Volunteer Roles

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement 

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)
• Willingness to learn (full training provided)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement 

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)
• Willingness to lean (training provided)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Vice Chair and Trustee

Type: Voluntary Position

Location: Hybrid/Glasgow 

Closing Date: Monday 12th August  

Neighbourhood Networks has been supporting vulnerable adults many with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental health issues for over 20 years. Through local networks of support, Neighbourhood Networks focus on enabling members to live an active, healthy life, safely within their own homes and in their local communities.

Their employed Community Living Workers, who reside in the same areas as their members, provide personalised support plans tailored to individual needs. The goal is to improve the quality of life for their members by promoting independence, enhancing essential life skills, creating friendships, and helping members become less reliant on paid support. Neighbourhood Networks have 30 networks across 9 local authorities, they also work in partnership with people, agencies, and local authorities from other areas in Scotland to develop and create new networks which respond to local community needs.

The Board of Neighbourhood Network has a mixture of Trustees from outside of the organisation and Member Trustees (people who have lived experience of the services). An exciting opportunity has now arisen for a Vice Chair and Trustee to join the Board.

The Role of Vice Chair:

As the Vice Chair, you’ll collaborate closely with the Chair to effectively lead the Management Board making sure responsibilities are met, including establishing strategies, policy objectives, overseeing financial proceedings and fostering a strong relationship between the Management Board and staff. Additionally, you’ll work establish a close relationship with the CEO to support them in delivering Neighbourhood Networks goals and achieving their mission.

We are seeking a strategic senior leader with either a third sector, health and social care or government/policy background. As an ambassador of Neighbourhood Networks, you’ll have exceptional communication skills and knowledge of the third sector and its challenges. Knowledge of finance and funding would be beneficial. Previous board experience is essential.

The Role of Trustee:

As a Trustee, you’ll play a crucial role in steering the organisation to make the best decisions about strategy, growth, and development whilst at the same time ensuring Neighbourhood Networks stays safe and secure.

We’re interested in candidates who come from a background in either health and social care or fundraising. Strong communication and committee skills are essential, alongside the ability to effectively contribute to discussions. Previous Board experience is not essential.

As a Trustee you would be required to prep for and attend a maximum of 10 meetings per year.  This includes 5 Board Meetings a year and subcommittee work that may arise that fits the skill set and experience of the trustee, for example, the Finance and Risk Management Committee. The Vice chair role will require a larger commitment in order to act on behalf of the Board to oversee the work of the CEO and prepare ahead for Board Meetings in partnership with the Chair and CEO. This would be approximately an additional 5 meetings a year.

How to Apply:

Please contact us to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.

Closing Date: Monday 12th August

This search is being conducted exclusively for Neighbourhood Networks by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

What can you expect to be doing?

● Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances

● Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events

● Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

● Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

● Good organisational skills

● Strong interpersonal skills

● The ability to prioritise and delegate

● An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

● Knowledge of your local community

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

What can you expect to be doing?

● Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances

● Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events

● Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

● Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

● Good organisational skills

● Strong interpersonal skills

● The ability to prioritise and delegate

● An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

● Knowledge of your local community

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

What can you expect to be doing?

● Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances

● Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events

● Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

● Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

● Good organisational skills

● Strong interpersonal skills

● The ability to prioritise and delegate

● An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

● Knowledge of your local community

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

The Wren Project relies on dedicated volunteers to offer listening support to people living in distress as a result of an autoimmune disease diagnosis. As our volunteer, you would provide remote, one-to-one listening support to individuals living with the complexities of a diagnosis. As a volunteer, you would offer 1:1 listening support to those affected by auto-immune conditions. Here are the key details:

Role Description:

• Listening Support: Volunteers provide empathetic and non-judgmental listening support to people living with autoimmune diseases (referred to as “Our Wrens”). A volunteer's focus is on allowing Wrens to express their feelings without offering advice or solutions.

• Regular Sessions: You’ll participate in fortnightly 50-minute sessions with two separate Wrens via telephone or video call.

• Training and Assessment: After submitting an application, successful applicants undergo a 4-week remote training program focused on listening skills and supporting individuals with autoimmune diseases. A final one-to-one assessment ensures readiness before matching with a Wren.

• Ongoing Support: Volunteers receive ongoing support and the opportunity to continue to develop their listening skills from experienced volunteers, Operations team and clinical supervisors.

Requirements:

• No Prior Knowledge Needed: Volunteers do not need specific knowledge or experience related to autoimmune diseases.

• An empathetic and understanding attitude;

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments;

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection;

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability;

• Monthly Commitment: Regular attendance (twice a month) is required for an  initial 12 month period.

• Skill-Building: Gain lifelong skills in deep listening and develop reflective skills by attending monthly reflective practice sessions

What difference will you make?

Our volunteers provide a space for those in distress with an autoimmune disease to feel heard. Through listening and reflecting with our Wrens, our volunteers can help Wrens to feel supported and less isolated. 

Here is some of the feedback we have received on listening sessions with our volunteers:

'My volunteer has gently and skilfully supported me to reflect and reframe my anxieties and facilitated me to look forwards with more positivity.  It is work in progress but I am able to encounter setbacks with a little less fear and a title more positivity because of my listeners support' 

'Thank you - you’ve made the whole experience feel so safe, validating and welcoming. One of the very few [people] I’ve felt able to really be vulnerable with emotionally and you have helped me begin to process my health issues' 

'I really felt able to build a rapport and trusting relationship with my volunteer. Made a big difference to coping' 

The Wren Project is the only charity in the UK to provide  support for all autoimmune diseases. 

If you’re interested in participating, volunteering, or supporting our work, feel free to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you! 

Purpose of the role?

People with a learning disability or additional needs are often isolated and excluded from mainstream leisure and social activities. We believe that EVERYONE has the right to have fun and feel safe.

Our adult citizens want to enjoy social & leisure activities with their friends, and by giving just a little time each month, you can help them do that.

What would I be doing?

At our weekly social night and  monthly disco we really want everyone to feel welcome, included and to have a great time.

We need you to be a friendly face for our citizens, chatting and helping them to get involved and have a great time.

 What skills do I need?

· A lively and friendly personality to ensure a happy atmosphere.

· Accepting of people who may be different to you.

· Happy to chat.

· Willing to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap.

· Good time management skills, reliability.

· An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

When and where do you need me?

Our weekly social group meets on a Tuesday evening between 6pm - 8pm

Walsall Disability Centre. Lichfield St. WS1 1TU

Our Monthly disco is on the last thursday of the month between 7pm - 9pm

Pelsall Community Centre. Station Rd, Pelsall, Walsall WS3 4BQ

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities

and their family carers

• An induction and settling in period

• Any training and development that is needed

• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience

• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

• Support within your role

• Any out-of-pocket travel expenses

• Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

• Positive wellbeing from doing something great

• Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV

Join Claremont Project as a volunteer to enrich the lives of older adults through community arts and wellbeing activities. Gain valuable experience, meet new people, and make a meaningful difference - apply by July 22nd!

About Claremont Project

Claremont Project is a vibrant community arts and wellbeing center dedicated to enriching the lives of people aged 55 and over. Located in Angel, Islington, we are pioneers in providing high-quality services that cater to the diverse needs of older adults. With over 800 active members, 40+ classes and special events, a social prescription referral program, and a low-cost psychotherapy service, Claremont is a hub of creativity and meaningful connection. We are proudly partnered with renowned organizations such as Sadler’s Wells, London Symphony Orchestra and Royal College of Music. Visit our website to learn more.

About the role

We are seeking volunteers to join us in our mission to bring joy and foster connections among our community members. Are you passionate about community arts, events management, or health and wellbeing? Do you want to gain valuable experience in a dynamic community setting? Claremont Project offers a volunteering experience that will immerse you in the daily operations of our bustling centre.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage and Welcome: Be a friendly face that greets our members, especially focusing on isolated older adults. Help them feel valued and heard.

• Front of House: Assist in reception enquiries, such as selling tokens to classes and helping to sign up new members.

• Event Support: Help set up regular classes, art exhibitions, and special events like our Christmas and Easter parties.

• Promote Activities: Assist with advertising classes and events, including poster creation and word-of-mouth promotion.

• Team Collaboration: Work alongside our team to support the health and wellbeing of all members.

Role Hours:

• Ideally two days a week, Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm, 1hr lunch break, for the duration of 6-months (August 2024 – February 2025)

• Up to £15.00 travel and food expenses per day.

Who are we looking for?

We invite applications from individuals at any life stage. Whether you are looking to break into the charity sector, considering a career change, or seeking a meaningful volunteer experience in community arts, we want to hear from you. Ideal candidates will be:

• Self-motivated & Creative: Bring your creative ideas and enthusiasm to the role.

• Team-oriented: Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.

• Positive & Hardworking: Ready to dive in and make the most of your time here.

• Tech-Savvy: Basic administration skills in Word, Excel, and Outlook are a plus.

What is in it for you:

• Meet new people and make a meaningful difference in the lives of older people.

• Build your experience in customer service skills.

• Have fun and contribute to your local community.

• Gain experience that could help you obtain paid work; references can be provided for volunteers who commit regularly for 6 months.

How to Apply:

Please send a CV, and a brief covering letter outlining why you want to volunteer with us. Highlight your interests and any relevant experience. Be sure to state your availability and preferred days to volunteer. Alternatively, you can submit a short video application if that suits you better.

Successful applicants will be invited to an informal meeting with two members of our core staff team. Comprehensive training on our systems will be provided at the start of your volunteering.

Deadline:

The deadline for applications is end of day Monday 22nd July 2024. Interviews will be scheduled for the week commencing Monday 5th August 2024, with a start date mid-August.

Summary:

• 6-month commitment, 2 days a week (Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm)

• Volunteers can claim up to £15.00 expenses per day.

• Deadline end of day Monday 22nd July 2024 and interviews schedule for week commencing 5th August 2024. Start date mid-August 2024.

Thank-you for considering joining Claremont Project. We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to our community!

With our current Chair, Dame Rosemary Squire, stepping down at the end of her term in January 2025, we are now seeking an inspirational and experienced leader to steer and drive the Board and Executive, increasing our output successfully and ensuring our sustainability.

Mountview is a vibrant organisation where exceptional young people achieve extraordinary things. Our new Chair will have extensive experience/interest in Higher Education and a passion for the performing arts, specifically theatre, television and film. They will be interested in young people and drama training and will be committed to making Mountview one of the most successful, diverse and respected conservatoires in the UK and internationally.

Our new Chair will share our commitment to diversity, help us to continue our increasing brand recognition and to fundraise effectively, while ensuring that we have a strong Board of dynamic and engaged Trustees. They will help us nurture our strong partnership with the London Borough of Southwark and support our local commitments. They will ensure that our courses remain at the forefront of drama training, challenging the status quo whilst providing for the industry’s long-term needs. 

The board is now looking to appoint a new trustee to join us and help steer the sport through to the LA28 Paralympic Games and beyond. This follows the departure of our longest-serving board member at the end of her third term, and the current GFC chair stepping into her role of senior independent director. This new appointee will have responsibility at board level for matters relating to finance and governance.

We are a registered charity and Limited Company by guarantee with our own Board of voluntary Trustees/Directors. Croydon Mencap’s purpose is to provide advice, information and support through a range of projects and services. Croydon Mencap is affiliated to Royal Mencap but is not financially supported or governed by its National body.

As a trustee you will be able to use your skills and experience and have a direct influence over the Charity direction and governance. It is a rewarding role, but there are responsibilities meaning you will need to give enough time to help your charity succeed.

Being a Trustee of a Charity means you are there to look after the charity’s work and ensure that it uses its money and resources properly, and that it is managed effectively through the paid staff. Trustees are also Company Directors as Croydon Mencap is registered as a company limited by guarantee.

The Board of Trustees meets on average 4 times a year, and everyone is also expected to attend the Annual General Meeting and an annual ‘Away Day’. Trustees may also be involved in short-term specific interest task groups if necessary, training is made available where needed e.g. to raise greater awareness to the needs of people with learning disabilities or carers’ issues.

Initially the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer will interview applicants. Trustees can be co-opted throughout the year by the Board. A number of checks are carried out prior to appointment, including a declaration that the potential trustee is not disqualified from standing.

Oxfordshire Youth

Oxfordshire Youth is a boundary-breaking youth development charity, passionate about creating a future for and with young people that gives them the best possible opportunity to realise their potential. Oxfordshire Youth supports the youth sector across the county, working with grassroots leaders; it delivers innovative youth leadership programmes; and it provides a transformational supported accommodation service for young people. In everything it does, OY aims to meet the needs and aspirations of young people. All the charity’s work is grounded in best practice safeguarding and youth work principles and practice.

Charity Trustees

The Charities Act 1993 defined charity trustees as those responsible under the charity’s governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity. This is the case regardless of the terminology used to describe the role. The trustee board at Oxfordshire Youth usually comprises up to twelve trustees, although there is no formal limit on the number of trustees, including the following roles:

● the Chair of the Board of Trustees

● the Deputy Chair and CEO Line-Manager

● the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee

● the Safeguarding Lead and Chair of the Safeguarding,Quality and Impact Sub-Committee the People and Development Lead and Staff Liaison Trustee

The Role of the Board

At its most fundamental the role of the trustee board is to receive assets from donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of Oxfordshire Youth. The trustee board must always act in the best interests of Oxfordshire Youth, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for whom they have responsibility. Trustees are ultimately and legally responsible for everything Oxfordshire Youth does. Trustees fulfil this responsibility by agreeing the strategy, agreeing organisational policies and implementing appropriate monitoring and control mechanisms to ensure and evidence compliance. Trustees appoint the CEO and, on recommendation by the CEO, appoint the Senior Leadership Team to manage all operational matters and the operational team in line with the approved strategy, policies and control mechanisms.

Duties of a Trustee

The statutory duties of a trustee are:

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth pursues its objects as defined in its Articles of Association

● Ensure Oxfordshire Youth applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be

● Contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving firm strategic direction to Oxfordshire Youth, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

● Safeguard the good name and values of Oxfordshire Youth

● Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organization

● Ensure the financial stability of Oxfordshire Youth

● Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds

● Appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor performance

In addition to the statutory duties listed above, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, asking difficult questions and providing advice and guidance on new initiatives. Trustees must ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.

Treasurer Role Purpose

To provide high level oversight of the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.

Key Responsibilities

● Attend bi-monthly Trustee meetings; chair bi-monthly Finance. Audit and Risk (FAR) Sub-committee meetings and report to the Board on financial matters. The first point of contact on the Board for any matters relating to Finance.

● Work with the Head of Finance, CEO, Finance, Audit and Risk Committee members and other Trustees to ensure the financial viability of the organisation.

● Support fellow Trustees to be aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.

● To have oversight of accounting policies, procedures, processes and record keeping including advising on best practice.

● Appraising the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.

● Sign off annually on the organisation budget and annual accounts.

● Lead on appointing auditors

● Work with Finance Lead, EO, Finance, Audit and Risk Committee members and trustees to set the financial strategy for the organisation.

Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Oxfordshire Youth prior to their first board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend the six annual board meetings, five of which last approximately three hours (typically 6-9pm). One meeting is an annual strategic planning board away-day or residential held each year. Papers, proposals and reports are distributed one week in advance of meetings. The Treasurer will also Chair the FAR sub-committee sub-committee which means 6 times a year for 2 hours.

Trustee Role Boundaries

Trustees in a decision-making capacity:

● As a board of trustees

● As a sub-committee

● Chair - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings with quorum of three, where necessary

● CEO Line Manager - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings where necessary

 Trustee roles outside of the above decision-making capacity:

Advisory role (i.e. offering advice in an area of expertise). In this capacity the Trustee is acting as Trustee but, as noted above, does not have decision-making capacity in their own right.

Volunteer role (i.e. participating in an operational working group). Here the Trustee is subject to the decision-making of the operational team-member who is in a position of authority. As a volunteer the Trustee is at liberty to withdraw.

Observer role (i.e. attending an OY workshop for young people or observing OY work). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee but have no role beyond observing or information gathering for the purposes of strengthening their own understanding and / or board-level decision-making.

Champion role (i.e. spreading the message about the work of OY). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee, helping to build the profile of the work of OY, with no decision making, but with the view of creating a positive image and sign-posting people to OY.

Who we are looking for

As a Treasurer, you will have:

● Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising and finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations.

● Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (as necessary).

● Good financial analysis skills.

● Experience of advising others on financial matters, and being prepared to challenge

Each trustee should have:

● A commitment to the mission of Oxfordshire Youth

● A willingness to meet the minimum time requirement

● An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

● Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims

● Independent judgement, political impartiality, an ability to think creatively and a willingness to speak their mind

● Good communication and interpersonal skills including a willingness to use tact and diplomacy to challenge and constructively criticise

● Integrity

Oxfordshire Youth (OY) recruits outstanding talent to ensure we provide outstanding programmes services to the young people of Oxfordshire and the organisations who serve them. We are committed to creating a team of people that make diversity and inclusion the normal. Oxfordshire Youth are actively seeking to recruit candidates from Global Ethnic Majority backgrounds, and from candidates who may consider themselves to have lived experiences in the areas in which they work.

Oxfordshire Youth offers Trustees robust training to support them to succeed in their role and to broaden their knowledge on the youth sector, and other relevant issues.