Supporter Communications Manager Volunteer Roles

We are looking for commitee members to help make decisions and plan how the finances of the groups are managed. We  also need volunteers to help at activities.

Why we want you

Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. The friendly faces and warm welcome provided by branch volunteers means attendees get the most from the group, with the activities on offer running smoothly.

What you will be doing

• Core to group meetings, you'll help set up the venue, offering a warm welcome to all attendees
• Assist with fundraising events
• Getting involved in the activities the group offers - joining in to get the most out of these for you too

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Supportive; able to listen to the needs of people with Parkinson's, and reflect these to the group to shape the support provided
• Honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group

What's in it for you

• You'll make new friends and meet new people, both in the branch and in the local community
• You'll be making a real difference for people affected by Parkinson's in your community
• Developing valuable organisational and people skills
• You'll be part of a movement of people improving the lives of people affected by Parkinson's
• You'll be able to take part in the activities of the group

About the post

UNA-UK is looking for an outstanding individual who can help the charity improve its ability to respond to the challenging funding environment and increasingly unpredictable global context. The UNA-UK Board is looking to ensure that it has the skills, experience, contacts and diversity needed to sustain UNA-UK. 

The past few years have seen our operating environment change drastically, with unprecedented global turmoil and domestic political volatility. We are proud to have risen to the challenge, with a dynamic team, significant campaign wins and a strong medium-term financial position.  

As UNA-UK believes diversity is crucial to its success, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 

The candidate

You will be passionate about the need for global cooperation and for institutions that are open, inclusive, accountable and effective. 

The Board is currently looking to appoint a Trustee who can support UNA-UK with their Financial and Accounting skills, to support our compliance and best practice procedures. 

Additionally, a Trustee should be able to demonstrate as many of the following as possible: 

• Understanding and commitment to UNA-UK and its objectives
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity Trustees and company directors
• Integrity and transparency
• The ability to make good, independent judgements
• The ability to think strategically, objectively and creatively
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• A willingness to speak their mind, as well as to accept group decisions 

Duties

Trustees' primary duty is to ensure that the charity operates within its charitable remit and legislation pertaining to charities and companies in the UK and that it is well-managed with sufficient resources to deliver its objectives.

You will be expected to attend 4 yearly board meetings, and to review board papers prior to the meeting and contribute to the development of UNA-UK with your skills and experience. 

Please note that this is an unpaid position. 

How to apply

The closing date for applications is 10am, Monday 25 November 2024 and interviews may be arranged at short notice. 

Please note that UNA-UK may reject an application if in UNA-UK’s view the candidate has not followed the application process as outlined in the candidate pack. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we regret that we can only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Please carefully read the candidate pack here for eligibility details and how to apply.

Crossroads Care Kent - Trustee Vacancies

A little bit about us

Crossroads Care Kent is the leading Carers Charity in Kent, delivering care and support for people living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend. As a well-established Charity for over 40 years, we support over 6000 people across Kent every year and continue to make a positive input on the community. 

 With 1 in 10 people having caring responsibilities it is more than likely that you or someone you know have been a carer, are a carer or may become an unpaid carer at some point in life.

We are looking for a new Trustee to join our established Board, bringing oversight, strategic scrutiny, and innovation with a mix of business skills and experience that make a real difference to this wonderful organisation. With a new CEO in place supported by a highly motivated, caring workforce, and a Board with a wide range of experience, this is an exciting time  to join the team to help steer it through its next stage of development.  

Trustees are appointed on a voluntary basis, with all reasonable expenses reimbursed, and although this is an unpaid position there are many rewards and personal development opportunities from a fairly small commitment of time.

Some of the many benefits of becoming a Charity Trustee

· Support a cause that you can connect with and are passionate about

· Give something back to your Community, make a real difference to unpaid Carers across Kent

· Share those brilliant skills and the experience you have gained in your career

· A chance to share something important to you - ideas, diversity and inclusion, technical, etc

· Gain exposure to the wide range of skills needed to oversee a charity 

· Self-development with interesting work and strategy, keeping the mind engaged

· Personal wellbeing – volunteering makes us feel good!

We are looking for Trustees with:

· A connection to our purpose and values

· A strong commitment to the work of supporting and championing unpaid carers in Kent

· The ability to work at strategic level and offer advice from their  field of expertise

· Great communication skills

· Willingness and ability to meet the small time commitment required to fulfil a Trustee role

Experience: new Trustees may have private, third sector or public sector background, skills and experience in areas such as the following (but we would welcome a variety of interests and input):

· Finance

· Business development

· Legal and risk management

· Income generation, fundraising, sales, promotions

· Equality, diversity, and inclusion

· Innovation and technology.

Time Commitment

· The Board meets six times a year, each meeting is usually 2-3 hours in duration

· Board meetings at our Wateringbury or Herne Bay offices or with remote access as an option

· Trustees receive papers to read ahead of each meeting to prepare for discussions

· Trustees may be required to respond to communications or attend meetings - ad hoc basis

If you are interested in becoming one of our Trustees please contact our HR Manager Melanie Turner, and know that diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we value at Crossroads.

Join our board as a trustee: help us navigate a path to a sustainable future

 Are you passionate about making a difference and equipped with the skills to guide a small charity through challenging times?

CMV Action are seeking proactive and committed trustees to join our board and support us in building a sustainable future.

About CMV Action

CMV Action is the only charity in the UK providing support and information to families affected by congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV). Congenital CMV is the most common viral infection that can affect babies before birth, with potential long-term health impacts such as hearing loss, developmental delays and vision loss. It can also cause miscarriage and stillbirth.

As many as 1 in 200 newborn babies are born with congenital CMV.  The majority of these will not have any symptoms.  However, around 1 in 1,000 born in the UK every year will have permanent disabilities as a result of congenital CMV – around 900 children every year.  As congenital CMV is a relatively unknown condition, it is a common misconception that it is rare.  It is in fact more common than Down’s syndrome, Toxoplasmosis, Spina Bifida or Cystic Fibrosis.

What we’re looking for

 We welcome application from everyone, and are particularly interested to hear from individuals who share our values and can bring the following skills and experience to our board:

• Proactive and strategic thinkers: You are purposeful about the directions you choose and willing to explore new paths to drive our charity towards self-chosen outcomes.
• Experience in finances, fundraising, marketing or strategy planning: Your expertise in charity finance, fundraising strategy, business development, or organisational change will help us build a sustainable future.
• Collaborative leaders: You excel in building strong relationships and working effectively with a diverse range of people and organisations.
• Evidence-based decision-makers: You value research and expert advice, using robust evidence to guide strategic decisions that achieve the best outcomes.
• Committed to accountability and transparency: You act with integrity, ensuring our charity operates openly and ethically.
• Advocates for inclusivity: You are dedicated to ensuring that our work is accessible and equitable for all, embracing the diverse needs of the community we serve.

This role involves:

• general maintenance of facilities, boardwalks, buildings and hides
• repairing and building timber fences, gates, barriers, signage, benches and other woodwork
• making bird and mammals nest boxes, and tern rafts
• painting of metalwork and timberwork with appropriate preservatives

• helping with exhibit maintenance
• cleaning and maintenance of workshop and tools
• keeping up to date with WWT news

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

This role will suit you if:

You have a can-do and enthusiastic attitude in completing tasks in all weathers, and are both a practical person and physically fit. An experience in carpentry, ideally with qualifications, would be very beneficial.

Your work will be supporting a great site-wide team, so good and friendly communications with other staff and volunteers and a dependable approach will ensure that you fit in well. Much of your time will be working independently in the workshop, but you will be happy to seek out help when needed and work as part of a small team for occasional larger tasks.

Please note that this role is currently only open to those aged 18+.

Who are we?

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

We’re looking for a Trustee to join our growing charity – Families Out Loud! 

What is Families Out Loud (FOL)?

Families Out Loud is a small and growing charity, based in Wiltshire, which is run by a group of people who care about family addiction. We’re here to support those affected by other people’s addiction, by enabling people to speak out, without judgement. If you have lived experience of, or an interest in our cause, we’d love to hear from you!
 
About the Role
 
As a Families Out Loud Trustee, you will share our passion of supporting families affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use. You will be committed to the Purpose, Vision and Values of Families Out Loud, working with the board to deliver the charity’s 5-year strategic plan. We’re committed to helping clients rebuild their lives, and to reducing stigma so they can feel confident to speak freely about their own experiences. As a Trustee, you will support this mission by reviewing the work we do on a regular basis, understanding that everything we do is for the public benefit, and within the charity’s purpose. You will work collaboratively with the other Trustees to effectively manage resources, and to ensure compliance with charity law and other legal requiremets. 
 
This is a voluntary position, mainly working from home. You will be required to attend monthly Trustee meetings which are currently held virtually. Occasionally you may be required to attend in-person meetings in different locations across Wiltshire. 
 
What are we looking?
 
For this position, we’re looking for someone based near Salisbury who can help us facilitate growth in our local area. Ideally, you’ll have a deep understanding of our community and its unique needs, bringing strong connections within the area. You’ll support the charity to leverage local networks and form lasting relationships, secure funding, and ultimately enhance our charity’s mission. Your reputation and familiarity with the Salisbury area will help build trust and strengthen our charity’s impact on the community. You’ll need strong written and verbal communication skills, and will be able to work as part of a team to make collective decisions. You should be able to think analytically, with a problem-solving approach. Alongside this, due to the nature of the role, you should be able to manage your own time effectively and be well organised.

The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.

Chair role

· Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre achieves its mission.

· Work in partnership with the Chief Executive and team to achieve our mission.

· Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.

· Optimise the relationship between the board and The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s staff and volunteers.

· Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.

· Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre.

What we are looking for

Essential

● Experience of being a trustee.

● A keen sense of strategic purpose.

● An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.

● The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.

● Advocate - be able and willing to champion The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.

● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

● Be responsive

In addition to the above, the Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

● Support and provide advice on The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre purpose, vision, goals and activities.

● Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

● Oversee The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

● Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

● Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

● Review and approve [charity name]’s financial statements.

● Provide support and challenge to The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

● Keep abreast of changes in The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s operating environment.

●  Contribute to regular reviews of The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre own governance.

● Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

● Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

● Contribute to the broader promotion of The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

 Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees

● Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

● Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

● Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

● Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

● Willingness to lead according to our values

● Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

About us – the Irene Taylor Trust: Creating Music. Transforming Futures.

We believe that creating original music collaboratively can have a powerful impact on people’s lives, bringing them new confidence, important transferable skills and raised aspirations for the future. Our programmes Music in Prisons, Sounding Out and Making Tracks support people of all ages in prisons, previously imprisoned people rebuilding their lives on release, and young people experiencing challenging circumstances in the community. We have a measurable impact on recidivism, helping people into training and jobs, and on enhancing wellbeing. We work with around 600 participants each year. The quality of our work was recently recognised by the Royal Philharmonic Society with their ‘Gamechanger’ award.

About you – who we’re looking for to join our board

We are looking for Trustees to join our welcoming and productive Trustee Board - in particular, we are looking for a Finance Trustee/ Treasurer to take a lead on overseeing our finances (c £500k and in good order). 

We are also starting succession planning for the Chair role, so please get in touch if this would be of interest to you and you have experience and skills in leading others. This is an exciting time to join the team, as we look ahead to celebrating 30 years of the Irene Taylor Trust in 2025. 

At the Irene Taylor Trust, we understand that diverse perspectives strengthen our work and help us better serve the communities we aim to uplift. We actively encourage applications from individuals who bring a wealth of different experiences, particularly those from Black, Asian, and other global majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities and neurodiverse individuals. We are also eager to hear from those who may not have previous trustee or board membership experience but are passionate about making a difference. Your voice is valuable. We are open to applications from people with a criminal conviction (and could help you to check your eligibility under the Charity Commission rules). We will deliver an induction and support working collectively as team. 

Our terms of office are three-years, renewable up to twice. The time commitment for Trustees includes attending quarterly meetings (in-person in London or online), attending our project performances when possible, and supporting the office team on emerging issues in your areas of skills and interest.

Finance Trustee role details

We are looking for someone with a skill for numbers to take the lead at the Trustee Board concerning keeping our finances in good order, meeting financial governance requirements and thinking strategically. This role is formally referred to as the Treasurer. We have a Fundraising and Finance Committee which you would also join alongside our Vice Chair, who is an investment professional; this meeting is also attended by the office staff responsible for our fundraising and finances; you would chair this committee. You would also have occasional involvement with the office team in approving larger payments or verifying financial aspects of reports for funders.

This role would suit someone with the following particular skills and attributes:

· Knowledge of charity finances and the Charity Commission's requirements, or the willingness to develop this knowledge.

· An accountancy qualification and/or good financial management experience

· The ability to provide, communicate and explain financial information and advice to members of the Trustee Board and other stakeholders.

· A collaborative approach to working with others

As a Lead Volunteer, you will assist the shop manager in leading, managing and planning for the development of a shop team. We’ll give you ongoing training and support to get you ready to lead a shift, train your team, and be left in charge. Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

About this role

At Oxfam, we believe in empowering you by giving you training and opportunities to learn new skills, develop old skills, and make the most out of your time with us. For this key role, you don’t need to have any leadership or retail 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 a Lead Volunteer you’ll make a big difference while you develop your own skills that boost your confidence. In this role, we’ll support you to:

• Effectively delegate responsibilities and coach individuals and teams
• Improve your communication skills in this customer-facing role
• Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome
• Follow important policies around safeguarding, Health and Safety, and trading regulations
• Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop manager’s absence

Volunteering that works for you

Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. Training to be a Lead Volunteer can take anything from a few weeks to several months – everyone goes at the pace that’s right for them. If you’re not sure about this role but want to start as a standard volunteer, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause.

What you will be doing

• Effectively delegating responsibilities and coaching individuals and teams
• Supervising volunteers and ensuring safeguarding and health and safety policies are follow and acted on as appropriate, reporting any concerns
• Maximising the income from donations, Sourced by Oxfam and Gift Aid
• Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop manager’s absence
• Keeping up to date with Oxfam’s internal communications and sharing any news with the shop team to ensure compliance with current requirements

The skills you need

• You do not need specific skills and experience, but the following will be useful:
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop aims and objectives and motivating others
• Ability to work within Oxfam’s policies and shop guidelines
• Ability to work collaboratively with the shop manager and the shop team
• Commitment to Oxfam’s values of empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness
• Ability to work well as part of a team and under own initiative
• Helpful and friendly
• Ability to deal in a tactful and professional manner with confidential information and sensitive situations

What's in it for you

• Ongoing training and support
• Gain valuable leadership experience
• Some lunch and travel costs
• Improve transferable skills and boost your CV
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• We can be flexible around your education, family, work, or health etc.
• Possible references for future employers

What happens next?

After you apply the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

We need one reference and proof of ID for all volunteers and ask you to sign up to Oxfam's Code of Conduct. This role may require an enhanced DBS/PVG check, paid for by Oxfam.

Family Volunteering Club is an innovative charity, on a mission to make it easy for children aged 0 - 9 to regularly spend time helping in their local community, alongside the adults in their lives.

We are now recruiting for a fantastic Co-Chair of Trustees to join the team! They will work alongside existing Trustee, Katy Sparrow Robins, who will be moving into the Co-Chair role in March 2024.

This is a really exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the CIO as we grow to have national impact.

The Co-Chairs provide leadership to the charity and its board, ensuring that the CIO has maximum impact for its beneficiaries. They are responsible for board management, support to individual trustees and support to the CEO, facilitating scrutiny of Family Volunteering Club’s strategic direction, values, policies, and operational efficiency. The Co-Chairs also play an active role in representing the organisation to a range of internal and external stakeholders. The Co-Chairs will work closely with the CEO to oversee the governance of the charity, guide the development and growth of the organisation and have an overview of strategy and finance. It is important in line with the values of the organisation, that we retain a strong sense of democracy and inclusion in how the charity operates at a board level, and the Co-Chairs will help ensure this.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who feels passionate about Birmingham and the West Midlands and who wants to give back to communities here and bring their experience to a role in which they will have real impact both in terms of influencing strategy and providing support to the Chief Executive. 

University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) Charity supports four hospitals (and additional community services) that are operated by University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Since 2010 the Charity has spent over £60 million funding equipment, facilities, research and patient welfare. Every day our work makes a real difference to those visiting and working in our hospitals.

What will you be doing?

The Chair provides leadership to the Board with prime responsibility for ensuring it has agreed priorities, appropriate structures, processes and a productive culture and has Trustees and senior staff who are able to govern well and add value to the Charity.

Trustees are responsible for providing appropriate oversight, governance and leadership to University Hospitals Birmingham Charity in pursuit of its strategies to fulfil its charitable purposes.

The Chair’s main role is to provide clear leadership of the Board, demonstrate an ability to set the Board agenda and lead the other Trustees in playing a full role in the development and determination of the Charity’s strategy.

What are we looking for?

The following characteristics, knowledge and experience (or commitment to gaining them) would be advantageous to the role of Chair:

Essential

• a high level of interest in the issues the Charity seeks to address/represent
• a commitment to the values and principles of the Charity
• strong business and financial acumen
• experience of Committee work
• highly developed interpersonal and communication skills
• proven leadership skills
• strong organisational skills
• ability to understand complex strategic issues, critically assess, analyse and resolve difficult problems
• sound, independent judgement, common sense and diplomacy
• high standards of personal integrity and probity
• clear understanding, and acceptance, of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Trustees
• sufficient time and commitment to fulfil the role
• a genuine interest in philanthropy, active citizenship and making a positive difference to the lives of people in communities across Birmingham.

Desirable

• sound knowledge of Charity governance
• current/previous experience as Chair of a Trustee Board OR experience in running a company or other organisation
• solid understanding of the issues that the Charity seeks to address/represent.

What difference will you make?

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring both your experience and passion for Birmingham and the West Midlands to a position in which you will be playing a key role in helping develop both University Hospitals Birmingham Charity's present and future. They do a great deal to offer communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands added extra's over and above what the NHS can fund as well as deliver much needed support to patients and their families. This role is more than adding a new dimension to a CV or gaining experience in a different setting, it's about really helping to benefit the lives of the people around you. 

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting UHB with their Chair recruitment.

If you would like to have an informal conversation in the first instance with the TrusteeWorks team or alternatively with either the Chief Executive at UHB or the existing Chair, please contact the team at TrusteeWorks who will arrange this. Details can be found within the attached candidate pack. 

PFP is a UK-based charity working in Africa and Asia since 2004, and this year we are celebrating our 20th anniversary. Our Mission is to work together with local people and filmmakers to produce, distribute and show local language educational films that give help and hope to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Our latest activities have primarily focused on Malawi, Sierra Leone and Kenya. 

Every PFP film seeks to bring about positive change by engaging audiences with themes, characters and subjects that address important challenges facing themselves and their communities.

-  We commission, fund and manage film productions

-  We train and mentor local film makers

-  We partner with other organisations to produce media for their charitable objectives

-  We organise film distribution and viewings and promote digital engagement

-  We facilitate audience conversations to encourage deeper exploration of issues

-  We measure the impact of our films to ensure continued improvement

We produce a range of media from short documentaries and music videos to full-length feature dramas. Our work covers a wide range of subjects, including: health, disability and rights; social prejudice and stigma; agriculture; and environment and conservation.

See our Annual Reports on our website for more information on our work and recent activities.

Primary responsibilities

- Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings and informal catch-ups.

- Work with the Trustees and Directors in developing and advancing PFP’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.

- Contribute to the effective governance of PFP, including: ensuring PFP is accountable and carrying out its purpose for public benefit; ensuring compliance with the governing document and applicable law; and challenging the management of resources and ensuring financial stability.

- Support executive management and partners on the design and delivery of programmes across all stages, including partner engagement, filmmaking and distribution, and monitoring and evaluation processes.

- Proactively seek fundraising opportunities.

- Act as an ambassador and public representative for PFP.  

- Opportunity to further contribute to the activities of the charity as much as desired.

HiDDEN is seeking a passionate independent Chair to spearhead our network in celebrating and preserving Greater Manchester's hidden heritage and unique stories.

Job Description

HiDDEN is a supportive network celebrating unique and rare heritage, believing that we are stronger together. Our vision is to be recognised as a champion of hidden heritage, increasing the preservation and visibility of rare stories and collections across Greater Manchester. HiDDEN values passion, inclusivity, knowledge sharing, and environmental responsibility.

Following a comprehensive review and with support from a Heritage Compass grant, HiDDEN has developed a new 'members agreement' to guide the network's future.

The members have expressed a clear desire for an independent Chair to lead HiDDEN, providing strategic leadership and ensuring the network continues celebrating and preserving Greater Manchester's hidden heritage, rare collections, and unique stories.

The Chair will play a pivotal role in driving the network's growth and impact, working collaboratively with both members and volunteers to achieve these shared goals.

Job Requirements

Proven experience in a leadership role, preferably within the heritage, cultural, or nonprofit sectors.

Experience in governance, strategic planning, and decision-making processes.

Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small heritage organisations.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to facilitate inclusive discussions and achieve consensus.

Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Ability to act impartially and mediate conflicts.

Passion for heritage and a commitment to HiDDEN's values of inclusivity, knowledge sharing, and environmental responsibility.

Willingness to commit 1-2 days per month, including participation in bi-monthly planning meetings.

Enthusiasm for working with a network of small to medium volunteer-led organisations to achieve shared goals.

Job Responsibilities

Ensure alignment with HiDDEN's purpose, vision, and values.

Oversee the adherence to the HiDDEN Code of Conduct.

Facilitate the annual review of the members' agreement and the Code of Practice.

Chair bi-monthly HiDDEN planning meetings, fostering inclusive and balanced discussions.

Guide decision-making processes to achieve majority consensus in line with network objectives.

Lead the development and refinement of HiDDEN's strategic initiatives.

Advocate for the network's sustainability, identifying opportunities for growth and impact in the cultural sector.

Collaborate closely with Manchester Histories, the identified organisation for project management, to ensure effective implementation of strategies and initiatives.

Represent HiDDEN at national and regional conferences, events, and within the heritage sector.

Act as an ambassador for HiDDEN, promoting its mission and objectives to external stakeholders.

Build and maintain relationships with key partners and funders.

Resonate Arts produces a unique programme of creative activities and experiences for and with people living with dementia in the London boroughs of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea.

The programme includes a choir in partnership with Wigmore Hall, creative dance and movement sessions, an art class, and a concert series in partnership with the Royal Academy of Music.

Alongside its activities in the community, Resonate Arts also runs an award-winning Creative Befriending service for people who are isolated at home. Could you be one of our amazing volunteer Creative Befrienders?

The role

We will pair you with a resident of Westminster or Kensington & Chelsea who is living with dementia. Responding to the interests and needs of the individual, you will meet in their home environment for creative activities or support them to attend exhibitions, concerts or arts events in the community.

Drawing on your love of using/sharing ‘art’ to prompt creative moments and enjoyment with others, you will devise fun, creative activities to engage your befriendee and help boost their mood, confidence and motivation. Over time, you will build a strong social bond with them, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

Responsibilities

· Arranging visits/trips with your befriendee and booking them in with Resonate Arts

· Planning fun creative arts activities to do together and supporting your befriendee to achieve their creative goals

·       Monitoring and evaluating the impact of your activities and reporting outcomes to Resonate Arts 

Commitment

· Minimum of 15 sessions

· Frequency of visits: weekly, fortnightly or monthly (depending on your availability)

· Duration of visits: 1-2 hours per session for home visits; trips out may take longer

· Days/times: Monday – Friday (days & times flexible)

· Location: Westminster or Kensington & Chelsea (depending on where the befriendee lives)

What do we offer?

As a volunteer with Resonate Arts, you will have the chance to make a real difference to a person living with dementia, as well as develop your creative and social skills, access training opportunities and meet new people.

· Free Enhanced DBS check

· A full induction with supporting materials

· Ongoing training, mentoring and support (in person and online), including dementia awareness and safeguarding adults training

· A dedicated Projects Manager to support you on your Creative Befriending journey

· As a minimum, your first home visit will be supervised and supported. Telephone support is available for all visits and trips out

· We cover out-of-pocket expenses for travel, art materials and refreshments for befriending visits

· Fun quarterly catch-up sessions to meet other Creative Befrienders (in person)

This role is for you if you are…

· Aged 18 or over

· Flexible, reliable and willing to build a meaningful relationship with a person living with dementia

· A clear and confident communicator on the phone and in person with good conversational skills

· Friendly, empathetic, patient and a good listener

· Able to work with others to create an artistic output. This could be creating a picture, writing a poem, playing music, taking photographs…

· An arts enthusiast (this could be creative arts, music, dance, writing, theatre, etc.)

· Willing to make notes and help Resonate Arts with its evaluation processes (with full support)

· Living in Westminster or Kensington & Chelsea, or able to travel easily to these boroughs

Personal experience of supporting older people or people living with dementia would be useful for this role, but is not essential.

We proudly serve wonderfully diverse communities across the boroughs of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. We are therefore committed to creating a diverse team and strongly encourage applicants of every race, ethnicity, belief, sexuality, gender identity, disability, age and culture to apply.