Volunteer roles in west sussex

Are you interested in facilitating a peer support group for people who are struggling with their mental health? We are looking for passionate volunteers to facilitate a weekly online or face-to-face group, to discuss topics relating to mental health. We are hoping to find someone who has either ‘lived experience’ of mental health issues and is now at a positive place with their own recovery or someone who has good knowledge of mental health and looking to support others.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• Facilitating weekly peer support groups, covering topics related to mental health.
• To encourage participation and to provide focus and guidance for discussions within the group
• To negotiate/facilitate conflicts or disagreements that may arise during group meetings

The skills you need

• Strong listening and communication skills
• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where the participants' thoughts and feelings are valued, and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect
• Lived experience of mental health or desire to learn

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Are you fluent in British Sign Language and would like to provide the opportunity for others to learn? This is a great chance to empower others to communicate and bridge the gap between hearing and deaf individuals!

What you will be doing

• Facilitate Online British Sign sessions for beginners or those looking to improve their skills
• Prepare session plans and involve participants in the planning of each session.
• Encourage practice and interaction among participants to develop their skills.

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Calm and patient approach
• Ability to provide supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Hold a BSL qualification/Fluent in British Sign Language
• BSL Level 3 qualified or above
• Good English-speaking skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Role Title: Graphic Designer

Role Purpose

Quilombo UK is looking for a Graphic Designer to join the team. Quilombo UK is a not for profit social enterprise that challenges people to think differently and bridge gaps between communities, with the aim of building a culturally rich society, where differences are accepted and celebrated. As chosen among 160 other organizations to work in collaboration with the Home Office on the “Building a Stronger Britain together” project, you will be joining a team, which not only supports the community but also stands up to extremism in all of its forms.

Quilombo UK works in collaboration with QMC Capoeira School, giving you the chance to support QMC Capoeira which is one of the most awarded Capoeira Schools in UK (UK Coaching Awards, Gillette Sports Awards, Kingston Council Sports Awards).

By joining QuilomboUK you will be supported and guided by experienced staff and volunteers, who are willing to share their skill set and will provide you with great opportunities for development in many different areas.

Ideal candidates will use their passion to promote Quilombo UK and raise its profile, while attracting new members. They should create engaging and on-brand graphics for a variety of media.

Main Responsibilities

• Study design briefs and determine requirements
• Schedule projects and define budget constraints
• Conceptualize visuals based on requirements
• Prepare rough drafts and present ideas
• Develop illustrations, logos and other designs using software or by hand
• Use the appropriate colours and layouts for each graphic
• Work with copywriters and creative director to produce final design
• Test graphics across various media
• Amend designs after feedback
• Ensure final graphics and layouts are visually appealing and on-brand

Essential Skills

• Proven graphic designing experience
• A portfolio of illustrations or other graphics / CV
• Familiarity with design software and technologies (such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Suite)
• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of tasks
• Focused, organised and able to prioritise and execute tasks independently
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• A keen eye for aesthetics and details
• Excellent communication skills
• Degree in Design, Fine Arts or related field is a plus
• Must be UK resident

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate

Job Type: Volunteer

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

As part of the role, you will be editing short videos, including promos and documentary style shorts, as well as longer podcast episodes for distribution on YouTube and social media. The role is hybrid, largely working from home but with the opportunity to work in studio doing live editing, file storage management and admin, as well as the chance to learn other production skills and gain experience in live broadcast, camera operation, lighting, and sound engineering and editing.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe After Effects
• Proficiency in Adobe Audition
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
• Experience with colour grading and mixing

Optional Skills:

• Proficiency with DSLR cameras and digital camcorders
• Previous broadcast, live streaming, or podcast recording experience
• Knowledge and experience of OBS and use of ATEM Mini
• Experience with USB microphones
• Experience with multi-mic setup
• Experience with audio mixing and audio mixing software

We are looking for someone who can offer 12 hours a week, Monday - Friday

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview and discuss the onboarding process.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

WHO WE ARE
We are a Kingston-based social enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion. Encouraging different cultures to unite enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. Partnering with cultural, social and sports organisation's, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. Our findings are supported by educational opportunities designed to broaden perspectives.

Ready for an adventure? Dive into the heart of Quilombo UK by exploring our website and videos! Discover our mission, values and the impactful work we do to make a difference in our community.

Your journey with purpose begins here

Join us in creating positive change!

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Join our dynamic team as a Volunteer HR Recruiter and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our non-profit Organisation. As a key member of our Human Resources team, you will be responsible for managing the end-to-end recruitment process, ensuring the acquisition of talented individuals passionate about our mission. Your expertise will contribute to building a dedicated and skilled workforce, enabling us to impact the community positively. This role offers a unique opportunity to utilise your HR recruitment skills for a meaningful cause while gaining valuable experience in the non-profit sector.

Collaborate with hiring managers to identify hiring needs and implement effective sourcing strategies,
Interview and Selection
Build and maintain a strong talent pipeline.
Conduct initial screening interviews to effectively evaluate the candidates’ skill set and cultural fit while providing an engaging experience.
Foster positive relationships with candidates, keeping them informed about the status of their applications.
Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date candidate records and recruitment metrics.

 REQUIRED SKILLS:

Proven experience as an HR Recruiter or in a similar role
Familiarity with job boards and professional social platforms
Strong understanding of recruitment processes and employment laws
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Office based skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Excellent time management and organisational skills
Strong marketing and negotiation skills
Outstanding teamwork skills and ability to create relationships at all levels, showing respect to different types of people.
Professionalism and Confidentiality

WHAT WE OFFER:

Opportunity for professional growth and development in Recruitment and other HR departments depending on your knowledge and learning aptitude.
A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and innovation.
Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday to Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Contract length: 16 weeks

Expected hours: No less than 12 per week

Benefits:

• Work from home

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Flexitime

Work Location: Remote

Quilombo UK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports, and cultures to encourage an intercultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society.

Role Overview

As a Pre-Production Assistant, you will support the Video Production Manager and team in all stages of video production, focusing primarily on the pre-production phase. Your role will be crucial in ensuring that our video projects are well-planned and executed smoothly. You will be involved in tasks ranging from script writing to stage setting, ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place for successful video production.

Main Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Video Production Manager to develop and refine scripts for various video projects, conducting research to gather relevant information and insights to inform script content.

• Assist in planning and setting up stages for video shoots, including arranging props, lighting, and other necessary equipment, and coordinate with the production team to ensure all stage elements are in place.

• Work with the Video Production Manager to create detailed production schedules and timelines, and coordinate with cast, crew, and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed of shoot dates and times.

• Assist in identifying and securing suitable locations for video shoots, conducting site visits to assess the suitability of locations and addressing any logistical considerations.

• Organize and manage all pre-production materials and resources, including scripts, shot lists, and production notes, ensuring all necessary permits and permissions are obtained for filming locations.

• Act as a point of contact between the pre-production team and other departments, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration, and provide regular updates to the Video Production Manager on the progress of pre-production tasks.

Essential

• Working Knowledge of pre- production

• Good interpersonal skills with ability to get on with people at all levels.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Creativity and attention to detail in script writing and stage setting.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

• Basic IT understanding

• Experience in camera set-ups for live events /ob-doc /scripted content

• Appropriate DIT practices for media management 

• Working knowledge of audio production and basic audio set-ups for live events and recorded audio. 

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments

• Strong team player

• Working knowledge of file codecs and wrappers

• Digital Asset Management (Utilising enterprise versions of Google Drive etc).

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate

• Working Knowledge of Pre production Video Production Editing Platforms: After Effects, Da Vinci Resolve

• 3-5 + years of production in broadcast and film

• Understanding of broadcast acquisition standards for file deliveries

When needed:

Willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a week, for a duration of 16 weeks as part of a Personal Development Program (PDP).

Production roles are hyrbid therefore proximity to London is beneficial as trips to Kingston will need to be made, with reasonable travel expenses paid. 

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. 

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Quilombo UK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports, and cultures to encourage an intercultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society.

Role Overview
As a Post-Production Assistant, you will play a key role in transforming raw footage into polished video content that aligns with Quilombo UK's mission of promoting cultural awareness and community wellbeing. You will work closely with the Video Production Manager and team to edit, refine, and finalize videos for various platforms. This role requires a keen eye for detail, creativity, and a strong understanding of video editing tools and techniques.

Main Responsibilities

• Edit raw footage into cohesive and engaging video content, incorporating music, graphics, and visual effects to enhance storytelling.
• Collaborate with the Video Production Manager and creative team to align the final edits with the organization’s vision, values, and target audience.
• Conduct quality checks on video content, ensuring technical accuracy, proper formatting, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Manage color correction, sound editing, and visual effects to ensure a professional finish.
• Work with the Video Editor to organize and maintain a clear post-production workflow, including file management, version control, and backups.
• Oversee the creation and integration of subtitles, captions, and translations for accessibility and multilingual audiences.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to video editing software and export settings.
• Optimize videos for various platforms, including social media, websites, and presentations, ensuring proper formatting and resolution.
• Maintain and archive finalized video projects in an organized and accessible system.
• Provide input on improving the post-production process, tools, and resources to enhance efficiency and output quality.
• Stay updated on video editing trends, tools, and best practices to bring fresh and innovative ideas to projects.

Essential

Working Knowledge of Video Editing Platforms:

• Adobe Premiere Pro

• Adobe Media Encoder
• Photoshop
• After Effects (beneficial but not required)
• Da Vinci Resolve (beneficial but not required)
• Understanding of picture and audio finishing including grade + audio mixing
• Basic IT understanding – Mac OS specific 
• 10+ years in post-production facilities (beneficial but not required)

Desirable

• Experience in camera set-ups for live events /ob-doc /scripted content

• Appropriate DIT practices for media management 
• Working knowledge of audio production and basic audio set-ups for live events and recorded audio. 
• Experience with streaming services for Youtube and FB Live using applications such as Switcher or OBS and online broadcast hardware. 
• 5 + years of live production in broadcast and film (beneficial but not required)
• Working knowledge of file codecs and wrappers

• Understanding of broadcast acquisition standards for file deliveries (beneficial but not required)
• Knowledge of the production and post production workflow (ingest-edit-project consolidation)
• Digital Asset Management (Utilising enterprise versions of Google Drive etc)

When needed:

Willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a week, for a duration of 16 weeks as part of a Personal Development Program (PDP).

Production roles are hyrbid therefore proximity to London is beneficial as trips to Kingston will need to be made, with reasonable travel expenses paid. 

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. 

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Bid - Writer Support (Administrator) Job Overview

We are currently recruiting for Bid - Writer Support to join our passionate and driven team.

As Bid Administrator you will support the performance of a high performing bid team designed to facilitate and support the successful winning of new grants and tenders across the UK.

As an outstanding administrator you will play a key role in assisting the team to ensure that all bid documents and business development literature is prepared and presented not only to the highest possible standards but on time – often within challenging deadlines. Key to success in the role will be the following traits:

· Adaptability

· Determination

· Flexibility

· Robust disposition

You will be at your best when you’re working under pressure and in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. This role calls for someone who can react as deadlines and priorities change; someone with resilience and a tenacity to get the job done whilst never compromising on quality.

Key Responsibilities:

· Management of a central mailbox, including basic tender management duties

· Monitoring new business opportunities advertised on various portals and websites.

· Reviewing new business opportunities as they arrive, forwarding relevant opportunities to the appropriate bid writers.

· Taking ownership of the bid library, which includes ensuring that it kept up to date as and when new opportunities are submitted.

· Thoroughly proof-reading materials to ensure information is grammatically correct, well-researched, and without spelling errors

· Ensuring that our in-house bid process is understood and implemented to ensure that quality, commercial and legal requirements are consistently met

· Taking ownership of client portals – Including dealing with daily alerts and maintenance of portal logins

· Providing general administrative support to the bid writing team.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday and Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

• Flexitime
• Work from home

Schedule:Day shift

Experience: Administrative: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria.

Job Description:

Quilombo UK is looking for a Bid Writer - Commercial Proposal Volunteer to join their team. Quilombo UK is a not for profit social enterprise that challenges people to think differently and bridge gaps between communities, with the aim of building a culturally rich society, where differences are accepted and celebrated. As chosen among 160 other organizations to work in collaboration with the Home Office on the “Building a Stronger Britain together” project, you will be joining a team, which not only supports the community but also stands up to extremism in all of its forms.

By joining Quilombo UK and QMC Capoeira School you will be supported and guided by experienced staff and volunteers, who are willing to share their skill set and will provided you with great opportunities for development in many different areas.

Ideal candidates will assist Quilombo UK in preparing funding bids that contribute to their further development. They should be well-organized, with a proactive attitude to deliver work that adheres to the key objectives of the organization. Candidates should be willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a week, for a duration of 16 weeks.

You will be volunteering as part of the team who are responsible for creating the bids to attract funding for our new or existing projects. The role will involve discussing project ideas and proposals with the management & project teams, searching for the right funding opportunities and preparing bids for submission.

You will work as part of an experienced team, where writing skills and experience in crafting persuasive and compelling content are essential.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and write commercial proposals tailored to meet the specific requirements of clients and align with business objectives.
• Review and revise previously created proposals to ensure accuracy, coherence, and alignment with current business strategies.
• Collaborate closely with other team members, partners, and stakeholders to produce high-quality bid responses, compelling content, and effective key messages that align with win themes.
• Assist in establishing a comprehensive proposal development strategy.
• Propose innovative ideas for bid submissions in line with the established strategy and market demands.
• Collect, organize, and analyze all relevant information to be included in the proposals.
• Manage a detailed “bid plan” and ensure all proposals are approved and submitted before the stipulated deadlines.

Skills and Attributes:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Ability to work with Excel is an advantage; support will be provided if necessary.
• Excellent writing skills with a strong understanding of persuasive writing and narrative structure.
• Focused, organized, and able to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
• Some understanding of commercial market trends and research processes.

Perks:

• A supportive working environment providing opportunities to develop your skills and experience in commercial bid writing.
• Work alongside seasoned professionals eager to share their expertise.
• On-site training programs to help you grow your skill set.
• A casual yet professional office setting with snacks and drinks provided.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 12 per week

Benefits: Work from home

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• No weekends

Experience:

• Bid writer: 1 year (preferred)

Location:

• Remote (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

Ready for an adventure? Dive into the heart of Quilombo UK by exploring our website and videos! Explore the values that guide our mission, values, and the impactful work we do to make a difference in our community.

Join us in leading positive change!

The Admin Assistant role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to: 

• Gain experience in the Third Sector. 
• Develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'. 

The role provides you with flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary, specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Managing organisation of meetings and appointment
•  Organising events and conferences
• Managing databases
• Implementing and maintaining procedures and administrative systems
•  Liaising with staff
•  Miscellaneous tasks to support the team.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential:

• You will need to have good written skills. 
• Well organised, proactive, and able to deliver tasks efficiently.
• Good time management
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.
• Able to participate at least 12 hours a week (2 days, 6 hours each day)

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Excel

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Job description

Quilombo UK is looking for a Bid Writer (Grant & Funds), who loves to face work challenges; to join their growing team.

The Bid Writer (Grant & Funds) will play a critical role by assisting the manager to prepare the proposal that helps the organization to further develop and establish.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in the Third Sector; love to 'give back to their community'. The role is for you if you are looking for flexibility and autonomy. Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Apart from writing proposals, you will also be reviewing and editing previously written content wherever necessary.
• Working with other team members to produce bid responses and writings
• Helps in writing funding applications for the varied projects that we run in order to meet our organisational objectives.
• Also helps in presentations and all supporting documentation.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• You must be based in the UK
• You will need to have good written skills
• Able to write effective, concise and compelling content
• You will be self-starting and willing to research and look for new funding opportunities that match our aims and objectives;
• Ability to work on tight deadlines
• Well organized, proactive and able to deliver tasks efficiently.
• Able to speak confidently with a variety of stakeholders.
• Good time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and excel.
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.

The volunteering program with Quilombo UK requires a minimum of 16 weeks of commitment. We are looking for someone who can offer 12 hours a week, Monday - Friday (2 times a week).

Please note that this is a volunteering unpaid role.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits: Work from home

Experience:

• Technical Writing: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Join the leading national charity dedicated to supporting premature and sick babies, their families and NHS staff. We are recruiting for up to four new Trustees to join Bliss’ passionate and dedicated Board.

Who are we looking for?

We are recruiting up to four new Trustees to join our passionate and dedicated Board, and are keen to increase the range of voices on the Board to bring in different experiences and skills, which is essential if we are to make the best decisions for Bliss and for the babies we serve. 

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before, nor do you need to have direct neonatal experience, as long as you are passionate about improving neonatal care across the UK.

In this round of Trustee recruitment we are particularly interested in bringing the skills and experience of younger individuals (under 30), those from minority ethnic communities, and those with lived experience of or insight into socio-economic disadvantage.

We are also keen to hear from people who bring one (or more!) of the following:

• Experience of AI and data, with the ability to apply this to an organisation of Bliss’ size and scale
• Experience of marketing or branding, and the knowledge of how this applies in the context of the charitable sector
• A neonatal healthcare professional – we are particularly interested in recruiting an allied health professional / psychology professional
• A professionally qualified accountant.

How to apply

For more details about the role and how to apply, including the support that Bliss provides to Trustees, please see the Bliss website and the attached recruitment pack.

Recruitment timeline

• The deadline for applications is 9am on Tuesday 13th May 2025
• Interviews will be held online in June
• Successful candidates will take part in induction meetings over the summer, before joining the Board away day in September and being formally appointed at the October 2025 Board meeting.

Become an Independent Visitor to be matched one to one with a young person in care. You will meet once or twice a month to take them out to do fun activities together. This is an opportunity for our young people to develop a healthy relationship with a trusted adult, have fun and share their worries and feelings if they are ready to do so.

We'll provide full training, all your expenses and ongoing support from dedicated staff. 

This is an opportunity for you to build skills and knowledge within social care and test yourself with real life experience of a young person in care.

We're looking for enthusiastic, committed people to bring their experience, skills and positivity to the lives of young people who have been through tough times. We will be providing training on the following subjects.

Session 1 Introduction to IV and the Care system
Session 2 Trauma, Attachment and Growth
Session 3 Safeguarding
Session 4 Communications and Boundaries
Session 5 The Role Of The IV

NACE is the UK’s leading charity that supports and champions the education of more able learners. With over 40 years of experience, NACE works with a diverse network of member schools, leaders in education and practitioners to increase challenge for all learners. We believe that that all young people, including the more able, are entitled to have the opportunity to develop their abilities without limits – no matter what barriers to learning they may face and no matter what school they attend.  

To support us in developing our strategic objectives and advancing our plans for the future, we are seeking new Trustees to join NACE’s Board with a passion for public service and sufficient time at their disposal to help us positively impact the lives of young people. Whilst an interest in or knowledge of education is desirable, it is not a pre-requisite. The role includes holding the executive leaders of NACE to account, plus agreeing and overseeing the strategic direction of the organisation whilst ensuring that resources are deployed to achieve maximum effectiveness.

The general responsibilities of trustees:

• Ensure that the Association complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Ensure that the Association pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.

• Ensure the Association applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.

• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the Association, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

• Safeguard the good name and values of the Association.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Association.

• Seek to ensure the financial stability of the Association.

In addition to these statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve:

Scrutinising board papers; Leading discussions; Focusing on key issues; Providing guidance on new initiatives; Other issues in which the Trustee has specialist expertise.

Terms of appointment

The initial term is for a period of three years.

The maximum term of office for a Trustee should be nine years, with two cycles of three years and then the option of a further one, two or three years. 

The Trustees meet four times each year as a Board. Three of these meetings are now held online, in September, November and March. The final meeting of the academic year is held in-person in June.

If you are interested in applying to join the NACE board, please send us your CV and an expression of interest by Friday 9th May. Interviews will take place on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th May.

The interview process will involve current Board members so you will have the opportunity to meet some of the people with whom you could be working in the future.

Trusteeship is a voluntary, unpaid role, but if you possess the energy and skills to make a real contribution to enhancing the educational achievement of young people, you will find the work extremely rewarding.

If you want to make a difference and you share the ambitions and aspirations of the current NACE Board, please apply to become a Trustee. You will be warmly welcomed.