Supporter Communications Manager Volunteer Roles

OTR is seeking 3 volunteer trustees to join us at an exciting time of development for the charity. We are looking for trustees who have some specific experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas:

· Chair & Leadership

· Counselling and Listening Services for Young People

· Business Engagement and Local Networking

To find out the full details of these 3 trustee roles, please click on the Trustee Applicant Pack below.

About the Project:

This exciting new project is a collaboration between Art Explora, a non-profit arts organisation, and Bright Futures UK, a charity that supports young people with long-term illness. The project aims to bring fun, lively and creative art workshops to young people in hospitals across London to children aged between 5- 8 years old.

Role Description:

Do you love art? Are you passionate about breaking down barriers to accessing arts & culture for families? Join Art Explora and Bright Futures as a Mini Art volunteer to deliver fun creative activities to children and families in a hospital setting, for children living with long-term illnesses.

As a Hospital Workshop Leader, you will play a vital role in this project by:

• Delivering one hour of creative activities to children and their families in a hospital setting. If you are a confident communicator and passionate about arts and culture, we would love to hear from you. Volunteers will have a library of simple creative activities to use at the sessions.
• You will use your creativity and passion for the arts to ensure the sessions are adaptive and accessible to cater to the interests and abilities of young people with long-term illness.
• Providing a positive and supportive learning environment: You will create a welcoming and inclusive space where young people feel comfortable expressing themselves and trying new things.
• Offering encouragement and guidance: You will support young people in exploring their artistic talents and developing new skills.
• Collaborating with Bright Futures UK Staff and healthcare staff: You will work closely with staff to ensure that the workshops are delivered in a safe and sensitive manner.

Why you will love it:

• The opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people
• Valuable experience in workshop facilitation and adaption in simple creative arts activities to provide valuable arts education.
• The chance to develop your creativity and communication skills
• Training and support from Art Explora and Bright Futures UK
• The satisfaction of being part of a meaningful project

What we are looking for:

• A passion for the arts and creativity
• Enthusiasm for working with young people
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to be flexible and adaptable
• A reliable and trustworthy nature
• A friendly and approachable manner

Time Commitment:

We ask for a minimum commitment of 3 workshops, which can be run over a period or as an ongoing

Locations:

Workshops will be held in hospitals across London, including University College London Hospital, 

Additional Notes:

• DBS check is required.
• Project begins in January 2024.
• Sessions run bi-weekly on Wednesday morning.
• Volunteer induction is held in person at Art Explora’s office in Somerset House.

Oxfam's Didsbury Shop is looking for Shop Volunteers to help Oxfam’s fight to support the world’s most vulnerable communities.

We’re looking for volunteers who can give 4-8 hours (or more!) of their time in the shop each week, and we’re excited to welcome brand new volunteers to our stores!

Right now, we're looking for people to help out in the shop/on the till on Saturdays - but we do have volunteering opportunities every day of the week!

Location: 778 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2DR

Become a volunteer!

We like to give volunteers an opportunity to try a range of areas before they find something that suits them. You might become a Shop Volunteer, Bookshop Volunteer or Music Shop Volunteer. Or, you might find yourself in a more specialist role such as a Social Media Volunteer, Online Shop Volunteer, Admin/Finance Support Volunteer, or even a Lead Volunteer.

Whatever your skills or interests, there’s something for everyone…

Why be a volunteer?

Your time will make a huge difference. We estimate one four-hour shift will, on average, provide enough income to enable Oxfam to provide life-saving handwashing facilities for 81 people.

Volunteering also has a positive impact on wellbeing, with an incredible 7 in 10 volunteers saying that their charitable actions were beneficial for their mental health.

Benefits of becoming a Volunteer:

· Gain genuine experience working in a retail environment.

· Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience, and develop your CV.

· Great way to meet new people & be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family.

· Be part of a fantastic team and make a positive change to the world.

· Opportunity to utilise and develop your transferable skills.

Volunteering with Oxfam will give you the skills, confidence and experience you need to build your CV and boost your employability. Problem solving, communication, working with others and familiarity with the workplace are universally valued by employers.

No experience is necessary as full training and an induction will be given. You don't need to be computer literate to join our team; there are volunteer opportunities for all. All we ask is that you’re happy to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team.

We can be flexible around parenting, caring, health, employment, education, and any other commitments you have.

Tempted? Apply now!

Oxfam reimburses Volunteer expenses incurred in line with Oxfam’s Volunteer Expenses Policy: local, reasonable travel expenses, & lunch (if volunteering over 5 hours).

· We take the welfare of volunteers and everyone we work with very seriously. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, abuse of power, or any sexual misconduct within the workplace.

· Oxfam do not accept applications from anyone on the Sex Offenders list. We may inquire about unspent convictions relevant to the role and you may be required to submit to PVG/DBS check (at no expense to you).

· *NB: due to the current capacity of some shops, it may be that you will be placed on a waiting list and/or, if you are under 18, until a shop has enough staff and/or volunteers DBS cleared. The Shop Manager will discuss this with you.

Oxfam's Bold Street Shop (Liverpool) is looking for Shop Volunteers to help Oxfam’s fight to support the world’s most vulnerable communities.

We’re looking for volunteers who can give 4-8 hours (or more!) of their time in the shop each week, and we’re excited to welcome brand new volunteers to our stores!

Right now, we're looking for people to help out in the shop on the till, helping customers, and for people to help out in our fashion department!

Location: 35/37 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4DN

Become a volunteer!

We like to give volunteers an opportunity to try a range of areas before they find something that suits them. You might become a Shop Volunteer, Bookshop Volunteer or Music Shop Volunteer. Or, you might find yourself in a more specialist role such as a Social Media Volunteer, Online Shop Volunteer, Admin/Finance Support Volunteer, or even a Lead Volunteer.

Whatever your skills or interests, there’s something for everyone…

Why be a volunteer?

Your time will make a huge difference. We estimate one four-hour shift will, on average, provide enough income to enable Oxfam to provide life-saving handwashing facilities for 81 people.

Volunteering also has a positive impact on wellbeing, with an incredible 7 in 10 volunteers saying that their charitable actions were beneficial for their mental health.

Benefits of becoming a Volunteer:

· Gain genuine experience working in a retail environment.

· Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience, and develop your CV.

· Great way to meet new people & be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family.

· Be part of a fantastic team and make a positive change to the world.

· Opportunity to utilise and develop your transferable skills.

Volunteering with Oxfam will give you the skills, confidence and experience you need to build your CV and boost your employability. Problem solving, communication, working with others and familiarity with the workplace are universally valued by employers.

No experience is necessary as full training and an induction will be given. You don't need to be computer literate to join our team; there are volunteer opportunities for all. All we ask is that you’re happy to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team.

We can be flexible around parenting, caring, health, employment, education, and any other commitments you have.

Tempted? Apply now!

Oxfam covers expenses incurred in line with Oxfam’s Volunteer Expenses Policy, including local, reasonable travel expenses and lunch (for volunteering 5 hours +).’

· We take the welfare of volunteers and everyone we work with very seriously. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, abuse of power, or any sexual misconduct within the workplace.

· Oxfam do not accept applications from anyone on the Sex Offenders list. We may inquire about unspent convictions relevant to the role and you may be required to submit to PVG/DBS check (at no expense to you).

· *NB: due to the current capacity of some shops, it may be that you will be placed on a waiting list and/or, if you are under 18, until a shop has enough staff and/or volunteers DBS cleared. The Shop Manager will discuss this with you.

Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent is committed to making later life better for everyone in Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent. We have an active board of Trustees from a range of different backgrounds who continually provide guidance and support to the charity.The Trustee role offers an exciting opportunity to get involved in an engaging, decision making role which contributes to the strategy, financial strategy and day-to-day management of the organisation.

Our existing Board has a diverse range of experience and skills and we are looking to grow and develop these to support the organisation in the future.  We are particuarly interested in hearing from people with experience and/or knowledge of the following areas:

• Financial Management (including investment planning/management accounts) 
• Estate Planning
• Charity Retailing
• Fundraising / Income generation Fundraising

This is not an exclusive list of skills as each new Trustee brings their own valuable skills and experience.  We are keen to develop our Board's diversity and appreciate that the role of a Trustee is new to some people.  If you would like an informal chat about what the role involves please contact us.

The purpose of the helpline is to provide comfort and support to service users experiencing difficulty in managing their condition – be that physical, mental or emotional support. The Helpline Volunteer role is key to delivering this mission as the primary call handler for service users. 

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people? Join our team as a Helpline Volunteer and support the launch of our groundbreaking pilot helpline service! Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund for one year, you'll play a pivotal role in bringing to life the charity’s ambitious new pilot helpline service - the first of its kind across the UK.

Working alongside a dedicated team to drive forward our mission and make a real impact in the Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) community, you will be involved with a great charity team in a position where they will be able to help establish a new service that will greatly help many people across England. 

                                                                                  Role Overview

The Helpline Volunteer will:

• Handle calls from service users, providing an empathetic and supportive approach at all times

• Participate and engage in all necessary training to build knowledge of DCM

• Participate and actively engage in peer-to-peer learning sessions 

• Take ownership for personal learning and development to build knowledge and skills that will enable them to support service users

• Conduct themselves in line with the expectations set out in the charity’s code of conduct, and other relevant policies 

• Work collaboratively with other volunteers, offering peer to peer support and guidance wherever possible and appropriate 

The role:

At Myelopathy dot org – we want our service users to feel listened to and supported – and therefore it is important to build and maintain trust with each and every caller. This is achieved by ensuring all of our Volunteers approach their role with empathy – and that they maintain presence by actively listening to every caller. It is also essential to maintain confidentiality in line with the guidance set out in the Helpline Volunteer Toolkit, and our Code of Conduct.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide Emotional Support: Listen in an empathetic and active way to service users, creating a safe space for them share 

• Offer Information and Resources: Provide information that could support their requirements and needs – directing them to professional support and services where appropriate 

• Maintain Confidentiality: Uphold a high standard when it comes to managing sensitive information in line with the charity’s Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Policy 

• Follow Processes: Adhere to the charity’s processes and procedures – including crisis management – seeking support from the Helpline Service Manager as needed 

• Maintain Records: keep notes and key information relating to cases as necessary to support with ongoing case management.

Person specification

Skills and Experience:

• Excellent communication skills – including actively listening without judgement, and the ability to convey information clearly 

• High levels of empathy and compassion – showing genuine concern for the well-being of service users and their circumstances

• Problem solving skills – identifying resources, advice and solutions as needed 

• Teamwork – ability to collaborate and work with others in a mutually supportive environment 

• IT skills - As this role will include inputting data and notes onto a software (which you will be fully trained on with 24/7 support access), being comfortable with this sort of work is a bonus 

Personal Qualities:

• An empathetic and resourceful individual, passionate about our cause and eager to make an impact. We are passionate about improving care for people with DCM, we want volunteers who can help add to this passion and inspire others they work with. 

• A strong team player who can support their fellow volunteers and embody the values of the charity. You may be the first contact that many people with DCM have with the charity, therefore it’s important that you and as a result the helpline reflect the values of the charity.

• Experience working with vulnerable people is beneficial but not essential

Are you looking for a fulfilling opportunity to volunteer in East or West Kent local or nearby to where you live, directly supporting those who may be lonely or struggling to cope with daily tasks while living with Cancer?

With over 10 years' experience in supporting connections between volunteers and those living with cancer (and over 40 years' experience as a charity), the Crossroads Macmillan Volunteer Service can offer flexible, rewarding volunteering avenues for you to explore; get in touch today and make an immediate, positive impact on someone's life - a little bit of time can truly make a huge difference.

HOURS: Minimum 1 - 2 hours / week, Flexible

LOCATION: Opportunities across East & West Kent & Medway, flexible / based on volunteer’s home location.

DESCRIPTION: 

Available volunteer opportunities include;

Regular visits to a person or couple navigating cancer to offer company and a friendly, listening ear at a difficult time.

Providing transport to a person or couple navigating cancer from their home to healthcare appointments including but not limited to Chemotherapy / Radiology sessions and GP appointments.

Light gardening support.

Subject to the volunteers wishes, some volunteer placements can include support with light housework, shopping support, accompanying a client on a walk or short external trips, and enjoying shared hobbies that bring both the client and volunteer a great sense of wellbeing.

PLEASE NOTE: All volunteer roles listed above involve visiting a client at their home in some capacity. We currently do not have any volunteer roles that involve working from your home / online.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Good communication, empathy, and the ability to be non-judgmental.

Full Training provided by Crossroads Care Kent.

WHAT WE OFFER: An enormous sense of wellbeing and purpose and an increased understanding of those living with cancer and comparable conditions; just giving an hour or more a week’s companionship and practical help can make a huge difference to an unpaid carer and who they care for.

Travel expenses from volunteers’ home to clients home reimbursed.

Other Travel expenses reimbursed where applicable.

Other volunteering expenses, such as costs of shopping, also reimbursed.

Volunteer References also available where applicable.

Additional CPD accredited Training opportunities available including but not limited to First Aid, Cancer awareness, Dementia awareness, Mental Health.

Join the Oxfam community

As an Online Shop Volunteer you’ll be behind the scenes in our busy shop and learn all about selling donated gems through Oxfam’s unique Online Shop. You can get involved in everything from researching, describing, photographing, to posting. Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

About this role

We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our Online Shop team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

As an Online Shop Volunteer, you’ll develop transferable skills that boost your confidence:

• Improve your communication skills as part of a team
• Put your expertise to good use by focussing on what interests you the most
• You’ll develop IT experience with ongoing support
• Selling some of our most unusual and valuable items, you’ll know you’re making a real difference

Along with learning all about this role, you can branch out and try other things. Whether it’s about the shop floor or behind the scenes, we will help you to learn as many skills as you want.

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.

Purpose of the Role

Money Minded is a service designed to support adults (18 years and over) in Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hounslow. This service is in partnership with the West London NHS Mental Health Integrated Network Teams, operating within the tri-borough area. 

The service provides support with welfare benefits, accessing debt support, housing and well-being. The role of the Mental Health Information and Advice Officer will be to provide advice, guidance and customer representation to tri-borough residents living with Mental Health difficulties. Advice issues may include housing, welfare benefits, council tax, accessing debt support, signposting etc. We are looking for volunteers to support with both services. 

Responsibilites

• Triage clients for the service through an onboarding process.
• Support with follow up surveys and questionnaires for those who have accessed the project and obtain their feedback to improve our services.
• Support the Money Minded team to promote the service to the local community
• Support with administrative tasks including recording information onto our database ‘Views’.
• Supporting clients by picking up ‘light touch cases’ e.g. form filling and welfare benefit checks.

You will have

• An interest in supporting those with mental health needs to access Money Minded services.
• Preferably, experience working with people who experience poor mental health.
• Good oral and written communication skills (including listening skills); the ability to communicate in a patient, considered, and empathetic manner.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to follow administrative procedures.
• IT skills – able to update spreadsheets, use web-based applications, video-conferencing software, and Microsoft Office applications.

Time commitment:

• 5 hours per week, during our opening hours of 10am–4pm.  Please indicate your preferred volunteering day on your application.
• We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.

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.

The Great Friendship Project is a non-profit community project dedicated to addressing the loneliness epidemic among young adults in their 20s and 30s following the COVID-19 pandemic.

We provide regular online and offline spaces for young adults to make new friendships, build networks of support, and rediscover a sense of community in London.

Role Overview

The Fundraising & Grant Writing Volunteer will be pivotal in bolstering the organisation's efforts to secure essential funding, driving sustainable growth.

In this role, you will be responsible for identifying potential grant sources, including foundations and donors that align with our mission.

You will lead the effort in drafting compelling grant proposals, letters of enquiry, and funding requests to effectively communicate our goals and needs.

Another key aspect of your role will be building and nurturing relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners, fostering strong connections to enhance our funding opportunities.

Finally, you will conduct market research to identify emerging trends and successful fundraising strategies, ensuring we remain ahead in our efforts to secure support.

Role Requirements:

• Commitment to the organisation's purpose and a genuine wish to address the issue of loneliness among young adults.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Acute attention to detail
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Familiar with social media and various digital communication tools.
• Outstanding research skills
• Capability to operate autonomously and collaboratively, whether remotely or on-site.
• Past experience in grant writing and fundraising campaigns is desirable.

Application Process: To apply for this opportunity, please click apply. You will then be contacted about your interest in the role and asked to answer a few questions about your time commitment, your interest in the role and how your skills align with the role.

Positively UK is recruiting new Trustees

Positively UK is a registered UK charity providing peer-led support, advocacy, and information to everyone living with HIV. We help people manage all aspects of their diagnosis, care, and life with HIV. We are a peer lead peer run charity and 90% of our staff are living with HIV. Our vision is a society where people with HIV live happy, healthy, and stigma-free lives. Our mission is to empower and support people living with HIV with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to live fulfilling lives and reduce the stigma surrounding HIV. Positively UK’s Board of Trustees consists of eight members whose experiences range from lived experience and HIV activism to academic, financial, and clinical backgrounds. 

We are now looking for three new Trustees to join the Board. Ideally, the new board members will have experience in one of the following areas: legal, finance, fundraising, marketing. We are looking for people committed to use their networks to advance Positively UK’s mission and vision. 

Trustee Role Description 

A Trustee shares the responsibility for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. 

Trustees advise, govern, oversee policy and direction, and assist with the leadership and general promotion of Positively UK to support the organisation’s mission and needs. 

Primary responsibilities 

• Ensuring the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector and in line with Positively UK’s constitution 
• Upholding the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity. Determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning. 
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries at all times. 
• Promoting and developing the charity for it to grow and maintain its relevance to society. 
• Maintaining sound financial management of the charity’s resources 
• Ensuring the expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objectives, and investment activities meet accepted standards and policies. 
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and any applications for funds as requested. 
• Interviewing, appointing and performance monitoring of senior staff. 

Expectations 

• Attend and participate in meetings on a regular basis, and at special events as able. 
• Participate on a standing committee of the board, and serve on ad-hoc committees as necessary. 
• Be alert to community concerns that can be addressed by Positively UK’s mission, objectives, and programmes. 
• Help communicate and promote Positively UK’s activities widely 
• Be familiar with Positively UK’s finances and financial needs. 
• Understand Positively UK’s policies and procedures. 

Length of term 

• Two years, which may be renewed indefinitely. Proposal and approval are ratified at the Annual General Meeting in November. 

Meetings and time commitment 

• The Board of Trustees meets every two months (online or at Positively UK’s offices). The November meeting is combined with the Annual General Meeting. 
• Trustees are asked to attend additional meetings as representatives of Positively UK as they are determined. 

Accountability 

Trustees (individually) and the Board (collectively) are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity. They are accountable to a variety of stakeholders, including service users, members, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. 

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.