Training Officer Volunteer Roles in Bristol

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others. What you’ll be doing • Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand. • Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss. • Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people. • Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals. What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers. In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people • An empathetic and professional manner. • Good communications skills with active listening. • An interest in helping people access the information they need.

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers. What you’ll be doing: • Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups. • Delivering Talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people • Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Able to communicate effectively. • Have an outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people.

We are recruiting for RNLI Trustees 

People will always need our help. You could play an important part in making sure we can always be there to answer that call. 

As we launch into our third century of lifesaving, we are seeking people to join our trustee board who have experience as a Non-Executive Director or Trustee and experience within large, complex organisations, in any of the following areas:

• Providing commercial and financial leadership
• People management at a senior level
• Audit, risk management and/or assurance 

For further details about the role and what skills you will need please see the attached recruitment pack. 

The impact you will make

This is an important role for the RNLI, our trustees are a body of volunteers who carry the full financial and legal responsibility for everything the RNLI does. You will be contributing advice, expertise and effective leadership as a Trustee. You will be helping us to adapt for the future, enabling us to continue achieving our purpose of saving lives at sea.

This is an unpaid voluntary opportunity within the RNLI. Travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed in line with RNLI policy. 

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for over 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone.

In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable). 

In person interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled to take place in London in the week commencing 17th March 2025. 

To apply, complete an application form and attach a copy of your CV. The closing date for this role is Sunday 23rd February 2025.

Orchards is at an exciting point of growth as we expand into new hubs with our support and housing provision. We are looking for new Trustees to strengthen the Board and help position us for sustainable growth in the coming years. We are particularly looking for Trustees with experience in the following areas:

- Safeguarding – a qualified social worker or safeguarding professional with experience of adult safeguarding. This Trustee will work alongside the Safeguarding Lead to ensure best practice and ongoing monitoring of safeguarding strategy within the organisation.

- Church leader or church network leader – an experienced church leader able to work across denominations. This Trustee will help us to develop our church partnerships and to bring local church perspective into the strategy and growth of the charity.

- Housing – an experienced housing professional with knowledge of social and Local Authority housing. This Trustee will help us work strategically with Local Authorities as we expand our housing provision and seek creative ways to provide move-on housing options for women.

Orchards Trustees serve the board with a passion to see women free from sexual exploitation, bringing their relevant career experience and skills and prayerfulness. 

We are looking for somebody with experience of fundraising or finance to support our 4 student volunteer-led branches in becoming financially independent. You will provide coaching and support to the branches to enable them to grow financially and successfully fundraise to support their work against educational inequality in the UK.

Students4Students (S4S) is a national charity which is split across 4 branches, with c.100 volunteers. Our organisational structure is built around our semi-independent branches which are run by student committees. These students are supported via our committee programme.

At each of these committees, we have a student Fundraising Officer. We are looking for somebody to train and support these officers (and the committees as a whole) in their fundraising activities, including showing them how to apply for grants, how to fundraise effective and how to co-ordinate key events. This is an area where we currently do not have a dedicated lead, and we need a push to help support our branches in achieving finanical independence. 

As a bonus, we would also welcome you to support our central fundraising efforts through research and applying for grants, and co-ordinating fundraising for the charity as a whole - however this is not a requirement of the role. 

Responsibilities and duties

The post-holder will be responsible for:

• Owning and managing fundraising activities for S4S.
• Managing a team of Fundraising Officers, including providing training, coaching & support for them.
• Championing volunteer efforts in achieveing financial independance, and finding new and innovative ways to support them in this goal.

Time commitment

• Throughout the year – We expect the post holder to commit to an average of 2 hours per week

Key requirements

• Experience in fundraising.
• Experience in grant-writing.
• Experience managing a team.

The Southover Partnership
The Southover Partnership (“Southover” or the “School”) is an independent special needs day school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder and other complex needs. It is situated on three sites in the London boroughs of Brent, Barnet and Enfield. All pupils have education, health and care plans (EHCP) and are placed by a wide range of local authorities. Typically, the pupils placed at the School have significantly disrupted educational histories. 
The work at Southover is underpinned by the principles of attachment theory. The School follows a small school model because we believe it delivers the best outcomes for our students. This means each school community gets to deeply know and understand its members and gives students the opportunity to be more directly involved in their own education. It allows the different school sites to serve as pupils’ primary attachment, and therefore build up a trusting relationship with others and eventually society. The aim is to deliver a truly personalised and holistic education experience for all our pupils.

Specific responsibilities

1.Provide oversight and support to the School Business Manager, together with the Chair and the Executive Headteacher.

2.Chair the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
3.Review and report on Southover’s financial performance to ensure the safeguarding of organisational assets and its short- and long-term viability.
4.Oversee the financial implications of strategic plans, annual budgets, risk management and financial management reports, explaining technical aspects in plain language.
5.Propose and implement an ongoing review of Southover’s financial and risk policies.
6.Ensure there is an effective external and internal audit function.
7.Act as sounding board and finance professional to the non-finance board members, while reminding each trustee of their own responsibilities in this area.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity/school, its strategic objectives and cause.

• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities.

• Demonstrate empathy, tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.

• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity/school.

• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events, functions, meetings etc as appropriate out of office hours. 

Experience 

Essential

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation

• Successful track record of achievement through their career

• Experience of working with or as part of a Board of Trustees

• Extensive experience of managing financial statements (P&L, balance sheet and cash flow) as FD or CFO of an organisation with revenue >£4m

• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events

• Experience of handling sensitive and confidential issues

Desirable

• Experience as a school governor

• Experience of charity governance

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, internal financial controls and systems, fraud prevention

• A professional accountancy qualification

• Knowledge and understanding of corporate and charity governance.

• Good understanding of the Charity Commission’s guidance in respect of Charity finances

• An approachable personality with the desire to meet with people from a range of different communities and disciplines. 

Desirable 

• Knowledge and understanding of the education sector.

• Understanding of the regulatory frameworks and governance of schools (and what it means to be both a school and a charity)

• Knowledge and experience of charity finance

• A good understanding of the key issues facing Southover and/or any SEN provider. 

Terms of Office 

The Chair will serve a three-year term, eligible for re appointment at the end of one term of office for one additional term only i.e. a maximum of 6 years.

Could you share your expertise to enable people with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health issues to live gloriously ordinary lives?

Have you got credibility and passion to make a difference?

If the answer is yes, why not consider becoming a FitzRoy Trustee?

About us

FitzRoy is a pioneering national charity, providing a range of support to people who need support to enable them to live independent lives. Our vision is a society where people are treated as equals within inclusive communities and empowered to ensure their rights and aspirations are met.

About the role

As a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to influence our development, and with the other members of our Board, you will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity.

We are seeking two new trustees from communities currently under-represented on our board, specifically those with Black or Asian heritage and women. We value a range of mixed voices and aspire to a governance which reflects the diversity of our workforce and the people we support.

Trustee experience or experience in the charity or social care sector is not required, and training and mentorship will be available to those interested in developing their leadership skills through being a Trustee.

At this time, we are particularly interested in speaking to people with knowledge and expertise in the following areas:

• Clinical/health/mental health

• Fundraising

We encourage applications from those with a personal experience of learning disabilities, autism or mental health issues.

In return If you are able to commit your time and energy you will be rewarded by being part of a forward thinking charity dedicated to transforming lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues. This is a voluntary role, with paid travel expenses requiring approximately one day per month of your time.

Why volunteer with us?  

• Make a difference – you will use your local knowledge to share what we do and how we can help.
• Gain skills and experience – you will learn the skills to effectively present and engage.
• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
• Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

What we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Community Engagement Volunteer, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or over.
• Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per month, for at least 3 months.
• Complete a 3-day workbook.
• Undertake a DBS check where required
• Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

• All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you already have some fundraising experience that would be great too but it’s not essential.

What is a Fundraising Coordinator?

As Fundraising Coordinator, you would work with your local SSAFA branch to develop a Fundraising Plan. You would be central to delivering this local plan to raise funds through a range of local sources including grants, trusts, appeals, collections, and events.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

SSAFA branches rely on a regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent needs. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community. We’d love to hear from you if you could help by coordinating this vital aspect of your local SSAFA branch.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. You would also be out and about at events and meetings. This role would suit someone looking to give a regular time commitment to SSAFA although when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Developing an ethical fundraising plan based on the needs of the branch and choosing a mix of sources.
• Working with the branch secretary and Regional Fundraising Manager, recruit a team of fundraising volunteers to support events, appeals and collections.
• Working with the Regional Fundraising Manager, support national fundraising campaigns.
• Working with the Branch Publicity Officer, develop opportunities to combine awareness and fundraising.
• Planning and running local appeals, collections, and events
• Identifying and submitting applications to appropriate trusts and grant funding organisations
• Working with Marketing staff at central office check that all fundraising materials meet SSAFA branding style and current key messages.
• Liaise with Regional Fundraising Manager when pursuing opportunities beyond local sources e.g., corporates.
• Evaluate fundraising activities and provide reports and information for the branch.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - Fundraising workshops. 
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good communication skills including written and spoken English.
• Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media.
• Experience of running events and or submitting funding applications would be welcome but not essential.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to make enquires about fundraising opportunities by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and events.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Branch Trustee (General Role)
This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much!

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long terms aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Support Specialist write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
•  Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:

•  Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
•  Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
•  Local community and supporter relationships;
• Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
•  Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.

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

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
- Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee
 
You will be joining a small team of experienced trustees who will offer you all the support you need. The position is to be home based, but you need to live in the Branch Area LU1-LU7 or MK45 postcode area.
We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and depending on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If you already have some fundraising experience that would be great too but it’s not essential.

What is a Fundraising Coordinator?

As Fundraising Coordinator, you would work with your local SSAFA branch to develop a Fundraising Plan. You would be central to delivering this local plan to raise funds through a range of local sources including grants, trusts, appeals, collections, and events.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

SSAFA branches rely on a regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent needs. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community. We’d love to hear from you if you could help by coordinating this vital aspect of your local SSAFA branch.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. You would also be out and about at events and meetings. This role would suit someone looking to give a regular time commitment to SSAFA although when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• Developing an ethical fundraising plan based on the needs of the branch and choosing a mix of sources.
• Working with the branch secretary and Regional Fundraising Manager, recruit a team of fundraising volunteers to support events, appeals and collections.
• Working with the Regional Fundraising Manager, support national fundraising campaigns.
• Working with the Branch Publicity Officer, develop opportunities to combine awareness and fundraising.
• Planning and running local appeals, collections, and events
• Identifying and submitting applications to appropriate trusts and grant funding organisations
• Working with Marketing staff at central office check that all fundraising materials meet SSAFA branding style and current key messages.
• Liaise with Regional Fundraising Manager when pursuing opportunities beyond local sources e.g., corporates.
• Evaluate fundraising activities and provide reports and information for the branch.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA including all sections of the community in awareness raising
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - Fundraising workshops. 
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good communication skills including written and spoken English.
• Confident to deal with the public, potential clients, volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues – face-to-face, by phone, email or via social media.
• Experience of running events and or submitting funding applications would be welcome but not essential.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to make enquires about fundraising opportunities by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to meetings and events.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting The Students’ Union at the University of West England (UWE) in their search for two new External Independent Trustees. 

The Students' Union is here to give students opportunities, build communities and represent the student voice during their time at UWE Bristol. They are a 30,000 strong organisation and they support and engage with students across all campuses, courses and backgrounds. 

The Board of Trustees contains five Elected Officer Trustees, two Student Trustees and up to four External Independent Trustees. The Board of Trustees acts on behalf of The Students' Union with the ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction, financial well-being and reputation management of the organisation. 

This is a great opportunity for someone willing to volunteer their time to work with a dedicated team of elected Students' Union Officers and Student Trustees, which has responsibility for the governance, finances, legal aspects and strategy of the charity. 

Through these appointments, we are seeking External Trustees who can bring ONE of the following areas of specialism to the Board:

• Strategic Marketing expertise
• Governance expertise

We are looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees with up to three new Trustee appointments, including Chair of Trustees. We are seeking volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds to join Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (Bristol A.R.C.) as a Trustee to help make a difference to Bristol’s most vulnerable animals.

As a Trustee, you will have the chance to influence our strategy and directly support our teams of experts in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming or release of animals that come into our care.
You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside your fellow Trustees, in providing the governance that supports the CEO and senior management team in the successful running of the organisation.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with relevant experience in the following areas: Animal Welfare, Fundraising & Communications and Governance.

Role of the Trustee

The ultimate responsibility of our Board Members is to ensure that Bristol A.R.C. works towards its mission, values and objectives in an effective, fair and legal manner. Duties will include:

• Regular attendance at Board meetings, taking place either online or at our Bristol centre, at least 6 times a year and additional trustee meetings and participation in subcommittees. The subcommittees are typically run within usual working hours.
• Ensure that Bristol A.R.C. complies with charity law and Charity Commission requirements and its governing documents.
• Oversight of the strategic, financial and governance position of the charity.

What we can offer you as a Trustee

• A platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on the welfare of local animals and people, as well as the wider community.
• Satisfaction of helping us make a difference and give something back to animals and people of Bristol.
• A way to expand both your professional and personal network through meeting and working with like-minded people who share your passion for promoting animal welfare.
• Induction, support and training from us.

We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply. We are also happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our values and ambitions and show a willingness and time to learn in the role.

About our existing Board

There are currently eight volunteer Trustees with varied experience and skills including corporate accounting, people and wellbeing, business management, and risk management. We are a friendly Board, passionate about our cause and we enjoy welcoming new people and talents to support our work on behalf of animals.

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Governance & Legal Support to lead the governance and legal functions of Youth Advantage UK. The Head of Governance & Legal Support will oversee compliance, risk management, and legal operations to ensure the charity operates within all applicable regulations and ethical standards. Managing the Governance & Legal Support Manager, this role will also involve developing and implementing governance frameworks that support organisational growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

● Manage Governance & Legal Support Team: Provide leadership and guidance to the Governance & Legal Support Manager and ensure the team operates effectively.

● Develop Governance Frameworks: Create and implement policies, procedures, and systems to strengthen the charity’s governance structure.

● Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, including charity law, data protection, and safeguarding.

● Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, maintaining a comprehensive risk register and working with leadership to address potential challenges.

● Support the Board of Trustees: Act as a key liaison for the Board, preparing meeting agendas, maintaining minutes, and ensuring timely submission of governance reports.

● Legal Oversight: Manage contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

● Training & Development: Provide training and resources to staff and volunteers on governance and compliance matters, ensuring understanding and adherence to policies.

● Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with legal advisors, regulators, and other stakeholders to support organisational compliance.

● Drive Organisational Values: Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice across the organisation.

Ideal Candidate:

● Experience: At least six months in a senior governance, legal, or compliance-focused leadership role within the charity sector or a similar organisation.

● Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage and develop teams, fostering a high-performance culture.

● Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of charity law, governance best practices, and regulatory compliance.

● Risk Management Expertise: Experience in identifying and mitigating risks in a complex organisational environment.

● Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

● Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with governance and compliance tools, systems, and processes.

● Commitment to Diversity: Understanding and experience in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within governance practices.

● Passion for Youth Development: Genuine enthusiasm for supporting young people and advancing the mission of Youth Advantage UK.

Day-to-day Tasks:

● Managing the Governance & Legal Support team, including sharing best practices and ensuring professional standards are met.

● Ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, legal regulations, and internal policies.

● Preparing and distributing materials for Board of Trustee meetings, including agendas and reports.

● Reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements, and legal documents.

● Monitoring and updating the organisation’s risk register.

● Providing guidance on data protection, safeguarding, and ethical practices.

● Maintaining organisational policies and ensuring they are up-to-date and effectively implemented.

● Building relationships with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies.

Short-term Tasks:

● Conducting a review of current governance policies and frameworks to identify areas for improvement.

● Establishing a schedule for regular governance and legal compliance audits.

● Updating the organisation’s risk register and developing mitigation plans for high-priority risks.

● Developing training materials for staff and volunteers on governance and compliance topics.

● Creating a roadmap for aligning governance practices with the organisation’s strategic goals.

Why Join Youth Advantage UK?

Youth Advantage UK is a research led organization that aims to further the rights of young people between 11 and 25 years old across the UK through policy work and projects. As the Head of Governance & Legal Support, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates with integrity, accountability, and transparency. You will work with a passionate and dedicated team, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and develop frameworks that ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission. Youth Advantage UK is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where volunteers can grow both professionally and personally.