Volunteer Roles in London

At Sponsorstars, we believe that every child is unique and deserves the chance to dream, to achieve incredible things and to look forward to a wonderful future. We aim to help disadvantaged young people in the UK by giving them warm clothing, school uniform and other essential resources. We collobarate with schools to help us identify the children most in need.

As a trustee, you will help us to achieve our goals by giving strategic direction to the charity, helping with fundraising, writing newsletters to our sponsors, visiting schools and contacting our ambassadors as well as other tasks that need to be done to further the growth of the charity.

Trustees are expected to attend four trustees' meeting in London each year.

Trustees need to be mindful of safeguarding and general data protection regulations.

Ideally trustees will be able to devote a few hours a month to the charity as well as attending the trustees' meetings.

Do you have a passion for IT or learning new technology? Know your uploads from your downloads or consider yourself a ‘techie’?  Then we are looking for you! But whatever your background, the most important skill you have will be enthusiasm – about being online, technology, willingness to learn and communicate that knowledge to the people Age UK Devon support.

A Digital champion volunteer,  helps older people learn IT skills in a safe and supportive way.

You will help provide support and guidance, to build their digital skills and confidence, enabling them to live a more digitally inclusive and independent life.

The role involves providing personalised support to an older person through one-to-one sessions in their home, or through group coaching in a community setting.

And in return you will gain new skills, be part of your local community, make new friends, and be proud to support Age UK Devon enable older people to get the most out of life!

Age UK Devon will repay any agreed travel expenses

More information about this volunteering role on our website. For an informal chat about this role please call us 

We’re looking for an IT professional to join our Board and provide thought-leadership on our digital and IT strategy, including guiding us through Cyber Essentials accreditation. If you can help us use technology to improve our local advice service, we would love to hear from you.

As our digital and IT expert, you will work alongside the Chair, Chief Executive and the external IT support company we use to:

• Ensure our IT operating systems and equipment are fit for purpose
• Guide the charity through the work needed to obtain Cyber Essentials accreditation
• Advise how we can use technology to improve our service to clients
• Translate the risks and opportunities of IT for other trustees
• Take the lead in evaluating IT related proposals for the Board.

We need someone who either lives, works or studies in Elmbridge (or the surrounding area) and who has:

• Demonstrable experience of delivering IT and business change management
• Experience of IT strategy planning and execution
• A good understanding of cyber security including obtaining Cyber Security Accreditation
• A good understanding of Microsoft 365 multi-factor authentication
• Experience of business continuity and disaster recover planning
• A good understanding of risk management
• A commitment to the Citizens Advice organisation
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse board of trustees and welcome applications from all sections of the community.  Experience of Citizens Advice work is not required.

Time commitment

Our trustees are expected to attend six board meetings each year.  These normally take place on a Monday evening, at our office in Esher. Reading preparation for each board meeting will take around one-two hours.  All Citizens Advice trustees are required to complete a small number of e-learning courses each year.

In addition, as the IT lead, you will need to have time to participate in various IT discussions with our management team and with the IT support company we use.  This work may average around 1-2 hours a week.

What difference will you make?

People with good local knowledge and strategic vision can really help us to develop a service that meets the changing advice needs of our community.

More specifically, your input will help us to reach more people and provide more timely advice.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Citizens Advice is a well-respected and influential organisation.  This is an opportunity to help develop this much-needed charity at a local level, really making a difference to people's lives.

As well as intellectual stimulation, the role will provide you with practical management experience of the voluntary sector to help develop your career.

Initial induction and training takes place in-house and through peer support but there is the opportunity to attend national Citizens Advice conferences and seminars.  Travel expenses to these events are paid.

We are a business-like but friendly board, keen to welcome new members.

We are recruiting for a new Trustee to contribute generally to the strategic decision making and medium-term planning. We are particularly interested in hearing from young people from all backgrounds and all experiences and welcome individuals who want to apply their knowledge and learn from our young people, staff and fellow Board members.  A full induction and training on the work of Sculpt will be provided. 

Ideally, we are looking for someone with demonstrable experience in any of the following:

• Business Development 
• Legal / Compliance 
• Third sector/ charity sector

Role Description

· Key tasks:     

• Assist in ensuring that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document and legally operates
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings as appropriate
• Declare any conflict of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a trustee
• Take collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Abide by all relevant policies and procedures
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• Protect and manage the property of the organisation and ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds
• Ensure the organisation is properly insured against all reasonable liabilities
• Assist in the appointment and support Senior Managers and monitor their performance
• Provide feedback on board papers, lead discussions, focus on key issues, provide advice and guidance on new initiatives
• Attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings
• Attend sub-committee meetings as appropriate
• Participate in other task as arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising

About Us

Sculpt is a UK-based charity with over 20 years’ experience of working with young people aged 14-25 empowering them to shape their futures. Sculpt works with disadvantaged young people in their transition to adulthood, equipping them with life-skills, knowledge and practical work experience to support them to shape their futures. We work directly with young people and professionals/employers to break down barriers to opportunity.

All our work is guided by young people themselves and based on carefully researched evidence. We:

· Facilitate forums for young people to make their needs and their voices heard

· Conduct research to uncover young people’s real needs and what works to empower and support them

· Deliver training to build young people’s confidence, skills, ambition, resilience and sense of responsibility, so they can shape their futures and change their communities for the better, as leaders, social entrepreneurs and active participants in civic life

· Deliver training for professionals who work with young people, drawing on our research and expertise

· Engage with employers to facilitate work experience and employment opportunities for young people to develop skills and access diverse jobs

· Facilitate international exchange opportunities to encourage and enable young people to experience and appreciate other cultures, perspectives and ways of life.

Do you envisage a world free from animal suffering? As a Grassroots Organiser, you will help make this vision a reality by organising regular campaign events and actions in your local area. All materials provided and relevant expenses paid.

Why join us? We exist to end the abuse of animals raised for food. We work specifically on corporate focused campaigns demanding better welfare practices for chickens. The actions and events you organise will help to open the eyes of the general public to the truth of factory farming, and add vital pressure onto our corporate targets, ultimately resulting in reducing animal suffering.

As a warm, friendly and approachable person, you will thrive taking the lead organising events and actions and enjoy meeting like-minded people.

As a Grassroots Organiser, you will be changing animal lives by:

• Organising events/actions in your local area including social meet-ups, peaceful protests, leafleting and public outreach (roughly 1 event every 6-8 weeks is ideal where possible). All materials are provided and relevant expenses paid.

• Promote your events/actions and encourage others to join you, bringing people together for the animals to create change

• Joining us at other in-person events/actions including peaceful protests organised by staff and other volunteers

• Get involved in campaign actions remotely, such as writing emails, letters, social media actions and more

• Attend online events within the volunteer community

The events and actions you organise don't need to be big, 2 or 3 people getting out there for the animals will make all the difference and we have an existing community of volunteers to tap into.

Perfect for those interested in gaining firsthand experience in campaigning or volunteer management, or just interested in creating direct change for animals. If you’re excited by the prospect of speaking to the public and taking the lead to organise local actions, all while making a genuine difference to animals, this is the role for you.

You will be working directly with THL UK staff members who will steward and support you throughout your time with us, including a full onboarding process to get you started. We'll give you everything you need, no prior experience needed.

There is no set time commitment for this role, you can get involved at a time that works for you, but we ask that you organise at least 1 event every 6-8 weeks where possible. It takes around 4-6 hours to deliver an event (including planning and delivery). Whether you're a student, retired, working full time, or somewhere in between - we would love to welcome you.

If you agree with our vision, and you want to do your part to help end the abuse of animals raised for food, join our team today.

Disclaimer:

The Humane League UK is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunities organisation and welcome volunteer applications from all people, regardless of their race, sex, age, religion, disability, neurodiversity, orientation, gender identity or expression. We particularly encourage those currently under-represented in the animal movement to join our team – individuals who are Black, Indigenous or People of the Global Majority, a person who is differently abled, and people who are LGBTQIA+.

We endeavour to make all our events and activities as inclusive as possible, with accessibility at the forefront of our minds - not as an afterthought.

If you prefer to apply in another way, or you have alternative requirements you’d like to discuss, please don’t hesitate to contact us  - please find our email address on the Role Profile document below.

 Are you a DJ looking to play at the World's Biggest Sustainability Film Fest & Awards?

Opportunity to contribute as the Volunteer DJ/Music coordinator for the gala awards ceremony of the Big Syn International Fim fest & Awards 2024- the World's biggest sustainability film fest & awards at one of London's iconic venue, Curzon Soho.

Awards night on 8th Nov between 2.00-6.00pm. London based applicants ONLY.

Rehearsal for 1hr at Curzon Soho on 23rd Oct 10.30-11.30am. Should be available for some online rehearsals with the host before the event. 

Job description

During the event you would

• Curate and play dynamic music playlists to enhance the overall atmosphere during the event, as winners & speakers go on stage.
• You are required to bring your own DJ equipment and computer for playing the music.
• Collaborate with event organisers and teams to align the music with the event's tempo and audience.
• Work in coordination with the venue AV team.
• Coordinate with the host/presenter and speakers to execute the event. 

Skills required

• Proficient in DJ equipment and sound systems and experience of music coordination for awards and events
• Ability to adapt and cater to diverse audience preferences
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative spirit
• keen to work to a high standard
• able to pay attention to detail
• flexible and adaptable
• problem-solving skills
• customer service skills
• organisational skills
• communication skills

What difference will you make?

At least 85% of people who first came to learn about the UN SDGs via the film festival were not aware of those at all, until now! This can give you an idea of the need for this initiative to educate the common man about the UN SDGs, its significance and the importance of inspiring them to act on the UN SDGs.

Your initiatives will ensure that the film festival gets even more notoriety and visibility, thus improving its ability to educate more people about the UN SDGs, boost the festival's public profile, increase the festival's participation, and enhance the support from individuals and organisations.

We are recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Board and ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction to achieve its full potential. We are looking for someone with proven commercial or entrepreneurial experience to lead on growing the charity - creating networking opportunities and potential partnerships with other organisations, corporates and individuals.

Ideally you will have previous experience of being a Chair of a Trustee Board, you will be experienced in working with small charities, strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the organisation and knowledge and experience of best practice, good governance and compliance relevant to charities and the Charity Commission.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people from diverse backgrounds, and welcome individuals who want to apply their knowledge and learn from our young people, staff and fellow Board members.  A full induction and training on the work of Sculpt will be provided. 

Role Description

· Key tasks:   

• 1. Chair of Trustee duties
  

• Work in partnership with Trustees and the Chief Executive to ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction to steer the charity to achieve its full potential, overcoming challenges and maximising opportunities that arise
• Ensure that the board of Trustees fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity, working with the Chief Executive to ensure compliance with the Charity Commission
• Chair Board meetings and work closely with the Chief Executive to set agendas and priorities
• Lead on behalf of the organisation on creating networking opportunities and potential partnerships with other organisations, corporates and individuals
• Provide line management to the Chief Executive

· 2. General Trustee duties     

• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings as appropriate
• Declare any conflict of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a young trustee
• Take collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Abide by all relevant policies and procedures
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• Provide feedback on board papers, lead discussions, focus on key issues, provide advice and guidance on new initiatives
• Attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings
• Attend sub-committee meetings as appropriate
• Participate in other task as arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising

We are recruiting for a new Treasurer to oversee our finances and are looking for someone with a formal qualification in a financial discipline and financial management experience at a strategic level to join our small but dynamic team. We are particularly interested in hearing from young people from all backgrounds and all experiences and welcome individuals who want to apply their knowledge and learn from our young people, staff and fellow Board members.  A full induction and training on the work of Sculpt will be provided. 

Role Description

Key tasks:

1. Specific Treasurer tasks

• Chair the Finance and Resources Group meetings held once a quarter
• Work with the Chief Executive to prepare and present financial reports to the quarterly Board meetings
• Keep the Board aware of their financial responsibilities
• Ensure that the accounts and financial systems are audited, as required by law
• Liaise with the Accountants/Auditors to complete end of year accounts
• Assist with filing annual accounts with the Charity Commission

2. General Trustee duties

• Assist in ensuring that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document and legally operates
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings as appropriate
• Declare any conflict of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a trustee
• Take collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Abide by all relevant policies and procedures
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds
• Ensure the organisation is properly insured against all reasonable liabilities
• Assist in the appointment and support Senior Managers and monitor their performance
• Provide feedback on board papers, lead discussions, focus on key issues, provide advice and guidance on new initiatives
• Attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings
• Attend sub-committee meetings as appropriate
• Participate in other task as arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising

If you have an enthusiasm and commitment to the environment and 'healthy streets' agenda or an understanding of the issues, we’re looking for a volunteer to support the London Healthy Streets Scorecard project. This highly influential project, now in its fifth year, is led by a coalition of major London and national environment and transport charities. It promotes six key actions we want London boroughs to take – and we publish data each year to show how they’re doing.

Your role will be to help make this project even more influential by supporting our Project Manager with tasks ranging from research and PR to communications, policy, and campaigning work. Ultimately what we need is someone who can help us ensure local borough councillors and officers feel public pressure.

About CPRE London

At CPRE London we campaign to save and promote green spaces in Greater London and make London a better, greener, and healthier place for everyone to live in, work in and enjoy.

We are part of the national network of CPRE, the countryside charity.

About the project

We’re looking for a volunteer to support the London Healthy Streets Scorecard project. This highly influential project, now in its fifth year, is led by a coalition of major London and national environment and transport charities. It promotes six key actions we want London boroughs to take – and we publish data each year to show how they’re doing.

Tasks associated with the project:

• Research
• Public relations (PR)
• Communications
• Policy work
• Campaigning
• Support for local campaigners

Benefits of the role

• You will work with some amazing campaigners across several high-profile and well-respected organisations and have the opportunity to network and gain contacts and skills in this increasingly important sector.
• You will be working on a project having a huge impact across London, on the lives of Londoners and our environment. 
• Enhance your CV by developing new skills and gaining valuable experience
• We can give you a reference for your future work or volunteering
• Get involved with social events and workshops on a local and national level, including the annual CPRE conference
• The opportunity to attend a volunteer induction run by CPRE’s national office
• We provide out-of-pocket travel expense

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone who can help make this project even more influential by supporting our Project Manager with tasks ranging from research and PR to communications, policy, and campaigning work, and supporting our 350-strong network of local campaigners. We can be flexible and are open to creating a volunteer role reflecting a person’s skills and interests. Ultimately what we need is someone who can help us ensure local borough councillors and officers feel public pressure. 

What skills are we looking for? 

• Enthusiasm and commitment to the 'healthy streets' agenda
• Ability to perform a range of tasks
• Good written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Understanding of environmental issues

We are open to fitting around the skills that you have and supporting you to develop skills if you wish. Most of our volunteers and interns have gone on to find paid work in skilled jobs in related fields. We can fit around what you would like to do.

What commitment are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who can commit at least one day per week, some hours office based, but offer flexibility on any additonal hours. 

We are seeking to appoint a trustee with senior safeguarding expertise and experience, this may be from areas including social care, the Police, other statutory services, or the not-for-profit sector. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The role of the Trustees is to develop Scouts in keeping with its charitable objectives and in the parameters of good governance. We are particularly looking for a Trustee to contribute their extensive senior level skills and experience in the area of Safeguarding and to Chair the Safeguarding Committee.

Main responsibilities

• To take part in formulating and regularly reviewing the strategic aims of the organisation, and in providing direction for its ongoing development, in accordance with the Bye Laws.
• To provide support as the Board’s safeguarding-focussed Trustee contributing specialist skills, experience and knowledge as required.
• With other Trustees, to ensure that the policy and practices of the Association are in keeping with its aims.
• With other Trustees, to exercise effective control, ensuring that the Association functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.
• With other Trustees, to fulfil all other duties as laid out by law and in accordance with the Bye Laws.
• To chair the Safeguarding Committee which is responsible for the strategic oversight and challenge to the organisation on the discharge of its safeguarding responsibilities.

Main duties

Developing and reviewing strategic aims

•  Consider the Association’s strategic plans and make sure they reflect safeguarding legislation, relevant regulations, statutory guidance, and the safeguarding expectations of the Charities Commission
• Work with the senior staff and volunteers to regularly review whether the practice of the Association is creating a safer culture and keeping people safe.
• Check that the Association’s risk register reflects current safeguarding risks appropriately and has put in place effective risk mitigations.
• Abide by the principles laid down in the person specification (and code of conduct).
• Attend meetings of the Trustee Board and the reporting committees (frequency varies).
• Reflect the Scouts’ vision, strategy, major policies and values at all times.
• Contribute specific skills, experience and contacts in support of our activities.

Ensuring policies and practice are effective and in keeping with aims

Make sure there is an annual review of safeguarding policies and procedures and that this is reported to trustees.

• Scrutinise the performance of the Association relating to safeguarding to see whether policies and procedures are effective.
• Make sure there is a regular effective (internal and external) quality assurance framework using qualitative and quantitative data to monitor the effectiveness of safeguarding practice.
• Learn from case reviews locally and nationally, to improve the Association’s policies, procedures and practices.
• Reflect the Trustees’ policies and concerns in all interactions with the Movement.
• Assist in the implementation of the Association’s strategic goals.

Creating the right culture

• Champion safeguarding throughout the Association.
• Attend relevant safeguarding training events and conferences.
• Support the trustees in developing their individual and collective understanding of safeguarding.
• Attend meetings, activities, projects to engage with staff, volunteers and young people to understand safeguarding on the ground.
• Support regular safeguarding updates for staff, volunteers and young people.
• Make sure you have ways of gathering the views of staff and volunteers in relation to safeguarding and sharing these with the Board.
• Work effectively as a team member of the Trustee Board in exercising its responsibilities and functions.
• Protect the assets and integrity of the charity, with regard to best practice.
• Maintain good relations with Association staff.
• Fulfil such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Trustee Board.
• Engage with members of the Movement at other levels in the organisation.

THE PERSON

As a Trustee of the Board, you should be able to demonstrate and provide evidence of the following criteria listed under Part 1 within your written application. This will be tested further at the preliminary interview stage, along with the criteria listed under Part 2.

We are particularly interested in applications from candidates with strategic safeguarding experience in sectors such as Social Care (e.g. service manager to director role experience), Health (e.g. deputy or chief nurse experience), Police (e.g. Superintendent to Chief Constable experience) and Education (e.g. Head Teacher experience).

Part 1

• The successful candidate will be able to give evidence of:
• A record of proven and significant achievement and executive background in operational and strategic safeguarding.
• An understanding of the type of work undertaken by the Association and commitment to the values and ethos of The Scout Association.
• Successful experience of operating on a board or a major committee in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation.
• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.
• Confident and effective communication skills with a range of audiences, including Trustees, the Chief Executive, senior staff, senior volunteers and others, and the ability to challenge in a constructive way.

 Part 2

• An understanding of how to motivate and enthuse volunteers.
• A proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision-making.
• An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees, UK Chief Commissioner and Chief Executive.
• A track record of commitment to promoting inclusion, equality and diversity.
• Wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks.
• Enthusiasm, energy and time to commit to this role.

Other essential criteria

• Commitment to attend four Board of Trustee meetings each calendar year, one of those will be a two-day residential held over the weekend).
• Attendance at the Annual General Meeting of the Council (AGM) held in the first week of September each year (this will be on a Saturday).
• Availability to chair the Safeguarding Committee, who meet four times per year. Three of these meetings are virtual and outside 9-5 working hours – the fourth meeting will be a full-day face-to-face session.

 APPOINTMENT TERM

Appointments are typically for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of a further term of three years subject to a satisfactory appraisal.

REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role, although the Association will reimburse fully for all reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing duties.

Could you use your digital marketing and social media skills to help a local London-based recovery service to increase their social media presence and reach?

Lewisham Primary Care Recovery Service (PCRS) provides a drug and alcohol treatment recovery-orientated service, offering medication assisted treatment alongside psychosocial interventions for people living in Lewisham.

Humankind has national social media accounts, but we would love to involve a volunteer to help increase PCRS’s local social media presence and engagement, generate content and also to help promote existing activities.  We can provide insight and experience in the field of social media marketing for a charity, and support you in your own goals.

Please note:  This role is designed so that is can be undertaken remotely, but the volunteer would still need to be based in the UK.  Humankind is unfortunately not able to offer visa sponsorships.

Details of the role:

Engage with staff, service users and volunteers to gather content, quotes and stories to be shared on social media.  This could involve attending online group sessions or meetings, following nationwide Humankind accounts to share relevant content on local platforms, and researching relevant local organisations / networks / initiatives.

• Support with the design of this content, using templates and brand guidelines.
• Help to promote the activities of the service
• Help create a social media plan with support from staff
• Adhere to data protection, safeguarding, social media policies, media consent and brand guidelines
• Have regular catch-ups with a supervising member of staff to evaluate progress

Practical Considerations:

This role can be undertaken remotely and with flexible timings, but it would be ideal if you were able to attend an online meeting fortnightly during 9-5 hours to discuss and plan with the supervisor for this role.
Please note, we'd need to check with you that you can access the internet /have enough mobile data if Volunteering remotely, as we want to ensure no one is out of pocket from volunteering.  We will have a Humankind laptop available for this role.

Personal qualities / Experience:

• Experience using social media platforms to increase engagement, and generating content
• An interest in / willingness to learn about recovery and substance misuse services
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills
• An understanding of the importance of guidelines and procedures relating to key areas such as safeguarding and information governance.
• Respectful and non-judgemental towards service users and team
• Able to commit to volunteering regularly (though flexible when that would be)

What Volunteers Can Expect From Us:

• Regular supervision and support
• Induction and access to online and face to face training (when face-to-face training can resume)
• To gain experience of the charity sector and an opportunity to practice your skills 
• To feel part of a team and the wider Humankind organisation
• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey (there may not be a need to travel for this role)

Our workplace values are:

• Honest: we are open and realistic, building trusted relationships in which we challenge, collaborate and change.
• Committed: we are passionate about being the best that we can be, and we do this by keeping people at the heart of everything that we do.
• Inventive: we are ambitious, drawing together skills and resources to innovate and adapt in determined pursuit of our mission.

Could you help someone change their life and avoid reoffending?

Belong’s vision is of hope, rehabilitation and recovery for victims and perpetrators of crime. We inspire change by providing long term, individualised responses to conflict and crime through restorative Justice, psychotherapy, mentoring, and training for criminal justice professionals.

We have exciting opportunities available for committed, compassionate people to volunteer as one-to-one mentors with us. Volunteers will work with young people and adults serving prison sentences at HMP Brixton, HMPYOI Feltham and HMPYOI Isis or serving community sentences in London. Successful applicants will have a qualification in criminology, psychology or a relevant area, and/or at least one year of experience working with children, young people or adults facing disadvantages. For genuine occupational requirement reasons successful applicants must be aged 21 years or over. (exemption under the Equality Act 2010 Part 1 Schedule 9).

One-to-one mentors will build a professional working relationship with individuals as they serve their prison or community sentence and work towards a crime free future. Mentoring sessions will take place once per week or fortnight, for one to two hours per session. During the sessions volunteers will offer support to individuals to assist them to access education; training and employment; develop life skills; work through previous traumas and build positive relationships. Mentoring sessions will take place during weekdays or weekends. Volunteers need to be able to commit to the role for at least one year.

Interviews for the role will take place prior to the training dates and selection for the role confirmed after participation in the training.

Successful applicants will be invited to participate in an initial two-day training course at either HMP Brixton, HMPYOI Feltham or HMPYOI Isis from 9:30am-4pm on Saturday 16th and Saturday 23rd November. Please note: spaces on the training course are limited and we may close the recruitment before the closing date if spaces become full.

Prison security vetting and/or an enhanced DBS check are required for this role and all volunteers will be supported to undergo this. After vetting processes are complete, further training will be provided at the prison in which mentors are volunteering, with a range of dates available.

Full support and supervision will be provided to volunteers. We particularly encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.

To apply, please send us your CV and covering letter as soon as possible, and by Sunday 6 October 2024 . Interviews will be held remotely on Zoom or via phone call. Applications will be screened and applicants interviewed on a first come first served basis, and we have a limited number of spaces available on our November training course. We reserve the right to close this recruitment process before the closing date if we receive a high number of suitable applications beforehand.

At the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the organisation achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that the charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the Senior Management Team to enable the BDA to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your skills and experience to a cause that matters, ensuring we stay true to our mission and achieve our goals.

For full details of the role including key responsibilities, the skills we are seeking from prospective applicants, along with the anticipated time commitment, please view the trustee role description.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking individuals who bring enthusiasm, integrity, and dedication to the role, and who can contribute fresh perspectives to our Board. We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in the following areas, and ideally, with prior Board experience:

• Dyslexia specialist within the field of education
• Special educational needs – research expertise
• Finance or technology

What’s in it for you:

As a trustee, you will have the chance to:

• Make a difference: impacting the lives of those we support and contribute to a cause you care about.
• Develop your skills: gain valuable experience.
• Network: connect with like-minded individuals and expand your professional network.
• Personal fulfilment: experience the satisfaction of giving back and contributing to something meaningful.

Terms of office - Trustees are appointed for 3 years each, for 2 terms.

Equal Opportunities

The BDA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all individuals and believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our team and help us achieve our mission.

Interviews - These will take place in November 2024

Person specification

• A commitment to Ashden and its mission.
• A finance, accounting or business background, preferably with experience in the not-for-profit sector.
• Experience and good understanding of the role of a trustee, including an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Experience of financial management, risk management, budgeting and strategic financial planning.
• Understanding of audit requirements and relevant regulatory compliance.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to:

− Prepare for and attend Board meetings (usually four times a year including an annual away day).
− Chair the Finance and Operations Committee (also usually four times a year).
− As appropriate, depending on where you are based: attend our annual Awards ceremony and some of our events through the year.
− Liaise with members of the Executive Management Team on specific areas in which you have specialist knowledge or contacts, including joining external meetings as appropriate.

• Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind in a constructive fashion.
• Willingness to work collaboratively to find solutions to such difficulties as may arise.
• A commitment to the Nolan principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

You may also have one or more of the following

• A good understanding of/strong interest in climate change and related matters, such as zero carbon energy, natural climate solutions or climate finance.
• Knowledge of UK debates relating to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and related issues such as the “just transition”, green investment and regulation.
• Knowledge of issues relating to equitable clean energy access or natural climate solutions in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
• International development experience in the not-for-profit, social enterprise, governmental or donor community.
• Good understanding/experience of social change/innovation.
• Experience of developing and growing new businesses.
• Experience in finance and impact investing.
• Fundraising experience, contacts and networks.

Trustee Responsibilities (Including Treasurer)

Trustees will ensure the proper management of Ashden in accordance with its charitable objects and charity law, including by:

• Ensuring that Ashden is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.
• Ensuring that Ashden complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Holding the CEO and executive team to account for Ashden’s performance, effectiveness, and the proper management of resources.
• Acting in Ashden’s best interests, including safeguarding the good name and values of Ashden.
• Acting with reasonable care and skill.
• Contributing to the development of Ashden’s strategies.

In addition to the above, each trustee will use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board reach sound decisions. Trustees may also help with external relations as appropriate, such as fundraising or speaking at events.

Treasurer-Specific Responsibilities

• Chairing the Finance and Operations Committee (a subcommittee of the board) in line with its terms of reference and delegated responsibilities. These include the scrutiny of financial and risk management by the executive team, and leading on the budget approval and audit process.
• Reporting the outcomes of Finance and Operations Committee meetings to the Board of Trustees.
• Making recommendations to the board on financial and risk management matters.
• Acting as the main point of contact between the executive team and trustees on financial matters.

Trustees serve for a term of three years which may be renewed a maximum of three times.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.