Safeguarding Volunteer Roles

About the role

As a UK Scout Network Team Member, you will work closely with the UK Lead for Scout Network, supporting key areas of the section and helping to deliver our strategic goals. You will take a leading role in one of the following focus areas: Top Awards, Communications, Network Support, or Events.

We’re looking for enthusiastic team members who will champion their specific area and work collaboratively to develop projects from both Scouts HQ and their own initiatives. Your work will involve regular contact with volunteers, gathering feedback, and ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of those delivering Scouting at a local level.

This role is integral to helping the UK Network Team achieve its key objectives by: 

• Supporting the UK Lead for Network to increase participation in Top Awards
• Enhancing communication between HQ and local volunteers, ensuring consistent and effective collaboration
• Improving awareness of, and opportunities for, Scout Network

Key tasks

Role Specific Tasks:

• Top Awards: Increasing the number of Top awards, working with teams to create & deliver different resources that will support volunteers to help young people achieve their top awards. 
• Communications: Improving UK Scout Network’s social media presence and general communications. Working with programme leads from the different Nations to keep up communications to ensure good working relationships & sharing of good practices.
• Network Support: Working with Network members and volunteers to increase the support available to individuals and Network groups. 
• Events: Working with a range of different teams to create resources and organise Workshops & Webinars. Support local areas to run events for the Network section.

General Tasks:

• Lead project sprints on behalf of the UK Lead for Scout Network.
• Create and deliver an action plan in your area to support the Network section across the UK with the support of the UK lead for Scout Network.
• Advocate volunteer’s and young peoples’ voices.
• Delivery: Support the delivery of agreed priorities by motivating and communicating with Scout teams and helping to support different events.
• Signing off awards such as King Scout awards.

CISWO, The Coal Mining Charity, is seeking additional trustees to strengthen and widen the scope, expertise and diversity of our Board. We would particularly welcome applications from individuals who are a qualified accountant and a member of a recognised institute.

Since 1995, we have been improving lives and reducing disadvantage in former coal mining communities. With services provided across the country in all former coalfield areas, our reach is extensive.

CISWO is a service provider, grant maker, and custodian of one of the largest portfolios of recreational land in the UK. Our aim is to reduce disadvantage in communities impacted by the coal mining industry and to leave a legacy of community facilities for future generations.

We are proud of the impact we make with former miners and mining communities. With over 2,400 individuals, and over 200 other mining charities supported in 2023, we can demonstrate the difference we make. We are however ambitious to achieve more and recognise that as our client groups change, we need to increase and adapt our delivery to meet these needs.

This is an exciting time to join the organisation. We at the start of our third year of our current 5 year strategy which will build on the past work of CISWO, drive the current work of the charity and set strong foundations for the future to ensure we meet the changing needs of our different client groups.

Trustee Responsibilities

As a Trustee of CISWO you will:

· Be responsible for providing governance to administration and management of the organisation.

· Ensure the financial stability and viability of CISWO.

· Actively contribute to the Board by giving strategic direction including defining and setting overall policy, and evaluating performance against this.

· Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, and any legal requirements.

· Act in the best interests of the charity at all times.

· Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation.

· Use specific skills and knowledge of topics relevant to their areas of expertise to lead discussions, provide advice and guidance, identify key issues, and help the Board to reach sound decisions.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

· Relevant knowledge to contribute to the charity’s core areas of delivery.

· Credibility and evidence of effectiveness in their chosen field.

· Operating a senior level in either a paid or unpaid capacity in a significantly sized and / or complex organisation.

· Experience of strategic thinking and planning with a good understanding of risk.

· A well–rounded understanding of the charity sector and the responsibilities of trustees.

· Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement.

· Highly numerate with the ability to understand budgets and charity finance.

· Team orientated with a collaborative and solution focused approach

· A critical understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and a commitment to applying these to the role.

· The ability to commit the necessary time and engagement to be an effective member of the Board.

Desirable Skills and Knowledge

· Understanding of the issues faced by former coal miners and mining communities.

· Recent experience working as a qualified accountant in a professional capacity.

· Previous experience as a charity trustee or working with a board of trustees.

How to apply

To be considered for the role, please supply the following:

· An up to date CV clearly detailing your career history with key achievements

· A supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role and the value that your expertise will add to the Trustee Board

Full candidate information pack attached.

Join Urban Youth: Be a Founding Volunteer!

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people in London? Urban Youth is a new youth work organisation in London currently being set up and is looking for dedicated volunteers to help us set up, found, and develop our exciting new initiative.

What We're Looking For:

• Enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about youth work or their field of expertise that will benefit our new organisation especially in our set up and founding stage.

• Volunteers with skills in organisation, planning, and development.

• Creative minds to help shape our brand and identity.

• Team players who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get involved.

What You'll Gain:

• The opportunity to be a founding member of an impactful youth work organisation.

• Hands-on experience in setting up and developing a youth work initiative.

• The chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people in London.

• A supportive and collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions are valued.

How to Get Involved:

If you're ready to make a difference and be part of something special, we'd love to hear from you! Please contact us with your CV to express your interest and learn more about how you can get involved.

Urban Youth: Discover Your Path, Shape Your Future

Let's build something amazing together!

Join Our Team at SUNSHINE in London!

Are you passionate about social isolation, loneliness, and community service? Do you want to make a significant impact in London and beyond? SUNSHINE is looking for dedicated and dynamic individuals to join our team in various volunteer roles.

About Us

SUNSHINE is an inspiring brand new start-up grassroots community-based charity with a mission to make a BIG impact. Our aim is to bring people together, spread happiness, and nurture community spirit through initiatives that build relationships, enhance wellbeing, and transform lives. We focus on supporting those at risk and living in social isolation, ensuring they have access to our support when they need it most.

We're at the beginning of our journey as a start-up and currently an unregistered charity/Unincorporated Association, working towards our charity status to be a registered CIO within the next 2-3 months.

Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities

We have a variety of volunteer roles available to support our start-up charity, including but not limited to:

• Community Outreach: Engage with the community to raise awareness about our initiatives and services.

• Event Planning: Assist in organising and executing events that promote social interaction and community building.

• Fundraising: Support our fundraising efforts through various activities and campaigns.

• Administrative Support: Help with day-to-day administrative tasks to ensure smooth operations.

• Social Media and Marketing: Manage our social media accounts and create content to spread our message.

What We’re Looking For

• A commitment to the aims and values of SUNSHINE.

• Enthusiasm for community service and making a positive impact.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Flexibility and willingness to take on various tasks as needed.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference to the lives of people living with social isolation in London and beyond.

• Develop your skills and experience in charity management and community service.

• Work with a passionate and dedicated team.

• Be part of an organisation that really wants to make a positive impact in the community and in people's lives.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a Covering Letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role by the listed closing date on this advert.

SUNSHINE

Fostering Connections - Enhancing Wellbeing - Transforming Lives

Join Our Team at SUNSHINE in London!

Are you passionate about social isolation, loneliness, and community service? Do you want to make a significant impact in London and beyond? SUNSHINE is looking for a dedicated and dynamic individual to join our team as a Corporate Training Manager.

About Us

SUNSHINE is an inspiring brand new start-up grassroots community-based charity with a mission to make a BIG impact. Our aim is to bring people together, spread happiness, and nurture community spirit through initiatives that build relationships, enhance wellbeing, and transform lives. We focus on supporting those at risk and living in social isolation, ensuring they have access to our support when they need it most.

We're at the beginning of our journey as a start-up and currently an unregistered charity/Unincorporated Association, working towards our charity status to be a registered CIO within the next 2-3 months.

Role and Responsibilities

• Develop and Implement Training Programmes: Create and deliver training programmes to enhance the skills and knowledge of our volunteers and staff.

• Assess Training Needs: Identify training needs through surveys, interviews, and consultations with managers.

• Monitor and Evaluate Training Effectiveness: Track the effectiveness of training programmes and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.

• Support Professional Development: Provide guidance and support for the professional growth and career development of our team members.

What We’re Looking For

• A commitment to the aims and values of SUNSHINE.

• Experience in corporate training, learning and development, or a related field.

• Strong leadership and communication skills.

• The ability to think strategically and work collaboratively.

​Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference to the lives of people living with social isolation in London and beyond.

• Develop your skills and experience in charity management and corporate training.

• Work with a passionate and dedicated team.

• Be part of an organisation that really wants to make a positive impact in the community and in people's lives.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a Covering Letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role by the listed closing date on this advert.

SUNSHINE

Fostering Connections - Enhancing Wellbeing - Transforming Lives

Join Our Team at SUNSHINE in London!

Are you passionate about social isolation, loneliness, and community service? Do you want to make a significant impact in London and beyond? SUNSHINE is looking for a dedicated and dynamic individual to join our Team as a HR Manager.

About Us

SUNSHINE is an inspiring brand new start-up grassroots community-based charity with a mission to make a BIG impact. Our aim is to bring people together, spread happiness, and nurture community spirit through initiatives that build relationships, enhance wellbeing, and transform lives. We focus on supporting those at risk and living in social isolation, ensuring they have access to our support when they need it most.

We're at the beginning of our journey as a start-up and currently an unregistered charity/Unincorporated Association, working towards our charity status to be a registered CIO within the next 2-3 months.

Role and Responsibilities

• Recruitment and Onboarding: Oversee the recruitment process of volunteers and later staff, including role postings, interviews, and selection. Ensure new hires are effectively onboarded and integrated into SUNSHINE.

• Training and Development: Develop and implement training programmes to enhance volunteer and team skills and knowledge. Identify opportunities for professional growth and career development.

• Employee/Volunteer Relations: Foster a positive work environment by addressing employee/volunteer concerns, resolving conflicts, and promoting open communication. Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.

• Performance Management: Implement performance appraisal systems to evaluate employee/volunteer performance. Provide feedback and support to help employees/volunteers achieve their goals and improve their performance.

What We’re Looking For

• A commitment to the aims and values of SUNSHINE.

• Experience in human resources management, recruitment, or training and development.

• Strong leadership and communication skills.

• The ability to think strategically and work collaboratively.

​Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference to the lives of people living with social isolation in London and beyond.

• Develop your skills and experience in charity management and human resources management.

• Work with a passionate and dedicated team.

• Be part of an organisation that really wants to make a positive impact in the community and in people's lives.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a Covering Letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role by the listed closing date on this advert.

SUNSHINE

Fostering Connections - Enhancing Wellbeing - Transforming Lives

Join Our Board of Trustees at SUNSHINE in London!

Are you passionate about social isolation, loneliness and community service? Do you want to make a significant impact in London and beyond? SUNSHINE is looking for dedicated and dynamic individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

About Us: SUNSHINE, an inspiring brand new start-up grassroots community-based charity with a mission to make a BIG impact. Our aim is to bring people together, spread happiness, and nurture community spirit through initiatives that build relationships, enhance wellbeing, and transform lives. We focus on supporting those at risk and living in social isolation, ensuring they have access to our support when they need it most.

We're at the beginning of our journey as a start-up and currently an unregistered charity/Unicoroprated Association, working towards our charity status to be a registered CIO within the next 2-3 months.

Role and Responsibilities: As a Trustee, you will:

• Provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure the charity fulfils its mission and objectives.
• Support the executive team to drive the charity’s performance and impact.
• Act as an ambassador for SUNSHINE, promoting our values and work within the community.

What We’re Looking For:

• A commitment to the aims and values of SUNSHINE.
• Experience in governance, education, finance, fundraising, health and wellbeing or community engagement.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• The ability to think strategically and work collaboratively.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference to the lives of people living with social isolation in London and beyond.
• Develop your skills and experience in charity governance.
• Work with a passionate and dedicated team.
• Be part of an organisation that really wants to make a positive impact in the community and in peoples lives.

How to Apply: Please send your CV and a Covering Letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role by the listed closing dated on this advert.

SUNSHINE

Fostering Connections - Enhancing Wellbeing - Transforming Lives

Help shape the future of youth gaming and gambling-related harms prevention by joining the board of Ygam, an evidence-led charity.

Applications close on Monday 17th March 2025.

Location: London

About Ygam

Ygam is a national charity with a clear mission: to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness raising, education and research. Our award-winning workshops are assured by City & Guilds and informed by psychologists, academics and health professionals alongside people with lived experience.

Founded in 2014, Ygam has evolved into the UK’s leading charity in this area, delivering impact-focused training and education across the UK to those in positions of influence over children and young people.

Over the past decade, Ygam has trained over 28,000 delegates and reached an estimated 4.3 million children and young people. With 95% of delegates recommending our training, we’re making real progress in safeguarding our digital generation.

About the roles

The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed how young people interact with games and gambling.

As smartphones become ubiquitous and the lines between gaming and gambling increasingly blur, young people face unprecedented risks in the digital space. This evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for protecting vulnerable youth.

As we enter the third year of our “Safeguarding our Digital Generation” strategy, we’re seeking visionary leaders to join our board and help shape the future of harm prevention. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital cause at a critical time when digital safeguarding has never been more important.

We provide comprehensive support to help our trustees succeed, including a thorough induction programme, regular one-to-one meetings with the Chair, and access to training and development opportunities. You’ll be joining a supportive board environment where your contribution will be valued and your development supported.

Who we are looking for

We believe that diverse experiences and perspectives are crucial to effective governance. The digital challenges facing young people today are complex and interconnected, requiring a board that can view issues through multiple lenses.

For our Vice Chair position, we’re seeking an individual with strong educational leadership experience and the ability to guide strategic discussions. This role requires someone who can balance strategic oversight with practical governance experience, ensuring Ygam continues to evolve and adapt to emerging challenges.

For our trustee positions, we’re looking for someone who can bring fresh thinking and diverse expertise.

Whether you’re a health and social care professional with insights into service delivery and commissioning digital technology innovator helping us understand the latest trends, a commercial leader who can help us build sustainable partnerships, or someone with experience in gaming, your perspective could be invaluable.

We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates who can bring additional diverse perspectives to our board. This might include younger voices who can bring current expertise or people with lived experience who understand the importance of prevention work.

The ideal candidates will share our passion for safeguarding and educating young people while bringing their own unique insights to enhance our work. You’ll be commercially aware, strategic in your thinking, and able to help drive our ambitions forward while ensuring we maintain our focus on delivering impact.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 17th March 2025.

Join our UK People Team and make all the difference

Are you passionate about supporting volunteers and shaping the future of UK Scouts? We're excited to offer opportunities to join our UK People Team, with roles available across six teams. Whether you're looking to lead, collaborate, or bring innovative ideas to life, there's a place for you here to help enhance the experience of our volunteers and help Scouts thrive.

Explore the teams below, discover the role that fits your skills and interests, and take the first step towards joining the team.

UK People Leadership Team

Roles available: Team Members

The UK People Leadership Team provides strategic leadership and support to the whole of the UK People Team. They collaborate with the staff Volunteering Experience team, to provide guidance and mentorship to volunteers across the UK People Team. The team ensures clear communication, sets priorities, manages workloads, and maintains strong governance for decision-making and accountability. They engage with staff and volunteer stakeholders across the movement, promoting innovation and continuous improvement to benefit volunteers at all levels of Scouting.

Local Governance Team

Roles available: Team Leader, Team Members

The Local Governance Team supports local trustees and volunteers in the Scouts by providing governance support, such as inductions for chairs and national webinars with updates. They review and develop resources to help trustees comply with UK legislation and work closely with the Scout Support Centre to address governance inquiries from volunteers.

Safe Scouting Team

Roles available: Team Leader, Team Members

The Safe Scouting Team ensures safe and effective Scouting by guiding lead volunteers, providing necessary resources, and maintaining compliance with mandatory learning. They develop and oversee complaints, restrictions, and resolutions, and support local scouting assurance by implementing Scouts rules and procedures movement-wide. 

Volunteer Journey Team

Roles available: Team Leader, Team Members

The Volunteer Journey Team aims to ensure an excellent experience for Scouts volunteers. They partner with the Growth & Communities team to develop resources to attract and recruit volunteers, ensuring a welcoming joining process. This team also supports team-based volunteering structures, provides resources, and maintains a positive volunteer culture. They oversee volunteer review processes and manage recognition schemes to make volunteers feel valued.

Volunteer Learning Team

Roles available: Team Leader, Team Members

The Volunteer Learning Team supports the delivery of a high-quality learning experience for all Scouts volunteers. They support local Volunteering Development Teams by making learning engaging, relevant, and valued. The team enhances the Scouts' learning offer by creating new content, developing skills for learning leaders, and providing tools and resources for consistent quality across local scouting. 

UK Scouts Volunteer Support Team

Roles available: Team Leader, Team Members

The UK Scouts Volunteer Support Team develops and supports volunteers involved in UK teams and projects, including the appointment of County/Area/Regional Lead Volunteers. They partner with national teams for inclusive recruitment, provide a warm welcome, and offer ongoing learning opportunities to foster collaboration between volunteers and staff. The team also ensures effective recognition processes to value volunteers, and works closely with leaders to maintain a high-quality volunteer experience.

About the role

Your day-to-day tasks within the role will vary but the following key tasks will feature in some form:

• Ensure that each County in the Region has effective leadership by appointing and supporting County Lead Volunteers to lead their teams to deliver Scouting’s strategic objectives.
• Build and maintain a sense of regional team by holding regular team meetings with the County Lead Volunteers, Assistant Regional Lead Volunteers and Growth & Communities Team staff to collaborate and provide peer support.
• Together with the County Lead Volunteers, agree the regional priorities and produce a plan to deliver these to meet Scouting’s vision and strategic objectives.
• Ensure that problems within the region are resolved so that an effective volunteering culture is encouraged and County Lead Volunteers feel supported to deal with challenging issues, including complaints in a timely manner.
• Play an active part within Team England by attending 3 x meetings per year for Regional Lead Volunteers and twice yearly meetings for Regional and County Lead Volunteers to contribute to the development of Scouting within England.
• Represent the England Leadership Team and national Scouting within Counties and Districts by attending events.
• Support team members or other Scouts volunteers by contributing ideas or coaching them to find solutions to their challenges.

Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for patients and families affected by a chronic pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)?

We're looking for 2 qualified counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists volunteers ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients or lived experience of chronic illness, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our adult service users (aged 18 & over) and help us to continue developing a mental health support service. 

As a Volunteer Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote counselling/therapy support services to adults aged 18 and over many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling/therapy sessions online via Zoom or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our services users.  

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, our volunteer counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling) or integrative counselling, or specialist services such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT, CFT and EMDR for CRPS patients, or their families & close relatives.

People will be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having patients and carers themselves referring into to the service.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your counselling and therapy skills, organisation, communication and team working skills.

Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.

What the role involves

This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:

• Undertake a client assessments, followed by person-centred counselling (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 sessions for each client plus 4 psychometric assessments

• Providing one-to-one counselling sessions to clients aged 18 & over

• Update our database with the client’s information, sessional notes and session attendance

• Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these confidentially and securely in acccordahce with GDPR

• Attending and participating in peer supervision support

• Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current

• Participating in volunteer meetings
• Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle

• Attend monthly Supervision and peer support sessions to ensure safe working practices

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including a full induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us. We can offer you a supervisor as well as expenses for annual insurance and an external supervisor if required.

What you need for this role

Essential

• Be a member (including student membership) of one of the recognised membership organisations (see below)
• Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum (unfortunately no students at this time), Degree or Masters in Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Art Therapy, EMDR 
• Minimum of 100 hours supervised
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
• A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection

• Able to support a minimum of 3 clients a week, being three hours of your time for therapy sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a minimum commitment of six months.

Desirable

• Knowledge of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS counsellor or psychologist 
• Committed to our values
• Willing to develop skills and experience
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
• Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic

We also welcome training counsellors and counselling/clinical psychologists who are looking for placements.

Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Recognised Organisations You Must Be A Member of:

• British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
• EMDR Association UK
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• British Psychological Society
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period where referrals are on the rise and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for our clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our CRPS patients & their families who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.

What's in it for you as the volunteer? 

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is rapidly expanding, you would have a key role in developing our counselling and psychotherapy programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in our clients' life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.

Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a child & young person's (CYP) counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for young patients with a pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)? We’re supporting patients, relatives, partners and carers affected by a debilitating condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

We're looking for qualified paediatric/child & young person counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our young service users and help develop a psychological support service. 

As a Volunteer Child/Young Person's Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote online counselling/therapy support services to young people aged 5 to 18 who are vulnerable, many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling sessions online or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our young services users. We will also consider therapists who are in need of a placement.

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, volunteer child counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling), integrative, pluralistic including or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT and EMDR for young CRPS patients.

We are needing to expand this service to support our young clients as it has rapidly received a high number of referrals. People can be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having parents/guardians referring them to the service.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your paediatric counselling skills, organisation, communication and team working skills. If you have experience in younger children please do get in touch.

Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.

What the role involves

This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:

• Undertake a child client assessments, followed by person-centred counselling (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 one hour (or 45 mins age dependant) sessions for each client plus 4 assessments

• Providing one-to-one therapy sessions to young patients aged 5-18 (we will consider therapists who can only support primary or secondary school age)

• Update our database with the client’s basic information and session attendance

• Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these securely

• Attending and participating in meetings
• Project monitoring, creating, reporting and outcomes evaluation procedures

• Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current

• Participating in regular meetings with the Clinical Lead
• Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle

• Attend monthly Supervision to ensure safe working practices

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including an induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you need for this role

Essential

• Be a member of one of the recognised organisations (see below)
• Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum, Degree or Masters in Paediatric Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Play Therapy, Dance & Movement Psychotherapy or Art Therapy 
• Minimum of 100 hours supervised
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
• A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection

• Able to support a minimum of 2 child or young clients a week, being two hours of your time for counselling sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a commitment of six months.

Desirable

• Personal or professional Knowledge or experience of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS paediatric counsellor or psychologist 
• Committed to our values
• Willing to develop skills and experience
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
• Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic

We welcome trained paediatric counsellors, child therapists and counselling/clinical psychologists who are willing to give their time to support our valuable work.

Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Recognised Organisations

• British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period as the service is rapidly expanding and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for younger clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our young child CRPS patients who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.

What's in it for you as the volunteer? 

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is continually developing, you would have a key role in developing a young person counselling programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in a child's life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.

The Southover Partnership
The Southover Partnership (“Southover” or the “School”) is an independent special needs day school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder and other complex needs. It is situated on three sites in the London boroughs of Brent, Barnet and Enfield. All pupils have education, health and care plans (EHCP) and are placed by a wide range of local authorities. Typically, the pupils placed at the School have significantly disrupted educational histories. 
The work at Southover is underpinned by the principles of attachment theory. The School follows a small school model because we believe it delivers the best outcomes for our students. This means each school community gets to deeply know and understand its members and gives students the opportunity to be more directly involved in their own education. It allows the different school sites to serve as pupils’ primary attachment, and therefore build up a trusting relationship with others and eventually society. The aim is to deliver a truly personalised and holistic education experience for all our pupils.

Specific responsibilities

1.Provide oversight and support to the School Business Manager, together with the Chair and the Executive Headteacher.

2.Chair the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
3.Review and report on Southover’s financial performance to ensure the safeguarding of organisational assets and its short- and long-term viability.
4.Oversee the financial implications of strategic plans, annual budgets, risk management and financial management reports, explaining technical aspects in plain language.
5.Propose and implement an ongoing review of Southover’s financial and risk policies.
6.Ensure there is an effective external and internal audit function.
7.Act as sounding board and finance professional to the non-finance board members, while reminding each trustee of their own responsibilities in this area.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity/school, its strategic objectives and cause.

• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities.

• Demonstrate empathy, tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.

• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity/school.

• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events, functions, meetings etc as appropriate out of office hours. 

Experience 

Essential

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation

• Successful track record of achievement through their career

• Experience of working with or as part of a Board of Trustees

• Extensive experience of managing financial statements (P&L, balance sheet and cash flow) as FD or CFO of an organisation with revenue >£4m

• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events

• Experience of handling sensitive and confidential issues

Desirable

• Experience as a school governor

• Experience of charity governance

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, internal financial controls and systems, fraud prevention

• A professional accountancy qualification

• Knowledge and understanding of corporate and charity governance.

• Good understanding of the Charity Commission’s guidance in respect of Charity finances

• An approachable personality with the desire to meet with people from a range of different communities and disciplines. 

Desirable 

• Knowledge and understanding of the education sector.

• Understanding of the regulatory frameworks and governance of schools (and what it means to be both a school and a charity)

• Knowledge and experience of charity finance

• A good understanding of the key issues facing Southover and/or any SEN provider. 

Terms of Office 

The Chair will serve a three-year term, eligible for re appointment at the end of one term of office for one additional term only i.e. a maximum of 6 years.

Chair of Governors & Trustee – Education Specialist

We are looking for a skilled educationalist to become a Chair of Governors & Trustee to drive impactful change for leading charity.

Position: Chair of Governors & Trustee - Education Specialist
Location: North of England (with travel for Board meetings)
Expenses: Unremunerated, however reasonable expenses will be paid.

Are you passionate about transforming lives and making a lasting impact? This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in the governance of a leading charity that empowers individuals with sight loss and other disabilities to achieve greater independence and fulfilment.

About the Role:

This charity, with over 185 years of heritage, is seeking an experienced and dedicated individual to join its Board of Trustees and Chair their board of Governors. As Chair of Governors and Trustee, you will contribute your expertise to oversee the implementation of the strategic plan, provide valuable advice to the senior leadership team, and ensure the organisation continues to deliver on its life-changing mission.

This is a voluntary position that offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop your leadership skills, expand your professional network, and give back in a meaningful way.

What We Are Looking For:

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a strong background in education and an understanding of OFSTED standards. You will:

• Offer strategic guidance while assessing organisational risks.
• Commit time to attend Trustee Board meetings and contribute effectively to discussions.
• Demonstrate good, independent judgment and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse team.
• Embody the charity’s values: being informed, sharing, proactive, inspiring, compassionate, and empowering.
• Knowledge or experience of physical or learning disabilities is desirable but not essential.

Your Impact:

You will directly influence initiatives such as:

• Specialist education programmes empowering young adults with special needs to achieve their goals.
• Innovative arts and crafts centres fostering creativity and social inclusion.
• Sight loss support services that transform lives.

Our client is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals with visual impairments, disabilities, or relevant lived experiences.