Volunteer Chair, Worcestershire

About Cruse

Cruse is Britain’s oldest and largest bereavement charity. In the Midlands, Cruse brings together more than 500 volunteers to helped support bereaved people, through a mix of individual and group sessions.

Cruse volunteers all pass through the same training process. Some volunteers are trained or trainee counsellors, whilst others have bereavement experience or put their listening skills to practice in helping people through their grief journey.

Cruse Worcestershire

The well-established Cruse branch of Worcestershire is seeking a Volunteer Chair. This active branch has 30 volunteers and can be supporting approximately 100 bereaved people at any one time. The volunteer team predominantly support service users via phone or Zoom, but does have outposts across the area. The team meet for regular forums and also hold in-person meetings, to socialise and cover learning topics specific to the work.

The role

The branch is looking for a Volunteer Chair. This role of Chair will be stimulating and call on your strategic and interpersonal skills.

It provides an opportunity to work alongside an experienced and diverse team of volunteers and staff in a rapidly changing environment to make a real difference to the people of Worcestershire.

The Chair provides a focal point for the branch, representing the volunteers and delivering a sense of cohesion to the volunteer group, championing their priorities and supporting key activities like learning, social events and fundraising.

The role is not remunerated. However, reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the role will be repaid.

Time Commitment

·       The Branch Forum meets approximately 8 times a year for 1.5 hours in the evening (7pm – 8.30pm).

·       Monthly operations-focused meetings with the volunteer administrators/part-time staff approx. every 6 weeks.

·       Ad hoc communication outside of formal meetings.

·       Attendance of Cruse national meetings based on interest/focus

·       3 in-person group social/learning events each year

What are we looking for?

The new Chair will bring their passion and commitment to the bereaved people of Worcestershire. Your skills and experience will help us to empower our volunteers to continue to provide excellent support for grieving people

We are interested in an individual who brings the following:

· Ideally the Chair will be local and have networks in Worcestershire.

· Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate a team.

· Have some experience of personal loss.

· Strong inter-personal, networking and relationship building abilities.

· Previous Board experience, either within a charity or in a corporate setting.

We warmly welcome candidates from a range of cultures, backgrounds, contexts, ages and experience. We strongly value the contribution that people with these characteristics will bring to our branch discussions.

What difference will you make?

The role of the Chair is key to ensuring that Cruse continues to thrive, meeting the needs of bereaved people in Worcestershire. We are a truly positive and diverse organisation that welcomes all people.

By providing your energy, enthusiasm and experience, you can help Cruse reach more people and do so in a way which is sustainable.