Individual Support Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Bristol

Your role

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role 

We are looking for Volunteer Group Facilitators to support our group sessions in Bristol. You will be based at different locations across Bristol and, ideally, you will be able to commit to around 2 hours per week to volunteering. 

You will be supporting our group development coordinator at group sessions and workshops. This will involve making sure that group members feel comfortable in the space, and striking up conversations with group members and ensuring everyone feels included and valued. 

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service 

The Bristol Community Support Services team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. 

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Group Facilitator 

• Supporting the group by welcoming individuals and creating a comfortable and welcoming environment 

• Helping to set up before the group starts (laying out supplies, checking attendance etc.) 

• Creating a space in which people are able to speak freely and share as much or as little as they want 

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Understanding the importance of confidentiality

• Being able to relate to people from all backgrounds and remain non-judgmental 

• Having excellent active listening skills and a good ability to build rapport 

• Being punctual and reliable

Who are we? 

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.” 

We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this.

NEW VOLUNTEER TEAM NEEDED! A DYNAMIC AND DEVELOPING MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY URGENTLY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS. HELP FORGE THE BEST MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING SERVICE

Evolve Counselling is … changing. Over the next year we have an ambitious programme to meet a large and growing demand for professionally-delivered talking therapies. We have plenty of volunteering opportunities for you. Bring your skills and experience to help us, and in return be part of an empowering community - where you can thrive in a rewarding project. Build your CV! Try something new! Put your spare time to use! Revive your career skills! Do life-enriching work helping others! All roles are flexible hours, working remotely with full IT support.

Exciting and absorbing NEW volunteer job roles

Projects Support . Secretarial tasks supporting the Trustee Board: Scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and board papers, taking minutes, keeping records, monitoring compliance  with legal and contractual rules, etc. Admin support for CEO: Arrange external meetings, attend planning sessions and produce notes and minutes, schedule key business events, and keep diaries up to date. General office administration: Keeping records, directing calls and messages, maintaining files and building the business ‘memory’. We are looking for a highly efficient organiser, someone used to routine and fine detail, with good IT skills.

Finance Controller or Finance Assistant. Finance tasks supporting our growing charity, working with our external Book Keeper, outsourced payroll service, and the Board Treasurer. Tasks include producing monthly reports and stats for the Board, for funders and fundraising bids. Monthly financial reporting including monitoring of income and expenditure, variance analysis and cashflow forecasting, monthly management accounts, and annual financial statements - charity income and expenditure, balance sheet, P&L. Supporting annual budget setting, and assisting when data is required for grant submissions. You will ideally be, or have been, a chartered, AAT, or qualified-by-experience accountant, have Third Sector knowledge, and have an interest and passion  for charitable enterprises.

Communications and Media Coordinator or Assistant. We are looking for help to communicate much much better with counselling clients, funders, our own “Counselling Community” of therapists, and the wider voluntary sector across our large area. You’ll be writing news stories, success ‘profiles’, publicising regular and special events, and driving social media and the web  - building the brand for Evolve. This job will be great  for a pro-active social media “story teller”, looking to build their own profile by ‘owning’ this new area of Evolve’s work. You’ll need to be creative, organised, and literate, with a very self-motivated  approach. A background in PR, marketing, social media or news will be great for this role.
 

Marketing and Fundraising Specialist or Assistant. Help us to grow our client numbers, improve the service, generate a development fund for new innovations, and get our name in front of sponsors, donors, and other charity project funders. In this demanding but hugely rewarding new role you will be in at the beginning - creating campaigns, researching and writing bids, and working with our communications and media volunteer to build and promote compelling fundable projects.

About Evolve Counselling. Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time. We deliver talking therapies to adults – online and in person. Our service delivers around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access counselling support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support and mental health awareness and related training to organisations and businesses large and small.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers, preferably with experience of community engagement and networking, to:

· Research and develop a database of local authority websites

· Research and develop a database of other charities and support organisations, who may support individuals affected by leukodystrophy

· Request for Alex TLC to be added as a support organisation to the above resource lists

· Improve awareness of the charity and leukodystrophy within local authorities, other charities, and support organisations

· Research ways that we can improve our outreach to yet-to-reach groups within the community

This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your existing skills within a unique arena, learn about the difficulties facing those with rare disease, and give vital and tangible support to sufferers of leukodystrophy.

We need help to give hope and support to people affected by leukodystrophy – could you be that help?

ABOUT YOU

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

· at least 2 years working or volunteering experience

· an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do

· basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy

· excellent written skills

· excellent communication skills

· excellent computer skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel

· excellent organisational and administrative skills

Alex TLC are flexible and the role can be home based or at our Peckham, London SE15 office. Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications from outside of the UK. 

Men Who Talk is a UK registered charity, running twice weekly online peer-to-peer support groups for men aged 18+ across the UK. The groups take place between 7:00pm - 8:30pm every Wednesday evening, and 11:00am - 12:30pm every Saturday morning. 

Our groups are supportive spaces for men aged 18+ to come and talk openly about what's on their mind. All groups are free to attend and follow the evidence based model of peer support. 

Volunteers are required to be online from 6:45pm to 8:45pm on a Wednesday evening, and from 10:45am - 12:45pm on a Saturday, and are required to facilitate around 1 group per month. Volunteers are asked to commit to an a minimum of 6 months of volunteering in the initial stage. 

All groups are facilitated by 2 facilitators, and follow a semi-structured pattern.

We are looking for passionate men with some experience of groups facilitating or working in mental health settings to come join us as facilitators. Experience in using online platforms such as zoom is essential. 

A degree in psychology is preferred but not an essential requirement.

Why Join MWT? 

Men Who Talk is an exciting, fast growing charity, creating new spaces for men to talk openly about what's on their mind. 

We have a diverse team full of talented and passionate individuals who are committed to changing the face of mens mental health across the UK. 

As well as the opportunity to join the organisation at an exciting stage of it's development, volunteers also have the opportunity to develop their own skills and have regular chances to feed into the creative and strategic development of the organisation. We also provide enhanced safeguarding adults training, and the opportunity to develop key skills to enhance a career in mental health. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are only able to accept applications from individuals who already have the right to live and work in the UK. 

Avon Wildlife Trust is at an exciting stage of transformation: Grow Wilder is one of the few urban AWT reserves and represents a significant education and enterprise opportunity to Bring Wildlife Back and Enable People to Take Action for Nature.

We are looking for 3 passionate and committed individual keen to volunteer to  assist the Food & Land Management Officer over the 2025 growing season, with food growing and land management tasks, coordinating volunteer groups, ensuring volunteers are kept safe and supported in their role. You will volunteer closely with Grow Wilder’s Food & Land Management Officer, contributing to the development of the 6 acre site land management plan.

The purpose of the helpline is to provide comfort and support to service users experiencing difficulty in managing their condition – be that physical, mental or emotional support. The Helpline Volunteer role is key to delivering this mission as the primary call handler for service users. 

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people? Join our team as a Helpline Volunteer and support the launch of our groundbreaking pilot helpline service! Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund for one year, you'll play a pivotal role in bringing to life the charity’s ambitious new pilot helpline service - the first of its kind across the UK.

Working alongside a dedicated team to drive forward our mission and make a real impact in the Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) community, you will be involved with a great charity team in a position where they will be able to help establish a new service that will greatly help many people across England. 

                                                                                  Role Overview

The Helpline Volunteer will:

• Handle calls from service users, providing an empathetic and supportive approach at all times

• Participate and engage in all necessary training to build knowledge of DCM

• Participate and actively engage in peer-to-peer learning sessions 

• Take ownership for personal learning and development to build knowledge and skills that will enable them to support service users

• Conduct themselves in line with the expectations set out in the charity’s code of conduct, and other relevant policies 

• Work collaboratively with other volunteers, offering peer to peer support and guidance wherever possible and appropriate 

The role:

At Myelopathy dot org – we want our service users to feel listened to and supported – and therefore it is important to build and maintain trust with each and every caller. This is achieved by ensuring all of our Volunteers approach their role with empathy – and that they maintain presence by actively listening to every caller. It is also essential to maintain confidentiality in line with the guidance set out in the Helpline Volunteer Toolkit, and our Code of Conduct.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide Emotional Support: Listen in an empathetic and active way to service users, creating a safe space for them share 

• Offer Information and Resources: Provide information that could support their requirements and needs – directing them to professional support and services where appropriate 

• Maintain Confidentiality: Uphold a high standard when it comes to managing sensitive information in line with the charity’s Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Policy 

• Follow Processes: Adhere to the charity’s processes and procedures – including crisis management – seeking support from the Helpline Service Manager as needed 

• Maintain Records: keep notes and key information relating to cases as necessary to support with ongoing case management.

Person specification

Skills and Experience:

• Excellent communication skills – including actively listening without judgement, and the ability to convey information clearly 

• High levels of empathy and compassion – showing genuine concern for the well-being of service users and their circumstances

• Problem solving skills – identifying resources, advice and solutions as needed 

• Teamwork – ability to collaborate and work with others in a mutually supportive environment 

• IT skills - As this role will include inputting data and notes onto a software (which you will be fully trained on with 24/7 support access), being comfortable with this sort of work is a bonus 

Personal Qualities:

• An empathetic and resourceful individual, passionate about our cause and eager to make an impact. We are passionate about improving care for people with DCM, we want volunteers who can help add to this passion and inspire others they work with. 

• A strong team player who can support their fellow volunteers and embody the values of the charity. You may be the first contact that many people with DCM have with the charity, therefore it’s important that you and as a result the helpline reflect the values of the charity.

• Experience working with vulnerable people is beneficial but not essential

Please note that volunteers MUST be based in the UK. We are not able to sponsor visas.

Unwaste.io is a UK based social enterprise using data to create a circular economy for plastic. Our cloud platform, Wastebase, collects data about single-use plastic waste found in the environment. We encourage individuals, communities and NGOs to use our free Wastebase app to collect evidence about the plastic waste they find in their area. We want producers to take responsibility for where their waste ends up. Our data can help them do that.

We’re looking for a UK-based volunteer who can help connect with community organisations in the UK and encourage more people to use Wastebase to support their activities. If you like being out and about, talking to people who want to improve their community and you are interested in improving the environment, this might be the role for you.

Regular tasks

We’ll support you to understand our aims and audience and encourage you to bring your own ideas and creativity to what we do. Regular tasks will involve:

• identifying and engaging with community organisations involved in local clean ups, waste or litter campaigning or plastic free advocacy through Facebook, instagram and TikTok, supported by our Social Media Manager

• joining local clean ups in person to demonstrate the Wastebase app and get people excited about using it

• joining meetings remotely to give demos or presentations about Wastebase, supported by our comms lead

• distributing posters for community groups to use in their local displays

Essential requirements

• willingness and confidence to get out and talk to local groups in person

• access to own car or ability to travel independently with the local area (up to a day trip - we don’t expect you to make extended or overnight trips)

• confidence in public speaking (remote or in person) and engaging people on a personal level

• confidence in using digital tools to make presentations or demos (for example, Google Meet, Google Slides)

• experience in using social media to connect with people or organisations

Desirable requirements

• knowledge of or interest in plastic reduction, waste management or the circular economy

• desire to create positive impact on the environment 

• previous experience of working with a community organisation in an engagement or marketing role

Expenses

Unwaste.io will reimburse reasonable travel expenses (including fuel). This could include train travel to meet a community group, for example, plus lunch if out for a whole day. These must be agreed in advance.

Working schedule

We expect our volunteers to join regular weekly check ins - these are usually about 30 mins at an agreed time. Outside of this, we expect you to manage your own time and complete tasks in a way that suits both your schedule and the requirements of the role. This is likely to include some time at the weekends (to join clean ups) or in the evenings.

We are always available to answer questions and offer support and encourage all of our team to ask for help whenever they need it. If you are joining clean ups and events, we will support you to do this safely. 

Training and support

We’ll provide you with appropriate training on our app and data management platform, as well as the collaboration tools we use. We’ll also support you to develop your knowledge of plastics and the circular economy, and to build your skills around community engagement (writing, presentation, identifying contacts for example). You'll be supported by our Partnerships and Comms lead and will work alongside our Social Media Manager and Data Volunteer.

If you wish to use this role as a basis for a personal study project or portfolio project, we will be happy to provide you with additional access to our data and digital tools.

Future opportunities

This is an unpaid role and we can’t guarantee any future employment with Unwaste.io. However, your experience as a volunteer would be very valuable if you chose to apply for any future roles with us. We always encourage our volunteers to apply for relevant roles if they come up.

VOLUNTEER/GLD ONLINE 

Unleash Your Passion, Volunteer Online with IHF!

Make a difference from anywhere in the world: Join the International Humanity Foundation (IHF) and help us empower marginalized children and communities. We offer flexible online volunteering opportunities in four exciting divisions:

A. Human Resources (HR): Master essential HR skills while supporting our global team. Assist with applications, interviews, calendars, and more.

B. Finance: Gain valuable financial experience while managing funds responsibly. Help us track donations, process grants, and ensure financial stability.

C. Education & Administration: Make a lasting impact on children's lives. Develop curricula, mentor youth, and contribute to various educational projects.

D. Media & PR: Share our stories and amplify our impact. Use your talents in media, graphics, translation, or writing to connect with the world.

Benefits:

• Make a real difference: Contribute to a meaningful cause and change lives.

• Gain valuable skills: Enhance your knowledge and develop new abilities.

• Connect with a global community: Collaborate with passionate volunteers from diverse backgrounds.

• Flexible and rewarding: Volunteer from the comfort of your home on your own schedule.

No matter your experience, you can make a contribution! We welcome individuals with various skills and levels of expertise.

Ready to join us?

Visit our website to learn more and apply:

Together, let's create a brighter future for all!

Fundraising Volunteer

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Our vision is a society where every cat has their best possible life because they are protected, cared for and understood by everyone.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.

Our Purpose is to to help people see the world through cats’ eyes

Our brand new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

A bit about this role:

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.
• online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.
• bringing new ideas! We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.
• engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathetic to cats and our values
• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.
• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities
• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

Time expectation

This role is very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The well being of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

If you would like to find out more about this role, please contact: Emma Vipond, Volunteer team leader 

Volunteer Fundraising team leader

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Team Leader Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role:

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We're looking for someone with:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

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.

Fundraising Volunteer

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Our vision is a society where every cat has their best possible life because they are protected, cared for and understood by everyone.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.

Our Purpose is to to help people see the world through cats’ eyes

Our brand new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

A bit about this role:

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.
• online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.
• bringing new ideas! We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.
• engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathetic to cats and our values
• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.
• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities
• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

Time expectation

This role is very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The well being of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Applicants will be asked to complete and application and provide details for two references

Welcome to Unlock YOUR Potential, a brand new dynamic charity starting up thats dedicated to transforming lives and empowering individuals aged between 18 and 60 years old from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are passionately committed to creating new pathways for positive change through our comprehensive programmes and holistic support.

Our Vision: We envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our Mission: Our mission is to empower, inspire, and support those facing barriers and challenges. We deliver tailored programmes that foster skills, confidence, and networks, paving the way for success.

Our Values:

• Passion: Our work is fuelled by a deep care for the communities we serve.

• Results: We are driven by the tangible outcomes and achievements of our beneficiaries.

• Innovation: We constantly seek innovative methods to enhance our programmes.

• Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership and inclusivity.

• Integrity: Our operations are marked by professionalism, ethics, and transparency.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we will be offering a suite of transformative programmes and services designed to empower individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our holistic approach will address key areas such as employment, education, life skills, mentoring, and personal development.

Its an exciting time to launch our new charity with the new governments focus on getting people back to work or in training and development, there will be plenty of opportunities for us to make a huge impact but we need to set the foundations and get ourselves ready to launch. 

Head of Delivery (HoD):

We are looking for a Head of Delivery, who can join our new charity start-up and help us build a solid foundation and help to create, design, develop and immpliment our core programmes at Unlock YOUR Potential, providing our key services to those who need it. This includes Employability and Enterprise Programme, Health and Well-Being Programme, Life Skills, Mentoring and Personal Development Programme.

As our Head of Delivery you will be responsible for the delivery and long-term strategy of Unlock YOUR Potential's programmes. You will be responsible for;

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of all programmes and services.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to enhance our offerings.
• Ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve programme delivery and impact.
• Monitor and report on the outcomes and achievements of our programmes.
• Support the team in troubleshooting and resolving any issues that arise during programme delivery.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the delivery team.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in programme/project management, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for social impact and creating opportunities for those facing socio-economic challenges.

Time Commitment:

• Approximately 6-8 hours per week, with flexibility to fit around your life.​

Join us in making a difference and unlocking the potential of disadvantaged people in our community!

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE MEMBER - FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER

ROLE DESCRIPTION

This is a new and exciting voluntary opportunity.

• Responsible to: Chair of Fundraising Committee.
• Direct reports: N/A
• Working hours and contract: This is a voluntary role that consists of x4 Committee meetings per year, preparation for Committee meetings, attending workshops and events.
• Location: At present all remote.

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to serve on our new Fundraising Committee as a Fundraising Independent Committee Member. We are interested in candidates who have broad leadership experience in substantial fundraising operations, successfully generating annual voluntary income of more than 15 million pounds. Our committees are a fundamental part of our governance structure, and members play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the fulfilment of our mission to save sight and change lives. Our committees are currently:

• Social Impact & Scientific Research Committee (SISR)
• Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources Committee (FARR)
• People Committee
• Fundraising Committee
• Retail Committee

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Provide mentorship and strategic guidance to the charity, aligning efforts with the mission and values of the organisation.
• Collaborate with other committee members, the executive team, and stakeholders to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance the charity’s impact and sustainability.

Governance

• Ensure effective governance, decision-making, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Work closely with other committee members, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration and open communication, harnessing different views and opinions.

Engagement

• Represent the charity, when possible, at public events and networking opportunities to promote our mission and raise awareness about our cause.
• Support the development of relationships with key stakeholders, including senior volunteers, high value donors, corporations, and the visually impaired community.

Evaluation and Accountability

• Collaborate with the committee to evaluate performance, ensuring alignment with the charity’s goals and objectives.
• Ensure the charity is accountable to donors and beneficiaries, that is financially robust and sustainable and has effective risk management in place.

PERSON SPECIFICATION           

The ideal candidates will display a commitment to our cause, along with the following:

General attributes                                 

Knowledge & experience  

• An understanding of governance, and experience on a committee or board.
• Understanding of Fundraising Regulator, and compliance to GDPR law.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including donors, corporations and large institutional funders.

Skills & abilities

• Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision to deliver impact.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Entrepreneurial instincts and a healthy understanding of risk balanced with ambition using sound judgement.
• Evidence of improving supporter experience, digital integration and executing successful high value appeals.

Styles & behaviours

• High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the charity’s values, as well as a passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with, or at risk of, sight loss.
• Collaborative, highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing difference perspectives.
• Solution-focused, with an ability to see the big picture and be pragmatic.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Remuneration: this role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.

Time commitment: While the exact time commitment may vary based on the charity’s needs and priorities, we anticipate the following general expectations:

• Four committee meetings per year.
• Preparation for meetings, review of materials, and other engagement as appropriate.
• Online meetings with the Director of Development, and Fundraising Committee Chair as appropriate.
• Representing the charity at high profile events, functions and public engagements to enhance its reputation and partnerships.

Location: At present, committee meetings are held remotely.

HOW TO APPLY

Please see the job description via our website which has full details for the role.

To make an application, please send your CV and a supporting statement (max two pages) to the recruitment inbox listed on the full job description on our website which you can access via the 'apply button'. Please outine your motivation for applying and how you meet the attributes outlined in the personal specification including the specialist experience we are seeking.

If you have questions about the appointment and would find it helpful to have an informal conversation, please see the JD on our website and we will be happy to arrange a call with the Director of Development or Fundraising Committee Chair.

We hope you will consider making an application. Together, we can put change in sight.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Fight for Sight we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every item in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles that we have.

We have an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, including any adjustments required to support people from diverse community groups.

OTHER INFORMATION

We draw your attention to some important policies that govern the research that our charity funds. You can find these on our website - see the JD for the link.