Supporter services volunteer volunteer roles in avonmouth, city of bristol

Role title: 

Volunteer Classroom Assistant (Online) – English, Maths, Science  

Where: 

Online (Zoom) / Nova New Opportunities, 2 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL

When: 

Immediately, minimum commitment of 3 months. 

Support 1-2 classes a week (45 minutes per class). 

English classes are currently held on Mondays and Wednesday between 16:30 and 19:15. 

Maths and Science classes are currently held on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 16:15 and 19:45.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by:  

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Purpose of role: 

Support the Nova Family Programme tutors in facilitating online home school sessions.

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering online English, maths and science classes (for young people at Key Stage 2 and 3). With the disruption of Covid-19, many families have been thrown into the unknown world of home schooling – made even more challenging when your own education isn’t up to scratch or English is your second language. We are delivering a free programme of online home school support to those who have been most negatively impacted by being out of school. Now that Schools have reopened, we will be continuing these sessions to ensure that learners do not fall behind as Schools focus on catching up on lost learning. The aim is to support children who may be falling behind with their studies and mitigating as far as possible the widening attainment gap. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with breakout groups of learners who need additional help 

• Facilitate the zoom classroom as required 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with Maths/ English 

• Experience of working with young people 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

Main point of contact/supervisor: 

Matthew Barnett 

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.

About Vibes in Care (ViC)

Vibes in Care CIC is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) dedicated to amplifying the voices of children and young people who are care-experienced or at risk. By harnessing insights from lived experience, we develop training, workshops, and advocacy initiatives that reshape professional practices within the care sector.

• Founded on Lived Experience: We believe that those who have gone through the care system have the clearest insights into how to improve it.
• Innovative Training & Workshops: Our programmes empower professionals - such as social workers, educators, and youth workers - to bring about lasting change in how care is delivered.
• Collaborative Culture: Partnership is at the heart of ViC. We work closely with local authorities, youth organisations, and sector specialists to co-create solutions.

Why We Need You

We are seeking Trustees who share our passion for transforming the care experience. Whether you have direct care experience (e.g., have been in care yourself), professional experience in the sector, or simply a deep commitment to improving outcomes for care-experienced children and young people, your voice and leadership are invaluable at this pivotal stage of our growth.

The Role

• Steer Strategic Vision: Help shape and refine ViC’s long-term plans, ensuring that lived experience remains at the core of every decision.
• Champion Good Governance: Oversee compliance with charity regulations, manage financial health, and set policies that maintain transparency and integrity.
• Advocate for Care-Experienced Children and Young People: Act as an ambassador, raising awareness about ViC’s mission and the importance of centring care-experienced voices.
• Support Growth & Partnerships: Contribute insights on fundraising, partnership-building, and community engagement to help ViC expand its reach and impact.

What We’re Looking For

1. Care Experience (Highly Valued): We particularly encourage applications from individuals who have first-hand insights into the care system.
2. Dedication to Social Impact: A genuine desire to improve day-to-day experiences and long-term outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.
3. Collaborative Mindset: Ability to work well in a team, valuing diverse perspectives and open dialogue.
4. Integrity & Oversight: Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and acting in the best interests of ViC’s beneficiaries.
5. Strategic Thinking: Capable of understanding big-picture objectives, assessing organisational risks, and spotting growth opportunities.

Skills & Experience (Desirable)

• Professional or Personal Care Experience: Lived experience, in social care work, child protection, or related fields.
• Finance/Accounting: Competent in budget oversight, financial planning, or grant management.
• Legal & Compliance: Familiarity with UK charity regulations or basic legal frameworks.
• HR & Governance: Ability to guide policy setting, recruitment, and staff/volunteer support.
• Fundraising & Communications: Skill in securing resources and raising organisational visibility.

What’s In It For You?

• A Real Chance to Influence: Your perspective will be integral in shaping how ViC evolves.
• Professional Development: Gain governance experience, hone leadership skills, and build your professional network.
• Impact & Legacy: Contribute directly to improving practices that affect some of society’s most vulnerable young people.
• Flexible & Supportive Environment: We meet quarterly, with much of our collaboration happening remotely, so you can fit your responsibilities around other commitments.

Time Commitment

• Board Meetings: Held four times per year (virtually or in person).
• Preparation & Engagement: A few hours each quarter to review papers and stay updated on organisational developments.
• Additional Involvement: Optional sub-committees or working groups on areas like safeguarding, finance, and training delivery.

Application Process

• CV & Cover Letter: Apply via CharityJob outlining your relevant experience (especially care experience), why you’re passionate about our cause, and how you hope to contribute as a Trustee.
• Informal Interview: We’ll invite shortlisted candidates for a conversation with our Director (Founder) to explore mutual fit and answer any questions.
• Appointment: Successful applicants will be welcomed onto the board, pending usual referencing and compliance checks.

Join us in creating meaningful change for care-experienced children and young people. Your lived insight, passion, and dedication could transform how professionals approach care and, ultimately, transform futures. We look forward to hearing from you!

Bright Futures UK are looking for warm, energetic, and experienced volunteer tutors to provide educational support remotely and a fun, safe space for young people living with serious illness.

Please note you must be 18+ and live in the UK for this opportunity.

Starting from as little as one hour per week, you will:

• Offer engaging and dynamic online tutoring sessions to support a young person.
• Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions.

You are the perfect fit if you have:

• Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of subject concepts and theories.
• Teaching Skills: Ability to explain ideas in a clear and engaging way.
• Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
• Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment for a minimum of 14 weeks.

Your valuable time and experience will make a difference by:

• Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.
• Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.
• Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. 

In return, Bright Futures UK will support you by:

• Covering all expenses and materials used
• Providing DBS where needed
• Training you in safeguarding and other skill development opportunities
• Keeping in contact throughout your programme to ensure you feel comfortable and capable

If you are ready to make a difference in a young person's life and have the opportunity to tackle educational inequality, we would love to hear from you!

We’re looking for a new fundraising volunteer and/or director! Are you passionate about securing funds for grassroot organisations?

This opportunity involves overseeing Fuel Poverty Action’s fundraising plans and strategy, reaching out to donors and promoting our vital campaigns through grant bids to help end fuel poverty in the UK. 

This role would require an average of 16-20 hrs per month and can be done remotely. We are also open to you joining FPA’s board of directors, subject to capacity and experience. 

This offers a chance to directly contribute to tackling fuel poverty and ensuring access to affordable energy for all whilst strategizing and learning alongside great activists. If you're eager to contribute, we’d love to hear from you!

Tasks:

• Organise and manage our fundraising planning and pipeline

• Reach out to potential donors and help build relationships

• Lead on grant applications

• Work closely with the team to develop new fundraising strategies

• Contribute ideas and experience to FPA campaigns

Closing date for applications:  April 20th 2025

Fundraisers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for fundraisers to contribute to our community-led fundraising strategy, to develop relationships with funders and to write funding applications. 

You would join our fundraising circle, which coordinates our fundraising efforts. It is currently exploring grant opportunities and developing relationships with businesses and other funders. We meet online on Google Meet and volunteers complete agreed tasks remotely. 

If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers. 

We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project. Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen, so you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

Created by a team of passionate dog lovers from the animal welfare group IAPWA, the I Love Hiking and Dogs UK Facebook community is a space to explore new walking routes, connect with like-minded dog owners, and take part in dog-friendly hiking meet-ups across the UK. While our group is designed for dog lovers, you don’t need to own a dog to get involved, everyone is welcome to join our community, share experiences, and take part in our group walks. Our meet-ups also offer an opportunity to support animal welfare causes, helping to improve the lives of dogs around the world.

About the Role
We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly volunteers to help coordinate and host local Wag & Walks in their area. These walks are casual, community-led dog walks where members of our Facebook group can meet up, enjoy nature, and connect with fellow dog lovers.

As a Wag & Walk Coordinator, you will:

• Organise and promote dog-friendly walks in your local area.
• Create Facebook events within the group, including key details about the walk (date, location, distance, difficulty).
• Encourage local participation by sharing the event in the group and inviting members.
• Welcome attendees on the day of the walk and ensure a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
• Share photos and highlights from the walks to inspire others to join in.

This is a flexible volunteer role - you can organise walks as often or as little as you like, depending on your availability.

We’d love to hear from you if you are:

• A dog lover who enjoys walking and meeting new people.
• Organised and able to coordinate group walks in your area.
• Enthusiastic about bringing your local dog-friendly community together.
• Comfortable promoting events in the Facebook group and engaging with members.

Important Considerations

• Wag & Walk are peer-led walks, not official guided hikes. You will simply be organising a community walk rather than leading an event in any formal capacity.
• Each attendee is responsible for themselves and their dog. Your role is to coordinate, not supervise.
• You must clearly communicate walk details, including difficulty level and accessibility, so that attendees can make informed decisions.

Why Get Involved:

• A great way to meet fellow dog lovers and explore new walking routes.
• Contribute to building a supportive, dog-friendly community.
• Enjoy the outdoors while helping others connect through shared experiences.
• Have the opportunity to support animal welfare initiatives through our group activities.

How to Apply
Please click the 'Apply' button for details of how to apply for this volunteer role.

Do you have professional experience in coding and computing? Could you support young people in learning how to code? 

Are you passionate about equipping the next generation with the skills and strategies needed to succeed?

About us: GT Scholars is a social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve their aspirations. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.

What makes us different? There are many organisations that offer programmes to improve the life chances of young people. However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low-income homes. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for workshop facilitators that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

Responsibilities: Facilitators are responsible for designing creative and interactive workshops for our young people, and delivering these workshops with our young people. We run some of our workshops online and other workshops are held in London. All workshops are held during the school holidays, in the evening and on weekends.

The workshop facilitator role is flexible and as part of your role, you may be involved in:

• Delivering and leading short workshops or courses, on behalf of GT Scholars (Online or offline)

• Designing engaging, interactive and educational workshops and short courses for young people and ensuring that the content is targeted to suit different abilities and capabilities

• Running your own bespoke workshops, eg. workshops in coding and technology

• Managing short activities and Q&A sessions during our workshops

• Working collaboratively with other event coordinators, volunteers, ambassadors, workshop facilitators and speakers at our events

• Following the agreed timings and content for workshops and courses

Person specification: 

As workshop facilitator, you will need to:

• Have passion, knowledge and experience in coding, computing and technology

• Have strong presentation skills

• Have strong communication skills

• Be personable and able to confidently communicate with people from a range of backgrounds and professions.

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Be punctual and organised

Availability: Workshops will run during the day on school holiday dates, on Saturdays or in the evening (5pm-8pm).

Additional information: We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 2 years old.

Rate of pay: This is a self-employed role. You must be aged 18 or above. Facilitator sessions range from 2 to 6 hours. The rate of pay will vary based on the budget of the funder.

Created by a team of passionate dog lovers from the animal welfare group IAPWA, the I Love Hiking & Dogs UK Facebook community is a space to explore new walking routes, connect with like-minded dog owners, and take part in dog-friendly hiking meet-ups across the UK.

While our group is designed for dog lovers, you don’t need to own a dog to get involved, everyone is welcome to join our community, share experiences, and participate in discussions and events.

We are now looking for dedicated and proactive Facebook Group Admins to help manage and grow our community.

About the Role

Group admins are the backbone of the I Love Hiking & Dogs UK community. This volunteer role is perfect for someone who is passionate about dogs, hiking, and community-building and wants to help shape the conversations and activities within the group.

As a Facebook Group Admin, you will be responsible for:

1. Content Management

• Create and schedule engaging posts based on the monthly content plan.
• Curate and share useful content, including dog-friendly walking routes, hiking tips, and safety advice.
• Organise fun interactive activities such as polls, contests, or themed challenges to encourage engagement.

2. Group Moderation

• Approve or decline member posts and comments to ensure they align with group rules.
• Address inappropriate content, spam, or disruptive behavior in a fair and diplomatic way.
• Ensure that community guidelines are upheld and that discussions remain positive and welcoming.

3. Community Engagement

• Actively comment on posts to keep discussions going and encourage participation.
• Highlight and celebrate member contributions through shoutouts and featured posts.
• Welcome new members with personalized messages or pinned posts to help them feel part of the group.

4. Event Promotion

• Help share updates about Wag & Walks and other group initiatives.
• Pin event details and encourage members to RSVP or participate.
• Support and promote fundraising initiatives such as the Walk For Paws.

5. Gathering Feedback

• Listen to group members and gather feedback to help improve activities and engagement.
• Share insights with other admins to refine content and community-building efforts.

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Are active on Facebook and comfortable managing group posts, comments, and content.
• Are passionate about dogs, hiking, and building a friendly online community.
• Have good communication and organisational skills.
• Enjoy engaging with others, fostering discussions, and creating a positive space.
• Can dedicate a few hours a week to posting, moderating, and interacting with members.
• Have previous experience managing social media or online communities (not essential, but a plus!).

Why Get Involved?

• Be part of a growing community that connects dog lovers across the UK.
• Help shape the conversation in a fun, interactive, and supportive environment.
• Develop social media management and community-building skills.
• Meet like-minded people who share your love for hiking and dogs.
• Contribute to a cause that supports dog welfare.

How to Apply

Please click on the 'Apply' button for details of how to apply for this volunteer role.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - Will take place between 29/06/2025 -19/07/2025 with further details to be confirmed with successful applicants. 
 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 17/05/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Your invitation to join the Bath Phil Family
As a new trustee, you will be welcomed by the Board in to this exciting and fulfilling voluntary role and be encouraged to contribute ideas and decisions, and sparing a few hours each month. We meet every two months in Bath (with the option to join remotely usually) to review progress against our strategy, current activities, new initiatives as well as our financial health and development plans. Occasionally, individual trustees attend rehearsals, workshops and meet within thematic sub-groups and we ask that trustees commit to attending meetings and occasional concerts and events.

About you
We are seeking Trustees who have an interest in orchestral music and are willing to take the lead, supporting the General Manager and executive team, in particular:

• Fundraising and development: to help develop our fundraising strategy with experience in fundraising from diverse sources private donors, trusts foundations and public funding to corporate partners, social impact investment and philanthropy.
• HR including EDI: to further develop and embed our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy, along with our other HR policies.
• Branding, Marketing and PR: to strengthen our existing expertise, bringing new insights, networks and ideas to promote our activities.

We also welcome people with

• Experience of working within an arts (or arts marketing) organisation: to provide contextual knowledge of the sector and understanding of arts business models.

About Bath Phil
Bath Philharmonia is a professional orchestra based in Bath and touring South West England. We reach over 12,000 people each year (including 4,500 free gifted tickets to local audiences to encourage them to discover a live orchestra for the first time). through a combination of concerts and projects in communities, with a specialism in working with young carers to help them build personal confidence and supportive relationships through making and performing their own music.

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, 2025, and winner of The Federation of Small Business (FSB) Community Award for the South West 2024 and Bath Life Arts & Creative Award 2024, the orchestra is on an exciting journey. A recent highlight has been the release of our Christmas single Love is Enough composed and sung by Young Carers which reached #37 in the charts. The impact of our decade-long project with young carers was shortlisted for a prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Award – the BAFTAs of the classical music world.

Our Vision is to transform lives through the joy of live orchestral music – and you’re invited to help us achieve this. If you too believe in the power of music, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll be joining a committed and dynamic team to support the further development of the orchestra and enable yet more impactful programmes with young carers, primary and secondary schools, disadvantaged young people and support formusic leaders.

Interested in becoming a trustee of an award-winning arts organisation transforming the lives of young people and developing a new generation of audiences across Bath and the South West? Come and join the Bath Phil Family! Please get in touch for a confidential chat or download our application pack for further details. Thanks for your interest in this exciting opportunity and we look forward to hearing from you.

How to apply
If you’re interested in becoming a Trustee with Bath Philharmonia, please download our Trustee Recruitment Pack, before emailing us to outline how your skills and experience could contribute to Bath Phil’s Board of Trustees, along with your contact details. Feel free to include a CV or link to online profile and apply in which ever format you find most comfortable including written statement, short video, audio recording.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 14 May 2025, with interviews scheduled to take place in Bath on Thursday 22 May 2025.

Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.

If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.

About the role

As the Charity continues to grow, with a focus on developing commercial branches and advancing our charitable branches, we are seeking an experienced Solicitor who has experience in Charity Law. This individual would report directly to our General Counsel, volunteering on an ad-hoc basis to provide legal advice, guidance and support to the Charity. We are asking for, on average, 2 hours per week of support.

Responsibilities 

• Liaise with the General Counsel and team of Paralegals to ensure timely completion of required actions, within mutually agreed timeframes, to support the growth of the Charity.
• Provide key support to the General Counsel, presenting comprehensive legal advice and support to the CEO and Board of Directors/Trustees around key legal issues presented to the Charity.
• Support the development of long-term strategies, including supporting the advancement of the Charity, and any commercial subsidiaries.
• Where appropriate, develop and lead legal training.
• Prepare documents, evidence, arguments and identify legal precedents that can be used to justify the organisation's decisions and actions.
• Act as a point of contact to the organisation in relation to any legal matters or action.
• Support keeping the organisation up to date and informed of new and existing laws and regulations that are applicable to our operations and industry.

Skills 

• Be a qualified solicitor or recognised legal professional, with recent experience in providing legal advice and support to charities or companies in the UK.
• Experience as a solicitor or legal professional within the non-profit/charity sector is essential.
• Possess detailed knowledge of specific laws and regulations pertaining to the industry that Youth4Youth works in, as well as local laws within the United Kingdom.
• Ability to interpret and convey complex legal information in an understandable format.
• Public speaking skills and the ability to present and defend legal arguments.

Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.

Benefits of volunteering with Youth4Youth

We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:

• Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
• Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
• Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Youth4Youth volunteers
• Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Youth4Youth has on its direct beneficiaries

The hiring process

Our hiring process typically has two stages 

1. Video or Written Application (when applicable) 
2. Interview with the Volunteering Coordinator for that role

Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.

Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.

Lived Experience Sight Loss Trustee - Focus Birmingham – Empowering Lives and Shaping the Future

Focus Birmingham’s (Focus) Trustees are all volunteers, playing an essential role in overseeing the charity’s activities in partnership with the Board of Trustees. The CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) manage the day-to-day running of the charity, but it is the Board of Trustees that holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring the charity continues to grow and delivers on its vision.

The purpose of this trustee role is to bring a ‘lived experience’ perspective to help shape the future of our organisation. You will ensure our services reflect the diverse needs of the people we support and help us advance our mission of improving lives by creating opportunities for people with care and support needs. This role will help them feel empowered to live life to the full and unlock their potential.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Co-production Strategy: Ensure the development and implementation of a co-production strategy in collaboration with the Board and Senior Leadership Team that promotes meaningful involvement of the people we support in decision-making processes.

• Engagement and Participation: Ensure that the Board and Senior Leadership Team champion the active engagement of the people we support in all aspects of the organisation, including programme design, service development, and policy formulation.

• Advisory Groups: Support the Senior Leadership Team in establishing and maintaining advisory groups or panels made up of the people we support, their families, and carers, ensuring their voices are heard, and their perspectives are considered.

• Training and Capacity Building: Provide advice on the development of a learning and development strategy that equips staff and volunteers with the skills to provide person-centred care.

• Feedback Mechanisms: Work with the Board and Senior Leadership Team to implement effective feedback mechanisms, surveys, and evaluation tools to gather input from individuals with care and support needs on the charity’s activities.

• Advocacy: Advocate for the rights and autonomy of the people we support both within Focus Birmingham and in the wider community. Raise awareness of the importance of co-production.

• Policy and Governance: Review, provide advice, and contribute to the development of policies and governance structures that ensure the people we support have a genuine and influential role in the organisation.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate with fellow Trustees, staff, and volunteers to embed co-production principles across the organisation. Provide guidance and mentorship to staff involved in co-production activities.

What Difference You Will Make and What You Will Achieve

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact by ensuring that individuals with care and support needs are at the forefront of decision-making:

• Networking: Build connections with disability advocates, self-advocacy groups, and stakeholders.

• Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in not-for-profit governance and co-production practices.

• Personal Satisfaction: Contribute to a cause that empowers individuals with care and support needs, helping them exercise their agency and unlock their potential.

How to Apply

If you are committed to empowering individuals with care and support needs and promoting their active participation in shaping Focus Birmingham’s future, we invite you to apply for this trustee role. Your lived experience and expertise in co-production will be instrumental in helping us achieve our mission of improving lives by creating opportunities for people with care and support needs, so they can live life to the full and reach their full potential.

To apply, please submit a completed application form via CharityJob.

Additional details about the role can be found in the attached recruitment pack. If you require any reasonable adjustment to support your application for this role, please contact Focus Birmingham via the details in the recruitment pack.

Closing Date for Applications: 11/05/25

About Us

My Black Dog is a charity that offers anonymous, peer to peer mental health support through our web-chat service. We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health in the UK as we tackle an epidemic that millions of people face.

We were founded on the motto "talk to someone who gets it". We want to connect people who share lived experiences to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space where everybody understands how it feels to experience mental health struggles.

Position Overview

Our web-chat service is run by our Volunteer Pack, each of whom have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. In addition, each shift has a 'Leader' and a 'Mentor'. These are Volunteers who carry out specific roles during the shift and, together, ensure its success:

• Leaders - Managers of the shift. There to ensure the shift runs as it should. They support and guide Volunteers through chats and follow safeguarding processes when an alert is raised. They are also the first point of contact for the shift’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Mentors - There to support and guide Volunteers through chats. Will take over from the Leader if there are safeguarding issues that need the Leader's attention and/or if the Leader needs a break.

As My Black Dog looks to expand our opening hours, we are looking to recruit additional Leaders and Mentors who can run shifts and cover additional shifts as necessary.

Leaders and Mentors will be assigned a shift based on your availability and preference. The expectation is that Leaders and Mentors will form a ‘pair’ and, together, will do one shift at the same time each week. This is to provide stability, predictability and to encourage community-building between Volunteers. Shifts are usually 3 hours long. We may ask you to cover another shift when we are short, but you will never do more than 6 hours per week.

Training will be provided and you will be supported on shift by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will manage all safeguarding issues.

The work you will do as Leaders and Mentors will ensure we provide the best possible service to our Guests. You will also be helping our Volunteer Pack to do what we do best: helping those in need by speaking to someone who 'gets it'.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for people who have experienced their own journey with mental health and are in a strong position to support others. We ask that our Leaders and Mentors:

• Are strongly committed to helping others
• Have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to those seeking help
• Are collaborative and enjoy working with others
• Are encouraging and supportive
• Are organised and can monitor several things at once
• Can remain calm and focused during busy times and when safeguarding alerts are raised
• Are 18 years and over 
• Can commit the time to a regular weekly shift

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are available during the following hours:

• Monday to Sunday, 5pm-7pm
• Friday and Saturday, 7pm-10pm

Role Responsibilities

1. Supervise and support Volunteers whilst on shift with general enquiries, positive feedback and signposting.
2. Assist with general volunteering enquiries whilst on shift. Provide time for guidance, instruction and de-briefing for Volunteers if required.
3. Follow Leaders & Mentors processes including unexpected absence reporting, Volunteer check-in and check-out, and completing Shift Handovers.
4. Monitor web-chat conversations and ensure all chats are tagged.
5. Maintain ability to listen, remain calm and provide intervention if necessary.
6. Be able to have difficult and often complex conversations about mental health, including Guests experiencing crisis and first-stage intervention support.
7. If a Leader, work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when safeguarding risks are identified and, if a Mentor, take over responsibility for shifts when Leader and DSL have to address a safeguarding crisis.
8. Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information, conveying sensitive information in a timely manner to necessary individuals.
9. Provide written follow up of shifts via handover, ensuring all necessary information is handed over at the end of the shift.
10. Adhere to all standards, policies and procedures of My Black Dog.

Please note: An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this role. If you do not have one, My Black Dog will arrange the DBS Check for you.

St John - Worldwide

St John is an international charity with 900 years of history that in modern times provides first aid, health care and support services in over 40 countries around the world. Together the 44 Priories make up the Order of St John.

In Wales?

St John Ambulance Cymru (SJAC) is an independent Priory within the Order of St John. We are a working Order of Chivalry of the British Crown with His Majesty the King as its Sovereign Head, which is accredited to the United Nations. We are Wales’ leading first aid charity. Our new 2025-2030 Strategy has the mission of “Wales as a Community of Lifesavers”.In order to do this we have 4 strategic objectives:

1. Experience: We want to be the best volunteering offer in Wales. We want our St John people to have the best experience, training, leadership, and equipment.

2. Maximising the potential of our Children and Young People.

3. Increasing our focus on Community Education.

4.  Making St John more inclusive and sustainable.

We work closely with NHS Wales and the Welsh Ambulance Service University Trust (WASUT), We provide on-site first aid and medical services at events across Wales from local events in your community to international sporting and cultural events. In order to do this we have around 2000 St John People, a mixture of employees and volunteers as well as around 800 Children and Young People.

The opportunity

SJAC has ambitious plans in place and a new strategy. We are seeking two trustees to join our board, one of which we require to have a fundraising background and expertise.

Fundraising & Marketing – You will have a strong background in fundraising at a senior level. You will understand the challenges of fundraising in Wales and support our leadership team on our fundraising strategy, including attracting major donors, legacies, corporate sponsors and regular givers. An understanding of fundraising regulation and governance is key, in addition to experience in marketing and engagement to ensure the charity’s brand and impact reaches a wide audience.

Within the role you will be helping, supporting and guiding us on our journey, willing to be a strong advocate for the charity and having the skills and expertise to steer the charity towards achieving our strategic priorities. You will also of course live our values of Compassion, Quality, Inclusion and Integrity.

We welcome applications of interest from all for this exciting and rewarding opportunity to join us in governing the charity. In accordance with our governance rules, trustee appointments run for a triennium with potential for a further triennium.

What you’ll need to be successful

Interested applicants will need to be able to demonstrate strongly the value and benefit they will bring to the board, playing a key role in the continued growth and success of SJAC.  As well as specific expertise, applicants should be able to show commitment to the charity’s aims and objectives, the willingness to devote the necessary time and effort, strategic vision, good judgement, willingness to speak their mind, ability to work as a team and a belief in Nolan’s seven principles of public life.

Having a Board that reflects the diversity of local communities is particularly important to us so we wish to encourage people with a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

We are committed to being a diverse organisation, that is truly representative of the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunities organisation with an inclusive environment, where we aim to ensure all our people can contribute to their fullest potential.

We encourage you to apply if you are from an under-represented group as we appreciate the strong value of having a rich and diverse board. Whilst our roots are based in a Christian background, we welcome applicants from other faiths and those without faith. 

St John Ambulance Cymru will provide a full induction programme.

To apply, please read the recruitment pack for further details about the role and submit your CV, together with a supporting statement outlining your interest in joining us, your specific area of interest and how you meet the required criteria to. Potential candidates with questions about this role are welcome to contact trustee recruitement with their questions or to arrange an informal discussion .

The closing date for applications will be Wednesday 30th April 2025 at 5pm.

The interview date is to be confirmed but is anticipated to be in May 2025.

This role is voluntary and unpaid but appropriate expenses will be met.