Volunteer Roles in London

Ref: V241 | Community Connector | London

We’re looking for multiple Community Connectors over the age of 18 years old, based across various locations across London.

You’ll be volunteering: Dates and times to be agreed with volunteer.

The volunteers could be:

· Providing a valuable support to our teams based within the region.

· Building relationships with people, and organisations to raise awareness of stroke and the Stroke Association.

· Engaging with your local community to represent the Stroke Association, this could include the delivery of presentations or talks either face to face or digitally.

· Sharing your knowledge and experience of stroke to others.

· Researching and gathering information relating to life after stroke services.

· Supporting the process of volunteer recruitment and training.

· Attending fundraising events, including donation collections.

Whilst we would be delighted if you could perform all of these tasks, we will be happy to accept enquiries from you if you can provide suitable selective support.

What the role can offer you personally:

· Learning and developing new skills.

· Meeting new people, building a network and engaging with your local community.

· An opportunity to get together (either face to face/digitally) with other volunteers from London.

· Invitations to join national volunteer events to network and share experiences.

A DBS check is required for this role.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role description for the Community Connector role.

If you are interested in this role please find more details on our website link.

We want to reduce barriers to inclusion. Help us understand who’s applying for and getting roles with us by completing our Equal Opportunities Form. This helps us continue to identify anything that’s getting in the way of people looking to join us. This information does not form part of your application.

About Us

Stroke Association. Rebuilding lives after stroke.

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.

We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there.

We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

We’re working to improve the diversity of our team.  Because we know that individuality leads to a richer experience for our people and better support for those affected by stroke. 

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And we’re particularly looking to increase the number of applications from those with lived experience of stroke and those from under-represented communities. 

Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives. Help us rebuild them and join our team.

In 2019, we developed a bold new corporate strategy so that we can rebuild more lives after stroke and make a bigger difference to people’s lives.  

To help us deliver our strategy and make a real difference, we are looking to recruit talented people to a number of new roles.

If you would like to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, we want to hear from you!

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses, coaches and empowers unemployed women for success at their job interview. After visiting Smart Works, 63% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.

The Smart Works service is delivered in 11 centres across the UK. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 35,000 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre. More information about who we are can be found on our website.

In April 2022, Smart Works launched a new Three-Year Plan that will see the charity double the number of women helped annually from 5,000 to 10,000 women a year. To achieve this, we will grow our existing centres and open new centres in areas of need. We are well on the way to achieving our goals. 

About This Role

An opportunity for a young person, with little or no previous Board experience, is now available to join our Group Board as a Young Person Trustee. Smart Works is led by a Group Board of passionate and dedicated Trustees, as well as the Trustees of six local Boards across the country, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Smart Works. The position has been created in the interests of reflecting our own client base (data tells us that young women aged 16-24 are the most challenged when it comes to finding employment), as well as our responsibility to train the next generation of Trustees for our sector.

“Over the last 10 years, Smart Works has grown from an unerring passion to support unemployed women into work, into a dynamic and successful charity transforming the lives of women and communities across the UK,” says Smart Works Chair Julietta Dexter. “New members of the Board will have a key role to play in ensuring that Smart Works continues to deliver our ambitious targets for growth, whilst ensuring that we meet and exceed the expectations of our clients. We look forward to welcoming a young voice to our discussions: the role of Trustee is hugely rewarding, challenging and enjoyable in equal measure.”

For more information on the Trustee position, please find the full role profile attached.

How to Apply

Please apply via our website.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview after 30th September. The process will be led by the Nominations Committee. There will be a shortlisting process followed by two rounds of interviews with formal approval to take place at the Board meeting in October. 

References and a Basic DBS check will be taken up prior to appointment. 

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled candidates, and candidates with lived experience of female unemployment as we would like to increase the representation of these groups at Smart Works. Smart Works promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching the Charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates. These decisions are made irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. 

At Smart Works we will apply suitable measures to keep your information secure in accordance with our Privacy Policy (a current version of which is available on our website)

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses, coaches and empowers unemployed women for success at their job interview. After visiting Smart Works, 63% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.

The Smart Works service is delivered in 11 centres across the UK. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 35,000 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre. More information about who we are can be found on our website.

In April 2022, Smart Works launched a new Three-Year Plan that will see the charity double the number of women helped annually from 5,000 to 10,000 women a year. To achieve this, we will grow our existing centres and open new centres in areas of need. We are well on the way to achieving our goals. 

About This Role

We are seeking up to 3 new trustees to join our Group Board. Smart Works is led by a Group Board of passionate and dedicated trustees, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Smart Works. We also work closely with our 6 local Boards across the country. 

“Over the last 10 years, Smart Works has grown from an unerring passion to support unemployed women into work, into a dynamic and successful charity transforming the lives of women and communities across the UK,” says Smart Works Chair Julietta Dexter. “New members of the Board will have a key role to play in ensuring that Smart Works continues to deliver our ambitious targets for growth, whilst ensuring that we meet and exceed the expectations of our clients. The role of trustee is hugely rewarding, challenging and enjoyable in equal measure.” 

Our current skills audit illustrates that we are particularly looking for candidates with expert skills in the fields of commercial property, fundraising and employment support (for example, organisations that regularly refer to Smart Works). By drawing on their expertise, the successful candidates will be able to advise Smart Works as it looks to develop and expand in these areas.

For more information on the Trustee position, please find the full role profile attached.

How to Apply

Please apply via our website.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview after 30th September. The process will be led by the Nominations Committee. There will be a shortlisting process followed by two rounds of interviews with formal approval to take place at the Board meeting in October. 

References and a Basic DBS check will be taken up prior to appointment. 

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled candidates, and candidates with lived experience of female unemployment as we would like to increase the representation of these groups at Smart Works. Smart Works promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching the Charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates. These decisions are made irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. 

At Smart Works we will apply suitable measures to keep your information secure in accordance with our Privacy Policy (a current version of which is available on our website)

Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteers to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by building confidence, resilience and doubling their expected progress in English or maths.

We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutor Maths or English on one of our school programmes across London.You will be matched with a small number of pupils and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher/facilitator throughout their placement.

Practical Considerations:

• You can choose a programme that suits your timetable and location.
• Sessions are between 60-90 minutes and will take place on a fixed day of the week, normally at the end of the school day (between 3-5pm).
• Each programme runs across a 12 week period, usually during term time. You will be expected to volunteer for at least one programme (10-12 weeks). 
• Team Up provides full lesson plans and teaching resources.
• This role requires you to undergo a free of charge DBS check, which will be arranged by Team Up.
• Travel expenses up to £15 are covered.

If you are looking to make a difference in a local community and find a fulfilling role whilst building your professional skillset, then look no further!

Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only double their expected progress, but also build long term resilience. 

Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to gain access to our career mentorship scheme and attend our employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion.

This is an opportunity to expand your professional network, enhance your CV and improve your employability skills - all whilst supporting young people from low-income backgrounds! 

You will receive:

• Full tutor-training, including safeguarding training. 
• Ongoing coaching, training and support from an experienced teacher during your placement. 
• Lesson observations alongside personalised developmental feedback and logged classroom hours.
• Opportunities to attend employability workshops incl. cover letter writing skills and coding.

We are looking for:

• Enthusiasm and strong grades in English/maths. 
• Committed and organised individuals who are keen to develop new skills.
• Individuals who are passionate about social mobility and helping to reduce the education attainment gap. 
• Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils. 

Children of Voices is a hugely respected charitable organisation helping to improve the lives of young people and their families through genuine care, love, and support.  

We are currently seeking a volunteer Personal Assistant/Office Manager. This role is ideal for an individual with experience as a P.A./Manager looking to work within the charity sector. 

Responsibilities typically include: 

• Acting as a first point of contact for enquiries: (email/calendar management and phone calls, managing diaries 

• Typing, compiling, and preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence. 

• Miscellaneous tasks to support the CEO which will vary according to projects and tasks but could include fundraising, event planning, social media, community outreach, press & PR. 

• Managing databases and filing systems. 

• Implementing and maintaining procedures/policies & administrative systems 

• Forming a relationship with our clients as they are part of the community. 

Essential skills for this role are: 

• Organization skills: The ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and keep track of deadlines is crucial.  

• Communication skills: should be able to communicate effectively in writing. 

• Attention to detail: the ability to pick up on small details can prevent costly mistakes from occurring. 

• Problem-solving skills: the ability to identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.  

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. The organisation has a warm and friendly atmosphere and will be extremely rewarding for the candidate. 

Prior to submitting your application for this position, we suggest you visit our website to gain a better understanding of our organisation and our mission. 

About Interventions Alliance 

Interventions Alliance is the Justice and Social Care division of Seetec, delivering tailored support to Participants across a range of contracts including CFO Activity Hubs, Accommodation and Personal Wellbeing. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to build a better future, regardless of their past choices or the challenges they face.

We give equal importance to delivering services focused on prevention as those aiding rehabilitation, providing our Participants with the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Ultimately, our aim is to equip individuals with the necessary skills needed to desist from offending and successfully reintegrate into their local communities.

Role Description

Our Resettlement Support Volunteers play a key role by supporting staff to deliver positive impact through projects that address a range of needs of the participants we work with (predominantly men over the age of 18 years). Our Volunteers help minimise a person’s risk of reoffending and support them on their journey of creating healthier relationships by assisting them to access vital services and engage with their local community, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed and create an overall positive lifestyle change. 

Volunteers act as positive role models who inspire, empower and guide participants to achieve actions agreed on the initial action plan. They offer personalised support to help improve participants’ lives, equipping those they are supporting with the skills they need to succeed and to prevent individuals from becoming trapped in a cycle of criminality.

This is a rewarding role, with many positive outcomes for the participants you will be matched with. In return for your volunteering efforts we offer extensive training, paid expenses, and high level of support and supervision from a Volunteer Coordinator. 

We ask for a minimum of 6 months commitment following completion of vetting and training and a minimum of 1 hour volunteering per week during office hours. Our volunteers must understand the need for reliability, that they value punctuality and have good communication skills. Due to the nature of the role, some volunteering may take place during evenings and weekends. The post is subject to enhanced DBS clearance.

To apply please visit our website Volunteering | Interventions Alliance and register with My Impact to complete your application in the relevant region.

As part of a Volunteer Mentors role, your key responsibilities will be to: 

• Spend time with the participant assisting in agreed activities, for example: 
  - Providing practical and emotional support 
  - Encourage engagement with appointments 
  - Support filling in forms 
  - Helping Participants access resources to enable them to achieve their goals
• Assist with public protection by reporting any issues related to the participant behaviour
• Engage in regular supervision sessions with the volunteer coordinator
• Complete feedback notes after each support session within 48 hours
• Safeguarding to be reported immediately
• Actively promote Interventions Alliance values within the work conducted with Participants
• Lone working – use the lone working system to adhere to safety procedures
• Work in a non-discriminatory manner and promote diversity & equality 
• Maintaining professional boundaries
• Attend team meetings and participate in ongoing training activities
• Encourage Participants compliance with probation appointments and licence conditions

Person Specification

In order to provide a high-quality support service, we are looking for individuals that have the following essential skills and abilities:

• Ability to listen effectively and communicate with others
• Ability to keep commitments and/or appointments
• Ability to use own initiative to identify and access relevant resources
• Share information appropriately within boundaries of confidentiality
• Capacity to understand and work within necessary guidance to ensure both yourself and the participant understand your professional relationship.
• Ability to demonstrate positive behaviour providing a good role model to Participants through pro-social modelling
• Be non-judgmental, open minded and self-aware
• Knowledge of basic IT skills
• Ability to encourage and allow people to make their own choices and decisions

Other essential attributes include:

• Ability to listen effectively and communicate with others
• Ability to keep commitments and/or appointments
• Ability to use own initiative to identify and access relevant resources
• Share information appropriately within boundaries of confidentiality
• Capacity to understand and work within necessary guidance to ensure both yourself and the participant understand your professional relationship.
• Ability to demonstrate positive behaviour providing a good role model to participants through pro-social modelling.
• Be non-judgmental, open minded and self-aware
• Knowledge of basic IT skills
• Ability to encourage and allow people to make their own choices and decisions

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.

This position is open to anyone interested in Friends of the Earth and its local campaigns in the borough of Camden. As a Volunteer Coordinator, you will be crucial in building and maintaining a strong network of our group members and volunteers.

Duties

Most common duties:

• Develop and implement strategies to attract volunteers with diverse backgrounds and skills.

• Create posts on recruitment platforms to reach potential volunteers.

• Conduct onboarding sessions for new volunteers and members joining our group.

• Match volunteers with suitable roles and projects based on their skills, interests, and availability

• Implement strategies to enhance volunteer retention rates and satisfaction

Person specification

Essential:

• Min 18 years old.

• Strong commitment or interest in environmental issues.

• Own or have access to a laptop and/or smartphone.

Desirable

• Strong personal and communication skills.

• Team leader with collaborative skills.

• Previous experience in HR,DEI or related roles is advantageous.

If you are interested in this role, please let us know in a few lines about why you will be interested in volunteering in our group and for this particular role.

Our ambition is to continue to develop outstanding services that meet the needs of our community; if you want to be part of our future, we would love to meet you to discuss this further.

The Trustee Board is crucial to the successful running of the Home-Start Southwark. The Board, in partnership with the CEO and senior executive team, ensures that the organisation operates effectively, setting its strategic vision and supporting the delivery of business plans and key objectives. The Treasurer role is to oversee the charity’s financial and risk management processes; monitor the charity’s income, outgoings and cash-flow forecasting; and maintain a strategic overview of the organisation’s financial resources.

This position is open to anyone interested in Friends of the Earth and its local campaigns in the borough of Camden. As the Group Coordinator, you will play a vital role in organizing and coordinating various activities and initiatives of the group. These responsibilities will be shared with the other two coordinators of the group.

Duties

 Most common duties:

● Organize and facilitate monthly group meetings and other events.

● Provide leadership and support to group members and volunteers, to ensure the successful implementation of projects and activities.

● Be the main point of contact with the central Friends of the Earth staff.

● Partnering with other local groups in Camden.

● Monitor and manage the FOE Camden group mail inbox.

● Stay informed about relevant environmental policies, developments, and best practices to inform the group's initiatives and advocacy efforts.

● Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment within the group, encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Person specification

Essential:

● Min 18 years old.

● Strong commitment or interest in environmental issues.

● Own or have access to a laptop and/or smartphone.

Desirable

● Strong personal and communication skills.

● Good organization skills and a collaborative mindset.

● Previous experience in similar roles is  advantageous

Application Instructions

Tell us in few lines why you will be interested in volunteering in our group and for this particular role. 

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for Trustees to manage the affairs of the Coventry and District Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area. As a trustee of a branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals.

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

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 term 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 dependent on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties such as the role of chairman, treasurer or secretary.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Coventry and District Branch

The Coventry and District Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

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 Partnership Manager, 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 area.

Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.

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 with 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.

Practical considerations

● Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.

● Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.

● Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

● Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.

● References will also be required.

Erase Meso, a UK-based charity dedicated to raising funds for mesothelioma research, is seeking a skilled and experienced Grant Writer to join our team on a freelance basis. The successful candidate will work closely with our team to identify, research, and apply for relevant grants to support our mission.

Responsibilities:
- Research and identify potential grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government entities.
- Develop and write compelling grant proposals and applications.
- Collaborate with the team to gather necessary information and documentation for applications.
- Manage the grant application process, including deadlines, submissions, and follow-up communications.
- Maintain a detailed database of all grant opportunities and application statuses.

Qualifications:
- Proven experience in grant writing, preferably within the non-profit or healthcare sectors.
- Excellent written communication and research skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
- Familiarity with mesothelioma or cancer research funding is a plus.

How to Apply:
Please submit your CV, detailing your relevant experience, and examples of successful grant applications you have written.

About Erase Meso:
Erase Meso is dedicated to raising critical funds for mesothelioma research, a terminal cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Our mission is to improve treatment options and find a cure for this devastating disease.

Branch Trustee – Finance

Do you have professional expertise in finance, ideally charity finance,   you could use to help a good cause? We are looking for volunteer trustees to help run our Branch and are particularly looking for those with a background in finance and accounts.

Overview of the Branch Trustee – Finance opportunity

We are interested in speaking to individuals with a strong understanding of finance and accounts who can volunteer their time and expertise to help us improve the welfare of animals.

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 the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Suffolk Central Branch

The Suffolk Central Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Finance

• Implement and maintain sound financial systems to retain full control of branch funds.
• Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branches income and expenditure so the accounts balance in the long term.   
• Provide a written financial report for each branch meeting showing the income and expenditure, since the last meeting. 
• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer's report for the Branch Annual General Meeting.
• Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory on all branch cheques, if required. 
• Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• 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 Partnership Manager 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 regional 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 committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside finance and accounts 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. 

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Finance

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by regional 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.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

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 dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Bookmark Reading Volunteers directly support children who are at risk of leaving primary school unable to read well. Struggling to read can contribute to poor educational attainment, lower literacy in adulthood and has even been linked to a lower life expectancy. You can help ignite the joy of reading and change a child’s story.

In this volunteer role, you’ll have 30-minute one-to-one reading sessions on 2 days per week. This is across 6 weeks with a child aged between 5 and 11 years old. Each session will involve reading stories and playing literacy games on our secure online platform or face-to-face. You’ll book your reading programme through Bookmark’s Volunteer Hub and select sessions on days and times that work with your commitments.   

To become a Bookmark Reading Volunteer, you should be: 

• 18 and over, and currently living in the UK.
• able to provide enthusiasm, encouragement, empathy and patience.
• free to commit to 30-minute one-to-one reading sessions on 2 days per week, across 6 weeks.
• able to provide two references for your application (for safeguarding reasons).prepared with access to a PC, laptop, Chromebook or iPad with a webcam and internet connection, and feel relatively comfortable using technology (for online reading programmes).

Volunteers tell us they find the role flexible, impactful and rewarding. More than 60% also say their own wellbeing has improved because of volunteering with Bookmark!

Bookmark pays for your DBS checks, provides online training and offers volunteers ongoing support so that you can deliver fantastic and fun reading sessions, enabling all children to discover the joy of reading. 

Bookmark are proud to offer inclusive volunteering and work to deliver a greatly accessible volunteering role. Many of our reading programmes take place online, so there’s no need to travel or access a physical location to volunteer with Bookmark. Our application process and training are all completed online, and we have a helpful team at hand to offer support with technical or access requirements. If you’d like to discuss adjustments which may be helpful, please email us and we’ll be happy to help. 

Bookmark is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We aim to create an environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

Bright Futures UK works with young people who have been forced to take time out from education due to chronic illness. We provide programmes to help stimulate learning in addition to having a social aspect that offers respite to isolation these young people face due to their unfortunate circumstances.

We are urgently looking for warm and energetic volunteer tutors of all subjects to provide educational support and a fun, safe space for these young people. Tutoring experience is not essential as full training is given. Our sessions also are all currently online.

We need someone who is able to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way, helping them overcome their experiences and not feel defined by their illness. You would engage with a young person on a one-to-one basis to help catch up on their studies, increase their confidence in their own skills, and have some fun with them in order to help them progress. 

The young people we work with have missed so many experiences in school which we take for granted. The time you can offer to help fill in those missed periods is invaluable to their development. Your sessions will be fully supported by Bright Futures UK staff – from questions or queries, resources or materials or just to bounce an idea off the team, we’re here to help.

Volunteering with Bright Futures UK is something that can easily fit into your working day or a busy schedule with commitment starting from as little as 1 hour per week. We are so grateful for any support you might be able to provide, as are our young people.

We’re looking forward to working with you to help our young people reach their true potential!
 

Practical Considerations:

We cover all expenses and materials used.
We are asking for one hour online a week.
DBS will be provided where needed
Safeguarding training provided with certification