Volunteer Roles

Milton Keynes and North Bucks RSPCA have two retail outlets, a cattery and storage facilities. We are looking to expand our retail footprint and open an education centre in the near future.

Use your skills learned in a professional environment to benefit your local community by becoming a trustee for MK & North Bucks RSPCA. As a trustee of the MK & North Bucks branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for the animals in our care and prevent cruelty to animals.

 It's a great way to meet likeminded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.

RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks need to raise £400k per annum to survive the current cost of living crisis. We are generously supported by private donors and our retail outlets give the majority of funds, however there is more to be done to educate the public and through fundraising and sponsorship partnerships we believe we can reach more people.

We are looking for people with a background in fundraising on a scale of £200k+ who know how to speak with corporate sponsors and can engage directly with our events team. You will be part of a team of Trustee's and responsible for your area of expertise, which requires an experienced leader of people.

The trustee will be responsible for:

· Generating new partnerships with corporate sponsors

· Engaging with internal stakeholders

· Generating ideas and project plans to source funds

· Planning and executing fundraising events from one day events to long term partnerships.

Full training on trustee role is provided by the national RSPCA, all other skills must be brought by the applicant.

· You will need to have experience in creating partnerships with corporate sponsors - Essential

· You will need to have led teams to generate funds from various sources for a charity -Essential

· You will have been directly responsible for planning events to raise funds – Essential

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.

Great opportunity to join a friendly, supportaive local team where you can make a real difference.

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of South Kent Mind’s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board’s quarterly meetings about the financial health of the organisation.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Ø  Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees quarterly meetings.

Ø  Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.

Ø  Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.

Ø  Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.

Ø  Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with Chief Executive.

Ø  Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process

Ø  Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.

Ø  Lead on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.

Ø  Oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk.

Ø  Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.

Ø  Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chief Executive to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

Ø  Chairing the Board’s Finance & Risk Subcommittee

 What we are looking for

Ø  A finance professional with extensive experience and a background in finance and accounting. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise, an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.

Ø  A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.

Ø  Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists.

Ø  Experience of being a trustee is an advantage.

Ø  Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors.

Ø  Strong business acumen.

Ø  Experience of being a trustee is an advantage

Ø  The available time to play a meaningful and active role in the financial processes and decision-making of the charity.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

Ø   Support and provide advice on South Kent Mind’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

Ø   Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

Ø   Oversee South Kent Mind’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

Ø   Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

Ø   Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

Ø  Review and approve South Kent Mind’s financial statements.

Ø   Provide support to South Kent Mind’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

Ø  Keep abreast of changes in South Kent Mind’s operating environment.

Ø   Contribute to regular reviews of South Kent Mind’s s own governance.

Ø   Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

Ø   Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect South Kent Mind’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

Ø   Contribute to the broader promotion of South Kent Mind’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Attributes and qualities

 We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm, time and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

 Personal skills and qualities

Ø   Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

Ø   Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

Ø   Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

Ø   A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Ø   Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

Ø   Willingness to lead according to our values and ethos (attached).

Ø  Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity.

The Trustees are looking for a new Chair to replace Mark Street, who will retire at the end of his fixed term period at our October AGM.

The Trustees are looking for a forward thinking and inclusive Chair to help lead us on our journey, who can combine leadership skills with an urgency to achieve the Trust’s strategic goals and the drive to support ongoing organisational development.

Experience of conservation is not essential. More important is an understanding of governance and of the charity sector, an ability to see the strategic picture and harness the skills of talented Trustees to provide support at the appropriate strategic level to the Executive Team.

There will be support available from individual chairs of other Wildlife Trusts and also through the wider Wildlife Trust Federation (RSWT) Chairs Community of Practice Group.

The role

• This is a voluntary position to lead the Trustee Board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation by ensuring that the organisation acts in accordance with its constitution, the Charity Commission Code of Practice and by managing its activities.
• To work in partnership with the Chief Executive helping them to achieve the Trust’s strategic goals, and with the Board of Trustees ensure appropriate line management of the CEO.
• To optimise the relationship between the Council and staff/volunteers; and between WWT and The Wildlife Trusts.
• To attend all board meetings plus RSWT events such as open days, conferences and leaders days where appropriate.

Key priorities for chair during tenure

• To support the CEO and Executive Team in the successful implementation of the Strategy to 2030 in Wiltshire.
• To line manage the CEO including objective setting and regular 1-2-1's.
• To maintain and nurture our standing and relationships within The Wildlife Trusts and with other key partners.
• To drive forward becoming a truly inclusive and diverse organisation, supporting our internal development but also reaching out to new audiences and allies.

For full details about the role and information on how to apply, please see read our appointment brief.

We are looking to appoint two new trustees to our Board of Trustees.

As an appointed trustee, you will also have the opportunity to become an office holder as the Board will be looking to elect to a new posts, including to the role of Chair, in the near future.

We invite any eligible person interested to apply for the role. The trustees we appoint do not necessarily have to have a finance or charity sector background in order to apply.

We are looking for an understanding of the charity sector and finance, but you may have gleaned this in an unrelated professional field or role. We value diversity and believe everyone has a valuable contribution to make. 

For more information, please take a look at our recruitment pack (pdf).

The application deadline is Midday, 29 July 2024, with interviews to be arranged during August and early September. Appointments will be confirmed in October 2024.

Founded in 2005, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) is the parent charity of the world-renowned Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the biggest military airshow in the world.  All of the profits from the show go to RAFCT, to support its purpose of inspiring young people to careers in air, space and technology, and to promote the RAF.

This is an exciting time to join our Board of Trustees to help shape our growing ambitions as we expand our reach to 500,000 STEM interactions with young people a year from 2026.

Specific role

We are seeking a Trustee with a Finance specialism to join our Board of Trustees. This individual would provide oversight of our financial affairs, ensure that our plans are sustainable and that our charitable operations are suitably assured.

• Professional accounting, finance or similar qualification with a strong track record of financial management and reporting.
• Knowledge and understanding of financial planning and budgeting and best practice in this area. An understanding of the voluntary/charity sector, along with knowledge of the financial framework for charities would be helpful.
• Strategic financial thinking with experience in establishing and setting out strategic goals and direction in organisations.
• Ability to identify and translate financial risks and opportunities, to enable the board to make informed decisions.
• A track record of commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.

We are looking for someone who has the time to commit to four Board Meetings annually, usually held in our offices at Douglas Bader House, Fairford, an additional four virtual meetings plus the RIAT weekend in July each year. This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. If you are interested and would like to discuss the position, please contactt

Volunteer Mystery Shopper – can you help?

The Hospice Lottery Partnership runs a weekly lottery in support of local charities such as: Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity in Aylesbury, Michael Sobell Hospice Charity in Northwood, Rennie Grove Hospice Care in Buckinghamshire and West Hertfordshire, South Bucks Hospice in High Wycombe, and The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.

Mystery shopping is a form of market research work, that requires an individual to play the role of a genuine customer and report their experience back to us.

We are looking for someone with a good level of literacy and a great memory that could spare a few hours a week visiting our Fundraisers at local retail stores and medical centres to provide feedback on a Fundraisers performance and the overall perception of the experience. In essence, how you would rate the service you received during your experience?

“I volunteer with The Hospice Lottery; I always have a few hours spare each week and it’s lovely to feel that I am helping such a worthy cause.”  Diana Hewitt, Office Volunteer.

Volunteer Telephone Welcome Agent, can you help?

The Hospice Lottery Partnership runs a weekly lottery in support of local charities such as: Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity in Aylesbury, Michael Sobell Hospice Charity in Northwood, Rennie Grove Hospice Care in Buckinghamshire and West Hertfordshire, South Bucks Hospice in High Wycombe, and The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.

We are looking for someone that could spare a few hours a week at our office based in Tring to help welcome new players to the weekly lottery.

The role involves thanking players for their support of our partner charities, checking their details are correct, and providing them with the opportunity to ask any questions.

If you have a warm personality, would enjoy the company of a small and friendly team with copious supply of tea and biscuits, then we would love to hear from you!

What we're looking for:

· An ability to represent The Hospice Lottery and our partner charities appropriately and enthusiastically.

· A warm personality with the ability to engage with supporters on the phone.

· Excellent communicator and people skills.

· Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel is required.

What you can gain from this opportunity:

· Being part of an enthusiastic and supportive team.

· Have a rewarding experience helping us to raise money for local charities.

Opportunity details:

· Where: Tring, Hertfordshire.

· Hours: 2-3 hours per week.

· When: Tuesday/Thursdays 

“I volunteer with The Hospice Lottery; I always have a few hours spare each week and it’s lovely to feel that I am helping such a worthy cause. Plus, there’s always a supply of biscuits on offer!” Diana Hewitt, Office Volunteer.

Canterbury Food Bank, one of the largest charities of its kind in the UK, is recruiting new trustees.

The food bank was set up over a decade ago with an objective to end hunger and tackle poverty. 

We’ve made a start, but we’ve still got a long way to go.

Last year the charity provided enough food to make 132,000 meals for people in the district who are suffering financial hardship.

Trustees have overall control of the charity and are responsible for making sure it's doing what it was set up to do. They are volunteers and have board meetings once a month.

Previous trustee experience is not necessary. Lived experience of poverty, volunteering, community involvement and passion are as valued as work-based knowledge and skills

Interested?

Please take a look at the broader explanation on our website.

Office Volunteer – can you help?

The Hospice Lottery Partnership is looking for someone that could spare a few hours a week at our office based in Tring to help the admin team work on various tasks such as converting emails to PDF and printing lottery tickets for our charity shops.

If you would enjoy the company of a small and friendly team with copious supply of tea and biscuits, then we would love to hear from you!

We run a weekly lottery in support of local charities: East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, Harlington Hospice, Hillingdon Hospitals Charity, Michael Sobell Hospice Charity, Rennie Grove Hospice Care, South Bucks Hospice, and The Hospice of St Francis.

“I volunteer with The Hospice Lottery; I always have a few hours spare each week and it’s lovely to feel that I am helping such a worthy cause. Plus, there’s always a supply of biscuits on offer!” Diana Hewitt, Office Volunteer.

To take an active role in the charity activities.  Responsible for governance, safeguarding and strategic direction of the charity with other board members.  To work in partnership and to support contractors and volunteers helping them to achieve the aims of the organisation.

• Ensure the charity is run in accordance with the governing document, charity law, company law and that the decisions of the board and any other appropriate legislation or regulations are upheld.
• Ensure the charity pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Work within SDAC’s Safeguarding Children and Adults policies at all times.
• Assisting with the development of strategic plans and ensuring the charity operates efficiently.
• Assisting in setting organisational aims and objectives and setting priorities.
• Supporting other trustees in their roles.
• Assisting with reports and being responsible for own secretarial work.
• Attending and actively participating in monthly Zoom board meetings on a Tuesday from 6.30 to 8.30pm and yearly AGM.
• Seek out new opportunities to work with vulnerable residents in Surrey to promote the success of SDAC Ltd.

· Take delegated roles/tasks for the Board as discussed and agreed with the

Chair and report back to the Board.

· Ensure the charity’s confidentiality and safeguarding policies are adhered to with regards to the management of the charity.

· Attending in person meetings with volunteers in Guildford.

About Smart Works

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed.

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 London, Greater Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Reading and Leeds. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 30,000 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre.

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.  As of June 2024 40% of the clients that Birmingham Smart Works centre saw were aged 16-29. Consequently, we are seeking a new trustee who will help raise greater awareness about our services with young women so that we are more successful in connecting with that community across the West Midlands. 

Smart Works Birmingham, operating as a licensee of Smart Works Charity, is led by a Board of passionate and dedicated trustees, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the Smart Works service across the West Midlands. More information about who we are can be found on our Smart Works website.

About the role

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Birmingham Board of Trustees. 

The Young Women’s Trustee will lead the development of understanding the needs of Smart Works younger clients aged 16 to 25 years (these being unemployed, NEET or in danger of becoming NEET, and those leave the care system) and become a recognised and valued advocate for this community across the West Midlands. 

The successful candidate will develop new and existing connections with referral partners who support young unemployed women, input to the marketing plan and social media content to better reach and communicate with this audience, and build relationships with corporate partners and grant funders who support this community. 

The candidate will also have the opportunity to connect with policy makers focussed on improving the employment outcomes for young women across West Midlands.  

General Duties of a Smart Works Trustee

• Work with the Chair of the Board of Trustees to ensure the centre is well-run and governed effectively. 
• Provide support to determine the strategic direction of the Centre. 
• Advocate for the Centre, raising its profile and the awareness of the Smart Works service in the geographic area. 
• Build strong working relationships with the Chair, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters. 
• Work in a small team and tailor strong interpersonal and communication skills to all levels of seniority.

“Being trustees of the Birmingham Smart Works charity board is an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals seeking employment.   It is a privilege to be part of the team that empowers and supports individuals to achieve their full potential.   As trustees, we are committed to using our skills and expertise to contribute to the strategic direction and success of Smart Works, ensuring we continue to create positive change and provide opportunities for those seeking employment”.  Trustees of Smart works Birmingham 

“I never expected such kindness from strangers, and I certainly didn’t expect to laugh and enjoy myself. The thing with Smart Works is that everyone you meet genuinely wants you to do well, they really care and they are thrilled when you get the job. You really feel that…”Client of Smart Works Birmingham

Personal Specification

The trustee will use their skills and experience to amplify the voices of Smart Works younger clients and successfully network with key employment and skills programme providers, third sector, and 16+ educational organisations that exist across the West Midlands. 

Lived experience of unemployment and overcoming barriers at a young age, and / or experience supporting social value or youth unemployment projects is preferred, but not essential. 

The successful applicant will demonstrate enthusiasm for developing at board level and will become a real advocate for young women living in socially disadvantaged and minority communities across the West Midlands. 

The Trustee will be required to sit on relevant task force groups as and when experience is relevant and attend (and prepare for) Board meetings taking place quarterly. For those new to Board positions, a mentor from the wider trustees team will be provided.

It is essential that all applicants believe in the mission of Smart Works and align with the Charity’s core values, share a commitment to fairness and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, acting at all times with honesty and integrity. 

Smart Works particularly welcomes applications that will represent our diverse client groups and candidates with lived experience of unemployment, to increase the representation of our client groups within the Charity.

Learn More and Application Process

If you are interested in learning more about the role before applying, please email us to be connected with a member of the Smart Works [Birmingham] Board of Trustees. 

To apply for this position, please answer the following questions and email your answers, alongside a copy of your CV to us by Friday 2nd August at 5pm.

• Why do you want to be a trustee of Smart Works Birmingham? (Max 300 words)
• What experience do you have that you feel is relevant to the role? This may be work experience, lived experience or voluntary experience. (Max 400 words)
• Why do you particularly want to be a Trustee? (Max 300 words)
• Is there anything else you would like to share as part of your application? (Max 300 words)

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview shortly after the closing date. From this, Smart Works Birmingham will select the preferred candidate who will be invited to meet with the Smart Works Charity CEO prior to formal appointment.

See inside our Collections storage facility - closed to the public - and help us prepare to move our collection to a new facility

What is an Inventory volunteer?

The RAF Museum has many items in its collection which are not currently on display. Our inventory volunteers will ensure that we have an up-to-date record of all the items in our reserve collection, their purpose and condition, to help us prepare to move from our current store outside Stafford to a new storage facility in Cosford. This is a weekday only opportunity.

This role sits within the RAF Museum’s Midlands Development Programme which will transform our museum and our impact on the local community though a series of phased projects – engaging audiences who may not obviously identify with the RAF story by finding common interests and histories which link them. As part of this project, we are planning a new learning centre, outdoor spaces, collections hub and major exhibition.

What will I be doing?

The Inventory Volunteer role could encompass various tasks, which might include:

· Assessing objects’ condition

· Measuring and weighing items

· Undertaking cleaning as required

· Object photography

This role is perfect for you if you…

· Are curious and eager to learn

· Pay attention to detail

· Have a light and careful touch

· Are happy working as part of a team

· Are organised and able to keep accurate records

How much time would I need to commit?

Ideally a half day (09:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 16:00) once a week, although other arrangements can be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 20 volunteering sessions. This is a weekdays only opportunity.

What's in it for me?

· Becoming part of a great team of volunteers and staff

· See and handle objects from the RAF Museum’s collection not on public display

· Learn about object conservation

· Discover more about the history of the RAF

· Gain behind-the-scenes experience within the heritage sector

· 25% discount at our retail outlets and café[KS1] 

· Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy

· Free entry to a wide range of museums and heritage sites across the UK.

Ref: V230 | Support Group Volunteer | Kent

We’re looking for Support Group Volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based at New Life Family Church, 8 Church Street, Margate, Kent, CT9 1ST.

You’ll be volunteering 1 to 2 hours every other Tuesday 2pm to 4pm, with additional time for administration work.

As a support group volunteer, you will help with the running of the group.  The role is designed to suit the needs of the group, and the skills of people offering support. If you enjoy getting to know your community, working with others and making a real difference then this is the role for you.

The volunteer will be

· A people person, with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Good at putting people at ease

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

· IT literate, have good administrative and record keeping skills and be able to follow relevant policies

A DBS check is required for this role.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role description for the Support Group Volunteer role.

If you are interested in this role, please complete our application form on our website.

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.

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!

Want to make a difference in a local charity? We are a community organisation with an impressive building serving the local community. We are looking for an Honorary Treasurer to support our board.

Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust (MBHT) was established in 2004 as a registered charity in northwest Glasgow to save the Victorian Burgh Halls from demolition and bring the Halls back into community use. MBHT raised over £9 million to regenerate the building and it reopened in 2012 as a multipurpose space including an event venue, office spaces to let, a local heritage site including a museum and exhibition space and collection of artefacts as well as a lovely in-house café. MBHT continues to look for ways to engage and involve the local community to promote local culture, arts and heritage and highlight the excellent community facility of the historic Burgh Halls. The Burgh Halls mean more to us than just bricks and mortar - they are a source of identity, pride and belonging and rich in history of the area.

The Board of Trustees is now seeking someone to give guidance and oversight to its financial management. The position of Honorary Treasurer is a voluntary one and is likely to require a time input of 6-8 hours per month. The role would suit an accountant who has retired or is working part-time.

The Honorary Treasurer would be most welcome to join the board of Trustees and participate in the overall oversight of the Trust’s mission and operations, though that would not be an essential requirement of the role.

It is proposed that the Treasurer:
• Advise/chairs the Finance Committee
• Oversees financial reporting and advises on appropriate presentation
• Oversees (and where necessary, produces) budgets and budget forecasts
• Advises on and leads any review of financial procedures
• Liaises with professional advisors including for VAT and with the bookkeeper
• Is responsible for ensuring that the audit is undertaken and accounts are prepared at the appropriate time and in the format requited by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and that all financial reports and accounts are lodged with OSCR and Companies House at the required time
• The Treasurer will also work with the bookkeeper and other staff to ensure that appropriate processes and checks are in place to enable the agreed financial procedures to be fully adhered to.