Retail Volunteer Roles

About The Mare and Foal Sanctuary

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary rescues horses and ponies that have been abandoned, neglected, or abused, ensuring that horses and ponies have a sanctuary for life. Founded on the principles that horses and ponies, as sentient beings and long-standing companions to humans, have intrinsic value and purpose, the charity believes they deserve kindness and care. Since being founded by Rosemary Kind in 1988, the charity has rescued 1,075 horses and ponies. 

With a current annual income of circa £7m, the Sanctuary relies entirely on donations and legacy gifts to sustain its work and has a loyal supporter base of individuals and organisations, as well as a passionate and talented team of 130 employees and 87 volunteers. The charity's objectives include rescuing and providing care for horses and ponies in need, advancing public education on equine welfare, and offering equine-assisted learning and therapeutic activities to enhance the lives of children, young people, and adults with various difficulties.

Rescuing and providing care

The charity's rescue and lifelong care are focused in the Southwest of England, and as part of the National Equine Welfare Council, the Sanctuary collaborates locally and nationally with the RSPCA and other equine welfare charities. The charity's four peaceful sanctuaries in Devon provide expert care for around 150 horses and ponies with specific needs, while a network of knowledgeable "Sanctuary at Home" carers looks after approximately 430 horses and ponies. 

Advancing public education

Support and education to equine-owning communities are provided through the Welfare Outreach and Advice team, offering non-judgemental advice and formal welfare interventions when necessary. The Sanctuary educates people on the physical, psychological, and social needs of horses and ponies based on current veterinary and equine science.

Equine-assisted learning

Human-equine interaction is offered through equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted wellbeing, and equine-assisted activities with rescued horses and ponies. Participants relate to the horses' and ponies' life stories, bringing hope and a renewed sense of meaning and direction to their lives. The organisation is fully inclusive, offering both a person-centred and equine-centred approach.

Role specification

The Board of Trustees is collectively responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers its purpose, and together hold the charity ‘in trust’ for current and future beneficiaries, in particular to:

• 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 its culture
• Ensure 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

Person specification

Having conducted a skills analysis of the existing Board, the charity is seeking passionate trustees with the following specialist areas of expertise to join the Board: 

• Financial expertise (to also sit as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee)
• HR expertise (to also sit as Chair of the People and Culture Committee)
• Equine expertise

The charity would welcome hearing from you if you: 

• Have skills and proven expertise in one of the above areas, either in the charity, private or government sectors
• Are passionate about horses & ponies and their unique bond with people
• Want to develop your strategic skills and gain valuable experience at board level
• Have good communication skills and would enjoy working as part of a collaborative Trustee team

The charity is committed to developing a diverse board and wish to recruit trustees from a wide range of backgrounds including young people, people from minority and ethnic communities, people with disabilities and people who have lived experience of the difference that horses and ponies or outdoor learning can make to other people’s lives. It believes that different perspectives and the richness of its people's experience will help drive its growth. First time board members are particularly encouraged to apply.

Terms of Appointment

This is a voluntary role with no renumeration. However, reasonable expenses are reimbursed for any travel associated with attending Board meetings and Trustee development sessions. The charity can also arrange to pay travel expenses in advance, including booking and paying for your train travel and any overnight accommodation if required.

Board meetings are held quarterly, typically at the sanctuary's office at Honeysuckle Farm in Newton Abbot, Devon, or occasionally at other sanctuary sites. These meetings often include a Trustees' dinner the evening prior to the Board meeting to facilitate team building and informal discussions. Additionally, Trustees may receive invitations to attend various events at the sanctuary's other locations throughout Devon and Cornwall during the year. Committee meetings are held remotely, with each committee meeting twice per year. All trustees will be expected to sit on one committee. 

This is an exciting opportunity to pass on your human resources and employee relations expertise whilst helping the RSPCA; promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things.

RSPCA Milton Keynes and North Bucks have two retail outlets, a cattery and storage facilities. We are looking to grow our retail footprint and open an education centre.

Use your skills learned in a professional environment to benefit your local community by becoming a trustee for MK & North Bucks RSPCA.

As a trustee of the MK & North Bucks branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for the animals in our care and prevent cruelty to animals.

It's a great way to meet like minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.

As a HR & Employee Relations expert you would be supporting the branch by helping them maintain and develop staff throughout the organisation. You would play a key role in advising Trustees on the long-term and strategic direction of human resources and contributing towards policy setting.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

• Advise Trustees on the long-term vision and strategic direction for investment in human resources.

• Support the Branch grow, maintain, and develop staff throughout the organisation.

• Contribute to HR policy setting, strategic direction, goal and target setting, and evaluate performance against targets, budgets, plans and charitable objectives.

• Ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to the RSPCA Isle of Wight Branches charitable objectives and complement the company culture.

• Advise on and help improve management of HR.

• Ensure the Board of Trustees properly remunerates staff, reviewing and rewarding performance and  development opportunities.

• To work with the Branch Manager to review current HR management arrangements and provide guidance on HR strategy and short and long-term direction.

• Receive progress reports on HR and any recurring staffing issues.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

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.

Alongside Human Resources experience, including a CIPD membership, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

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 – HR & Employee Relations

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything  you need to carry out the role.

• Ongoing support is also provided by regional 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.

We are seeking to appoint two new Governors to the Local Governing Body of Pebsham Primary Academy. Whilst meetings can take place virtually, Governors will need to be available to visit the school at least three times during the year during school hours.

Who we are

Pebsham Primary Academy is a one form entry primary school in Bexhill. It joined TKAT, a Multi-Academy Trust, in January 2014. The TKAT Board of Trustees has appointed a Local Governing Board which is responsible for ensuring the Academy’s long term vision reflects the needs of its community beyond current post holders and in line with TKAT’s vision and values.

The role

​We, the Governors, are a diverse group of people from a range of backgrounds, including education, human resource management, retail work, legal work and finance. We aim to use our skills to support the school so that we attain our vision of a school where every child can shine. We are not paid, but can claim expenses for some activities.

We meet as a Local Governing Body, independent of the TKAT Board of Directors, but accountable to TKAT for everything we do, and our main functions are to set the strategic direction for the Academy and to hold its leadership to account.

We visit the school regularly to monitor its progress and we ask challenging questions to ensure that the school is meeting the needs of all the children and providing an education that will enthuse and inspire them. We regularly speak to children, parents and staff to find out their views.

Being a school governor is a rewarding and fulfilling role; helping to provide a suitable, safe, and exciting environment for learning is critical to giving every child the chance they deserve.

Purpose of your role:

As a Visitor Centre Volunteer, you will provide a warm welcome to visitors to the Centre. If you have a particular passion for birds, butterflies, fungi or wildflowers then this is an opportunity to share your passion with others. You will be the friendly face representing the Trust, both in our visitor centre and on the reserve, helping visitors to make the most of their visit, and interpreting information about the reserve and its wildlife. You will be able to provide visitors with information about our events, activities and encourage people to support the Trust’s work – by volunteering, becoming members, or leaving donations. You will assist the Centre team in maintaining a clean and well-presented Visitor Centre which is profitable and efficient. You will assist the Centre team in hosting meetings and events. You will be helping to support the delivery of the Trust’s strategic plan and support the Centre team in striving towards its goals.

Tasks you will be involved with:

• Assisting with maintaining standards of housekeeping:
• • Keeping the Centre clean and well presented
• • Ensuring that the Trust facilities are ready to receive visitors each day
• • Ensuring that leaflets and posters are up to date and well presented
• Meeting & greeting visitors to the reserve:
• • Bringing the nature reserve to life for our visitors and answering their questions
• • Helping visitors discover more about the reserve and the species present
• • Engaging with visitors, and chatting about the benefits of supporting Wildlife Trusts
• • Having up to date information to hand regarding events bookings, membership offers and latest wildlife sightings
• • Promoting membership and recruiting members to Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

• Promoting volunteer opportunities
Supporting the retail offer at the Centre:
• Keeping up to date with knowledge about the products being sold
• Keeping the shop well stocked and merchandised
• Assisting with deliveries and stock input on till system
• Serving and assisting customers
• Assisting with cash handling and cashing up procedures where appropriate
Fundraising:
• Encouraging visitor donations
• Promoting any fundraising initiatives taking place at the Centre
Events:
• Assisting with setting up and clearing away after events
• Helping with any tasks that need doing during an event

We’re looking for Hydrotherapy Pool Spotter Volunteers to support our children, young people and families at our Birmingham Hospice

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families.  We have three hospices in the West Midlands, which provide a happy homely environment where children can experience all kinds of great activities, meet new friends or relax and enjoy some quiet time.

Hydrotherapy Pool Spotter Volunteers need to be lifeguard trained and we provide this training free for our volunteers. Training takes 6 hours over a 1 day period and volunteers are required to retrain every 2 years.

Once trained, volunteering with us is flexible and you can choose the days/times that you help us. Our children and families use our pools in Birmingham weekdays and at weekends so you’ll have lots of volunteering opportunities. We ask our volunteers for a minimum commitment of 2 sessions per month and commit for at least 1 year.
Volunteers are required to complete an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check, which we will pay for and process for you.

Am I right for the role?

Hydrotherapy Pool Spotter Volunteers need to:

• Be welcoming and friendly
• Have good communication skills
• Be physically fit and a confident swimmer
• Be willing to undertake lifeguard training
• Be reliable
• Be sensitive to the needs of our children, young people and families
  
  What we offer:
   
• Meet new people everyday
• Access to free online courses
• Learn new skills to boost your CV
• Retail discounts
• Volunteer recognition scheme to show our appreciation

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and therefore any successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check for children and will be asked to provide two satisfactory references.

Help us to save the Children's Hospice Grant: Click here to find out more

Love to read? Know your classics? Up on the latest bestsellers? We are looking for people that love books - fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary - to help us select, research, prepare, photograph and list our eclectic stock for sale on Oxfam’s bespoke online shop. During these uncertain times Oxfam’s work to tackle global poverty is more vital (and more challenging) than ever before. Can you put your book expertise to use to help us raise money to support and empower some of the world’s most vulnerable communities?

What you can do at the shop:

· Stock selection to help us match our listings with our customers’ interests

· Researching rare and valuable books

· Photography and editing

· Creating accurate and engaging online listings

What we can offer:

Oxfam's core values are empowerment, inclusiveness and accountability, and we stand by these in all aspects of our work. When you volunteer with us you will have the opportunity to develop your skills (and enhance your CV) and bring your own ideas into the shop. You will be warmly welcomed and you will feel a sense of ownership over the work you do. We will provide full training, giving you the benefit of our experience. We provide references for our volunteers, and we believe nobody should be out of pocket to volunteer with us, so if you live outside the Cotham area we can help with reasonable travel costs.

What our team have to say about working at the shop:

“Oxfam has given me my first relevant volunteering experience – I’ve learnt about a range of different items as well as how an organisation works – and it gives me a chance each week to switch my focus away from uni work!”

“You come across lots of interesting items, but it can be a thrill when you find something rare or out of the ordinary”

“I’ve been here for four years and I love it – very friendly team, very varied – dealing with high end clothing, antiquarian books, household items and much more – it’s great to find new homes for unwanted goods”

What we ask for:

· Enthusiasm for selling books online!

· A willingness to learn and to work within Oxfam's core values

· A commitment of a 3 hour shift per week for at least 3 months

· A commitment to abide by all shop health and safety processes

What your help will enable us to do:

Every pound raised in these incredibly challenging times supports Oxfam’s aim of ending extreme poverty. This income is vital to empower people to help themselves out of poverty, and, crucially, it allows us to act immediately when a disaster happens - saving lives and providing essential resources to help rebuild communities.

Can you help us raise as much as we can to continue our work this year? We won't live with poverty. If you feel the same way we would love to work with you!

Love fashion? Know your brands? Know your retro from your vintage? We are looking for people that love clothes and accessories to help us select, research, prepare, photograph and list our stock for sale on Oxfam’s bespoke online shop. During these uncertain times Oxfam’s work to tackle global poverty is more vital (and more challenging) than ever before. Can you use your fashion knowledge to help us raise money to support and empower some of the world’s most vulnerable communities?

What you can do at the shop:

You can get involved with any of the following:

· Selecting the best stock from the amazing donations we receive

· Researching rare and valuable stock

· Preparation and presentation of stock

· Photography and editing

· Creating accurate and engaging online listings

· Creating engaging content for the shop's social media platforms

· Upcycling items, or creating new items from waste textiles

What we can offer:

Oxfam's core values are empowerment, inclusiveness and accountability, and we stand by these in all aspects of our work. We provide a safe, friendly and supportive environment and we have a range of tasks to suit all potential volunteers. When you volunteer with us you will have the opportunity to develop your skills (and enhance your CV) and bring your own ideas into the shop. You will be warmly welcomed and you will feel a sense of ownership over the work you do. We will provide full training, giving you the benefit of our experience. We provide references for our volunteers, and we believe nobody should be out of pocket to volunteer with us, so if you live outside the Cotham area we can help with reasonable travel costs.

What our team have to say about working at the shop:

“Oxfam has given me my first relevant volunteering experience – I’ve learnt about a range of different items as well as how an organisation works – and it gives me a chance each week to switch my focus away from uni work!”

“You come across lots of interesting items, but it can be a thrill when you find something rare or out of the ordinary”

“I’ve been here for four years and I love it – very friendly team, very varied – dealing with high end clothing, antiquarian books, household items and much more – it’s great to find new homes for unwanted goods”

What we ask for:

· Enthusiasm for selling stuff online!

· A willingness to learn and to work within Oxfam's core values

· A commitment of a 3 hour shift per week for at least 3 months

· A commitment to abide by all shop health and safety processes

What your help will enable us to do:

Every pound raised in these incredibly challenging times supports Oxfam’s aim of ending extreme poverty. This income is vital to empower people to help themselves out of poverty, and, crucially, it allows us to act immediately when a disaster happens - saving lives and providing essential resources to help rebuild communities.

Can you help us raise as much as we can to continue our work this year? We won't live with poverty. If you feel the same way we would love to work with you!

Can you help the Bristol Oxfam Online Shop raise money to support and empower some of the world’s most vulnerable communities?

We are looking for people with an eye for detail to help us research, prepare, photograph, describe and dispatch our homewares for sale on Oxfam’s bespoke online shop. Our specialist online shop sells an eclectic range of clothing, accessories, books, music, film and homewares, sourced from our generous donors at Oxfam shops across the area.

We have had some very interesting homewares donations over the years, from antique postal scales to vintage bears and Wedgwood tea sets. If you know your homewares and can help us identify, price, list and photograph our stock your help will be invaluable! You will receive full training and support from our friendly and knowledgeable team.

What you can do at the shop:

We believe in empowering our volunteers so, depending on your interests and what you would like to get out of the role, you can get involved with any of the following aspects of running the online shop (and more!):

· Researching rare and valuable stock

· Selection, preparation and presentation of stock

· Photography and editing

· Creating accurate and engaging online listings

· Creating engaging content for the shop's social media platforms

· Packaging and dispatching items

· Promoting Oxfam’s aims and values

What we can offer:

Oxfam's core values are empowerment, inclusiveness and accountability, and we stand by these in all aspects of our work. We provide a safe, friendly and supportive environment and we have a range of tasks to suit all potential volunteers. When you volunteer with us you will have the opportunity to develop your skills (and enhance your CV) and bring your own ideas into the shop. You will be warmly welcomed and you will feel a sense of ownership over the work you do. We will provide full training, giving you the benefit of our experience. We provide references for our volunteers, and we believe nobody should be out of pocket to volunteer with us, so if you live outside the Cotham area we can help with reasonable travel costs.

What our team have to say about working at the shop:

“Oxfam has given me my first relevant volunteering experience – I’ve learnt about a range of different items as well as how an organisation works – and it gives me a chance each week to switch my focus away from uni work!”

“You come across lots of interesting items, but it can be a thrill when you find something rare or out of the ordinary”

“I’ve been here for four years and I love it – very friendly team, very varied – dealing with high end clothing, antiquarian books, household items and much more – it’s great to find new homes for unwanted goods”

What we ask for:

· Enthusiasm for selling stuff online!

· A willingness to learn and to work within Oxfam's core values

· A commitment of a 3 hour shift per week for at least 3 months

· A commitment to abide by all shop health and safety processes

What your help will enable us to do:

Every pound raised in these incredibly challenging times supports Oxfam’s aim of ending extreme poverty. This income is vital to empower people to help themselves out of poverty, and, crucially, it allows us to act immediately when a disaster happens - saving lives and providing essential resources to help rebuild communities.

Can you help us raise as much as we can to continue our work this year? We won't live with poverty. If you feel the same way we would love to work with you!

Purpose of your role:

As a reception volunteer, you will provide a warm welcome to visitors to the Centre. If you have a particular passion for birds, butterflies, fungi or wildflowers then this is an opportunity to share your passion with others. You will be the friendly face representing the Trust, helping visitors to make the most of their visit, and interpreting information about the reserve and its wildlife. You will be assist the Centre team in maintaining a clean and well-presented Visitor Centre which is profitable and efficient. You will be helping to support the delivery of the Trust's strategic plan and support the Centre team in striving towards its goals.

Tasks you will be involved with:

Assisting with maintaining standards of housekeeping
- Keeping the Centre clean and well presented.
- Ensuring that the Trust facilities are ready to receive visitors each day.
- Ensure that leaflets and posters are up to date and well presented.

Meeting and greeting visitors to the reserve
- Bringing the nature reserve to life for our visitors and answering their questions.
- Helping visitors discover more about the reserve and the species present.
- Engaging with visitors, and chatting about the benefits of supporting the Wildlife Trusts.
- Having up to date information to hand regarding events bookings, membership offers and latest wildlife sightings.
- Promoting and recruiting members to Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
- Promoting volunteer opportunities.

Supporting the retail officer at the Centre
- Keep up to date with knowledge on the products being sold.
- Keep the shop well stocked and merchandised.
- Assisting with deliveries and stock input on till system.
- Serving and assisting customers
- Assisting with cash handling and cashing up procedures where appropriate.

Fundraising
- Encourage visitor donations.
- Promote and fundraising initiatives taking place at the Centre.

Events
 - Assisting with setting up and clearing away after events.
 - Helping with any tasks that need doing during an event.

This is an exciting time to become one of our first Visitor Experience volunteers
as the Royal Hospital restores the Soane Stable Yard and opens a Visitor and
Outreach Centre with new displays telling the history of the Royal Hospital and
Chelsea Pensioners. This project has been part funded by the National Lottery
Heritage Fund.

We will be delivering an exciting range of heritage activities, tours, events, and
workshops for visitors to the New Soane Stable Yard. As a Visitor Experience
Volunteer, you will play a vital role in enhancing the visitor experience.
Front of House Volunteers will engage with the Visitor Experience and Public
Programmes Team, and a team of volunteers to offer visitors an outstanding
visitor experience.

This is a varied and interesting role which involves dealing with the general
public as well as staff and fellow volunteers.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Barnsley Hospice is seeking to recruit a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to work in partnership with the CEO, to provide leadership to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Leadership Team, to ensure that the hospice delivers its mission, vision and core values.

The Organisation

Barnsley Hospice is a charity that provides specialist palliative and end of life care to hundreds of local people and those close to them each year. Our main priority is to achieve the best possible quality of life for people living with a life- limiting illness, whilst supporting those close to them during the period of illness and bereavement. As a specialist care provider, the range of skills we offer include, pain and symptom management, emotional support and end of life care. The hospice currently employs about 100 people and has a team of volunteers, based both at the hospice and within our Retail Hub.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, and neurodivergent candidates, because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Barnsley Hospice.

The Role

The role of the Chair of the Board is, in addition to sitting as a trustee, to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, guiding and supporting Trustees in fulfilling their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This includes strategic planning; risk/opportunity management; ensuring that the Board of Trustees operates within its charitable objectives; adhering to the Articles of Association; and ensuring the sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

The Person

We are looking for someone who shares our ambitions and who has the vision and commitment to continue to take us beyond outstanding. The knowledge and skills required are:

• A broad knowledge of the health and charity sectors and current issues affecting them.
• Understanding the needs of the Barnsley community.
• A broad understanding of charity finance issues 
• Good understanding of charity governance issues
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation 
• Successful track record of achievement through their career 
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders. 

The full person specification can be found in the Recruitment Pack

Timescales

Shortlisting will take place in the week commencing 16 September.

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will have the opportunity to have an informal discussion with the current Chair of the Board in the week commencing 23 September.

Panel interviews are due to take place in the week commencing 30 September - TBC

Closing date: 13 Spetember 2024.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.