025.

You do not need to provide a cover letter alongside CV but if you would like to explain more in your cover letter why this position is for you then you're welcome to provide a cover letter.

This is an exciting opportunity to be both a co-founder & Trustee of the 21st Century version of the International Peace Society!

The 21st Century version of the IPS will be non-denominational and is open to people of all faiths & beliefs including those who are religious and those who are not for example agnostic & athiest. It will be an inclusive society open to all.

Postal Address:

First Floor Swan Buildings 20 Swan Street, City Centre, Manchester M45JU – this is a postal address only. The IPS does not have an office space just yet, this will be a matter that will be discussed during Board Meetings.