Live volunteer roles

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.

Vice Chair of Trustees - Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives! 

At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Vice Chair of Trustees to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country. 

We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you. 

Who We're Looking For: 

We are looking to recruit a Vice Chair who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve. 

As Vice Chair Trustee, You Will: 

• Collaborate with the Chair to steer the direction of the organisation and chair meetings in the Chair’s absence. 

• Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation

• Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity. 

• Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose. 

• Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability. 

• Ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team

• Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts. 

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need. 

• Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks. 

• Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.

• Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us.

Expectations: 

• Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role

• Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely. 

• Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work. 

• External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually. 

• Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you! 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!

About Been There

Been There is a growing UK charity that aims to unlock the powerful role peer support can play in supporting mental health across the nation. We provide a free, confidential Peer-to-Peer support for people over 18.

To-date, the service has connected 300 people (Mentees) struggling with body image challenges and eating disorders with vetted, trained and clinically supervised volunteer “Peer Mentors”.

We have an unwavering focus on the safety and wellbeing of our Mentors and Mentees and are deeply committed to maximising the impact of our service through iterative data-driven learning. We plan to expand our service to support people struggling with other challenges including, for example, anxiety, OCD, depression, and grief.

Please see the appendix, (from page 6-11), for more information about Been There, including our origin story and qualitative and quantitive feedback data.

The Roles:

Been There is seeking to recruit a:

• Clinical Advisory Board
• Clinical Trustee who will chair the Clinical Advisory Board

Information about both roles follows below.

How to Apply

To apply for either role, please send your CV and a covering letter.

Please indicate whether you are applying for only the advisory group, or if you would like to be considered for the Clinical Trustee Role too.

Summary: Advisory Board

The Advisory Board will compromise of 4-5 experienced clinicians who, together, will provide clinical assurance of the training, safeguarding, supervision, and operational processes for the Been There service, and ensure the charity works from, and contributes to, the growing evidence base on the power of peer support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Clinical and professional expertise: Provide expert advice and recommendations on clinical practices, peer support methodologies, and safeguarding protocols to ensure the charity operates within the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Review and verification: Check and verify processes, training materials, safeguarding policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory and best-practice standards.
• Strategic guidance: Offer strategic advice to support the development and growth of Been There’s programs and services.
• Collaborative support: Work with the charity’s leadership to identify potential risks, improve processes, and address challenges related to training, service delivery, and safeguarding.
• Advocacy and networking: Advocate for Been There’s mission and connect the charity with relevant networks, funding opportunities, and professional bodies.

Expectations & Commitment:

• Meetings: The Advisory Board will meet quarterly, with additional ad hoc meetings or consultations as necessary. Meetings may take place virtually or in person, depending on availability and need.
• Engagement: Members are expected to work collaboratively as a group, while also providing individual support to the charity when required. This may include: reviewing materials; providing guidance on urgent matters; or participating in specific projects.
• Newly formed group: As this is a newly established board, members will help shape the structure and operation of the Advisory Board, contributing to its development and long-term effectiveness.

Expertise we are seeking:

• Senior-level experience as a psychiatrist or psychologist in mental health, either in private practise or NHS.
• Peer support understanding and advocacy.
• Expertise in safeguarding, process design, or training delivery is highly desirable.
• Passion for Been There’s mission to support individuals through lived experience.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Willingness to commit time and expertise to the charity’s success.
• Significant experience in service development and academic research

Benefits of joining:

• The opportunity to influence and shape the direction of a growing and impactful charity.
• Collaborate with other high-level professionals and experts in the field.
• Contribute to meaningful work that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

About the role: Clinical Trustee:

We are seeking dedicated Clinical Trustee to join the Board and help shape the future and play an integral role in chairing and leading the Clinical Advisory Board. As a Trustee, you will be part of shaping the strategy, ensuring compliance, and supporting the charity's growth. These are hands-on roles for individuals ready to bring their skills and passion to a growing organisation.

We are looking for a passionate trustee who is eager to get involved, driven by our mission, and ready to help our small charity grow and create a meaningful impact.

Statutory Responsibilites:

Trustees will share responsibility for directing the affairs of Been There and help guide the charity’s governance, strategy, and financial oversight to ensure our mission thrives. Individuals will bring a willingness to engage beyond board meetings, to support growth and to commit 12–24 months as a trustee.

Individuals responsibilities include:

• Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document.
• Ensure organisation pursues its objectives, as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure organisation applies resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives.
• Contribute actively in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation.
• Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protect and manage any property of the organisation, and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation's funds.
• Ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
• Be responsible for the performance of the charity and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Act as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.
• Ensure that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.
• As well as the various statutory duties, any trustee should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions.

Benefits of joining:

• Lead clinical strategy: Guide the development of Been There’s clinical approach by chairing the Clinical Advisory Board—ensuring our peer support model is safe, effective, and evidence-informed.
• Shape the future of Peer Support: Influence the strategic direction of a rapidly growing charity, and help embed robust clinical standards into a support system that’s more vital than ever.
• Collaborate with clinical & Sector Experts: Engage with fellow senior professionals across psychiatry, psychology, social care, and lived experience to co-create best practice in peer-led mental health support.
• Drive Meaningful Impact: Use your clinical insight to help ensure our services deliver real outcomes—empowering individuals and improving lives at scale.
• Build a Sustainable, Safe Framework: Lay the foundations for a clinically sound and ethically governed support model that stands the test of time and scales responsibly.
• Be a Catalyst for Change: Champion a new wave of clinically guided peer support—bridging gaps in the system and helping to reimagine how communities access early help.

Closing Date: 20th April 2025

Applications may close early. Interviews will take place middle of April/start of May.

Join us in making a difference.

Lead Been There into its next chapter!

Commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion:

At Been There, diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our values and the way we work. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, our team will be happy to support you.

5 x Trustee Position including one Treasurer Role

 3ST (Third Sector Together) North West London Voluntary and Community Sector Alliance

About Us

3ST is the alliance of the voluntary and community sector across North West London's Integrated Care Board (ICB) region. We support the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in influencing and engaging with our health system while supporting the delivery of meaningful services. Our mission is to increase the VCSE sector's contribution to addressing health inequalities, improving service quality, and supporting healthier lives across North West London.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Financial Management and Accounting

• Procurement and Contract Management

• Human Resources

• Corporate Governance

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance

· Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.

· Safeguard the charity’s reputation, values, and mission.

· Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission’s regulations, the charity’s governing document, and relevant UK laws.

· Support the development and monitoring of organisational policies and procedures

2. Strategic Oversight

· Contribute to the strategic direction of 3ST, ensuring alignment with our mission and values

· Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of agreed strategies and objectives.

· Guide the development of procurement and contract management processes

3. Financial Management

· Approve budgets and ensure proper financial oversight, including adherence to charity accounting standards.

· Ensure the charity has sufficient resources to operate sustainably and responsibly.

· Assess and manage financial risks appropriately.

4. Risk Management

· Identify and evaluate potential risks, ensuring appropriate measures are in place to mitigate them.

· Maintain safeguarding practices to protect beneficiaries, staff, and the reputation of the charity.

5. Legal Compliance

· Ensure the charity meets its legal and regulatory requirements, including filing annual returns and accounts.

· Ensure adherence to data protection and equality legislation.

6. Advocacy and Representation

· Act as an ambassador for the charity, fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders and partners

· Uphold and actively promote the charity’s values and aims.

· Support the Alliance's representation and influencing work across the health system

· Champion the role of the VCSE sector in addressing health inequalities

________________________________________

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Skills

· Senior-level experience in either finance, procurement, or governance within the public, private, or voluntary sector

· Understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities

· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

· Experience in strategic planning and risk management

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· An understanding of or connection with North West London.

Desirable Experience

· Knowledge of the health and social care landscape in North West London

· Understanding of integrated care systems and NHS structures

· Previous board or trustee experience

Personal Qualities

· Commitment to reducing health inequalities and improving community wellbeing

· Strong ethical principles and commitment to public service

· Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse board

· Strategic thinking and ability to analyse complex information

Time Commitment

· Board meetings bi-monthly (6 per year)

· Annual Board Strategy Away Day

· Additional time for document review and strategic planning sessions

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed according to our trustee expenses policy.

What is the purpose of this role? To help with collections and deliveries of furniture, and transfer of stock between our shop in Sutton in Ashfield and our storage unit at Ransom Wood.

What impact does this role have? This role helps the shops to run efficiently and effectively, to be able to sell products for Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, which in turn, can be used to allow Age UK Notts to continue to run effective services for older people.

What activities might you be involved in?

· Travelling with the driver to pick up donated items (furniture, white goods, bric-a-brac, clothing, or a mix of all 4)

· Completing deliveries with the driver to customers’ homes

· Processing items at Ransom Wood storage unit when there is no room to deposit them straight into the shop.

· Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

· The physical ability to lift and move furniture and other stock so applicants should be physically fit and be able to complete these tasks

· A willingness to complete a variety of tasks both at the shop and at the Ransom Wood storage unit.

· An individual who gets on well with people to facilitate good customer service.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The Sutton Shop is open Monday – Saturday between 10am and 4pm, and we are looking for individuals to support on one day each week (to be discussed and agreed following a successful interview).

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough induction.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to older people’s lives

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· A comprehensive training programme

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

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

National Helpline Volunteer Role

Join our team of dedicated helpline volunteers and help change the lives of bereaved people. 

Volunteers have always been, and remain at the very heart of Cruse, supporting thousands of bereaved people every year and playing an incredible role enriching so many aspects of our organisation.  The National Helpline is a key service within Cruse, enabling us to support bereaved people with compassion and empathy. 

As a Helpline Bereavement Volunteer, you will join a thriving volunteer community to provide emotional support, information and signposting over the phone to bereaved people. You provide this through a person-centred, empathetic and non-judgemental approach to supporting all our callers, in accordance with Cruse Bereavement Supports policies and procedures. This role is home-based only, so you must have a quiet and private space to work in, access to a computer (Tablets or iPad’s will not be suitable) and a stable Wi-Fi connection. 

You must be open to communicating with a diverse range of clients over the phone and understand that some of the content of the calls may be distressing to hear. Although it may be difficult at times, the reward of being able to support someone is one of our volunteers’ main motivations for doing this role. 

Want to find out more? 

We will be holding an open day on the 22nd May where you can join our Zoom session to find out more about the role, the training involved, meet with other volunteers and hear from members of the helpline team. 

Please note that should you wish to become a Helpline Volunteer after attending the open day, we will be holding informal interviews from 2nd June to the 23rd of June during office hours. 

https://buytickets.at/crusenationalservices/1659153 - 1.30pm Link 

 https://buytickets.at/crusenationalservices/1659160 - 6pm Link 

The Organisation
The Caldecott Foundation, based in Kent and Nottinghamshire, is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people who have faced challenging beginnings. With over a century of experience, they provide therapeutic residential care, foster families, and tailored education through their purpose-built schools, which support pupils with identified educational needs. Their schools offer a nurturing environment, with personalised learning, home tutoring, and weekly boarding options to help children thrive.

At the heart of their approach is the ‘Caldecott Relational Model’, which fosters secure, reparative relationships, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and valued. Their highly trained professionals, including therapists and educators, deliver therapeutic care and bespoke education, creating pathways to mainstream schooling where possible.

The Role:
The Chair of the Board plays a pivotal role in providing strategic leadership and ensuring effective governance for the Foundation. The primary purpose of the role is to guide the Board in making impactful decisions that align with the Foundation’s charitable objectives, while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability. They will foster a collaborative and high-performing Board culture, support trustee development, and ensure strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders and partners. Acting as the Foundation’s ambassador, they will advocate for vulnerable children and young people, ensuring their needs remain central to the Foundation’s mission and operations.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in a senior Board role, with strong governance and strategic leadership skills.
• Expertise in managing the interface between executive and non-executive teams.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, stakeholder management skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Strong integrity, independent judgement, and commitment to charitable values.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

Background in charity governance, business leadership, or professional services.

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

What is the purpose of this role?

Supporting staff to manage the stockroom at the shop in Sutton in Ashfield.

 What impact does this role have?

This role helps the shops to run efficiently and effectively, to be able to sell products for Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, which in turn, can be used to allow Age UK Notts to continue to run effective services for older people.

What activities might you be involved in?

· Supporting staff to manage the stock room within the Sutton shop.

· Keeping racking clean and tidy.

· Organising space to maintain good health and safety systems.

· Accepting donations from supporters that visit the shop and encouraging those who are taxpayers to sign up to Gift Aid to increase the value of the donation when sold by 25%.

· Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

· The physical ability to lift and move furniture and other stock so applicants should be physically fit and be able to complete these tasks.

· A willingness to complete a variety of tasks.

· An ability to get on well with others and to volunteer as part of a team 

· An individual who gets on well with people to facilitate good customer service.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The Sutton Shop is open Monday – Saturday between 10am and 4pm, and we are looking for individuals to support on one day each week (to be discussed and agreed following a successful interview).

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role which will include a thorough induction.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

· The chance to make a difference to older people’s lives

· Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one

· A comprehensive training programme

· The opportunity to learn new skills

· Experience to add to your CV

· The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends

· Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

Additional Information

Please note a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring check) is required for this role which will be undertaken by the Charity at no cost to the volunteer, after being offered the role.

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

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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

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 vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

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.

Pavilion Dance South West is seeking someone who has financial and accountancy experience and is passionate about arts and culture, to join our Charity Board of Trustees. 

We welcome board members from a range of backgrounds, knowledge and skills so that we have as diverse a Board as possible. It’s perfectly ok if you’ve never been on a board before, as we’ll provide support and training. 

Why join a board? 

• You’ll be supporting a worthwhile and creative charity with your time and your expertise 

• Contributing to the creative development of a highly regarded arts organisation with a growing reputation 

• You’ll get opportunities to come to events and performances and meet dance artists and choreographers 

• Expand your networks and broaden your experience in the arts sector 

We are looking to expand our Board with up to four new members, initially on a co-opted basis but with a path to trusteeship within the next six months if you feel it is right for you.

What will you be doing?

East Lothian Foodbank provides emergency food and compassionate, practical support to people in crisis. Without our volunteers, selflessly donating their time, we simply would not be able to provide the support our community needs.

Our Board, comprising both Trustees and co-opted advisory board members, are essential members of our volunteer community, offering their time and expertise to ensure that the management team have all the support and advice they need to deliver our mission effectively, efficiently and in compliance with all regulatory expectations.

About the role

We are looking to expand our Board with up to four new members, initially on a co-opted basis but with a path to trusteeship within the next six months if you feel it is right for you.

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the foodbank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. 

Co-opted Board membership does not have a fixed term but we would ask that candidates be prepared to offer at least six months, so that collectively we can assess whether a path to trusteeship is desirable. No prior experience of Board membership or third sector working is necessary, and full induction training will be provided to help ease you into the role.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and willingness to learn and develop. 

As an inclusive organisation we welcome applications from anyone, but are particularly keen to bolster our collective knowledge and experience in areas we know the Board currently has gaps:

• Data protection, information security and cyber risk
• Talent acquisition, management and retention
• Direct, personal lived experience of financial difficulty/poverty

No prior experience of Board membership or third sector working is necessary, and full induction training will be provided to help ease you into the role.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of East Lothian Foodbank as a member of its Advisorary Board you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with the food bank.

PR Volunteer for Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research
5 hours a week (hybrid)
Unpaid except expenses

Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research is a small independent charity based at the National Spinal Injuries Centre in Buckinghamshire. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people living with spinal cord injury. We fund research throughout the UK into the complications of spinal cord injury (SCI), funding projects tackling issues such as bladder & bowel, neuropathic pain, mental health and upper limb function.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and creative volunteer to join our small team as a PR Volunteer, ideally with experience of drafting and issuing media releases, sourcing and pitching promotional stories, and dealing with media/journalists. The role would not need to encompass social media which is already dealt with in-house.

This opportunity is perfect for someone passionate about PR, with a good level of skill and ‘know-how’ in how to help spread the word about our work in raising funds to support spinal cord injury research and the SCI community.
Ideally, we would like you to:

• Develop and implement publicity strategies to promote SMSR events, news, campaigns and general fundraising activities
• Be proactive in sourcing PR opportunities, both locally and nationally, as well as online
• Write and distribute press releases promoting our news, events, and campaigns
• Develop and nurture relationships with local media contacts and wider media
• Track and report on any PR/publicity efforts

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in public relations and working in a small, friendly charity team
• Add to your professional portfolio
• Network with media professionals and spinal cord injury influencers
• Be part of a small, yet dynamic, non-profit organisation based at the renowned National Spinal Injuries Unit, Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury.

Expenses
This is a volunteer role. Travel expenses will be paid.

For more information, and to apply, please send your CV and a Covering Letter outlining your experience and what you could bring to the role to:
Charlotte Minoprio, Head of Development
Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research, National Spinal Injuries Centre, HP21 8AL  @lifeafterpara | Reg Charity No 1183744

South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) is an independent registered charity providing specialised legal advice and assistance covering Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames and Sutton in South West London.

Our vision is a future where people who cannot afford a lawyer:

• Have equal access to assert and enforce their rights;
• Are empowered to benefit from everything a healthy society has to offer;
• Are treated equally with dignity and respect.

You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to grow and prosper. If you have a passion for access to justice and believe that you can improve the impact the SWLLC can make, then we look forward to hearing from you. 

What will you be doing?

Our previous chair stood down after an extended term of 6 years. They helped oversee the law centre during the pandemic and its aftermath during which we have seen the law centre continue to flourish in a very challenging environment. We are looking for a new chair who believes in what we do and is prepared to lead and act as an ambassador for the charitable trust so that we can continue to do this work. We currently have a strong trustee board of varying skills and tenures and the day to day management of the law centre is delegated to a small team. This team is small for what the law centre is trying to achieve. We need you to bring your expertise, energy and networks to the law centre. The role isn't glamorous, it's unpaid, and it's sometimes unacknowledged, but it is rewarding. You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to support over 6,000 people a year, who would not otherwise have access to legal advice. We are very proud of the impact that we have had over the last 50 years, and continue to have. SWLLC continues to operate in a challenging environment, the work of the law centre is regulated and audited by a number of external bodies, our finances continued to be challenged by static legal aid, grants and donations, despite this we have continued to flourish, but the need for our services is greater than we can provide. The main areas that our trustees board can support alongside the role of governance of the law centre are:

• Finance
• Fundraising
• Human Resources
• Communications and Marketing
• IT and facilities
• Community Engagement and Community Activism

Time commitment:

6 Board meetings per year. Take place through a mixture of in person and online meetings in the evenings (usually midweek between 6pm – 7:30pm). The Chair will also need to have regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team outside of these regular board meetings. Such meetings will typically be brief, online and arranged at a mutually convenient time. The Chair will also need to represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders. Our head office is based in Croydon with other offices in Clapham Junction and Morden. We expect the role to take around 1 -2 days per month.

What are we looking for?

Principal responsibilities:

Strategic leadership

• Act as representative of the whole board and not its defacto head
• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries

Governance

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity in partnership with the CEO

Efficiency and effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership

Relationship with the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team

• Establish and build a strong, effective, supporting and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives 

Personal Qualities:

• Personal gravitas to lead a significant organisation demonstrating a strong and visible passion and commitment to the law centre, its strategic objectives and cause  
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the law centre
• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

Experience:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders
• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events Knowledge and skills
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the legal sector and current issues affecting it
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
• Good understanding of charity governance and finance issues Terms The charity’s Chair (and board members) will serve a four-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

What difference will you make?

The impact the Chair will have is to ensure the continuation of the law centres' successful mission 

Law Centres are community-led, not-for-profit organisations that help local people to understand and enforce their legal rights. Their services are free, and they attempt to target the people who most need them – people who are at risk of discrimination and ill-treatment and those who are least able to protect themselves, for example because they lack the money to hire someone with legal expertise to help them.  We are currently celebrating our 50th year. SWLLC s is one of the larger Law Centre in Great Britain covering six London boroughs – Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth. Our catchment area covers 1.7 million people. We now operate from 3 branch offices. We help over 6,000 people each year with a face to face service covering 3 broad services. 

• Expert casework and representation in the social welfare law covering community care, debt, employment, housing, immigration/asylum, public law, welfare rights and cost of living support 
• Emergency representation as part of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme 
• Pro Bono Clinics 

Amongst the results we achieve that make us proud of what we do are:

• the prevention of homelessness 
• the prevention and reduction of poverty 
• the protection of family life by reuniting people living in the UK with those living abroad
• the prevention of torture and death beyond our borders by the provision of advice and representation to people fleeing persecution 
• the prevention of ill-health by successfully challenging unfit living conditions 
• the prevention of mental ill-health by assisting people to deal with their personal debts

Before you apply

If you would like an initial discussion before putting in your application please message through the Reach Volunteering Platform and Senior Management Team will be on contact to further discuss the role and the opportunity. A panel of trustees and senior management team will review your application. If we consider that your skills and experience are a good fit with the Law Centre, you will be invited for an informal discussion with the panel about our work and the trustee role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.

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

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY AND IS NOT OPEN TO STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

What is the purpose of this role?

The Sybil Levin Day Service is a specialist SPECAL-Led day service supporting people with dementia and their carers using the SPECAL method.

What activities might you be involved in?

• Assisting centre attendees to engage in activities.
• Serving meals and drinks.
• Helping to set up and clear away activities.
• Engaging in conversation with centre attendees.
• Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

• People with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of people with dementia.
• A friendly, sensitive and kind approach.
• Being comfortable in small groups or on a one to one basis.
• People with a commitment to using the SPECAL method at all times whilst at the centre.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The centre is open from Monday to Friday and would like volunteers to commit to a morning or afternoon at least once a week as a minimum.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role.  This will include a thorough Charity induction and a departmental induction to provide further information about the role.  You will also be given access to our online training library to complete the training modules that are mandatory for your role.

You will receive SPECAL training prior to commencing your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

• The chance to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia.
• Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.
• A comprehensive training programme.
• The opportunity to learn new skills.
• Experience to add to your CV.
• The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
• Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

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