Voluntary Policy Volunteer Roles in Berkshire

Responsible to: Chair of Trustees 

Start date: November/December

Who We Are

M4RD is a UK charity that is advancing rare disease training for medical professionals. The aim of our work is to help reduce diagnostic delay and improve patient experience for those impacted by rare conditions.

We work with an extensive network of patients, carers, advocates and advocacy groups to deliver training to medical schools, foundation schools, royal colleges, hospitals and trusts.

The charity is small and consists of a friendly group of staff and Trustees. The work can be intense but is very rewarding, as the charity responds to the needs of the rare disease political landscape.  

Please take a look at the M4RD website for more information on our team, and our work. You can also find more details on this position here.  

Why Join Us

At M4RD we are not just talking about change; we are making it happen - as evidenced by the attitude change towards rare disease training in healthcare driven by M4RD for the last five years. By becoming a Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare for people with rare conditions. Working with a dedicated team committed to systemic change in medical education, you will bring skills, experience, and knowledge that will support M4RD in achieving their objectives. 

Open Trustee Positions

We are expanding our board and seeking individuals with specific expertise to help us achieve our mission. Our new Trustees will be passionate about supporting the charity to deliver its objectives, and have skills and/or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Income generation 

• Lived experience of a rare condition 

• Healthcare education 

• Clinical practice 

• Lived experience of health and/or social inequality

• Lived experience of societal marginalisation

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by supporting the development of - and agreeing - a long-term strategy

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its CIO constitution, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

• Safeguarding the reputation and values of the organisation

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of the Chief Executive

Why this Role is for You

• You are passionate about the landscape of rare disease.

• You have the skills and experience M4RD is looking for.

• You are prepared to challenge systemic inequities within healthcare and medical education.

• You are ready to make a long-term commitment to improving the lives of people impacted by rare disease. 

Time Commitment: The expected time commitment is:

• 4 online Trustees meeting per year;

• 1 face to face strategy meeting or event; and 

• Some ad hoc committee work. 

However, we are also keen to invite those who are passionate about the charity's work and able to support in other areas.

Please take a look at the Job Description for more details on this role. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Responsible to: Board of Trustees

Start date: November/December

Who We Are

M4RD is a UK charity that is advancing rare disease training for medical professionals. The aim of our work is to help reduce diagnostic delay and improve patient experience for those impacted by rare conditions.

We work with an extensive network of patients, carers, advocates and advocacy groups to deliver training to medical schools, foundation schools, royal colleges, hospitals and trusts.

The charity is small and consists of a friendly group of staff and Trustees. The work can be intense but is very rewarding, as the charity responds to the needs of the rare disease political landscape.  

Please take a look at the M4RD website for more information on our team, and our work.

Why Join Us

At M4RD we are not just talking about change; we are making it happen - as evidenced by the attitude change towards rare disease training in healthcare driven by M4RD for the last five years. By becoming a Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare for people with rare conditions. Working with a dedicated team committed to systemic change in medical education, you will bring skills, experience, and knowledge that will support M4RD in achieving their objectives. 

Open Trustee Positions (multiple Trustees & Chair)

We are expanding our board and seeking individuals with specific expertise to help us achieve our mission. Our new Trustees will be passionate about supporting the charity to deliver its objectives, and have skills and/or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Income generation 

• Lived experience of a rare condition 

• Healthcare education 

• Clinical practice 

• Lived experience of health and/or social inequality

• Lived experience of societal marginalisation

Key Responsibilities - Chair of the Board of Trustees

In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee, duties of the Chair include:

• Providing leadership to the organisation, and the Board, by ensuring everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to benefit the public

• Chairing and facilitating board meetings 

• Giving direction to board policy-making 

• Ensuring decisions taken at meetings are implemented 

• Representing M4RD at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate 

• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making 

With the Chief Executive: 

• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required

• Setting agendas for board and other general meetings 

• Continuous development of the Board of Trustees

• Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation

• Liaising with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of the organisation’s affairs, and to provide support as appropriate

• Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the Chief Executive

• Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels

Why this Role is for You

• You are passionate about the landscape of rare disease.

• You have the skills and experience M4RD is looking for.

• You are prepared to challenge systemic inequities within healthcare and medical education.

• You are ready to make a long-term commitment to improving the lives of people impacted by rare disease. 

Time Commitment: The expected time commitment is:

• 2 online meetings per month with the CEO;

• 4 online Trustees meeting per year;

• 1 face to face strategy meeting or event; and 

• Some ad hoc committee work. 

However, we are also keen to invite those who are passionate about the charity's work and able to support in other areas.

Please take a look at the Job Description for more details on this role. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

About Roots Academy

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

The Safeguarding lead will take the lead in ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place for keeping students, volunteers and team members safe at Roots Academy.

You will promote the safety and welfare of young people involved in Roots Academy’s activities at all times.

Key tasks

• Take a lead role in developing, reviewing and implementing Roots Academy’s safeguarding policies and procedures: ensuring all safeguarding issues concerning students and volunteers who take part in Roots Academy’s activities are responded to appropriately.
• Make sure that everyone working or volunteering at Roots Academy, including the board of trustees, understands the safeguarding policy and procedures and knows what to do if they have concerns about a student or volunteer’s welfare.
• Develop and deliver safeguarding training.
• Make sure students and young people who are involved in activities at Roots Academy know who they can talk to if they have a welfare concern and understand what action the organisation will take in response.
• Receive and record information from anyone who has concerns about a student or volunteer who takes part in Roots Academy’s activities.
• Take the lead on responding to information that may constitute a safeguarding concern, including a concern that an adult involved with Roots Academy may present a risk to children or young people. This includes:

a. assessing and clarifying the information

b. making referrals to statutory organisations as appropriate

c. consulting with and informing the relevant members of the organisation’s management

d. following the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

• Liaise with, pass on information to and receive information from statutory agencies such as the police. This includes making formal referrals to agencies when necessary.
• Store and retain safeguarding records according to legal requirements and the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Work closely with the board of trustees the People Team Lead to ensure they are kept up to date with safeguarding issues and are fully informed of any concerns about organisational safeguarding practice.
• Report regularly to the board of trustees on issues relating to safeguarding, to ensure that safeguarding is seen as an ongoing priority issue and that safeguarding requirements are being followed at all levels of the organisation.

What we’re looking for

• The Safeguarding Lead must have received relevant safeguarding training
• Experience as a qualified social worker or safeguarding lead desirable
• Understanding of safeguarding in further education desirable
• Strong understanding of Islam and the Muslim community essential

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 40+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.
• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

A Little Bit of Sunshine UK (ALBOS UK) is seeking to recruit Policy and Campaigns volunteers to support the charity at an important point in its development, its second year of operation, supporting young people to be at the heart of decision making in support services. 

We expect everyone who is part of our organisation to be committed to our values and share our ambition to become a more diverse and inclusive charity. Our vision, mission and values can be found on our website.

What we do

We work closely with young people and communities to shape a future where every young person can access mental health support, feel connected, and live without stigma.

Our policy and influencing work aims to create lasting change by addressing systemic barriers to youth mental health care. We advocate for policies that prioritise mental health, ensure adequate funding, and promote accessibility. 

About the role

As a Policy and Campaigns Volunteer, you will play a key role in supporting our efforts to influence policy, raise awareness, and advocate for improved mental health services for young people. You will work closely with our Policy and Campaigns team to help shape and deliver impactful campaigns and contribute to policy development aimed at creating lasting change.

We are looking for dynamic volunteers who will help us to advocate for change, and work collaboratively with other Policy Volunteers and across the wider charity, to plan, create, and roll out policy and campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in research, analysis and drafting of policy papers, briefing notes, and reports related to mental health issues affecting young people.

• Support the development and creation of campaigns that raise awareness and push for reforms in mental health services

• Monitor relevant policy developments, governmental reports, and key discussions within the mental health sector.

• Help with the development of training materials or toolkits for volunteers and supporters to increase awareness and engagement around mental health policy.

• Attend and contribute to team meetings and brainstorming sessions for campaign strategies and policy priorities.

• Contribute to the drafting of letters, petitions, and policy submissions aimed at influencing decision makers.

• Engage with young people to ensure their voices are heard and included in policy recommendations and campaign efforts.

If you would like to expand your skills in policy work and campaigning and can commit to volunteering 4–6 hours per week, then we would love to hear from you. 

If you would like to have an informal conversation with a member of our team please get in touch with us [email address in Role Description].

Closing date:  14/10/2024 at 10am

Informal interviews will be held as and when suitable applicants apply, but all applications before the closure of the advert will be reviewed. 

Please note that you must be 16 or over and be willing to undergo the DBS process to be appointed to this volunteer role.

Now-u is a non-profit website and app, launched in July 2020 with a mission to inform, involve and inspire people to help tackle some of the world's most pressing environmental and social problems related to i) human rights and welfare, ii) protecting the world around us, and iii) preserving our species and the planet. 

Through promotion we also engage with users of our app and website. By giving people actionable opportunities to help further the cause of our chosen campaigns (i.e. donating to certain charities, writing to your local MP, links to sign petitions), we work to create an engaging space whereby anyone can help contribute and tackle some of the challenges we face today. 

The role

We are looking for a Researcher to join our Campaigns team. The role will involve researching a range of important social, economic, and environmental issues, and then writing up your findings in a way that’s informative yet engaging. Supporting both the Head of Campaigns and Campaign Manager, our Researchers are essential to the creation of all content within the now-u app. 

What you will be doing

Our Campaigns span every issue imaginable – from LGBTQ+ rights to anti-racism, from saving our oceans to promoting sustainable transport, and from helping those in poverty to protecting refugees. As one of our Researchers, you will be charged with not only providing information on these global issues, but also connecting our users with charities across the UK so that they might help make a difference. This could entail finding volunteering opportunities, reliable donation points, or petitions that need signing – the possibilities are endless.

Once the research is done, you will need to curate your findings into what we call a ‘Campaign’ and produce copywriting that sets out the Campaign’s purpose in a way that will affect our users and inspire them to get involved – and then to return to the app again and again!

We also have a news section within the app, sharing articles on the most important issues. We are looking, therefore, for someone that keeps an eye on the various media platforms, knows what’s happening, and is able to be reactive to the latest stories for publishing.

Other responsibilities may include working with our partnerships and social media teams to ensure that our partner charities are being effectively supported and that key Campaigns are being shared across our channels.

*This role will be voluntary and thus unpaid*

What you will need

To be successful in the role as a Researcher, you will ideally have experience working in content – either as a writer or researcher – or working for a non-profit organisation. As a team made up entirely of volunteers, we are self-motivated and proactive about getting our work done with a shared passion for the app’s potential to have a real impact. You are creative with a flair for language, but simultaneously analytical and strategic about your approach to a task.

Our working hours are flexible, usually 3-5 hours a week, and the Campaigns team likes to get together once a fortnight to discuss what we’re working on and any upcoming priorities. 

Volunteering with now-u is an opportunity to provide really important support to a new project that we hope could really make a positive difference in the world. You would also become part of a small friendly volunteer team who would love to work collaboratively.

The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA) is looking for a Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership for the charity, working in partnership with our Operations Manager and supported by a committed team of Trustees.

Who we are

Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) is a long-term side-effect (‘late effect’) of pelvic radiotherapy treatment affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the UK.  People affected by PRD often have a complex set of symptoms affecting the bowel, bladder, sexual function or other functions for many years after radiotherapy, sometimes only appearing several years after radiotherapy treatment

PRDA is a small UK charity whose objectives are to see that the effects of PRD are minimised, that people affected by PRD are given the best possible care and treatment, and that PRD is accepted as a serious problem and given the attention it deserves.

Duties of the Chair

In addition to the duties of a Trustee, the Chair will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that PRDA achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the Operations Manager and team to achieve our mission.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and PRDA’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for PRDA. 

What PRDA is looking for

Each trustee must have:

• a commitment to the vision and aims of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
• willingness to meet the minimum time requirement 
• integrity 
• strategic vision 
• good, independent judgement 
• an ability to think creatively 
• a willingness to speak their mind 
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of PRDA.

Ideally, trustees should also have one or more of the following: 

• Understanding of the impact of Pelvic Radiation Disease on people’s lives either through personal or professional connections, or be willing to learn about this; 
• Prior experience of committee/trustee work; 
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by PRDA (helpline, support groups, online support, health professional engagement, awareness-raising) and/or fundraising for a small charity, and
• Leadership skills.

Please see the full job description for more detail. 

For an informal discussion about the role please contact David Jillings, PRDA Treasurer & Vice-chair.

TREASURER/ACCOUNTANT (VOLUNTEER ROLE) for Unlock YOUR Potential - Remote Role

About Us: 

Unlock YOUR Potential is a dynamic brand new startup social mobility charity dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission encompasses employability and enterprise, health and well-being, life skills, mentoring, and personal development. We are committed to making a meaningful impact and fostering positive change in our community.

Role Overview: 

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced volunteer to join our team as Treasurer and Accountant. This role is crucial in managing the financial affairs of our charity, ensuring compliance with legal accounting practices, and supporting strategic decision-making. The Treasurer will work closely with the board and team to maintain financial health and transparency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and safeguard charity funds, including being a key signatory of the charity bank accounts.
• Prepare accurate financial reports and records.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Prepare budgets and financial statements, submit forecasting and financial reports, and implement legislative and financial policies.
• Lead the charity in all financial matters and aspects.
• Work closely with the Leadership Team, Finance Manager, and Trustees to ensure sound financial management.
• Carry out essential Trustee duties, including those specific to the Treasurer role.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 6 hours per month, including quarterly board meetings and additional tasks as needed. Trustees are appointed for an initial 1-year term, with the option of renewal.

Trustee Attributes:

• Passion for social impact and creating opportunities for those facing socio-economic challenges.
• Collaborative approach and appreciation for teamwork.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to envision long-term goals.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate our mission compellingly to various audiences.

Qualifications and Experience:

Previous experience in UK finance/accounting. Proficiency with financial software systems. Strong communication and forecasting skills. Knowledge of financial legislation.

Join Us: 

If you are passionate about making a difference, ready to contribute your skills, and eager to serve our community, we invite you to apply.

Together, let’s unlock potential and create positive change.

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

HEAD OF DELIVERY (VOLUNTEER ROLE) for Unlock YOUR Potential - Remote

About Us: 

Unlock YOUR Potential is a dynamic brand new startup social mobility charity dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission encompasses employability and enterprise, health and well-being, life skills, mentoring, and personal development. We are committed to making a meaningful impact and fostering positive change in our community.

Role Overview: 

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced volunteer to join our team as Head of Delivery. This role is crucial in overseeing the implementation and success of our programmes and services. The Head of Delivery will work closely with the CEO, board and team to ensure that our initiatives are executed effectively and efficiently, meeting the needs of our beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of all programmes and services.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to enhance our offerings.
• Ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve programme delivery and impact.
• Monitor and report on the outcomes and achievements of our programmes.
• Support the team in troubleshooting and resolving any issues that arise during programme delivery.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the delivery team.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in programme/project management, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for social impact and creating opportunities for those facing socio-economic challenges.

Time Commitment:

• Approximately 6-8 hours per week, with flexibility to fit around your life.
• Volunteers are appointed for an initial 1-year term, with the option of renewal.

Join Us: 

If you are passionate about making a difference, ready to contribute your skills, and eager to serve our community, we invite you to apply.

Together, let’s unlock potential and create positive change.

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

TRUSTEE (VOLUNTEER ROLE) for Unlock YOUR Potential - Remote Role

About Us: 

Unlock YOUR Potential is a dynamic brand new startup social mobility charity dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission encompasses employability and enterprise, health and well-being, life skills, mentoring, and personal development. We are committed to making a meaningful impact and fostering positive change in our community.

Role Overview: 

We are seeking passionate and committed volunteers to join our board as our first Trustees. This role is vital in setting up, shaping our charity and ensuring the strategic direction and governance of our charity. As a Trustee, you will work closely with our Founder and CEO, as well as fellow board members to ensure that Unlock YOUR Potential achieves its mission and objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support Unlock YOUR Potential by carrying out essential Trustee duties.
• Collaborate with our Founder and CEO, and fellow trustees to develop and review long-term strategies, policies, and plans.
• Uphold effective governance practices.
• Actively engage in board meetings and decision-making.
• Represent Unlock YOUR Potential externally.
• Cultivate relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Assist and, in some cases, lead on income generation, such as grant/bid writing.
• Support, advise, and assist the CEO and team, ensuring they have the resources needed to carry out their roles.

Qualifications and Attributes:

• Passion for social impact and creating opportunities for those facing socio-economic challenges.
• Collaborative approach and appreciation for teamwork.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to envision long-term goals.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate our mission compellingly to various audiences.
• Previous experience in governance or a similar role is beneficial but not mandatory.

Time Commitment:

• Approximately 3 hours per month, including quarterly board meetings and additional tasks as needed.
• Trustees are appointed for an initial 1-year term, with the option of renewal.

Join Us: 

If you are passionate about making a difference, ready to contribute your skills, and eager to serve our community, we invite you to apply.

Together, let’s unlock potential and create positive change.

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Role: Volunteer – reasonable expenses paid
Location: Remote with occasional travel
Contract Type: Average 4 hours per week – 3 years initial term

About the Role

PatientsVoices is a group of volunteers who support, advise and influence our client by providing the patient perspective on its work. They can offer you a range of contribution and development opportunities, and the knowledge that you are making a positive difference to the lives of patients, and the healthcare staff who look after them. 

There are a wide range of activities to suit different skills and levels of commitment if you are appointed as a member. You might be a permanent member on formal committees, or help our client produce information for patients, or be part of visits to hospitals to assess anaesthetic departments and the care they provide to patients.

About You

Would you like to help improve the quality of care patients receive at the time of surgery and anaesthesia? Do you have either personal experience or a parent/carer’s experience of supporting family members or dependants through surgery? Could you give your views to help doctors and other health care professionals understand patient perspectives?

If this is you, please read the information below and consider applying to join PatientsVoices. Please note that this is a volunteer unpaid role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed or covered in advance. They welcome individuals from all backgrounds, communities and sections of society across the UK.

What our client can offer you

• A comprehensive induction, and training as required
• A buddy to help you get settled in the role and understand how the College works
• Regular check-ins to see how you are doing and what we can do to support you
• The opportunity to gain confidence and add valuable experience to your CV
• The opportunity to gain understanding of how the healthcare system works in the UK
• The chance to work with doctors and make a difference to patients’ experience of the NHS
• The opportunity to meet new people and socialise
• A flexible approach to engaging with them, with opportunities tailored to your life circumstances

About our Client

They are the professional body responsible for the anaesthetic specialty throughout the UK. They ensure the quality of patient care by maintaining standards in anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.

How to Apply

On clicking apply you will be redirected to our clients careers page where you will be able to read more information about this role and it also includes instructions on how to apply.

Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT) is the UK’s leading charity for all freshwaters. We’ve been creating, restoring and protecting high quality habitats for freshwater wildlife for more than 30 years.

Our aim is to reverse the decline in freshwater biodiversity. We work to achieve this through practical conservation, scientific research, community engagement and by influencing policy. As an evidence-based organisation, we target our practical delivery work where it will make a real difference. We have projects in many parts of the UK, focused on restoring and protecting high quality habitats for freshwater wildlife.

Now, we want to enhance the current Board and bring a range of backgrounds and experiences reflective of the people we currently serve and those we would like to be serving in the future.

We particularly welcome new Trustees that bring skills and experience in any of the following areas:

· Communications:

· Policy and Parliamentary influence

· Human Resources

Please do not be put off from applying if you do not have any of these skills or if you have never been a Trustee before. The most important qualities for our Trustees are enthusiasm, engagement and a desire to get involved and make a contribution to FHT. 

This is a voluntary role (reasonable travel expenses reimbursed) involving:

· Attending four Board meetings a year (three online, one in London or Oxford).

· Approximately four days per year to cover meetings and occasional extra duties.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Developing our organisation to be more representative of the 11 million cat owners across diverse communities in the UK and to be an inclusive place to volunteer and work is central to our ambition for cats. We want to grow our organisational impact by increasing our reach and to be relevant to our people and the communities we work with.

We would like to recruit a Lead Volunteer to collaborate with the Director of People and Culture, Head of Volunteering, Organisational Engagement and Inclusion (VEI) and internal stakeholders including Trustees, senior managers and volunteers to facilitate conversations, to stretch our thinking and provide external perspective and knowledge of EDI best practice, innovation, risk and areas of significant opportunity for Cats Protection.

 You can expect us to

• Listen to your insights and expertise and develop these into our activities and impact. Using your knowledge and experience to challenge ourselves to do better
• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

 What we need from you

• Significant and up to date knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion, experience of developing EDI strategy and delivery of change

· Strong facilitation skills, ability to challenge with respect and create inclusive environments to have open and challenging conversations

· Experience of working with senior managers preferably in the third sector

· The ability to understand organisations and teams quickly to formulate bespoke and impactful recommendations

· Experience of using an organised and logical approach to find solutions to complex problems

Approximate time commitment

You’ll spend around 3–6 hours per week volunteering in this role. There will be some invitations to meetings may mean volunteering more hours some weeks, but we are flexible about you fitting the role around other commitments. 

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

We're looking for a new Chief Volunteer for International, to provide strategic volunteer leadership for both UK Scouting’s international relationships with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, National Scout Organisations worldwide and Scouting’s international partner organisations; and the UK’s approach to delivering the international component of our Scout programme for young people.

Operationally, you'll play a senior leadership role in the forming and management of our UK contingents to World and European events ensuring that learning from previous events and agreed methods 
for ensuring effective governance and delivery of these contingents is fully implemented.

You'll provide leadership for the various teams and functions that operate the international services and support for UK Headquarters within UK Scouting and internationally including our International Rep Pool, International Support Team and international endorsements process.

It is our ambition to create the best possible team to lead UK Scouts, and we believe that we will do that by inviting and involving volunteers from different walks of life with different experiences, different skills and perspectives. So at this time we are really keen to provide opportunities for people to develop their skills, interests and experience in Scouting in a supportive and enjoyable way.

You do not need years of experience in Scouts or in life, we are looking to identify volunteers with potential and enthusiasm for what we are here to achieve together for young people who we can help develop along the way.

About YAUK

We are a not-for-profit organisation passionate about improving the lives of young people across the UK and believe that every young person should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background or circumstances.

Our work involves using up-and-coming research and advocacy to address issues affecting young people, such as climate change, unemployment and skills training, and inclusion and diversity. We are firmly committed to improving young people's lives and believe that our unique and successful approach to achieving our vision will change lives for the better.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• To manage strategy, policy and the vision of the Research & Policy Department 

• To guide and support more junior management to achieve success in their roles 

• To have overall responsibility for all of our research and research ethics 

• To oversee and develop departmental procedure and process

• To align the department with its objective and goals

• To be lead the department and oversee all of its volunteers and functions 

​You will need

• Management experience 

• Research experience and have completed a postgraduate course of study

• Research ethics

• Planning skills 

• Research report writing experience 

• Ability to create and manage policy

Benefits

• This is a UK based 100% Fully remote and flexible role 

• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

 Why volunteer with us?

We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations. 

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!