Support Volunteer Roles

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
• Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
• Helping at events
• Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
• SSAFA’s speaker programme
• Event administration
• Social media marketing

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Happy to help
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Volunteer Bike Mechanic

Do you have a passion for bikes? Would you like to use your bike maintenance skills to make a positive change in your community?

We’re looking for people with proficient bike maintenance skills to volunteer on our Bikes Beyond Bars programme.

About this role

From repairing a wide range of donated bikes to supporting people after release, we have an exciting variety of roles in our public-facing workshops (Hubs) and prison workshops.

Depending on your availability, skills, and interests, you may feel you can cover one or multiple areas.

Prison-based volunteers:

We need competent mechanics to support the men in our prison workshop as they gain the skills to refurbish bikes. You’ll be working alongside Life Cycle’s Prison Bike Mechanic Tutors at HMP Bristol or HMP Fosse Way.

Hub volunteers:

We’re looking for people with proficient bike mechanic skills to help out in our public-facing bike workshops.

Duties might include: stripping bikes for spare parts and/or scrap, refurbishing bikes ready for sale, supporting staff to sell bikes to members of the public, helping us with our eBay account and generally mucking in to make the project work. You’ll be working on a wide range of bikes.

Supporting people after release:

We also have opportunities for volunteers to work alongside people who have been released from prison, supporting them to fix bikes.

You’ll get the chance to develop your skills, by working on a wide variety of bikes with our friendly team. You’ll also play a key part in helping us achieve our mission; to help people turn their lives around through cycling.

About Life Cycle

Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry.

In this role, you’ll be working on our Bikes Beyond Bars programme, Life Cycle’s innovative bike recycling project based at HMP Bristol and HMP Fosse Way. Unwanted bicycles are taken to the prisons, where the men learn how to strip down, clean and refit them, giving them a new lease of life.

The bikes are taken to our community Hubs in Bristol or Derby where they are quality assured ready for sale by Life Cycle’s mechanics and our team of volunteers. Anyone can buy a bike, however many go to local people on low incomes, enabling them to get a bike and start cycling.  

‘’Life Cycle, they saved me a bit. I’ve done my City & Guilds whilst I was in prison. With a bit of pride, I tell people I’m a bike mechanic now, a real one.’’

 - Andrew, ex-prisoner.

About you

We’re looking for someone with competent bike maintenance skills, who’s confident working on bike refurbishments with light support from our friendly mechanics. If you’re unsure, please feel free to give us a call.

Due to the nature of the role, you must have an open, non-judgmental attitude and believe in the possibility of change for those who’ve been involved in the criminal justice system.

We wouldn’t be where we are without our volunteers! So if you enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and you’re enthusiastic about Life Cycle’s charitable mission, we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply: please apply via our website.

Now-u is a non-profit website and app, launched in July 2020 with a mission to inform, involve and inspire people to help tackle some of the world's most pressing environmental and social problems related to i) human rights and welfare, ii) protecting the world around us, and iii) preserving our species and the planet.

Some of our past campaigns:

• Promoting Zero Waste
• Tackling modern slavery across the globe
• Improving disability equality in the UK
• Improving mental health in the UK
• Supporting people facing homelessness in the UK

Through promotion we also engage with users of our app and website. By giving people actionable opportunities to help further the cause of our chosen campaigns (i.e. donating to certain charities, writing to your local MP, links to sign petitions), we work to create an engaging space whereby anyone can help contribute and tackle some of the challenges we face today.

How we create a campaign:

• The team looks at what issues would be best to tackle for a particular month
• It considers multiple factors: Recent developments impacting charitable causes, public and media attention, upcoming parliamentary debates and more
• We prepare a proposal for the campaign, gathering info, learning materials and suggested actions to complete
• We then reach out to charities and social enterprises to work with us
• They suggest improvements, and propose actions to support their work
• We prepare all these materials to be presented in accessible and engaging ways on the app
• We use other supporting materials like campaign videos, blog articles and social media

The role

What we are looking for

• Ability to write engaging and persuasive copy

• Strong interest in social and environmental causes

• Experience researching and writing articles or blogs (or other similar formats)

• Skill in writing nuanced, well-researched pieces

Your role

• Helping now-u’s copywriting needs, primarily blogs, but could also include other formats such as newsletters, press releases and website copy

• Writing materials that are aligned with our style guide and organisational tone of voice

• Working alongside the marketing team to create engaging content that grows the now-u audience and user base

• Keeping track of now-u’s copywriting requests and helping to review and update pieces as required

Experience and skills needed

Essential: copywriting experience at an entry/senior level
Desirable: marketing experience and a diverse portfolio of written work also at an entry/senior level

This is an opportunity to provide really important support to a new project that we hope could really make a positive difference in the world. You would also become part of a small friendly volunteer team who would love to work collaboratively on any other ideas you may have regarding the app.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Do you have the passion and skills to inspire young people? Join us as an Education Volunteer at Jamie’s Farm, Skipton!

We’re looking for dedicated individuals who can commit to one day a week for two 6-week blocks, working directly with our team to support and guide young people on their transformative journey.

As an Education Volunteer, you’ll start by working alongside our staff to run engaging sessions, eventually leading small groups and making a direct impact. We’re especially excited to hear from those with specialised, artisanal, or rural skills, but we welcome anyone eager to share their talents.

If you’re ready to make a difference and share your energy with young people, we’d love to have a conversation about how you can contribute.

What is Jamie's Farm? 

Jamie’s Farm is a charity that supports young people by combining therapeutic work, farming, and purposeful activities to help them thrive. Through residential and day visits to our working farms, we provide a nurturing environment where young people can reflect, build confidence, and develop the resilience they need to overcome personal challenges.

Are you passionate about nurturing future leaders and enhancing global leadership skills? The International Humanity Foundation (IHF) is looking for dedicated volunteers to manage and support our Global Leadership Development (GLD) program.

 Role: GLD Management Volunteer (Part-Time)

Responsibilities:

- Oversee the implementation and progress of the GLD program.

- Ensure that volunteers and participants receive the correct training materials and MOUs.

- Monitor the signing and submission of MOUs by all participants.

- Maintain accurate records of participant progress and compliance.

- Coordinate with the HR and training teams to address any issues or improvements.

- Provide regular updates and reports on the status of the GLD program.

Requirements:

- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

- Experience in leadership development or training programs is a plus.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Commitment to IHF’s mission and values.

- Ability to dedicate a few hours per week to this volunteer role.

What We Offer:

- An opportunity to support global leadership and development efforts.

- Experience in managing and implementing leadership programs.

- Personal and professional growth opportunities.

- A supportive and collaborative team environment.

Join us in developing the leaders of tomorrow and making a global impact!

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Together, we can achieve great things.

Join the Board of Homefield College and use your expertise to support this specialist further education college as they provide learning and living experiences that empower the Homefield community to recognise their potential, as active citizens.

Location: East Midlands, Leicestershire and Warwickshire

Time commitment: 5 hours per month

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 25th October

Who we are.

Homefield College, founded in 1987, is a registered charity and a community-based independent specialist college that offers education, training, independent living skills, care and support to young people between the ages of 16-25 with learning and communication difficulties. Set in the East Midlands, Homefield College has 3 campuses across Leicester and one in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

The College provides specialist education to 180 learners, all of which have an education health and care plan (EHCP).  All of our learners have a learning disability and/or difficulty, and we have a particular focus on the Autistic Spectrum and those with communication difficulties. Our education pathways focus on the outcomes of improving personal care skills, learning how to live independently and finding a place in the world of work.

About the role.

At Homefield College, the Trustees of the Board are there to lead on the strategy, ensure the Charity is well-run and prioritise student outcomes, well-being and safety across all decision making. Having a strategic mindset is critical in the success of a trustee and the continued success of the college. Trustees of Homefield College are proactive individuals with a passion for education and have a genuine care for the staff and students of Homefield.

The Board comes together five times a year and there is an additional two sub-committees: Finance and General Purposes and teaching, learning and assessment.

Who we are looking for.

Given the varied and specialist nature of our provision, we welcome applications from individuals with experience from a range of professional backgrounds.

Having completed an assessment of the skills and attributes of our current Board, we are now seeking to appoint new Trustees to join our Board with a different area of expertise. The appointed candidates will be able to discuss their expertise and interests with the Board to identify the committee that they would prefer to sit on.

As a Trustee of Homefield College you will be an ambitious individual with a passion for education and be able to use your successful strategic leadership experience within your field to support the College. You will be able to scrutinize, challenge and support the board to think strategically and produce the most effective outcomes.

We welcome new Trustees to our Board to increase the diversity in areas of experience and expertise through the following areas:

• Digital
• Sustainability
• Senior Strategic leadership
• Education
• Finance

This role is a fantastic opportunity to join a caring and passionate trustee board and have a genuine impact on the future success of the college, students, staff and community.

We welcome interest and applications from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring that our Board reflects the communities we serve.

No previous board experience is required for this Trustee role.

Peridot Partners and Homefield College are, together, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 25th October. 

This position is open to anyone interested in Friends of the Earth and its local campaigns in the borough of Camden. We are looking for someone to support our campaigns.

Duties

Most common duties:

• Partnering with other local groups in Camden.

• Building local support though online petitions, leafleting in our event etc.

• Engaging with our local politicians.

• Mobilizing at key moments with groups and organizations across the country e.g. Days of Action.

• Working with our social media manager to promote the campaign.

• Including in our monthly newsletter any updates on the campaign.

Person specification

Essential:

• Min 18 years old.

• Strong commitment or interest in environmental issues.

• Own or have access to a laptop and/or smartphone.

Desirable

• Strong personal and communication skills.

• Good organization skills and a  collaborative mindset.

• Previous experience in events or related roles is advantageous

Our partner helps individuals and communities rebuild their own lives after the trauma of war. Currently working in Ukraine, Rwanda and Lebanon, they provide tools, training, education and other support.

They require an Independent Examination of their accounts for the financial year 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023, in preparation for submission to the Charity Commission.

They are seeking a suitably qualified volunteer able to undertake IEs for organisations with an income over £250k, in line with Charity Commission guidelines and the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, and they are ideally looking for someone who has undertaken an Independent Examination previously.

The accounts have been produced on Xero, where all transactions have been recorded. There are some supporting documents contained within Google sheets, which are ready for review.

It is estimated that the work can be undertaken within 1 week and the examination needs to be completed before the end of October.

Music has long been held as an effective and soothing way to help relieve stress and improve mental health. Do you have a passion for playing the guitar and would like to teach others?

What you will be doing

• To facilitate guitar lessons for beginners on a 1:1 basis for approximately 30 minutes or in a small group
• Plan each session, in collaboration with those you are supporting
• Lead on logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Experience teaching playing a guitar and the ability to teach at beginner level
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

We are looking for a talented and committed individual to become Treasurer of the Board of Trustees at the Ecology Centre.

We are looking for an individual with attention to detail and passion that aligns with the purpose of our charity and who can help to support our strategic direction and commercial success with a skillset that complements those of our existing Trustees.

We are looking for a Treasurer with proven experience in a relevant discipline, who can provide support with the following areas of effective financial management and control:

· Governance and control: Ensuring compliance with all relevant financial rules and regulations

· Budgeting and Monitoring: Ensuring the charity practices effective budgeting, reporting and monitoring protocols, with appropriate analysis and communication of potential risks to the sustainability of the charity

· Strategy development: Working with the Board of Trustees and General Manager to shape the commercial strategy of the charity, fostering long-term sustainability and growth as appropriate

· People support: Providing expert advice as necessary to the General Manager and Finance Assistant to ensure smooth and diligent operational practices.

Previous experience in environmental and/or third sector roles is welcome but not necessary, and nor do we consider it a requirement that you have previous experience as part of a Board or Executive Committee.

Most important to us, however, is having integrity, team-working ethic and a passion to help develop and grow our charity.

Preference may be given to individuals who are connected to our community and can have a presence on-site, but we are open to fully remote working for this role. 

Are you passionate about nurturing future leaders and enhancing global leadership skills? The International Humanity Foundation (IHF) is looking for dedicated volunteers to manage and support our Global Leadership Development (GLD) program.

 Role: GLD Management Volunteer (Part-Time)

Responsibilities:

- Oversee the implementation and progress of the GLD program.

- Ensure that volunteers and participants receive the correct training materials and MOUs.

- Monitor the signing and submission of MOUs by all participants.

- Maintain accurate records of participant progress and compliance.

- Coordinate with the HR and training teams to address any issues or improvements.

- Provide regular updates and reports on the status of the GLD program.

Requirements:

- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

- Experience in leadership development or training programs is a plus.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Commitment to IHF’s mission and values.

- Ability to dedicate a few hours per week to this volunteer role.

What We Offer:

- An opportunity to support global leadership and development efforts.

- Experience in managing and implementing leadership programs.

- Personal and professional growth opportunities.

- A supportive and collaborative team environment.

Join us in developing the leaders of tomorrow and making a global impact!

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

Together, we can achieve great things.

Bright Shadow is a creative organisation where people with dementia and our supporters live well and enjoy making our own high-quality art in Kent and Medway. As we continue to build upon and develop our ambitious work, we are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our existing board, alongside new trustees including those living with dementia. 

Who are we looking for?

In conducting a wide search, we’re hoping there will be people who put themselves forward that we may never otherwise have been in touch with. So, if you don’t see yourself represented here, please do put yourself forward; this is in no way an exhaustive list. We are keen to hear from people with lived experience of dementia, whilst also recognising that other life experiences may give you insights and understanding that could help the organisation to develop. 

• Do you have experience of working in or supporting larger charity structures, the health and social care sector, or fundraising and philanthropy?
• Are you an artist or arts sector leader?
• Are you living with dementia, or supporting someone with a dementia diagnosis? 
• Are you a disabled person and/or someone who in other ways has rights under the Equalities Act 2010?

Length of service: This is typically an initial three-year appointment; you may choose to stand down or be re-appointed after this time.

Time commitment: There is a board meeting each quarter, one of which is also our AGM. We’d anticipate contact between meetings, typically via email. We will also have an annual away day.

Recompense: This is a voluntary position; Bright Shadow reimburses expenses incurred whilst carrying out trustee duties.

Personal development: Training, support, and mentoring are available to all trustees.

Key responsibilities as a trustee: 

• Champion the values and work of Bright Shadow, including but not limited to our position as a disability equality driven, anti-racist organisation
• Ensure that Bright Shadow pursues our stated objects (purposes), as defined in our Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governing document, and does so complying with relevant charity law
• Ensure that Bright Shadow runs well, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensure our financial stability through good governance
• Bring strategic influencing skills and contacts

And additionally, as Chair: 

• Provide leadership to the organisation and the board 
• Chair and facilitate board meetings, including agenda setting with the Chief Executive 
• Support the Chief Executive including through an annual appraisal
• Represent Bright Shadow at functions and meetings, and act as a spokesperson as appropriate 
• Bring impartiality and objectivity to decision-making 

What’s next?

One or both of the following steps may be useful to you:

1. Reach out to us for more info and to arrange an informal conversation.
2. Arrange to come along to a Zest session, and get to know more about our work

To apply, please send in your CV with a covering note about your interest, and whether you would like to be considered as a trustee, or as Chair.

We will review interest and interview as appropriate on a rolling basis; we intend to invite shortlisted candidates to our next board meeting in October 2024.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

We are partnering Music Therapy Works (MTW) an independent charity based in the West Midlands, whose mission is to deliver comprehensive music therapy services for individuals, groups and communities in a wide range of circumstances.

MTW provides music therapy to support and enhance communication, self-expression, and wellbeing. They work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, care homes and hospices to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability through supporting their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs.

We are seeking a new Trustee for MTW to join their current board and support the CEO to bring new insight and skills to set and approve the strategic direction of the charity.

What is a Trustee?

• Being a trustee means making decisions that will impact people’s lives and make a real difference to our community.
• Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run. They play a vital role in helping to define and develop the work of the charity.
• Trustees work alongside the management team, using their skills and experience to help the charity to define and achieve its strategic aims. But they do not undertake the day-to-day work of running the organisation.
• Trustees are also Directors of MTW as it is both a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.
• Trustees give their time on a voluntary basis. They are not paid fees, but they can claim reasonable expenses.

What do you get out of being a MTW Trustee?

• Being a Trustee is a great way to ‘give something back’ while developing your skills in leadership, influencing, debating, negotiating, strategic and organisational planning.
• You will have the opportunity to meet, network and learn from people who may have very different professional backgrounds and life experiences to your own. 
• Providing opportunities for training and development, every new trustee is assigned a Board buddy to help them to feel part of the team.

MTW want their Board to reflect the diverse community that MTW supports. We would particularly like to hear from you if you reflect MTW’s beneficiaries. For example: are you a disabled person? Do you have mental health needs? Are you a parent or teacher of a young disabled person, or a young person with mental health needs? Are you part of an adoptive family or do you work with children in care? Are you a carer for a person with dementia?

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take up your first position at board level, we really want to hear from you! It is not necessary for you to have previous experience as a Trustee - training will be provided. 

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment.  Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

Closing date for applications: 11 November 2024

Interview date:  TBC

PECAN is seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees as the previous Chair has stepped down after many years of devoted service. Under PECAN’s governing articles of association its trustees, including the Chair, are appointed for a three-year term, which may be renewed for a further two terms (so a maximum of nine years’ unbroken service).

Key tasks:                              

The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each Trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support the management team and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely to achieve agreed objectives. They will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the CEO.

Key responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the organisation and the Board by ensuring that everyone remains focused  on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit.
• Chair and facilitate board meetings, oversee and ensure proper record-keeping
• Ensure that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
• Give direction to board policy-making.
• Ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic plan, and that there is a common understanding of these by the management team and the Trustees.
• Develop the Board of Trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
• Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.
• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.
• Encourage positive change where appropriate and address and resolve any conflicts within the Board.
• Act as an ambassador for the cause and the Charity.
• Bring impartiality and objectivity to decision-making
• Address conflict within the Board and within the organisation and liaise with the CEO to achieve this.
• Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees.
• Liaise with the CEO to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate.
• Lead the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the CEO.
• Sit on appointment and disciplinary panels where required.

With the CEO:

• Plan the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting.
• Set agendas for board and other general meetings.
• Ensure that the Board receives sufficient and timely information to make informed decisions.

Relationship with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the wider management team:

• Establish and build a strong, effective and a constructive working relationship with the CEO ensuring they are held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives.
• Support the CEO, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles.
• Ensure regular contact with the CEO and develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges.
• Liaise with the CEO to maintain an overview of the charity’s affairs, providing support as necessary.

About you:  

PECAN is a Christian charity whose values are kindness, belief and hope. There is a requirement for all Trustees, including the Chair, to sign a statement of belief. The CEO is also required to be a Christian.

In addition to the qualities required of a Trustee of the charity, the Chair should have the following qualities:

• Leadership
• Experience of committee work, including at least one previous Trustee role.
• Tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage
• Good communication and interpersonal
• Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect
• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team
• Empathy

It would be desirable to demonstrate experience of the Chair role and/or be willing to join the Association of Chairs to increase their knowledge that will help with the role.