Legal Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA) is looking for a Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership for the charity, working in partnership with our Operations Manager and supported by a committed team of Trustees.

Who we are

Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) is a long-term side-effect (‘late effect’) of pelvic radiotherapy treatment affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the UK.  People affected by PRD often have a complex set of symptoms affecting the bowel, bladder, sexual function or other functions for many years after radiotherapy, sometimes only appearing several years after radiotherapy treatment

PRDA is a small UK charity whose objectives are to see that the effects of PRD are minimised, that people affected by PRD are given the best possible care and treatment, and that PRD is accepted as a serious problem and given the attention it deserves.

Duties of the Chair

In addition to the duties of a Trustee, the Chair will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that PRDA achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the Operations Manager and team to achieve our mission.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and PRDA’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for PRDA. 

What PRDA is looking for

Each trustee must have:

• a commitment to the vision and aims of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
• willingness to meet the minimum time requirement 
• integrity 
• strategic vision 
• good, independent judgement 
• an ability to think creatively 
• a willingness to speak their mind 
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of PRDA.

Ideally, trustees should also have one or more of the following: 

• Understanding of the impact of Pelvic Radiation Disease on people’s lives either through personal or professional connections, or be willing to learn about this; 
• Prior experience of committee/trustee work; 
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by PRDA (helpline, support groups, online support, health professional engagement, awareness-raising) and/or fundraising for a small charity, and
• Leadership skills.

Please see the full job description for more detail. 

For an informal discussion about the role please contact David Jillings, PRDA Treasurer & Vice-chair.

Settled is a 5 year old award winning UK-wide charity that has strong ties to grassroots communities and a growing public profile, highly regarded by senior figures in government departments, embassies and NGOs.

It provides expert advice and champions the rights of EU citizens living in the UK following the upheavals of the Brexit vote, it has a supportive team and a strong volunteer base with a distinctly European flavour and operates in over 20 languages.

2 of Settled's remarkable founding trustees have stepped down at the end of 2024 and we are looking for fresh talent to join our friendly board.

Please consider joining us!

Hours: We aim to be transparent about the time commitment required for this role. While we strive to balance the needs of the organization with respect for your time, we anticipate an average of 6 full days per year, in addition to a minimum of 4-6 hours per month. This includes attending key meetings, participating in essential activities, and contributing to ongoing projects. We expect in-person attendance at quarterly Board meetings whenever feasible.

Pay: Unpaid Volunteer role (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed for Board related work)

Duration: 3 years with possible extension.

Location: In-person meetings held in Manchester, UK

Are you passionate about using your networking skills and philanthropic interests to support an international health NGO and charity?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity. Born of the NHS, we’ve been working for over 30 years

towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit.

UK-Med invites applications to join our Board of Trustees from well-connected individuals with a track record of securing significant gifts for charities from individuals or corporations.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in networking and fostering partnerships with corporate and individual donors, trusts, fundraisers and other stakeholders. They will play a pivotal role in supporting our small but growing fundraising team to develop and deliver the UK-Med fundraising strategy and supporting fundraising efforts through networking, soliciting gifts and championing the work of the charity at events and meetings.

You will be passionate about what we do and committed to using your experience and expertise to contribute to the strategic development and good governance of the charity.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack –Trustees - November 2024before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Please apply below, as soon as possible and no later than Monday 20 Janaury 2025

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfil their potential.

Role Description

Come join our team working to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q4 by Best Companies as the 8th best charity to work for in the UK, Medaille Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against modern slavery. Our innovative model is based on three principles: Prevent, Protect and Pursue.  We are one of the UK’s largest providers of survivor services, with ten safehouses and six outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

Many of our service users don’t use English as their first language and rely on high quality translation to understand information. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers who can accurately translate English text into any of the languages below:

Bengali, Arabic, Amharic, Albanian, Vietnamese, Romanian, Polish, Tigrinya, Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi.

Volunteers need to:

•Be at least 18 years old

•Hold a translating or interpreting qualification or to hold a degree (in any subject) and be fluent in speaking and writing in English, and one or more of the languages above

•Have excellent command of English and other language(s)

•Have grammatical accuracy

•Have excellent proof-reading skills including IT skills

•Have use of own computer

•Be willing to have a basic DBS check

•Have the willingness to learn about human trafficking issues

•Have the ability to maintain confidentiality

To apply please complete an application form on our website.

Come join our volunteering team to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q3 by Best Companies as the 6th best charity to work for in the UK, Medaille Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against modern slavery. Our innovative model is based on three principles: Prevent, Protect and Pursue.  We are one of the UK’s largest providers of survivor services, with ten safehouses and six outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal  system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

We are looking for two individuals to help us with maintenance tasks, in our Manchester safehouses. Tasks will include activities such as installing shelving, putting together flatpack furniture, painting, gardening etc

We are looking for 2 x Volunteer Handypersons to help support us with maintenance of our safehouse.

Tasks will include:

• Lifting, carrying, and transporting items in a safe manner

• General handyperson tasks such as installing shelving, putting together flatpack furniture, painting etc.

• General maintenance tasks

• Sharing knowledge of general maintenance with service users to empower them to do it themselves going forward

• Only complete tasks that are you able or qualified to complete

• Maintain health and safety at all times

• Showing awareness of service users’ varying physical and mental well-being needs

• To provide feedback and safeguarding concerns to the Senior Service Manager - reporting any observations or concerns in a timely manner

• To take part in regular supervision and support

• To regularly attend volunteer or staff meetings

• To attend training as and when required including health and safety, boundaries, safeguarding, manual handling and confidentiality

• To work within agreed professional boundaries at all times

• To provide a safe and non-judgmental environment that promotes the core values and ethos of the Trust, in accordance with the Medaille Trust Policy, Data Protection Act, and Health and Safety Regulations. 

The role would suit someone who is friendly, kind, empathetic and non-judgemental. As well as someone who is physically fit to be able to lift and carry heavy objects. This position is rewarding and will be making an immediate difference in supporting and empowering service users. 

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with people in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members in line with agreed procedures and systems.

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old

• Volunteers will need to have a good standard of spoken and written English

• Be computer literate to be able to complete any online training

• Ability to maintain confidentiality is essential

• Volunteers to have knowledge and understanding of human trafficking issues or willingness to learn

• Knowledge of mental health issues and the challenges faced or a willingness to learn

• An understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role

For further information and an application form, please see our website

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. 

Trustee Team:

We are looking for Trustees (various roles), who can join our new charity start-up and help us build a solid foundation and help to build a strategy and plan to get Unlock YOUR Potential set-up and running, providing our key services to those who need it.

We are looking for the following Trustee roles:

Chairperson

As Chairperson you will guide the board of trustees and ensure the organisation stays true to its mission.

Here are the primary responsibilities:

1. Leadership: You will lead the board, setting the agenda with the CEO and ensuring that meetings are efficient and productive.

2. Governance: You will ensure that the charity adheres to legal and ethical standards and follow its governing documents.

3. Strategic Oversight: You will work with the Chief Executive and other senior leaders to develop and review the charity's strategic direction.

4. Support and Supervision: You will support the Chief Executive, providing guidance, support and ensuring that the team have all the resources needed to carry out their duties.

5. Representation: You will help recruit and develop board members, ensuring a diverse and effective team, all working towards the same goal and aspirations for Unlock YOUR Potential.

Overall, as Chairperson you will ensure that the charity is well-governed and operates effectively in achieving its goals.

Vice Chairperson

As Vice Chairperson you will support the Chairperson in leading and managing the board of trustees.

Here are the key responsibilities:

1. Support to the Chair: You will assist the Chairperson in their duties, often stepping in when the Chairperson is unavailable.

2. Leadership: You will take on special projects or lead sub-committees, ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight.

3. Representation: You will represent the charity at events and meetings, acting as an ambassador.

4. Board Collaboration: You will work closely with the CEO and other board members to ensure cohesive and effective decision-making.

As the Vice Chairperson ensure continuity and support in the charity’s leadership, helping to guide and maintain its mission and objectives.

Treasurer

As Treasurer you will be managing the financial affairs of the organisation.

Here are the key responsibilities:

1. Financial Oversight: You will manage and monitor the charity's financial position, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.

2. Budgeting: You will assist in the preparation and approval of the charity's budget, ensuring alignment with its objectives.

3. Bookkeeping: You will lead, steer and oversee record-keeping and ensures that all financial transactions are accurately documented.

4. Compliance: You will ensure the charity complies with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements.

5. Financial Strategy: You will create, develop and contribute to the development of financial policies and strategies, advising the board on financial matters.

6. Fund Management: You will oversee the management of funds, investments, and reserves, ensuring the charity's financial stability.

The role of the Treasurer is essential for maintaining the financial integrity and sustainability of the charity, enabling it to effectively pursue its mission.

Secretary

As Secretary you will focus on ensuring the smooth running of the board's activities and maintaining effective communication.

Here are the key responsibilities:

1. Meeting Coordination: You will arrange and schedule board meetings, prepares agendas, and distributes necessary documents, book meeting rooms and sort logisitcs for meetings.

2. Minutes and Records: You will take detailed minutes during meetings, record decisions, and track action items to ensure follow-up, ensuring everyone understands what needs to be done, when and by whom.

3. Compliance: You will ensure the charity complies with statutory requirements, such as filing annual returns and maintaining up-to-date records with regulatory bodies and lead on these tasks and duties.

4. Communication: You will act as a liaison between the board and other stakeholders, ensuring clear and timely communication.

5. Documentation: You will create, manage and store important documents, including governing documents, policies, and procedures.

6. Support to the Board: You will provide administrative support to the board members, facilitating their roles and responsibilities.

The role of the Secretary is essential for maintaining effective governance and ensuring the charity operates within its legal framework.

Trustees

As Trustee you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity is well-managed and adheres to its mission, making key sound decisions in the charity's interests.

Here are the main responsibilities:

1. Governance: To provide oversight and direction for the charity, ensuring it operates legally and ethically.

2. Strategic Planning: To contribute to the development and implementation of the charity's strategic plans, aligning activities with the organisation's goals.

3. Financial Stewardship: To oversee the charity's finances, ensuring funds are managed effectively and responsibly.

4. Compliance: To ensure the charity complies with all legal requirements and regulatory standards.

5. Policy Development: To create, lead or help to develop and approve policies that guide the charity's operations.

6. Support and Advocacy: To support the charity's executive team and act as ambassadors, promoting the charity's work to stakeholders and the public.

Trustees are volunteers who bring diverse skills and perspectives to the charity, helping it to achieve its mission and make a positive impact.

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

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Submit a CV and a cover letter to express your interest.

Those who submit their CV will be considered and will be invited to an informal insight event towards Janunary 2025 before interviews occur.

What does a Trustee do! 

A Trustee’s role is to act in the best interests of the organization. They are accountable for the organization’s finances, legal affairs, overall performance, and serious arising issues. Trustees must ensure that executives align with the organization’s purpose and mission, acting in ways that advance these goals and uphold the organization’s values. Statutory duties include ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, safeguarding assets, and maintaining accurate financial records.

Commitment

Each Trustee will attend Trustee meetings on a regular basis, a Trustee may also be appointed as a Co Chair and into other roles such as Treasurer and Secretary, and also may join a committee.

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organisation with the aim to become a CIO soon. We use a research-led approach promote and further the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work and research. We promote and empower change.

What we are looking for!

We are looking to appoint experienced Trustees with a background in one or more of the following areas: finance, law, academia, research, leadership, youth sector, policy, education, social action, human rights, issues facing young people and fundraising.

Why we need you!

Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for Trustees to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organisation. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. 

​What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to join us. By being a Trustee with us you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

BRANCH TRUSTEE - RSPCA Middlesborough, Teesside & District Branch

We are looking for a Branch Trustee to help us manage the Middlesbrough, Teesside and District Branch.  As a Trustee you will be a full and equal member of our leadership team, making strategies, decisions deciding what we focus on, how we raise and spend money, organising events, working as a team to improve animal welfare in our community.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

Trustees manage the charity.  Like any organisation we get involved in people, finance and legal topics, making strategies and assessing which projects to support, tracking progress on animal welfare programs, working with local vets to offer more support out of hours, or making sure our volunteers are well managed and motivated.  More importantly, we focus on raising funds, managing volunteers and spending money where it is needed to support animals in our community - YOUR community.  So, whatever your background or skills there is a role you can play.

You will hold the organisation accountable, ensure compliance and be an ambassador, promoting the good work we do and encouraging our teams to continue their efforts to support animal welfare.

You may be an experienced Trustee or new to the role (we can help with training).  You will have leadership experience gained in any sector and a passion for animal welfare.  You will bring the ability to lead people, motivate teams and manage change.  You will be able to understand complex topics, ask logical questions and be willing to hold an organisation accountable for fulfilling its responsibilities.  You will be willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into the details, make decisions and speak up.

You will be a full part of the team leading this charity.  Your voice will be heard and you will help guide the charity and decide its direction.  You’ll have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team, build something new and really make your mark. Together we can make a huge impact on animal welfare in our community.

Benefits to becoming a RSPCA Branch Trustee:

•  Using your existing skills to do something useful and learning new ones.
•  Delivering a real leadership experience.
•  Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in our community.
•  You’ll have access to the RSPCA Learning Hub and a wide range of training materials
• You’ll be a leader, not a follower - you’ll shape our future direction and make your mark.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Please note that Trustees must be at least 18 years of age.  This is a volunteer role (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed).

Volunteer Opportunity: Country Director (USA)

Organization: HELPING CHILDREN INC.
Location: United States (Remote with occasional in-person tasks)
Closing Date: 31st December 2024

About Us:
HELPING CHILDREN INC is a nonprofit organization registered in California, committed to improving the lives of children globally. Through various initiatives, we aim to provide resources, support, and opportunities that empower underprivileged children to thrive.

Role Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Country Director to oversee and manage the establishment of our operations in the United States. This is a volunteer position ideal for someone passionate about making a difference and contributing to a meaningful cause.

Key Responsibilities:

• Banking Operations: Open and manage a bank account for the organization in the USA.
• Office Setup: Identify and secure an appropriate location for our office space in the United States.
• Networking: Build relationships with local stakeholders, including potential donors, partners, and volunteers.
• Compliance: Ensure the organization adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements for nonprofit operations in the USA.
• Coordination: Act as the primary point of contact between the USA office and the headquarters in Sri Lanka.

Requirements:

• Based in the United States (California preferred).
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with U.S. nonprofit operations, including legal and financial regulations.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Passionate about helping children and supporting nonprofit missions.

What We Offer:

• A chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of children in need.
• Networking opportunities within the nonprofit sector.
• Recognition for your contribution to a global cause.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume detailing their qualifications and interest in the position  by 31st December 2024.

Join us in making a difference—one step at a time.

This is an exciting opportunity to help lead Big Leaf Foundation in the next phase of its development, as we transition our self-employed contractors to employee contracts and explore new multi-year core funding opportunities to build greater sustainability in our work. We are looking for someone with direct experience in financial management and/or charity finance and fundraising to fill this role. Ideally you will have experience of moving people onto employee contracts. You will use your skills and knowledge to make a lasting difference to the lives of displaced young people in Surrey.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the treasurer include:

• Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements.
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy.
• Preparing and presenting financial reports to the board.
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters.
• Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate ethical funding policy.
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any funding sources and the aims and objects of the charity.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission.
• Ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation.
• Ensuring the accounts are presented in a coherent and easily understandable way in our annual review.
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required.

In addition, with other trustees to hold the charity “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Ensuring that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
• Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.
• Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.

About Us

Youth Advantage UK is an organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Youth Advantage UK is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in everything we do. Our work impacts young people, and we take pride in ensuring that our practices align with our values of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

We are seeking experienced and passionate Ethics Managers to lead and oversee our ethical frameworks and compliance initiatives in our research teams.

Role Overview

The Ethics Managers will play a key role in fostering a culture of ethical compliance and best practices across the organisation. This includes developing, implementing, and monitoring research documents, and ensuring compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1) Develop and maintain the organisation’s ethics research documents and procedures.

2) Write risk assessments.

3) Provide advice and guidance to volunteers on ethical dilemmas and decision-making.

4) Ensure compliance with relevant ethical standards, regulations, and best practices.

5) Fill in the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) applications with the guidance of the research team.

Skills and Experience Required

A degree in Psychology, Health or a related field that was focused on delivering research

1) Experience submitting ethics documents to either academic ethical committees or the IRAS software application.

2) Demonstrated experience in ethics management, compliance, or a related role.

3) Analytical thinking with the ability to handle complex ethical issues.

What We Offer

1) A dynamic and supportive working environment.

2) Opportunities for professional development and training.

3) Flexible volunteering arrangements.

4) The chance to contribute meaningfully to our organisation's mission or impact area.

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about fostering ethical practices and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the role.

thank you for your interest in supporting Headway – the brain injury association (charity no. 1025852), otherwise known as Headway UK.

This empowering charity has for more than 40 years been improving the lives of individuals and families affected by brain injury.

Whether it is providing a listening ear or expert guidance via our nurse-led helpline; increasing the confidence of brain injury survivors to become more independent with the safety net provided by our bespoke identity card scheme; or supporting a UK-wide network of independent local Headway charities and volunteer-led branches, the work we do changes lives.

About the role

The Honorary Treasurer plays a key role on the board of trustees, ensuring sound financial management and oversight of the charity’s resources in line with its mission, vision, and legal requirements.

The Treasurer works closely with the Chair, CEO, Director of Finance and Administration and the board to maintain financial stability and sustainability while supporting strategic decision-making.

As the charity undergoes a period of modernisation following an independent governance review, the Honorary Treasurer will be instrumental in leading the financial aspects of this transformation, ensuring robust financial controls, transparency, and the alignment of resources with the charity’s strategic goals

Interested?

Download our trustee recruitment pack to find out more about this opportunity.

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much!

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate people who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a charity trustee, you will be responsible for ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the branch, you will provide leadership and support for the branch management team.

We are recruiting for a  complementary mix of skills within our trustee board. Whilst a passion for animals is crucial, we are also looking for a diversity of  skills such as general business management , finance, marketing, Legal, IT, HR and H&S etc, if this is you, we would love to hear from you.

Your role as a Trustee will require working in collaboration with your fellow trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure our branch continues to deliver our  important  animal welfare work.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a bi-monthly committee meeting lasting around 2 to 3 hours (virtual meetings are an option). However, the commitment may vary depending on your availability,  and if  you decide to take on additional duties.

Trustee do not need to live within the branch boundaries but occasional travel to Branch sites may be required from time to time.

About the National RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local Branches which are run by staff and volunteers, supported by the RSPCA National Society.

Preston & District Branch has been affiliated with the National RSPCA for 150 years!

A separately registered charity looking after animals in the local area and engaging with the local community.

Our mission is to seek out safe homes for abandoned, neglected or abused animals who are  nursed back to health, rehabilitated and found forever loving homes.

Preston & District Branch is part of a network of 140  branches, and 1 of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre.

The rehoming centre is within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6).

RSPCA Preston & District Branch is a well established Branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations and raises all its funds locally through supporters and other income streams.

To continue helping animals in need the Branch also operates 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham (within our specified branch area) which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee 

•  Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
•  Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
•  Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
•  Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting.
•  Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
•  Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas-
• Financial, Human Resources, Health & Safety backgrounds or legal; Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
• Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
• Local community and supporter relationships; Project management, business development
• Awareness of employment and/or charity legislation
• General management or business administration

These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.

We are looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the board and to help put those ideas into action.

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Ultimately we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
•  The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
•  The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected at our AGM.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
•  References will also be required.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

Volunteer Opportunity: Country Director (Switzerland)

Organization: HELPING CHILDREN
Location: Switzerland (remote with occasional on-site responsibilities)
Type: Volunteer Position
Closing Date: 31st January 2025

About Us

HELPING CHILDREN is a nonprofit organization registered in Sri Lanka, committed to improving the lives of children through education, healthcare, and nutrition programs. We are expanding our operations to Switzerland to enhance our global reach and support network.

Role Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Country Director to establish and manage HELPING CHILDREN's activities in Switzerland. The role involves setting up foundational operations, including opening a bank account and securing an office space.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Operations: Open and manage a Swiss bank account for the organization in compliance with local regulations.
• Office Setup: Identify and secure a suitable location for an office in Switzerland.
• Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact between HELPING CHILDREN’s headquarters in Sri Lanka and operations in Switzerland.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to Swiss legal and regulatory requirements for nonprofit activities.
• Networking: Build partnerships with local organizations, stakeholders, and potential donors to support the organization’s mission.

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit management, administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Swiss banking, legal, and regulatory systems is an advantage.
• Passion for helping children and supporting the mission of HELPING CHILDREN.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of French or German is a plus.

Commitment

This is a volunteer position requiring flexible hours, with tasks performed remotely and occasionally on-site in Switzerland.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and passion for this role  by 31st January 2025.

Help us make a difference in the lives of children by becoming a part of our journey!