Disability Volunteer Roles in East Midlands
Our Treasurer is stepping down from the Board of Trustees following a three-year tenure. We are now looking for a new Treasurer to oversee the financial affairs of the Richard Whitehead Foundation. As Treasurer you will be responsible alongside the CEO for managing the charity’s finances, preparing budgets and financial reports, ensuring proper financial controls are in place, and advising the Board on financial matters. Previous Board experience is not essential.
Disabled people face significant inequalities in education, sport, leisure and employment. They often face multiple barriers to fulfilling their potential and achieving their aspirations. Sport and physical activity have the power to inspire, enable, build self-esteem, and provide success. They can improve physical health, employability, mental well-being and social community inclusion. However, many barriers prevent disabled people from accessing sport. These include a lack of coaching, clubs, transport, equipment and support networks, as well as high costs and negative perceptions of disabled people participating in sport.
We are a fairly new charity established in 2021, with big ambitions for the future. We have started with small but meaningful projects. We are reaching out to disabled people, learning from our projects, and focusing on our vision and purpose.
As a user led organisation, we are keen to receive applications from disabled people.
About the Richard Whitehead Foundation
The Richard Whitehead Foundation is a small charity with big aspirations to create social change and use the power of sport for the benefit of disabled people. We believe in the impact of sport: the increased mental well-being, the confidence, the self-esteem, the social inclusion and employability which can come from it. We want disabled people to be able to thrive and benefit from all these opportunities.
Our vision: Enabling disabled people’s ambitions.
Our purpose: We believe disabled people should have access to the life-changing power of sport.
Our mission: We place the individual at the centre of our work. We provide access to life-changing support, mentoring, information, advice, equipment, and opportunities that will spark a sustained lifetime intervention.
Our values: Person Centred Dynamic Powerful Authentic Inclusive
Treasurer - Role Profile
Term of office: 3 years
The Richard Whitehead Foundation exists to support disabled people to achieve their ambitions and improve their social welfare through participation in sport and physical activity.
All Trustees have joint responsibility for the following main duties:
1. Ensure the Richard Whitehead Foundation (RWF) is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit. This means you should:
●ensure you understand RWF’s purposes as set out in its governing document;
●plan what RWF will do, and what you want it to achieve;
●be able to explain how all RWF’s activities are intended to further or support its purposes;
●understand how RWF benefits the public by carrying out its purposes.
2. Comply with RWF’s governing document and the law. You and your co-trustees must:
●make sure that RWF complies with its governing document;
●comply with charity law requirements and other laws that apply to RWF including submitting an annual return.
3. Act in the Richard Whitehead Foundation’s best interests. You must:
●do what you and your co-trustees (and no one else) decide will best enable RWF to carry out its purposes;
●with your co-trustees, make balanced and adequately informed decisions, thinking about the long term as well as the short term;
●avoid putting yourself in a position where your duty to your charity conflicts with your personal interests or loyalty to any other person or body;
●not receive any benefit from RWF unless it’s properly authorised and is clearly in RWF’s interests; this also includes anyone who is financially connected to you, such as a partner, dependent child or business partner.
4. Manage RWF’s resources responsibly. You must act responsibly, reasonably and honestly. This is sometimes called the duty of prudence. Prudence is about exercising sound judgement. You and your co-trustees must:
●make sure RWF’s assets are only used to support or carry out its purposes;
●not take inappropriate risks with RWF’s assets or reputation;
●not over-commit RWF;
●take special care when investing or borrowing;
●comply with any restrictions on spending funds.
5. Act with reasonable care and skill. As someone responsible for governing the Richard Whitehead Foundation, you:
●must use reasonable care and skill, making use of your skills and experience and taking appropriate advice when necessary;
●should give enough time, thought and energy to your role, for example by preparing for, attending and actively participating in all trustees’ meetings.
6. Ensure the Richard Whitehead Foundation is accountable. You and your co-trustees must comply with statutory accounting and reporting requirements. You should also:
●be able to demonstrate that RWF is complying with the law, well run and effective;
●ensure appropriate accountability to members, if RWF develops a membership separate from the trustees;
●ensure accountability within RWF, particularly where you delegate responsibility for particular tasks or decisions to staff or volunteers.
Roles and responsibilities specific to the role of Treasurer:
The primary role of the Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the Richard Whitehead Foundation’s financial affairs, ensuring its viability and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. The role is supported by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The essential tasks are:
- General financial oversight
●To oversee accounts and financial statements.
●To liaise with the CEO on financial matters.
●To ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
●To ensure compliance with charity SORP (FRS102), charity commission, HMRC and Companies House requirements.
●To ensure any recommendations of the independent examiner or auditor are implemented.
●To ensure accounts meet the conditions of contractual agreements with external agencies such as funders and statutory bodies.
- Financial planning and reporting
●To support the CEO in presenting financial reports and statements to the Board.
●To advise on RWF’s reserves policy and investment policy.
●To advise on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic and operational plans.
●To ensure that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of RWF.
Experience, Skills & Behaviours required to fulfil the role of Treasurer effectively:
●Knowledge and understanding of the Charity SORP (FRS102)
●Experience of financial control and budgeting, preferably within the charity sector.
●Attention to detail.
●Good communication and interpersonal skills.
●A willingness to be contacted on an ad hoc basis.
●Ability to ensure financial decisions are taken and followed-up.
●Good time-keeping.
Experience, Skills & Behaviours required to fulfil the role of Trustee effectively:
●Passion for social change and helping disabled people who face significant barriers.
●Awareness and passion for equality, diversity and inclusion.
●Diversity of thought and an openness to listen to fellow Trustees.
●Commitment to attend meetings, and to respond to communication between meetings. Currently the Board meetings are face to face quarterly, usually at a weekend, and with interim online committee meetings, usually in the evenings and quarterly.
Safeguarding
The Richard Whitehead Foundation is committed to safeguarding and protecting the individuals we work with. As such, posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and a safe working environment.
Inclusion and diversity
The Richard Whitehead Foundation strives to engage an ability-based workforce which reflects the diverse nature of our communities. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and it is important to us that this is reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us.
Application process
To apply, please send your CV and an expression of interest , answering the following questions.
·What has drawn your attention to the Richard Whitehead Foundation and why are you applying?
·How do you think your skills, experience and networks will add value to the ambitions of the organisation?
·How do you meet the person specification identified in the job role?
You can also send us a link to an active LinkedIn profile and a referee we can contact prior to interview. Expressions of interest can be video, audio, or Word-based files – whatever works best for you.
Expressions of interest should be submitted by 5pm on 11th October 2024. They will be reviewed by a panel of existing Board Trustees, and you may be invited to have an informal discussion prior to being invited to join the Board.
Please let us know if you need us to adapt the process to best suit any needs around disability.
Expressions of interest should be submitted by 5pm on 11th October 2024. They will be reviewed by a panel of existing Board Trustees, and you may be invited to have an informal discussion prior to being invited to join the Board. As a user led organisation, we are keen to receive applications from disabled people.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for up to 3 new Trustees to join us and help run our successful charity.
We are looking for candidates who have experience/expertise in one or more of the following areas:
General management
Finance/bookkeeping
Safeguarding
Premises/facilities
Fundraising
HR
You will take the lead in your area of expertise and be able to commit time to deliver on initiatives or projects related to your specialism.
In addition you will have:
Good written and verbal communication skills
Attention to detail with the ability to work under own initiative within a defined framework.
MS Office skills: Word; Excel; PowerPoint and SharePoint.
The Ryan Neuro Therapy Centre supports people with neurological conditions by delivering physiotherapy and other therapies to benefit their health and welfare in a caring, friendly, and supportive environment. We are a small self-funded charity in Coulsdon, reliant entirely on fundraising and donations to provide the income needed each year to run the Centre. The organisation took on charitable status in 1995 supporting people living with Multiple Sclerosis. In 2023, we expanded our provision to support other neurological conditions. The Charity has 18 members of staff (all part-time), 15 volunteers and over 100 members with neurological conditions.
The Ryan Neuro Therapy Centre supports people with neurological conditions by delivering physiotherapy and other therapies.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
As a Telephone Support volunteer you will contact all new referrals to the MND Association in South Yorkshire, introducing the MND Association's services and support available, and signpost to other organisations over the phone, whilst using your own PC and mobile phone from home
We need your help and will put your skills and experience to good use.
Please note all applicants will need to provide two referees and participate in e-learning and interactive learning online by Zoom. Applicants must live in South Yorkshire.
Please get in touch to find out more...
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a good listener, able to show empathy and understanding as well as being able to spot the positive things in life? This could be the perfect role for you!
We are looking for volunteers who have a couple of hours a week to give on a regular basis to make friendly calls to people living with epilepsy who are feeling lonely or isolated.
“It made me feel like I wasn’t alone and has given me confidence within myself.”
You don’t have to have epilepsy yourself and your check-in calls don’t even have to be about epilepsy, sometimes people want to forget about that for a while and instead have a friendly conversation about what’s on telly, their favourite sport or their hobby.
You might be able to encourage them to get out and make more connections in their community but even if all you do is make someone laugh you have brightened their day and made a difference.
What's involved?
There is a DBS check to ensure we keep everyone safe and some basic training to enable you to get started. You’ll then be ready to start making calls. Calls typically last 30 minutes so depending how much time you have to give you can make a difference to two or three people a week, maybe even more!
Calls can easily be made over the phone or if you prefer over video call it's up to you which you prefer.
The role is flexible so that you can choose a time to volunteer that suits you. We only ask that you stick to that same time and day each week as it makes it easier for the service user to remember when to expect a call. We also ideally want you to be able to volunteer for at least a year so that service users have a consistent experience.
You’ll be fully supported by our befriending team and you’ll get to join our volunteer community with regular volunteer meet-ups. Our volunteer portal makes it easy to connect to other volunteers in your area or with shared interests and to be part of our volunteering community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a good listener? Do you live in the South West? We need you to facilitate one of our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others from this region. You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and the group conversations run smoothly.
*Ability to listen
*Effective listening skills
*Good communication skills
*This role requires 2 references
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a good listener? Are you able to manage group conversations and ensure people feel comfortable together and that groups run smoothly? We need you to facilitate our Talk and Support weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others when the regular group facilitator is unavailable.
This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline and/or mobile phone We ask you to commit to covering up to 3 groups per week, although this will vary on a week by week basis. Each group you cover will last for one hour.
*Listening to group conversations, ensuring they flow and are appropriate. Making appropriate contributions. Creating friendly & welcoming atmosphere. Being link between the group & Talk & Support team. Reporting safeguarding concerns.
*Effective listening skills; Good verbal communication skills; Work with wide range of people.
*Understanding Sight Loss Pack; Expenses; Supervision and help from your Manager; Training as appropriate.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a good listener? We need you to facilitate one of our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others. You will contribute to the group to ensure that all participants feel comfortable and the group conversations run smoothly.
We are particularly looking for volunteers to support in the following;
*Craft group – someone with an active interest in any sort of craft e.g. knitting, crochet, embroidery, card making etc
*South Wales Valleys group – someone from or with knowledge /experience of the area
*Powys - someone from or with knowledge /experience of the area
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers. What you’ll be doing: • Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups. • Delivering talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people • Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training. • A supportive manager. • Regular updates and catchups. • Expenses. • An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.
In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a good listener? Are you able to manage group conversations and ensure people feel comfortable together and that groups run smoothly? We need you to facilitate our weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others. This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline and/or mobile phone We ask you to commit to a minimum of 3 hours per week to facilitate 3 or more Talk and Support befriending groups per week which will be at the same day and time each week. Each group runs for an hour.
- Effective listening skills
- Good verbal communication skills
- Work with wide range of people
-
Home Based: over the telephone (this role requires you to have a landline or mobile telephone)
- This role requires 2 references
Drive Meaningful Change in Our Community – Join Our Flock as a Trustee!
Could you be the next Flamingo Chicks Trustee? We’re looking for passionate and committed individuals to join our Board and help bring worlds of wonder to disabled children!
This is your chance to be part of a co-supportive, collaborative group that empowers disabled children through dance whilst championing inclusion, and combating social isolation.
We’re especially interested in candidates with:
✨ Lived experience of disability or long-term health conditions
✨ Theatre, costume, or set design expertise
✨ Finance experience, particularly in charities or small organizations
✨ Property acquisition and management skills
✨ Operational HR experience for small organizations
✨ Social media proficiency
We believe in a two-way opportunity—while you contribute to the charity, you’ll also enhance your own skills, network and strategic thinking.
We’re recruiting multiple trustees, so we don’t expect to find one superhuman! You don’t need prior trustee experience; just bring your passion! Trustees are volunteer (unpaid) committee members who guide charities and shape their direction. It’s fulfilling and flexible!
This role fits easily alongside your home life and career, requiring just 20 hours per year, with meetings held online. We provide extensive support, accessible meetings, and a warm, welcoming environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Get Out There groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do.
As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together.
What your role will involve
- Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities.
- Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
- Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.
A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role.
Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:
- Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
- Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
- Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
- Reliable and punctual.
- Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
- We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group.
What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?
- Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
- Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
- The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
- To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
- To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
- If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information.
About us
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
Sense Virtual Buddying volunteers make a real difference to supporting young people and adults who may be lonely or isolated.
Sense matches volunteers with disabled people to meet for an hour a week on Zoom, over phone, by email, text or letter writing. Our volunteers have spent thousands of hours with their buddies — learning new skills, having fun, and forming fantastic friendships. Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests, to make sure you have a great time. You and your buddy choose a time that suits you, and you can decide what activities you’d like to do together.
The Role of a Virtual Buddy
Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests to ensure you’ll have lots of fun together. Once matched with a buddy, you will get to know each other remotely via video calls and phone calls.
You’ll arrange weekly sessions and plan fun things to do together – what this looks like will be inspired by your mutual interests. You could be gaming, doing arts and crafts, playing music, seed planting – there are so many possibilities! We will provide you with weekly themed activities to help to support you in planning your interactions with your buddy.
We’ll also keep in touch with you to ensure you have all the support you need.
The programme is open to all volunteers who are 16 and over. You don't need to have previous experience volunteering or caring for disabled people. We welcome people from all backgrounds and with all interests.
What we can Offer You
Before you start your volunteering role, we’ll make sure that you’ve had the training you need to feel confident. This will be delivered online and via video call.
While you’re volunteering with us as a Virtual Buddy, you’ll get:
- A written account of your volunteering and references if required
- Reimbursement of pre-agreed expenses (up to £25)
Volunteering as a Sense Virtual Buddy is a great opportunity to develop new skills and get to know new people whilst making a real difference to a person’s life.
Who we are Looking For
We need positive, empathetic volunteers who are passionate about supporting people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. We are looking for volunteers who are great communicators and who are friendly, enthusiastic, positive and ready to have fun!
We’re also always looking for volunteers who have knowledge or experience of British Sign Language (BSL) and/or other communication methods like Makaton.
About Sense
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.
We’d love for you to consider joining us as a Sense Virtual Buddy!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers.
What you’ll be doing:
• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups.
• Delivering talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people
• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers.
What you’ll be doing:
• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups.
• Delivering talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people
• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.