Mental Health Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Pain Concern
Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work.
All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life changing results
Role purpose
We are seeking highly motivated individuals to join our social media team to help raise awareness of chronic pain and the work of Pain Concern to reach more people in need of the support we offer.
What you would be doing
• Help develop social media campaigns and day-to-day activities;
• Manage presence in social networking across all platforms;
• Prepare graphics for sharing across channels
• Monitor the impact of social media campaigns; Analyse, review and report on effectiveness of campaigns in an effort to maximize the charity’s reach.
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Capture and report on monthly data from across all social media platforms
Is this role right for me?
We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below experiences, skills and qualities.
• Excellent communication skills
• Good knowledge and understanding of social media platforms
• Knowledge of marketing
• Strong IT skills and knowledge of MS Office
• Attention to detail
• Knowledge of / interest in pain and long-term conditions
Availability and location
• Minimum 2-4 hours per week
• Volunteer from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS or from your own location
Benefits to you
• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team
• Meet new people
• Build on your employability skills
• Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you
• A job reference after 3 months of volunteering.
• Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community
• On-site car parking
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy
How do I apply?
For more information, please visit our website
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Branch Chair?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per week. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.
What would you be doing?
- Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
- Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
- Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
- Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
- Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
- Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
- Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
- Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
- Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
- Reliability
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
- Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
- Good written and spoken English.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers who have a keen eye for detail, an interest in fashion and a passion for supporting sustainability to join our retail team across 10th and 11th October at Hatfield University.
Tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Set up/replenishment – setting up rails, tidy and replenish stock.
- Marketing support – hand out flyers, create social posts and other support spreading the word about the event and Newlife.
- Fitting room advisor – welcome customers in to the fitting rooms, check them in and advise on outfits, obtain other sizes for customers.
- Cash desk – helping pack and sign customers up to Newlife Style Card.
All volunteers will receive a volunteer discount of 20% that can be used on any item of stock during the two days that the pop up store is running – which is a bonus on top of our already discounted prices!
You will be provided with the relevant training appropriate for your role and will be supported by our experienced retail team.
The pop up will be open from 10am – 5pm on day one (set up from 8am) and from 10am – 4pm on day two. For this role, we require a minimum of one shift.
Newlife offers a lifeline for families, providing life changing and life-saving equipment when and where its needed. Alongside equipment, we campaign to improve the outlook for disabled children and change lives. We support parents, work with health professionals and strive for a future where all disabled children get the support and equipment they need and deserve.
The UK’s largest charitable provider of specialist equipment for disabled children.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers who have a keen eye for detail, an interest in fashion and a passion for supporting sustainability to join our retail team across 29th and 30th October at University of Derby.
Tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Set up/replenishment – setting up rails, tidy and replenish stock.
- Marketing support – hand out flyers, create social posts and other support spreading the word about the event and Newlife.
- Fitting room advisor – welcome customers in to the fitting rooms, check them in and advise on outfits, obtain other sizes for customers.
- Cash desk – helping pack and sign customers up to Newlife Style Card.
All volunteers will receive a volunteer discount of 20% that can be used on any item of stock during the two days that the pop up store is running – which is a bonus on top of our already discounted prices!
You will be provided with the relevant training appropriate for your role and will be supported by our experienced retail team.
The pop up will be open from 10am – 5pm on day one (set up from 8am) and from 10am – 4pm on day two. For this role, we required a minimum commitment of one shift.
Newlife offers a lifeline for families, providing life changing and life-saving equipment when and where its needed. Alongside equipment, we campaign to improve the outlook for disabled children and change lives. We support parents, work with health professionals and strive for a future where all disabled children get the support and equipment they need and deserve.
The UK’s largest charitable provider of specialist equipment for disabled children.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
YMCA Lincolnshire is seeking new Trustees to join us in bringing energy, enthusiasm, wise governance and strategic guidance to maximise our reach and impact on people's lives and communities. We are passionate about the causes we support, we are an ambitious team and we operate within an equitable, open and engaging culture. Our passion and ambition for the work means we are not afraid of taking informed risks and new challenges. We are looking for people who really want to make a difference through giving of their time, knowledge and experience.
We are particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in education/youth work, business/commercial operations or housing/homelessness.
We hold bi-monthly Board meetings in Lincoln, which we ask Trustees to attend in-person. As well as some other training and Sprint events taking place in-person. Other tasks such as reading Board papers can be done remotely.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers who have a keen eye for detail, an interest in fashion and a passion for supporting sustainability to join our retail team across 17th and 18th October at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Set up/replenishment – setting up rails, tidy and replenish stock.
- Marketing support – hand out flyers, create social posts and other support spreading the word about the event and Newlife.
- Fitting room advisor – welcome customers in to the fitting rooms, check them in and advise on outfits, obtain other sizes for customers.
- Cash desk – helping pack and sign customers up to Newlife Style Card.
All volunteers will receive a volunteer discount of 20% that can be used on any item of stock during the two days that the pop up store is running – which is a bonus on top of our already discounted prices!
You will be provided with the relevant training appropriate for your role and will be supported by our experienced retail team.
The pop up will be open from 10am – 5pm on day one (set up from 8am) and from 10am – 4pm on day two. For this role, we require a minimum commitment of one shift.
Newlife offers a lifeline for families, providing life changing and life-saving equipment when and where its needed. Alongside equipment, we campaign to improve the outlook for disabled children and change lives. We support parents, work with health professionals and strive for a future where all disabled children get the support and equipment they need and deserve.
The UK’s largest charitable provider of specialist equipment for disabled children.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers who have a keen eye for detail, an interest in fashion and a passion for supporting sustainability to join our retail team across 24th and 25th October at University of Northampton.
Tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Set up/replenishment – setting up rails, tidy and replenish stock.
- Marketing support – hand out flyers, create social posts and other support spreading the word about the event and Newlife.
- Fitting room advisor – welcome customers in to the fitting rooms, check them in and advise on outfits, obtain other sizes for customers.
- Cash desk – helping pack and sign customers up to Newlife Style Card.
All volunteers will receive a volunteer discount of 20% that can be used on any item of stock during the two days that the pop up store is running – which is a bonus on top of our already discounted prices!
You will be provided with the relevant training appropriate for your role and will be supported by our experienced retail team.
The pop up will be open from 10am – 5pm on day one (set up from 8am) and from 10am – 4pm on day two. For this role, we required a minimum commitment of one shift.
Newlife offers a lifeline for families, providing life changing and life-saving equipment when and where its needed. Alongside equipment, we campaign to improve the outlook for disabled children and change lives. We support parents, work with health professionals and strive for a future where all disabled children get the support and equipment they need and deserve.
The UK’s largest charitable provider of specialist equipment for disabled children.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Devon Air Ambulance Trustees & Devon Air Ambulance Trading Company Ltd Non-Executive Directors
Trustees and Non-Executive Directors are crucial to Devon Air Ambulance and ultimately contribute to helping us save lives.
It’s important that our Trustees and Non-Executive Directors reflect the community that Devon Air Ambulance serves and bring different experiences and backgrounds that add a huge amount of value to our organisation. By having diverse Boards, for both the Charity and Trading Company, we will be better able to make great decisions, be more innovative and creative. DAA has been through a significant period of change in the past few years with becoming a Care Quality Commission regulated independent healthcare provider, welcoming a new H145 helicopter and three critical car cars into service, an organisational restructure, not to mention of course a pandemic that impacted every aspect of our organisation. We continue to plan for growth and development of our service with exciting plans for a new HQ and operations centre that are in the early stages of development.
We are looking for people who can support our journey, be critical friends and help shape our organisation to be fit for the future. We would also like to receive Expressions of Interest for the Chair of the DAA Trading Company Board. Additionally, DAA is particularly keen to have Trustees or Non-Executive Directors who can bring the following areas of expertise: pre-hospital or emergency care, clinical governance, leadership, organisational development, fundraising, property development, finance and environmental sustainability.
It is essential applicants are familiar with or able to learn how to use Microsoft Teams and standard MS Office software to a reasonable level.
What can a Trustee expect from Devon Air Ambulance?
- Training – our Trustees receive an induction and then a phased training programme including governance and finance training. Some training may be role specific.
- Trustee Buddy – you’ll be paired with one of our experienced board members who can offer guidance and support.
- Skills development – you can expect to develop the following skills in your role as a Trustee: critical thinking, strategic planning, good governance practice, charity sector, aviation and health service provider experience.
How to apply
Please submit a written expression of interest, of no more than one side of A4 in length, giving us details about you as a person, any relevant qualifications or experience and, importantly, what you feel you can bring to the board and what you are looking for from us! Please refer to the Application Pack for further information on expectations of a Trustee and Non-Executive Director.
Application deadline: Midday on Monday 30th September 2024
Interviews will be held at the end of October 2024
If you would like to have an informal chat to find out what life as a Trustee or Non-Executive Director of DAA is like, please contact us and we will organise a suitable time for you to speak with Will Matthewman, Chair of Trustees, to find out more information.
Trustees are selected without regard to sex, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, gender orientation and religious beliefs in accordance with the organisation’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
MHA is the largest charity care provider for older people in the UK. Our mission is to inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life. At Lawnfield House Care Home we provide residential dementia care for 41 residents
As a Volunteer Gardener, you’ll help us make the most of the outdoor space at our home for the enjoyment of our residents. You’ll help with small gardening tasks that may vary each week and depending on the season. You’ll also have opportunities to support residents to access the garden and enjoy light gardening tasks such as potting plants.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
Main tasks include but not limited to:
- Lawn mowing
- Tidying flower beds
- Weeding
- Planting
- Pruning
- Raking leaves
You must:
- Comply with health and safety legislation and be familiar with and to adhere MHA’s Health and Safety Policies. This includes being aware of manual handling hazards and following manual handling and other risk assessments.
- Liaise with the person who supports you before undertaking tasks that haven’t been agreed in advance.
- Inform your named contact if there are any changes in your circumstances that affect your ability to continue with volunteering.
Benefits for you:
- Help improve the quality of life for older people
- Support your community
- Keep socially active
- Be part of a friendly team
- Promote your physical and mental wellbeing
Skills and qualities needed:
- Some gardening knowledge and skills, although this can be basic
- Have a passion for gardening
- Patience, empathy and understanding of the needs of older people
- Good communication and people skills
- Enthusiasm
- Reliable and punctual
- Clear sense of personal boundaries and ability to maintain confidentiality
- A willingness to engage with training and development
Training, support, and requirements:
- You need to be aged 18 or over
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two character references are required
- We will provide you with a full induction for the role
- Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training relevant to the role
- Ongoing support from a named contact
Times and Commitment:
- Days and times are flexible between Monday-Friday- 8am-6pm. Minimum of two hours a week.
- We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis for a minimum of six months
Location: Coverdale Road, Willesden, London, NW2 4DJ
*Please note- we can only accept applications from UK residents*
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you love music ?
Are you a "people person"?
Our organised music and dance groups give people with additional needs the chance to make friends, enjoy social time together and try out a variety of activities. These fun and friendly groups also help to improve physical health and mental wellbeing.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers for our amazing music, drama and dance groups in Weoley Castle. You will be encouraging our citizens to take part and ensure everyone has a great time.
You DON'T need to be a good singer or a great mover - just a friendly person :-)
What would I be doing?
Helping people to take part in various activities, including singing, dancing, creative music sessions and drama.
Encouraging people to feel part of the group and take part in the activities.
Helping to set up equipment and tidy away at the end of the session.
Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
What do I need?
· An interest in helping people, being approachable and friendly
· Any performance skills or interests would be amazing, but not essential.
· Good communication skills
· Accepting of others who might be different to you
· The ability to work as part of a diverse team
· A willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
· Honesty, integrity and trustworthy
· Good time management skills, reliability
· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.
Where and when do you need me?
· We produce a weekly timetable with activities each day
· Weoley Castle Community Hub, Bottetourt Rd, Birmingham B29 5TE
What’s in it for me?
As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:
· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers
· Improved health and wellbeing from doing positive activities
· A volunteering preparation session
· An induction and settling in period and any training and development that is needed
· The chance to develop your skills and gain experience
· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
· Any out-of-pocket travel expenses
· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution
To deliver accessible and inclusive community, health, and wellbeing support services for people with lived experience of learning disability.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
In this role you'll spend time with the older people who attend the hub helping them to get the most out of their day and supporting them to engage with the activities they choose. You’ll support the staff in providing a safe and enjoyable experience.
Based at our Health and Positive Living Hub in Hampstead or our hub in Kings Cross:
Henderson Court
102 Fitzjohn's Avenue
London
NW3 6NS
Please note: entrance to Henderson Court is on Prince Arthur Road.
Great Croft Resource Centre
Cromer Street
London
WC1H 8LF
What will you get out of it
- An opportunity to build confidence and be of practical help.
- Be part of a great team of staff and volunteers
- Make a difference to lives of older people in Camden
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our service users love to go out walking and we’d like to set up a weekly walking group. We are looking for a volunteer to act as leader for the group, and map out interesting local routes to enjoy some fresh air around the parks of Salford and the surrounding area.
As part of your role, you will plan the route of the walk, ensuring comfort breaks are included. Make sure that the walk is accessible for all by adapting the pace when necessary, so that all participants enjoy the walk and are able to join in. This will include health and safety and risk assessments in your planning. You will also help to promote the walking group to service users by encouraging people to attend, and motivating people to attend.
As a volunteer with Creative Support we offer training for your role, access to a volunteer supervisor, an induction, a monthly volunteer newsletter, and an online volunteer support network group on Zoom.
Our Salford services provide person centred care to adults with various support needs.
This position will be once a month, on a Saturday with an 11am start.
We are a passionate, inclusive and anti-racist organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome applications from people with a disability, and as a proud Stonewall Diversity Champion we actively encourage applications from the LGBT+ community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Citizens Advice LeicesterShire is an independent and local non-profit organisation. Our purpose is “Sharing knowledge to transform lives”. By listening to the needs of our communities and clients, we act to provide accessible, high-quality information, advice and education to anyone who needs it. We empower individuals with the tools and support they need to build resilience and thrive. By working in partnership with national and local organisations, we’re able to advocate for a fairer society, amplifying the voices of those often unheard. We demonstrate and uphold our values: we care, we help, we excel and we challenge to achieve positive outcomes for the people we help. Last year we supported over 31,000 people across Leicester and Leicestershire, securing them £14 million in additional income.
We are looking for trustees to join our board. As a trustee, you'll help us:
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Set our strategy and direction
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Ensure we’re financially sustainable
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Monitor our performance and impact
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Make sure we’re meeting the needs of our community
You don’t need specific qualifications but we’re looking for someone who is:
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Passionate about social justice, our purpose and our values
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A strategic thinker able to see the big picture and develop long-term plans
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A good listener and communicator
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Collaborative and willing to contribute their unique skills and experience
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Experience in one or more of the following areas: governance, finance, fundraising, legal, HR or marketing would be particularly welcome.
This is a voluntary role, but the rewards are invaluable:
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Make a different in your community
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Develop your skills, experience and gain valuable insight in the non-profit sector
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Work in a supportive and friendly environment with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers
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Be part of something bigger than yourself and help build a more resilient community in LeicesterShire
We'll cover your expenses: we value your time and commitment and want to ensure serving as a trustee is accessible to everyone.
Visit our website to read the complete trustee pack and apply. We'd love to hear from you! Our CEO is also happy to have an informal chat if you have any questions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Branch Chair?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.
What would you be doing?
- Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
- Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
- Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
- Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
- Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
- Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
- Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
- Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
- Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
- Reliability
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
- Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
- Good written and spoken English.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re looking for trustees
We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.
Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.
These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.