Safeguarding Volunteer Roles

Become a Volunteer Trustee at Kyffin Place Community Centre – Make a Difference in Bradford!

Are you passionate about supporting your local community? Do you want to use your skills and experience to help shape the future of a vital community hub in Bradford? Kyffin Place Community Centre who run The Sutton Centre and Holme Centre is looking for new Volunteer Trustees to join our Board and play a key role in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

About Kyffin Place Community Centre

Kyffin Place Community Centre (known locally as the Sutton Centre) is a grassroots, community-led charity (no.1179336) based on the outskirts of Holme Wood in Bradford. Our charity's overarching objectives are to support the improvement of the health and wellbeing of our local community and to facilitate the creation of positive community relationships. Over the last 6 years, we have worked very hard to refurbish an unused building and create a welcoming, warm and inclusive community hub in the heart of our neighbourhood where people feel safe and are able to take part in a range of community activities as well as accessing support and advice.

We offer 25 activities each week in our community centre and over 20 activities a week in our two local outreach centres. Our activity timetable, incorporating sessions run both by our charity and by partner organisations provides activities appropriate for people aged 0 to 100. We are open 7 days a week and offer a wide range of services including support for families, older people and the long term unemployed. We work with a range of partners to deliver the activities and utilise local expertise to deliver the adult education sessions, youth work and advice services.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking individuals who are passionate about community work, have a commitment to making a difference, and want to help guide the direction of Kyffin Place Community Centre. You don’t need to have previous board experience – we welcome individuals from all backgrounds who bring diverse perspectives, skills, and enthusiasm to the table.

Key Responsibilities of a Trustee

- Attend regular board meetings (approx. 6 per year) and participate in decision-making processes.

- Provide strategic leadership and support to the Centre’s staff and volunteers.

- Help ensure that Kyffin Place Community Centre complies with its legal and financial obligations.

- Promote the Centre's vision and mission within the wider community.

- Support fundraising efforts and help identify new opportunities for growth and sustainability.

What We Offer 

- An opportunity to make a tangible difference in your local community.

- The chance to gain experience in governance and charity leadership.

- A collaborative and supportive environment where your contributions are valued.

- Training and development opportunities to help you thrive in your role.

Who We Need 

We are particularly interested in individuals who have skills or experience in one or more of the following areas: 

- Community development or outreach 

- Finance and budgeting 

- Fundraising or grant writing 

- Marketing and communications 

- Strategic planning or business development 

- Legal or governance knowledge 

However, if you have a passion for helping others and a willingness to contribute to the success of Kyffin Place Community Centre, we would love to hear from you!

We are looking for a compassionate volunteer to support our busy Tower Hamlets SASS (Solace Advocacy and Support Service) team.

Tower Hamlets SASS is a crisis intervention service, which provides advice and support to people aged 16+ in Tower Hamlets who are currently experiencing domestic abuse. Survivors who access our services can receive a range of support. This includes our DWP IDVA, who focus on short-medium term support for those experiencing economic abuse or those who have become unemployed due to domestic abuse. We also support survivors presenting as homeless at Tower Hamlets Housing Options, and those with mental health needs.

About the Role

We are looking for a reliable and organised volunteer to assist our duty team, supporting survivors in an advocacy and admin role. Responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the processing of referrals for duty with service users.  
• Taking initial call details with the Duty IDVA to understand service user needs.
• To be trained on DASH RIC Assessments.
• To be available for the Duty IDVA and help with queries.
• General Data entry tasks.

Who are we looking for?

We think you’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• An understanding of the issues faced by survivors and a desire to build on this.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good administrative and computer skills including proficient use of Zoom/Microsoft Teams, Microsoft packages and Outlook.
• An understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organisational skills and be able to prioritise your workload.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the role as requested by your supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the organisation.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Gain experience and understanding of Violence against Women and Girls.
• Enabling service users to access valuable support that assists in their journey towards safe, independent lives, free from abuse.
• Contribute and support a busy and diverse team.
• Play a pivotal role in delivering services.
• Hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.
• Work as part of a feminist organisation.
• Have the opportunity to shadow a number of roles.
• Start to develop and understanding of risk assessment and safety planning.

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Be trained to support young primary school children in numeracy, and help them to attain interest, confidence, and skills which will put them on a path to achieving their educational potential.

What will I be doing?

Numeracy, like literacy, is a vital life skill, but many children fall behind.

Following training, you will work one-to-one with 6 to 8 year olds (school years 2 and 3) in a local state primary school to help them improve their confidence, enjoyment, and skills in maths. The school will select appropriate children who are behind in maths and likely to respond well to individual support.

Sessions are weekly, in school time, at a fixed time to be agreed between you and the school. Volunteers work one-to-one with each child for up to half an hour, normally with three children consecutively, for a total of about an hour and a half.

At each session, using games and other creative activities, you will support the child in learning or improving skills and gaining confidence in their own ability. The role is very much about helping the child learn, rather than you teaching.

Our Mentors (current or former teachers also volunteering with us) will provide you with direct support to help you plan sessions.

Commitment

We ask volunteers to commit to a weekly session in school for the full school year. (Recognising that you will have to miss occasional weeks.)

What impact will this have?

You will be helping improve the educational and life chances of the children you work with. A child who is behind in maths aged 6 often develops a dislike for the subject and a belief that "I can't do maths" which can stay with them forever. Helping the child acquire skills and confidence can let them not just engage better with maths but can improve their whole attitude to education, giving them better chances in life.

Over 60% of the children we work with are "disadvantaged" in terms of being on pupil premium or having family difficulties You will be giving these children support that may be missing at home.

You will not change the life of every child, but the experience of having a purposeful one-to-one relationship with a considerate adult from outside their family will be transformative for some children.

By helping to improve the performance of individual children, you are saving the teacher from having to devote so much time in class to them. This lets the teacher involve the whole class in better-received lessons, improving the educational experience for all the children.

What will I get out of it?

Training
Support through the year
Being active in your local community and meeting new people
Working with young children is (usually) fun and rewarding
The great shared achievement when the child "gets it"

Some of our volunteers have gone on to a career in teaching.

We welcome - and we have - volunteers from a wide variety of ethnicities and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of London. We will do our best to accommodate those with disabilities or access needs.

Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.

All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

Befriending is at the very heart of Link Age Southwark's services. Lots of the older people we work with are feeling lonely and in need of a little extra social company. Our fantastic volunteer befrienders visit an older person once a week, sharing a cup of tea and a chat together.

Demand for our befriending service continues to grow and we are looking for new people to join our existing team of volunteers so that we can support as many older people as possible. 

This role requires:

• volunteering for approximately 1 hour a week to visit an older person
• a commitment to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months
• a cheerful and friendly personality
• good communication/listening skills
• attendance at a volunteer induction and other relevant training opportunities
• completion of a full Disclosure Barring Service and character reference check
• a commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health & safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality and diversity

Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.

We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.

Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

looking for a compassionate Sylheti-speaking volunteer to support our busy Tower Hamlets SASS (Solace Advocacy and Support Service) team.

Tower Hamlets SASS is a crisis intervention service, which provides advice and support to people aged 16+ in Tower Hamlets who are currently experiencing domestic abuse. Survivors who access our services can receive a range of support. This includes our DWP IDVA, who focus on short-medium term support for those experiencing economic abuse or those who have become unemployed due to domestic abuse. We also support survivors presenting as homeless at Tower Hamlets Housing Options, and those with mental health needs.

About the Role

We are looking for a reliable and organised volunteer to assist our duty team, supporting survivors in an advocacy and admin role. Responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the processing of referrals for duty with service users.  
• Taking initial call details with the Duty IDVA to understand service user needs.
• Volunteers will also to fill out self-referral forms for Sylheti-speaking clients. 
• To be available for the Duty IDVA and help with queries in Sylheti. 
• General Data entry tasks.

Who are we looking for?

We think you'll thrive in this role if you have:

• An understanding of the issues faced by survivors and a desire to build on this.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good administrative and computer skills including proficient use of Zoom/Microsoft Teams, Microsoft packages and Outlook.
• An understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Sylheti.
• Strong organisational skills and be able to prioritise your workload.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the role as requested by your supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the organisation.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Gain experience and understanding of Violence against Women and Girls.
• Enabling service users to access valuable support that assists in their journey towards safe, independent lives, free from abuse.
• Contribute and support a busy and diverse team.
• Play a pivotal role in delivering services.
• Hands on experience in a dynamic charity working in the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector.
• Work as part of a feminist organisation.
• Have the opportunity to shadow a number of roles.
• Start to develop and understanding of risk assessment and safety planning.

We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Ambassadors deliver inspiring talks at schools, youth groups, fundraising events and community groups about the vital work of Candlelighters, inspiring them to support families affected by childhood cancer. You will be the face of Candlelighters in your local community, helping raise awareness of our work. 

Location: We welcome applications from volunteers across Yorkshire.

Time commitment: Approximately one event a month.

Events are usually during the evening and weekends, but may take place during weekdays, depending on your availability and preferences. We aim to accommodate your schedule to the best of our ability.

Key Activities 

• Representing Candlelighters at events and functions
• Delivering talks and presentations about our work
• Attending cheque presentations (including taking part in photographs)
• Receiving donations on behalf of Candlelighters
• Running information and fundraising stalls
• Promoting ways people can get involved, either as supporters or volunteers
• Researching potential awareness raising or fundraising opportunities in your local area

We are looking for volunteers who: 

• Are confident and comfortable in presenting to a wide range of audiences, including school assemblies, and community galas
• Are flexible and willing to get involved as and when opportunities arise in your local area (let us know if you have any flexibility or limitations regarding travel)
• Are passionate and enthusiastic about our work
• Can talk and answer questions about Candlelighters with confidence and sensitivity
• Are organised, reliable and trustworthy
• Are polite, friendly, approachable and personable
• Can maintain professionalism while effectively representing our values
• Will adhere to Candlelighters’ policies and procedures

This role is subject to a criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please note that a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from this role. We assess each application on a case-by-case basis.

Support and Benefits 

It’s vital that our volunteers feel rewarded for their amazing efforts so we want to match your goals, aspirations, availability and everything else with the right opportunity for you. Here are a few examples of what you will receive as a volunteer:

• Thorough induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability 
• Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters 
• Ongoing support from the Fundraising and HR teams 
• Certain expenses to be reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy 
• Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role 
• Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer 
• We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months 
• Access to the mental health hotline 
• Charity Worker Discount card 
• Access to The Company Shop 

We are recognised by Great Place To Work® on multiple Best Workplaces Lists and 97% of our employees say Candlelighters is a great place to work!

Interview

Candlelighters will conduct an in-person informal interview with shortlisted candidates on a date to be arranged.

We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all candidates. If you have any specific requirements or need any adjustments to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know in advance. We are happy to explore how we can best accommodate your needs to ensure a fair and comfortable experience for everyone.

We offer a variety of support groups and events for families affected by childhood cancer. We’re looking for friendly and attentive volunteers to help the Family Support Team to set up and manage each event to ensure it runs smoothly and successfully for families.

Location: Across Yorkshire (most groups are at The Square, 8 Woodhouse Square, Leeds, LS3 1AD) 

Time commitment: We ask volunteers to commit to at least five events throughout the year.

Key Activities 

• Helping to set up prior to the event (arranging furniture, putting up decorations etc …) 
• Putting out food and refreshments 
• Meeting and greeting
• Keeping a record of attendance 
• Making hot and cold drinks
• Cleaning and tidying up
• Serving lunches and refreshments 
• Taking photos 
• Organising or assisting with games and activities 
• Engaging with family members and helping them to feel involved 
• Supervising children 
• Cleaning and tidying up at the end of the event 
• Assisting the team with any other tasks and activities 

We are looking for volunteers who: 

• Have experience of working with children or families in a professional context 
• Have knowledge of safeguarding procedures and safer working practices
• Are confident, friendly and approachable 
• Can work well within a team and remain calm under pressure 
• Can move furniture (tables and chairs) and boxes

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check. 

Support and Benefits 

It’s vital that our volunteers feel rewarded for their amazing efforts so we want to match your goals, aspirations, availability and everything else with the right opportunity for you. Here are a few examples of what you will receive as a volunteer:

• Thorough induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability 
• Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters 
• Ongoing support from the Family Support and HR teams 
• Certain expenses to be reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy 
• Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role 
• Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer 
• We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months 
• Access to the mental health hotline 
• Charity Worker Discount card 
• Access to The Company Shop 

We are recognised by Great Place To Work® on multiple Best Workplaces Lists and 97% of our employees say Candlelighters is a great place to work!

Would you like to have fun in your local area and get reimbursed for your time? We are always looking for caring and compassionate people to take out a local child or young person for fun activities.

Right now we are looking for applicants in the South Wales area for a fabulous young person who enjoys marvel, climbing, cinema, food and chats. They would prefer a male, but we have other young people who would fit well with a female volunteer.

Activities can include things like: playing football in the park, trampolining, cinema, food, swimming, climbing, play centres, beach, cycling, board game cafes, escape rooms, circus, shows, concerts, go karting etc.

We reimburse reasonable expenses, including travel, for you and your young person up to around £40 a month.

Preferred experience:
- Driving and use of a car due to sometimes rural locations. (We are unlikely to be able to find you a suitable match if you do not drive.)
- Ability to communicate in English.
- Basic IT skills for completing reports and submitting receipts via an easy to use App.

Benefits:
- Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
- Gain valuable experience in supporting children and families.
- Access to online training portal with hundreds of courses. - Access to local authority training.
- All travel and reasonable documented expenses reimbursed.

If you are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact, we would love to hear from you.

We’re seeking Public Speakers to join our team and represent Candlelighters at events across Yorkshire. By expanding our presence throughout the region, you’ll help raise awareness and inspire others to support our cause.

Whether you’re an experienced public speaker or looking to develop your skills, if you’re passionate about raising awareness for an important cause or have a personal story about the support you’ve received from Candlelighters that you’re comfortable sharing, we’d love for you to join our team!

Location: This is a community based role so you can decide how far you are willing to travel. We welcome applications from volunteers across Yorkshire.

Time commitment: Approximately one event a month.

When delivering talks to schools, these are delivered in school hours, which will generally be between 9:00am and 3:00pm, therefore talks can be delivered during these times.

Key Activities 

• Representing Candlelighters at events and functions
• Delivering compelling and well-prepared presentations to various audiences about our work
• Interacting with audience members before, during, and after presentations, answering questions and encouraging participation
• Acting as a positive ambassador for Candlelighters, embodying our values in all interactions
• Promoting ways people can get involved, either as supporters or volunteers
• Researching opportunities in your local area, such as approaching schools and youth groups to arrange talks

We are looking for volunteers who: 

• Are confident and comfortable in presenting to a wide range of audiences
• Are willing to get involved when opportunities arise in your local area
  • A willingness/ability to travel to events outside your area is desirable, but not essential
• Are passionate and enthusiastic about our work
• Can talk and answer questions about Candlelighters with confidence and sensitivity
• Are organised, reliable and trustworthy
• Are polite, friendly, approachable and personable
• Can maintain professionalism while representing our values
• Will adhere to Candlelighters’ policies and procedures
• Prior experience in public speaking or presenting is desirable

This role is subject to a criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please note that a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from this role. We assess each application on a case-by-case basis.

Support and Benefits 

It’s vital that our volunteers feel rewarded for their amazing efforts so we want to match your goals, aspirations, availability and everything else with the right opportunity for you. Here are a few examples of what you will receive as a volunteer:

• Thorough induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability 
• Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters 
• Ongoing support from the Fundraising and HR teams 
• Certain expenses to be reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy 
• Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role 
• Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer 
• We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months 
• Access to the mental health hotline 
• Charity Worker Discount card 
• Access to The Company Shop 

We are recognised by Great Place To Work® on multiple Best Workplaces Lists and 97% of our employees say Candlelighters is a great place to work!

Interview

Candlelighters will conduct an in-person (where possible) informal interview with shortlisted candidates on a date to be arranged.

We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all candidates. If you have any specific requirements or need any adjustments to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know in advance. We are happy to explore how we can best accommodate your needs to ensure a fair and comfortable experience for everyone.

We are at an exciting time in our development and are seeking to recruit a Chair of the Board of Trustees who will be an ambassador for Arts Network, and who can help to maximise the potential of our charitable aims and to lead the organisation in this next stage of its development – including our growth across Southwark.

As Chair, your commitment to Arts Network (AN) will include chairing Board of Trustee meetings (usually four a year), an annual Trustee strategy session and the Annual General Meeting. AN actively encourage all of our Trustees to visit our programmes and to meet members (our beneficiaries), volunteers and staff in order to build their understanding of their work and to increase their visibility within the organisation. In addition to your responsibilities as a Trustee, the Chair has a leadership role in ensuring that the Board of Trustees fulfils its responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.

Principal responsibilities of the Chair

Strategic leadership

• Provide leadership to the charity through its Board of Trustees, ensuring that the charity has maximum impact for its members and other beneficiaries.
• Ensure the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction, and is focused on achieving this.
• Ensure regular contact with the CEO of AN and maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, providing support as and when necessary. Governance
• Ensure that AN complies with charity law and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator – in particular to ensure that the charity prepares appropriate reports on what it has achieved and Annual Returns and Accounts as required by law.
• Ensure that Arts Network remains true to its charitable purpose and objectives.
• Act with integrity and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of charity funds or assets.
• Ensure that AN has a governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size/complexity, stage of development and its charitable objects, and keep this under review.
• Ensure that any major risks to which AN is exposed have been reviewed and that systems have been established to mitigate these risks.
• Ensure the Board of Trustees is periodically refreshed through clear procedures of election and inclusive and diverse recruitment, to incorporate the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience, with adequate training and induction.
• Establish any appropriate sub-committee structures if needed.
• Sit on appointment and disciplinary panels if needed.
• Represent the charity at external functions, meetings and events.

This role description is intended a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake. It summarises the main aspects of the role but does not cover all the duties that you may have to perform. It may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity and its strategic aims and objectives. Foster and promote a collaborative team environment.
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship-building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role.
• Demonstrate empathy, compassion and sensitivity in regard to working with diverse community groups and people with mental health support needs.
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity.
• Demonstrate a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to duties as Chair and a Trustee. Experience
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level in an organisation.
• A proven track record of effective governance, including significant experience of chairing meetings and events.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the Third sector and the issues affecting it.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate Trustees, the management team, staff and volunteers and bring people together.
• Good understanding of charity governance and finance.
• Strategic awareness of marketing, communications and public relations.

This list is by no means exclusive and does not necessarily pre-determine the profile of successful candidates. Those who can bring other skill-sets and new perspectives are also welcome to apply.

Arts Network recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and they can contribute to our future.

Arts Network particularly welcome applications from people who identify as disabled, of the Global Majority and/or people from a lower socio-economic background, as these people are currently under-represented throughout the arts and mental health sector and reflect our community.

Trustee - Safeguarding Lead 

The role would include, but is not restricted to the following:

• To liaise directly with our volunteers, team leaders and the board of trustees
• To manage and promote safeguarding policies 
• Induct new volunteers and provide refresher learning with regards to safeguarding via bi-monthly awareness sessions

Requirements are, but not limited to:

• Prior safeguarding experience
• Attend regular trustee meetings - usually 2 hours, bi-monthly or quarterly
• DBS check

Strategic

• Review our strategic plans and make sure they reflect safeguarding legislation, regulations specific to your activities, statutory guidance, and the safeguarding expectations of the Charities Commission.
• Work with the board and staff and designated safeguarding lead regularly to review whether the things the organisation has put in place are creating a safer culture and keeping people safe.
• Check our risk register reflects safeguarding risks properly and plans sensible measures to take, including relevant insurance for trustees liability.

Effective policy and practice

• Make sure there is an annual review of safeguarding policies and procedures and that this is reported to trustees.
• Understand the monitoring undertaken does to see whether policies and procedures are effective.
• Call for audits of qualitative and quantitative data (either internal or external) when they’re needed.
• Learn from case reviews locally and nationally, to improve our policies, procedures and practices.
• Oversee safeguarding allegations against staff or volunteers, together with the board and staff and designated safeguarding lead as needed.
• Be a point of contact for staff or volunteers if someone wishes to complain about a lack of action in relation to safeguarding concerns.

Creating the right culture

• Champion safeguarding throughout the organisation.
• Attend relevant safeguarding training events and conferences.
• Support the trustees in developing their individual and collective understanding of safeguarding.
• Attend meetings, activities, projects to engage with staff, volunteers and beneficiaries to understand safeguarding on the ground.
• Work with the board, staff, designated safeguarding lead and communications team in order to manage all serious safeguarding cases.
• Support regular safeguarding updates for staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.
• Make sure you have ways of gathering the views of staff and volunteers in relation to safeguarding and sharing these with the board.

Role description for Safeguarding Champion (Voluntary role)
“It’s been a life-changing experience. Last week I read a book to my grandson. I never read to my children because I couldn’t.” Peter, from Read Easy Poole

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes here on our website.

Outline of the Safeguarding Champion role
As the Safeguarding Champion you will ensure that your group implements, understands and works within the Read Easy UK Safeguarding Policy and organising DBS checks when necessary.
How we will support you
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, training/induction, policies and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional forums and annual conference which give volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.
What you will be doing
● Reporting and actioning any safeguarding issues raised within the Team.
● Becoming familiar with Read Easy Safeguarding and DBS policies and appendices.
● Liaising with the local Adult Safeguarding Helpdesk, to seek advice or refer a case to them for further action in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.
● Providing an induction for new Management Team Members so they are aware of the safeguarding requirements of the group, using the resources provided.
● Providing a short Safeguarding Refresher Session at a coach meeting annually.
● Carrying out Enhanced DBS checks on behalf of the group when appropriate.
● Ensuring that the group is acting in a way that recognises its safeguarding responsibilities in all its activities.
● Being the single point of contact for anyone within the group who wants to report any form of abuse or suspected abuse, or who has concerns and needs advice.
● Attending management team meetings, typically every six to eight weeks.

The skills you will need
● Ideally experience and understanding of adult safeguarding.
● Ability to work with discretion and confidentiality when required.
● A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role.
What is in it for you?
● Develop your knowledge and skills in relation to the safeguarding of adults
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community
Interested
If you think you can offer the time, skills and experience that we are looking for and would be interested in taking up this role, please contact the person who sent you this role description.
Please note: All Read Easy volunteer roles are subject to Safer Recruitment procedures which include verification of identity and two references, and eligibility for Management Team roles in line with Charity Commission regulations for trustees.
Please see the ‘Introduction to Read Easy for potential Management Team volunteers’ to find out more about the structure and responsibilities of the Management Team.
 

Dimensions is proud to be one of very few social care organisations that are accredited by the Great Places To Work programme in 2024 – now 6 years in a row!

The Dimensions Group exists to change the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people – we do this well but are constantly looking for ways to innovate and develop our organisation, including in our corporate governance arrangements.

Associate Committee Members strengthen our Committees, which are an important element of our governance structure, bringing a new and different perspective to our meetings and contributing to our aim of continuous improvement.

The people we appoint to these positions will be dedicated and passionate about the rights of people with disabilities and be motivated to understand what we do and how we work.

In return they will get excellent experience of how a large and complex organisation is governed, what being a Non-Executive is all about and they will have the opportunity to help us to create Better Lives for More People.

We are looking for people who are independent from Dimensions and who could be Associate Committee Membersfor;

• Our Human Resources Committee. This Committee provides strategic oversight and scrutiny of HR, including workforce development, remuneration and organisational performance.
• Our Quality & Practice Committee. This Committee provides scrutiny and challenge in respect to all aspects of quality and safety for the people we support and tenants.

More information

If this opportunity is for you, the details are in the attachment which provides more information about the role, what we're looking for and the commitment you would need to make.

Equally if you think this could work for other people in your networks, please feel free to share.

If you have any questions, please call Jo Greenbank, Head of Corporate Governance, on 030 030 390 65.

Application Process

To apply, please complete the application form via the 'apply now' button.

This application includes some key questions which will help us assess your suitability for the role. Please do not provide a CV as part of this process. We’re looking for passionate and committed individuals who can demonstrate why this opportunity will help them develop and bring their own perspective and experience to the table – CVs won’t give us what we need in that regard.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on 10th February.

Longlisted applicants will be invited for a virtual conversation on 19th or 21st February.

Virtual Interviews will take place on 18th March.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Promoting equality, celebrating diversity and ensuring inclusion is fundamental to us in Dimensions.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all, and applications are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

As we are committed to being representative of the communities, we serve we would particularly welcome applications from young people, people with a disability, people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people from the LGBTQ+ community.

As part of our commitment to making reasonable adjustments we can offer support to complete your application – please contact us. 

Give Back to Children in Your Community with The Kids Network

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or find a meaningful way to use your time? The Kids Network offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children while practicing your skills and connecting with others.

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website