Volunteer Roles in Europe

Our Treasurer is stepping down from the Board of Trustees following a three-year tenure. We are now looking for a new Treasurer to oversee the financial affairs of the Richard Whitehead Foundation. As Treasurer you will be responsible alongside the CEO for managing the charity’s finances, preparing budgets and financial reports, ensuring proper financial controls are in place, and advising the Board on financial matters. Previous Board experience is not essential.

Disabled people face significant inequalities in education, sport, leisure and employment. They often face multiple barriers to fulfilling their potential and achieving their aspirations. Sport and physical activity have the power to inspire, enable, build self-esteem, and provide success. They can improve physical health, employability, mental well-being and social community inclusion. However, many barriers prevent disabled people from accessing sport. These include a lack of coaching, clubs, transport, equipment and support networks, as well as high costs and negative perceptions of disabled people participating in sport.

We are a fairly new charity established in 2021, with big ambitions for the future. We have started with small but meaningful projects. We are reaching out to disabled people, learning from our projects, and focusing on our vision and purpose.

As a user led organisation, we are keen to receive applications from disabled people.

About the Richard Whitehead Foundation

The Richard Whitehead Foundation is a small charity with big aspirations to create social change and use the power of sport for the benefit of disabled people. We believe in the impact of sport: the increased mental well-being, the confidence, the self-esteem, the social inclusion and employability which can come from it.  We want disabled people to be able to thrive and benefit from all these opportunities.

Our vision: Enabling disabled people’s ambitions.

Our purpose: We believe disabled people should have access to the life-changing power of sport.

Our mission: We place the individual at the centre of our work. We provide access to life-changing support, mentoring, information, advice, equipment, and opportunities that will spark a sustained lifetime intervention.

Our values: Person Centred Dynamic Powerful Authentic Inclusive

Treasurer - Role Profile

Term of office: 3 years

The Richard Whitehead Foundation exists to support disabled people to achieve their ambitions and improve their social welfare through participation in sport and physical activity.

All Trustees have joint responsibility for the following main duties:

1. Ensure the Richard Whitehead Foundation (RWF) is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit. This means you should:

●ensure you understand RWF’s purposes as set out in its governing document;

●plan what RWF will do, and what you want it to achieve;

●be able to explain how all RWF’s activities are intended to further or support its purposes;

●understand how RWF benefits the public by carrying out its purposes.

2. Comply with RWF’s governing document and the law. You and your co-trustees must:

●make sure that RWF complies with its governing document;

●comply with charity law requirements and other laws that apply to RWF including submitting an annual return.

3. Act in the Richard Whitehead Foundation’s best interests. You must:

●do what you and your co-trustees (and no one else) decide will best enable RWF to carry out its purposes;

●with your co-trustees, make balanced and adequately informed decisions, thinking about the long term as well as the short term;

●avoid putting yourself in a position where your duty to your charity conflicts with your personal interests or loyalty to any other person or body;

●not receive any benefit from RWF unless it’s properly authorised and is clearly in RWF’s interests; this also includes anyone who is financially connected to you, such as a partner, dependent child or business partner.

4. Manage RWF’s resources responsibly. You must act responsibly, reasonably and honestly. This is sometimes called the duty of prudence. Prudence is about exercising sound judgement. You and your co-trustees must:

●make sure RWF’s assets are only used to support or carry out its purposes;

●not take inappropriate risks with RWF’s assets or reputation;

●not over-commit RWF;

●take special care when investing or borrowing;

●comply with any restrictions on spending funds.

5. Act with reasonable care and skill. As someone responsible for governing the Richard Whitehead Foundation, you:

●must use reasonable care and skill, making use of your skills and experience and taking appropriate advice when necessary;

●should give enough time, thought and energy to your role, for example by preparing for, attending and actively participating in all trustees’ meetings.

6. Ensure the Richard Whitehead Foundation is accountable. You and your co-trustees must comply with statutory accounting and reporting requirements. You should also:

●be able to demonstrate that RWF is complying with the law, well run and effective;

●ensure appropriate accountability to members, if RWF develops a membership separate from the trustees;

●ensure accountability within RWF, particularly where you delegate responsibility for particular tasks or decisions to staff or volunteers.

Roles and responsibilities specific to the role of Treasurer:

The primary role of the Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the Richard Whitehead Foundation’s financial affairs, ensuring its viability and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. The role is supported by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The essential tasks are:

1. General financial oversight

●To oversee accounts and financial statements.

●To liaise with the CEO on financial matters.

●To ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.

●To ensure compliance with charity SORP (FRS102), charity commission, HMRC and Companies House requirements.

●To ensure any recommendations of the independent examiner or auditor are implemented.

●To ensure accounts meet the conditions of contractual agreements with external agencies such as funders and statutory bodies.

1. Financial planning and reporting

●To support the CEO in presenting financial reports and statements to the Board.

●To advise on RWF’s reserves policy and investment policy.

●To advise on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic and operational plans.

●To ensure that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of RWF.

Experience, Skills & Behaviours required to fulfil the role of Treasurer effectively:

●Knowledge and understanding of the Charity SORP (FRS102)

●Experience of financial control and budgeting, preferably within the charity sector.

●Attention to detail.

●Good communication and interpersonal skills.

●A willingness to be contacted on an ad hoc basis.

●Ability to ensure financial decisions are taken and followed-up.

●Good time-keeping.

Experience, Skills & Behaviours required to fulfil the role of Trustee effectively:

●Passion for social change and helping disabled people who face significant barriers.

●Awareness and passion for equality, diversity and inclusion.

●Diversity of thought and an openness to listen to fellow Trustees.

●Commitment to attend meetings, and to respond to communication between meetings. Currently the Board meetings are face to face quarterly, usually at a weekend, and with interim online committee meetings, usually in the evenings and quarterly.

Safeguarding

The Richard Whitehead Foundation is committed to safeguarding and protecting the individuals we work with. As such, posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and a safe working environment.

Inclusion and diversity

The Richard Whitehead Foundation strives to engage an ability-based workforce which reflects the diverse nature of our communities. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and it is important to us that this is reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us.

Application process

To apply, please send your CV and an expression of interest , answering the following questions.

·What has drawn your attention to the Richard Whitehead Foundation and why are you applying?

·How do you think your skills, experience and networks will add value to the ambitions of the organisation?

·How do you meet the person specification identified in the job role?

You can also send us a link to an active LinkedIn profile and a referee we can contact prior to interview. Expressions of interest can be video, audio, or Word-based files – whatever works best for you.

Expressions of interest should be submitted by 5pm on 11th October 2024. They will be reviewed by a panel of existing Board Trustees, and you may be invited to have an informal discussion prior to being invited to join the Board.

Please let us know if you need us to adapt the process to best suit any needs around disability.

Volunteer opportunity for a web developer to help create a pilot platform using low-code solutions and support an environmental impact startup connecting corporate sustainability goals to employee engagement.

Are you a web development enthusiast who deeply cares about the planet and is ready to make an impact? Join The Planet Life as a Volunteer Web Developer and use your skills to help launch our pilot platform. We're looking for a web developer familiar with low-code solutions like Wix or Bubble to volunteer their skills with The Planet Life's pilot phase. We're a small remote-first team based in Europe (UK & Belgium). 

In terms of the role, The Planet Life is gearing up for a B2B pilot phase to gain insights into corporate needs and test the market. We are looking for tech expertise to help build the first pilot platform. We've been exploring low-code solutions such as Bubble and Wix. Both should be able to provide the necessary features for this phase, but the specific platform used isn't a big deal right now. The duration of involvement could range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the candidate's availability.

What You’ll Do:

• Pilot platform development and maintenance ensuring its functionality suits pilot goals
• Update and manage content
• Resolve technical issues to ensure the platform functions well across devices and browsers
• Work with our team to understand needs and integrate feedback for improvements

What We’re Looking For:

• Comfortable with using low-code solutions such as Wix, Bubble, ...
• Proven expertise in creating and maintaining websites
• Strong understanding of web design principles
• Ability to efficiently troubleshoot and resolve issues
• Commitment to high-quality, consistent work
• Available to volunteer 8-10 hours a week
• Ability to actively take initiative and help set things up in a start-up environment
• Ability to actively seek and give input in a collaborative team environment

What's The Planet Life all about? We're on a mission to boost the growth of a sustainable economy. Currently, organizations aren't fully meeting their climate and sustainability goals. We assist organizations in achieving their sustainability objectives more efficiently by encouraging employees to integrate sustainability into their daily routines. Our focus is on empowering and involving employees as active participants in corporate sustainability initiatives. We offer extensive tools and assistance to help companies transition smoothly to a more sustainable workplace.

Ready to bring your web development skills to a meaningful cause? Apply now and help us build a better future together!

Please note, we’re actively reviewing applications and interviews will be held on a rolling basis. The ad may close early if a successful candidate is found.

Are you looking for a fresh challenge that makes a positive difference to the lives of Young People throughout the UK?

At Childline we are actively recruiting new Volunteers. 

What will I be doing?

• Your shift will consist of 3hrs30mns counselling, sandwiched between a 15mns brief before your shift and a 30mns debrief post shift. This is to ensure that you can start and finish your shift with any support you require from your Practitioners.
• On shift you will take contacts from Young People who rely on the service that Childline offers. Childline is not there to solve problems, we are a listening service for Young People and in each contact your role is to engage the Young Person, explore their situation and to support them in deciding their next steps.
• The contacts you would take from Young People can come in 3 ways. Traditional phone call contacts, live chats via instant response typed messaging or less commonly via 'PIBS' which are essentially emails sent by Young People in the knowledge the response will not be 'live' and instant.

What impact will this have?

• Childline is a unique service, valued greatly by the Young People who contact us.
• It provides a safe place for Young People to talk confidentially to our Volunteer Counsellors, an option that many of them do not have elsewhere.
• Young People rely on us being there for them 24/7. In an average month, Childline London takes approx. 1,500 live chats, 900 voice calls and 300 PIBs.
• However, the demand for the service often outstrips the supply as Young People who desperately need our service cannot always get through.
• That is why we are actively recruiting new Volunteers to be able to meet the need of all Young People who are in distress and need the support that Childline provides.

Training

• Childline offers a full 12 week online training programme to new Volunteers. This consists of one 4 hour session per week.
• During the training, you will meet other Volunteers in your cohort and have access to your 2 dedicated Childline Trainers.
• As part of the training, you will also go in person to the London Base for observation and mentored shifts which give you a face to face insight into how the Counselling Room works.
• You will also have access to a dedicated Volunteer Engagement Lead to give you a London Base tour (optional) and generally be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have - big or small, if they matter to you they matter because you are giving your time to volunteer and Childline wants to offer you every level of support.
• Once you pass through training and become a qualified Childline Volunteer Counsellor, the development opportunities do not stop there. You will have access to a multitude of mandatory and optional training courses that are accredited and 100% free to all Volunteers.

IKWRO –Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO) is an award-winning charity founded (as the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation) in 2002. IKWRO is a registered charity which provides advice and support to Middle Eastern, North African and Afghan women and girls living in the UK, who have experienced, or are at risk of all forms of “honour” based abuse, including; forced marriage, child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), or domestic abuse.

We work with women and girls of all ages, including lesbian women, bisexual women and trans women. We offer services in Kurdish, Farsi, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Turkish and English. IKWRO offers free advice, advocacy and counselling services and operates a refuge which provides safe accommodation and specialist support to single women at risk of “honour” based abuse, forced marriage and domestic abuse.

IKWRO also provides training for women and girls to help them understand their rights in the UK. In partnership with other organisations, we assist survivors of abuse with accessing English language classes and education, training and employment opportunities. As well as supporting women and girls directly, we offer advice and training for professionals from the statutory and voluntary sectors, to better understand the needs of the women and girls we represent, the types of abuse they experience and to provide best practice prevention and support services.

We campaign to increase awareness and improve laws and policies to tackle all forms of “honour” based abuse and harmful practices including; forced marriage, child marriage, marital captivity, female genital mutilation, virginity testing and hymenoplasty, discrimination by sharia courts and to push for better laws and policies toprotect women’s and girl’s rights.

In this role you'll spend time with the older people who attend the hub helping them to get the most out of their day and supporting them to engage with the activities they choose. You’ll support the staff in providing a safe and enjoyable experience.

Based at our Health and Positive Living Hub in Hampstead or our hub in Kings Cross:

Henderson Court
102 Fitzjohn's Avenue
London
NW3 6NS

Please note: entrance to Henderson Court is on Prince Arthur Road.

Great Croft Resource Centre
Cromer Street
London
WC1H 8LF

What will you get out of it

• An opportunity to build confidence and be of practical help.
• Be part of a great team of staff and volunteers
• Make a difference to lives of older people in Camden

Sense College East is a specialist Further Education (FE) college, supporting students between 16-25, who have a wide range of disabilities. We aim to prepare young people to be as independent as possible and help them to achieve their long term goals. We offer different pathways to help students gain the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence to achieve these goals.

Sense College East has 8 locations in the East of England, East Midlands and West Midlands:

• Aldeby, Suffolk
• Bedford, Bedfordshire
• Dereham, Norfolk
• Knapwell, Cambridgeshire
• Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
• Rothwell, Northamptonshire
• Touchbase Pears, Birmingham
• Streatley, Luton

Candidates interested in the role of Lay Governor at college must be able to demonstrate commitment to Safeguarding, Strategic leadership and a passion to Further Education particularly Specialist Education. A understanding of issues facing the post 16 specialist education sector would be desirable. If you feel you have the ability to make a positive contribution to meetings and provide constructive challenge to support senior managers at the college we would love to hear from you. We anticipate that the successful candidates will need to commit a minimum of 4 half days per term to the role in relation to meetings and preparation. The ability to attend other ad-hoc college events and visits would also be very welcomed. 

This is a primarily virtual role, with all meetings taking place remotely, and an expectation of travelling to college sites once a term. 

The role of members of the Governing Body is to provide strategic leadership, support and constructive challenge to the college senior management team to ensure that Sense College provides an excellent education experience for all students. The Governors will work with the college senior management to ensure the college offers a broad based curriculum to maximise the teaching and learning experiences of all its students, with demonstrable outcomes. Sense College East Lay Governors will attend 3 full committee meetings a year, plus 3 extra meetings for their chosen sub-committee. Meetings last from 90 minutes for sub-committees and 2 hours 30 minutes for the full committee, Lay Governors will come prepared and engaged, having done the reading the prior and ready to ask any questions they may have. Governors of Sense College have a varied role encompassing a range of duties. Much of this is undertaken through participation in the full Governing Body meetings and Sense College sub-committees according to a governor`s experience and skillset, and through college visits.

Some examples of governor duties are below, noting that these are not exclusive:

• Reviewing, approving and monitoring the implementation of the Sense College 2022-2025 Strategic Plan 
• Approving the final Sense College Annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR) 
• Reviewing and monitoring progress and outcomes from the Sense College Quality Improvement Plan (QuIP)
• Reviewing students’ progress and achievements through a range of products i.e. case studies, reports and visits to Sense College 
• Reviewing college data against Key Performance Indicators and dashboards.
• Participating in Ofsted inspection meetings on governance to support Sense College and the college senior management team 
• Monitoring implementation of safeguarding (SfG) procedures, keeping updated with current SfG legislation and governors Prevent responsibilities
• Monitoring college budget performance with the emphasis on new students  referrals funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency 
• Attending and participating in governor training events, student celebrations and college visits 

About us 

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

Sense values 

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

About Home-Start Barnet, Brent & Harrow

Home-Start helps families with young children through their challenging times. We support families in the boroughs of Barnet, Brent and Harrow who are facing issues such as loneliness, isolation, financial difficulties, anxiety, post-natal depression, ill health, multiple births or disabilities. We help them grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children and forge links with the local community. 

About the Role:

We are seeking a new Chair to join our Board. As our Chair, you will be passionate about our mission, and will have the drive and motivation to lead the Trustee Board to achieving our goals. We expect that you will have some experience of senior leadership and the ability to offer strategic support and direction to the charity.

Desirable Knowledge and Skills:

• Charity Governance and Compliance
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Experience in the nonprofit sector in a paid or voluntary capacity
• Understanding of the challenges faced by families in the community

We are very committed to developing a diverse board that is representative of the local families we work with and understand the complex challenges many of them face. This might include lived experience of parenting challenges, migration, being from a minoritised racial community, life on a low income, being LGBTQ+, neurodivergent or having a disability. We also welcome applications from those with experience of our work, as a supporter, a family or volunteer.

Previous experience of being a trustee is welcome but not necessary – we can provide a thorough induction and support for those wishing to gain their first trustee role.

About the board and Trustee role 

Trustees are volunteers who oversee the strategic direction of the charity and ensure its compliance with regulators and the law. They are also ambassadors for the charity; and they provide the staff team, which does the day-to-day work, with both scrutiny and support. 

The full board meets quarterly. Two meetings focus on ‘business’ – approving budgets and policies, making key decisions, etc. The other two are more discursive, covering strategic issues. 

We have four sub-committees: Finance Audit Investment & Risk, Impact & Income Development, Research & Policy, and Governance & People. Trustees are generally invited to sit on at least one sub-committee, which gives them more detailed insight into the charity’s work in that area. A number of trustees choose to sit on multiple sub-committees (there is no upper limit) and trustees are also welcome to attend any sub-committee, for example as a one-off, to see what happens or if they have an interest in a particular agenda item. Sub-committees also meet quarterly. 

And there is usually one strategy day a year. 

We currently have ten trustees on our board, with skills and experience in charity leadership and governance, addictions psychiatry, academic research, public affairs, policing, and marketing. We are looking to a recruit a further one trustee. 

What we can offer 

1. Our board of trustees, and our charity as a whole, is warm and welcoming. 
2. Everyone is entitled to have their views heard and we work hard to be inclusive of everyone. 
3. We are well organised and professionally run. 
4. We are a dynamic and fast-paced organisation, with a huge range of interesting work happening. 
5. You will have opportunities for personal development and to attend a range of interesting events in your role as a trustee. 
6. Finally, and most importantly, we are laser-focused on making as much difference as possible to end alcohol harm.

Trustees’ Role Description and Person Specification 

Being a Trustee of Alcohol Change UK 

Our Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for the UK’s leading charity in the field of alcohol harm. We are a registered charity (No. 1140287) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 07462605). Our trustees are also members of the charity and directors of the company. Governance is in accordance with both charity and company law. This role description uses the term ‘trustee’ to refer to all three roles (trustee, member, director). 

As well as overseeing proper governance, the Board is responsible for strategic decision-making, upholding the reputation of the charity and ensuring that it delivers on its charitable object to reduce alcohol harm. As a trustee you will share this collective responsibility and bring your personal skills, experience and connections to bear.

This is an exciting time for the charity as we are in the first year of our newly approved five-year strategy from Apr 2024 to Mar 2029. Our new trustees will play a key role in helping us deliver on this strategy. 

The Duties and Responsibilities of Trustees 

Governing Documents 

Our primary governing document is the Memorandum and Articles of Association which sets out the formal duties and responsibilities of the trustees, directors and members. It is complemented by our Scheme of Delegation. We have also adopted the Code of Good Governance, and remain compliant with the rules of the Charity Commissioners and Companies House. 

General Duties and Responsibilities 

The following are general duties, based on documentation from the Charity Commission and Companies House: 

1. To act in the interests of the charity’s objects – that is, its cause and its beneficiaries. 
2. To act reasonably and prudently in all matters. 
3. To avoid personal views and prejudices affecting your decision-making. 
4. To protect – and actively promote – the property, interests and reputation of the charity. 
5. To set the strategic direction, provide strategic oversight, and make critical decisions. 
6. To always make decisions collectively as a board and in particular to actively support all board decisions (that are made in accordance with the charity’s constitution) regardless of your personal position on such decisions. 
7. To understand how the charity works, including being fully aware of the charity’s general risks and its financial position. 
8. To ensure compliance with all statutory requirements as set out by Companies House and the Charity Commission and by other relevant statutory bodies and legislation. 
9. To challenge and support the CEO and, through them, the broader staff team. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities 

The following additional duties and responsibilities have been adopted by Alcohol Change UK: 

1. To abide by Alcohol Change UK’s policies, such as those on equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding, code of conduct, conflicts of interest, GDPR, etc. 
2. To endeavour to achieve at least 75% attendance at Board meetings. In accordance with the governing documents, trustees missing three consecutive board meetings without reasonable cause will normally be asked to step down. 
3. To undertake training as required and to participate in an annual development appraisal. 
4. To join at least one of the charity’s four sub-committees. 
5. To represent Alcohol Change UK at events and to act as a positive ambassador for Alcohol Change UK amongst its key audiences. 
6. To understand and respect the boundary between governance and the operational matters that are delegated to the staff team. 
7. To respond to Alcohol Change UK correspondence in a timely manner. 

Volunteer Facilities Coordinator

We are seeking a dedicated and organised individual to join our team as a Facilities Coordinator. You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of our facilities, including offices, event spaces, skateparks and gardens. The Facilities Coordinator will play a crucial role in supporting our mission by providing a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for our staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

This role will include:

• Work with our facilities manager to coordinate and schedule repairs, maintenance, and renovations as needed
• Work with the team on refurbishment projects and improving facilities
• Assist the Pioneer Club in adhering to health and safety and safeguarding requirements
• Collaborate with other departments to support the planning and execution of events, programmes, and initiatives requiring facility resources
• Assist in the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives to minimise the charity's environmental footprint
• Provide support and guidance to staff and volunteers regarding facility-related matters
• Assist with collection and delivery of donations, including furniture, hardware, equipment. Volunteers with a van especially welcomed!

ARE YOU?

• An experienced tradesperson - electrician, carpenter, builder, painter and decorator
• Hands on, and willing to use initiative
• Flexible and adaptive
• Organised, able to prioritise tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Reliable, and able to commit to the role
• Knowledgeable about health and safety regulations and best practices

If this sounds like you, we would love to have you on our team!

“Working at The Pioneer has been, above everything, so much fun! I have met a great community of people who work hard to make sure everyone can have access to art, music and sport. Their events, like the festival days, are a joy to be part of” Pioneer volunteer

ABOUT THE PIONEER CLUB

Founded in 1941 for young evacuees from London during the Second World War, The Pioneer Club is a registered CIC and charity supporting communities in St Albans and beyond. We deliver creative arts programmes through events, workshops, training, and classes. Whether it’s live music in our iconic music hall, lessons with our amazing team of pro skateboarders, or on the stage with our performing arts programmes, there’s something for everyone at The Pioneer!

As an historic grassroots music venue, we have witnessed some of the biggest names in music come through our doors, including Motorhead and The Zombies of “She’s Not There”. Enter Shikari are another hugely successful St Albans band who started out at The Pioneer Club, before moving on to achieve global success, including headlining Download Festival and performing at Wembley Arena.

WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Taking part in cultural activities is so important for children and young people. Access to music, skate, art and performing arts leads to benefits such as:

✓ Improved self-esteem and self-control
✓ Decreased hyperactivity and inattention
✓ Reduced antisocial or criminal behaviours
✓ Improved prosocial behaviours, such as empathy and helping others

Sadly, funding for the arts is decreasing year on year. And grassroots music venues are closing at a rate of 2 per week. This affects all young people, but especially those from the least advantaged communities who, as a result, may never pick up a musical instrument or have access to art and culture.

As a charity, we couldn’t exist without the support of our volunteers. As part of the team, you will be helping us to improve our building through maintenance and repairs, which helps us to keep delivering our services.

TIME COMMITMENT

We can’t deliver our services without the generosity and time of our volunteers, so work to be flexible around you. You can commit to anything from a few hours a week, or more.

WHAT CAN WE GIVE YOU?

• A benefits package including: free access to exclusive Pioneer supporter events, early booking privileges for music and other events, room booking discount, a Pioneer T- shirt, attendance at our annual staff and volunteer event
• Training- events and safeguarding
• The chance to be part of a team with regular meet ups and social events
• The opportunity and support to achieve any professional goals
• A chance to be a change maker, growing your community and supporting access to the arts for everyone
• The opportunity for references

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV and a brief summary of why you would like to volunteer.

If you think that this isn’t the role for you, but might suit a friend, relative or colleague, please share! THANK YOU!

Exciting Fundraising Opportunity.

We are looking for an enthusastic Fundraiser to join our small and ambitious team who is passoniate about supporting children and young people with disabilities.  The purpose of the role is to increase our income streams with the initial focus on Grant Applications. This role will play a key part in achieving our Vision where disabled children and young adults along with their families can together enjoy a rewarding life, which is fun,beneficial and above all fulfilling.

Could you Chair the Board of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and lead them in their mission to provide excellent care with compassion?

Location: Royal Preston Hospital, Preston

Salary: £55,000 per annum for 3 days a week (on average)

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 7th October

Who we are.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LTHTr) is the largest Trust in the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System providing district general hospital services to around 450,000 people in Preston, South Ribble and Chorley and specialist care to 1.8 million people across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

About the role.

With the changing health and social care landscape, the Chair will play a key leadership role at place and system level providing leadership to support the integration and sustainability of services across geographies and organisational boundaries.

The Board has responsibility for setting LTHTr’s strategic direction. and this responsibility is undertaken with due regard to the views of Governors who are vital to ensuring the views of the public, patients, stakeholders and staff are reflected in plans. The Board also listens to the views of clinical teams in deciding what the Trust’s priorities must be.

Who we are looking for

• Someone with extensive Board-level experience leading (as Chair or CEO) a large, complex public sector organisation and, ideally, experience as a Chair of an NHS Trust/Foundation Trust.
• Ability to build and lead an effective organisation and culture across the Board, Council, and Trust.
• Passion and compassion for healthcare, belief in the values and principles of the NHS and a local and national understanding of the NHS.
• Evidenced abilities in good governance and undertaking legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities as an NED and, ideally, Board Chair.
• Membership eligibility for LTHTr.

Particular emphasis is placed on strong leadership abilities, demonstration of appropriate behaviours, good communication skills and an awareness of strategic direction. These are amongst the qualities that Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are keen to identify in their next Chair.

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

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 7th October.

CAT FOSTERER

Cat Fosterer (Guildford & Epsom)

We’re looking for cat-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of the cats in our care whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their purrfect forever home?

Overview of the opportunity

As a cat fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing our cats with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you will play a crucial role in a cat’s wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Once everything is in place, the Guildford & Epsom Branch will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your fostered cat. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our cats are in your foster care, you will: 

• Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
•  Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
•  Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required.
•  Provide them with your time and patience.
• Help us spread the word about the cats in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
•  Playing and cuddles are also a must!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cat Fosterer

•  Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for cats.
•  Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
•  For their wellbeing, our cats need to be kept in a separate room, so the whole family should be on board.
•  Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

What we can offer you as a volunteer Cat Fosterer

•  You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the cats in your care.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
•  Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
•  Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

It is worth mentioning that our cats do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster cat.

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

 

Family Lives operate a free confidential helpline for anyone experiencing difficulties in their family or relationship.

Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website.

We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and we also have a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire. Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can lasts around half to one hour. 

We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home. 

You need to be a UK resident.

Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support. We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation. 

We have call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link.

You would need to be able to attend all five sessions from one of these remote training groups and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely.

Remote Call Taker Training Dates:

November training dates:

Module 1 – Monday 4th November

Module 2 – Wednesday 6th November

Module 3 – Monday 11th November

Module 4 – Wednesday 13th November

Module 5 – Monday 18th November

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

Remote Family Support Volunteer – Live Chat

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference. Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Organisational values:

Mission: We build better family lives together.

Vision: Families should have access to active support and understanding. 

Values: Trustworthy, Compassionate and Collaborative

Purpose of the role: To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Live chat: is a free confidential service that is accessed via our website. Service users are offered emotional support, information and advice and guidance on a broad range of family issues.

Supervised by: The Shift Supervisor

 Activities: The volunteer will be fully supervised, supported and trained to provide the following activities:

·Provide emotional support to family members via our live chat service

·Use the Family Lives support model and tools to provide an empathic responses

·Ensure that all service users receive a high quality experience

·Sign post users to other agencies for information and additional support

·Complete conversation data records

·Alert the shift supervisor to any difficult situations

 

General: Volunteers should be willing to:

·Attend the relevant volunteer training

·Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the other policies and procedures of the organisation

·Participate in regular support, supervision meetings and learning sessions as agreed

For home based volunteers only:

·Volunteers will need a Laptop/PC, plug in headset with microphone, fast broadband and a private place to work from home

·Volunteers need to be IT/PC literate and confident troubleshooting should they have technical difficulties

 Time: We would be looking for volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per week, plus attending training and supervision.

Location: working remotely from home

 You need to be a UK resident

Supervision and Support:

·Supervision during shifts

·Debrief after every shift

·1 to 1 supervision every 6 months

·Staff available outside of shift within office hours

·Annual review

 

The Benefits of Volunteering:

·Satisfaction in making a real and lasting difference to families who are struggling

·An opportunity to develop experience for CV and references. Family Lives is committed to helping volunteers develop their own learning and development, gaining new skills, knowledge or work experience

·Being part of a team of Family Lives volunteers and staff

·Personal development

·Opportunities to meet and interact with a wide range of people

·Out of pocket expenses reimbursed to a maximum of £10 per session if working from a centre

·Flexible hours

 

Volunteer Person Specification. We are looking for individuals who:

·Have experience of parenting/being in a parenting role or demonstrable experience of working with parents or children e.g. in their work, previous volunteering or a previous role

·Have an ability to respond empathically to emotional content

·Good written and verbal communication

·Have good keyboard skills and IT skills, with a minimum of 50 wpm

·Can demonstrate a willingness to question their own attitudes e.g. toward different forms of parenting

·Have a fluent, descriptive and expressive use of English

·Can remain open minded and non-judgemental

·Willing to commit to work within Family Lives’ policies, in particular our Confidentiality Policy and Risk of Harm Procedures

·Willing to commit to attending regular supervision and support sessions

·Willing to work as part of a team

·Willing to commit to a mutually agreed period or ideally a 12 months commitment to the organisation.

Typing Task Prior to Application for Live Chat

Prior to you submitting your application for a Live Chat Volunteer, we will require you to do a speed test, we ask for a minimum speed of 50 words per minute. 

Please take a screen shot and send it across with your application

You can have up to 3 attempts and decide which result you would like to forward as part of your application

Typing task

Go to the website typingtest

You are required to take the one minute typing test recording all of the results (speed, number of errors and adjusted speed).

We have remote voluntary call taker training groups the dates are below are you would need to be able to attend all 5 Modules from the training group.

November training dates:

Module 1 – Monday 4th November

Module 2 – Wednesday 6th November

Module 3 – Monday 11th November

Module 4 – Wednesday 13th November

Module 5 – Monday 18th November

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.