Volunteer Roles in South East

A bit about this role

Across the UK, many cats are cared for by volunteer fosterers who provide a stable, safe and loving environment in their homes or in purpose-built pens in their gardens. They provide vital hands-on care and accommodation to stray or abandoned cats or cats whose owners could sadly no longer keep them, and are part of a dedicated team of volunteers committed to finding new homes for cats in need. Our fosterers carry out this role with support from their local branch or centre.

Most of our fosterers care for one or two cats at a time and enjoy providing lots of TLC to those cats, who have been pre-loved or have had a difficult start in life. Some of our fosterers look after new mums and kittens and provide round-the-clock care to newborns to give them the best start in life.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Meeting the needs of the cats and kittens in your care
• Cleaning and looking after the cats’ environment and equipment
• Feeding, grooming and administering medication
• Spending time enriching the cats’ experience in care including; play, exercise and stroking
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare

A bit more information about this role and the team

Indoor and outdoor fosterers needed

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need by caring for them before they find new, loving homes. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A dedicated suitable spare room in your house or space in your garden for a purpose-built pen – you can read more about this here
• Basic knowledge of cats, cat care and understanding their needs
• An appreciation of cat welfare and hygiene standards
• Good interpersonal skills
• Patience, commitment and empathy
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend one and a half hours per day on average (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care. In order to help you feel confident in your fosterer role we ask that prior to looking after your first foster cat you complete some online cat welfare learning modules.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Catalyst Support works to promote the mental health and well-being of people in Surrey, improving lives in terms of stability and well-being, with the aim of reducing harm to themselves, their families and the community. This is achieved through a wide range of projects, many carried out in partnership with other agencies, across the county.

This is an important time for Catalyst Support, having grown significantly in the last five years, with a turnover that now sits at around £5m. Our work is more vital than ever in a world where consideration of our mental health and well-being is so important.

Catalyst Support is now seeking a new Chair and Trustee (Finance) as both post holders are retiring at the end of the year. We are seeking individuals who are genuinely committed to the mission and values of the charity.

For the Chair we are seeking a strategic thinker with:

• Proven experience in a leadership or governance role, demonstrating the ability to lead and inspire a diverse group of trustees and stakeholders.
• Experience of chairing and facilitating meetings of a strategic and/or business nature, and monitoring that decisions taken and agreed by others are implemented.

Catalyst Support is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all members of the community. 

If you are interested in supporting mental and physical wellness across Surrey, please see further information via the dedicated microsite which can be found on the Prospectus website by clicking 'Apply via website'.

Expenses
These roles are unremunerated but reasonable expenses incurred in the execution of trustee duties will be reimbursed.

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: 10 November
Interviews with Prospectus:  w/c 18 November
Interviews with Catalyst Support:           w/c 2 December
 

Catalyst Support works to promote the mental health and well-being of people in Surrey, improving lives in terms of stability and well-being, with the aim of reducing harm to themselves, their families and the community. This is achieved through a wide range of projects, many carried out in partnership with other agencies, across the county.

This is an important time for Catalyst Support, having grown significantly in the last five years, with a turnover that now sits at around £5m. Our work is more vital than ever in a world where consideration of our mental health and well-being is so important.

Catalyst Support is now seeking a Trustee (Finance) and new Chair as both post holders are retiring at the end of the year. We are seeking individuals who are genuinely committed to the mission and values of the charity.

For the Trustee (Finance) we are seeking a financial leader with:

• Proven financial acumen and experience in the for-profit or non-profit sectors, preferably with an understanding of board and committee procedures.
• An accounting / financial qualification.

Catalyst Support is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all members of the community. 

If you are interested in supporting mental and physical wellness across Surrey, please see further information via the dedicated microsite which can be found on the Prospectus website by clicking 'Apply via website'.

Expenses
These roles are unremunerated but reasonable expenses incurred in the execution of trustee duties will be reimbursed.

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: 10th November
Interviews with Prospectus:  w/c 18th November
Interviews with Catalyst Support:           w/c 2nd December
 

Hello and thanks for looking at our advert! If you are eager to use your talents to contribute to a more equitable society and keen to be part of a dynamic, evolving, values led charity, we would love to hear from you!

Access Social Care is a legal rights charity that exists to make sure disabled people, older people and carers get the social care they need. We educate so people can confidently use legal language to improve their lives. We make sure people can access justice when things do go wrong with legal casework and an online tech product. We gather data and evidence to drive system level change to work towards a future where everyone gets the social care they need.

We are currently seeking three trustees who can align with our organisational culture and values; who are passionate about social care and access to justice; and who can bring fresh perspectives, skills and expertise to help us achieve our goals and maximise our impact.

We are especially interested in people who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. With this in mind, we particularly welcome applications from candidates with direct experience of drawing on social care, as well as candidates from the Global Majority, older and disabled people, and people from the LGBTQ+ communities.

We are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals with experience or knowledge in the following areas:

· Lived experience of drawing on social care or experience of the communities we serve, especially individuals who have experience as ambassadors or campaigners on behalf of these communities

· Sales, Business Development, and Marketing

· Financial Strategy, Investment, and Growth

· Communications and Campaigning

If this sounds like you, then please take a look at our Trustee Recruitment Pack!

To arrange an informal chat about the role please contact us

To apply, please send a copy of your CV with a covering letter addressing the requirements set out in the Trustee Recruitment Pack. 

Closing date is midnight on Wednesday 16th October 2024 and the selection process will be held during the weeks commencing 4th November and 11th November. Please refer to the trustee recruitment pack for specific dates.

Please note, successful applicants will need to be available to travel to the January board meeting on the 28th January fir an overnight stay in order to attend meetings until 5:30pm on the 29th January.

Stronger You Aims to make sure that every person has access to some kind of mental health support when they need, especially in this time when waiting lists are at the highest.

We provide workshops in Southampton as well as online blogs, videos and support that give tangible advice and support that anyone can use at any time,.

As operations manager you will be supporting Stronger You's founder to run the day-to-day operations, help fund raise for the charity And support on communications such as Creating newsletters and looking after the social media.

Although we are based in Southampton This role will be done online As the majority of the work will be to support the founder plan, fundraising and help communicate. We would require a couple of hours a day, which is completely flexible and negotiable.

To apply please click the quick apply button and submit A CV, a covering letter for why you'd be good for this role and answer a few short screening questions. We will then issue interviews as applications come in, due to the the urgency of needing this role.

Responsibilities of the role will be to:

Work with the founder to develop and create fundraising strategies and applications for new and interesting projects.

Work with the founder to develop both the online and off-line projects as well as help secure volunteers and staff of those projects.

Work with fan to develop and create communication strategies, including creation of a newsletter and regular posting to social media networks.

Support the founder in general admin, such as answering emails, creating appointments and more.

Work with the founder to make sure that all the requirements are complete such as report writing, questionnaire making In receipt collecting is done to a timely manner.

Citizens Advice Esher & District is a well-established local advice charity that is seeking a HR professional to joins its trustee board and help deliver effective people management policies and plans.  If you’re excited to help us have the right team in place to meet the advice needs of our local community in Surrey, we would love to hear from you.

Our Trustee Board is responsible for providing us with strategic thinking.  As our Human Resources expert on the Board, you will work alongside the Chair, Personnel Sub-committee and Chief Executive to:

• Provide strategic and occasional operational advice on issues such as recruitment, employment contracts and remuneration
• Take a lead in reviewing the charity’s people management policies and procedures
• Advise on workforce planning and engagement to deliver our short and long term objectives
• Chair our Personnel sub-committee, setting the agenda for each six-monthly meeting and helping to prepare agenda papers

As a member of the Trustee Board, you will be responsible for:

● Maintaining an awareness of how our charity is operating

● Reading papers for Board meetings and attending six meetings per year

● Working on specific projects with other trustees or staff to further the strategic objectives of the charity

● Taking an active discussion during Board meetings and working with other trustees to:

- set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of the charity

- ensure that all the finances and supporting financial control systems of the charity are in order

- monitor the financial position of the charity ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives

- monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community

- ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers

- review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement

Person Specification

We need someone who either lives, works or studies in Elmbridge who has:

• HR experience with current knowledge of UK employment law, policy and practice, including compensation and benefits
• A commitment to the Citizens Advice organisation
• An understanding of the differences between managing the rights of employees and managing the rights of volunteers
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse Board of Trustees and welcome applications from all sections of the community.  Experience of Citizens Advice work is not required.

Time commitment

Our Trustees are expected to attend six board meetings each year.  These normally take place on a Monday evening, alternating between 5-7pm and 7pm-9pm, at our office in Esher. There is an option to join most meetings online, although we encourage meeting in person.  Reading preparation for each Board meeting will take around one-two hours.  All Citizens Advice Trustees are required to complete a small number of e-learning courses each year.

You will also be asked to Chair and prepare papers for our Personnel sub-committee which meets six-monthly, and to offer ad-hoc support relevant to your expertise.

What difference will you make?

People with good local knowledge and strategic vision can really help us to develop a service that meets the changing advice needs of our community.

More specifically, your input will help us to recruit and retain staff and volunteers and achieve a sustainable future.  Without this, we risk having to cut our service to local residents and workers - and the most vulnerable members of society will have nowhere else to turn.

What's in it for you?

Citizens Advice is a well-respected and influential organisation.  This is an opportunity to help develop this much-needed charity at a local level, making a real difference to people's lives.

As well as intellectual stimulation, the role will provide you with practical management experience of the voluntary sector to help develop your career.

Initial induction and training takes place in-house, online and through peer support but there some opportunity to attend national Citizens Advice conferences.  Travel expenses to any events are paid.

We are a friendly Board, keen to welcome new members.

Do you have a passion for IT or learning new technology? Know your uploads from your downloads or consider yourself a ‘techie’?  Then we are looking for you! But whatever your background, the most important skill you have will be enthusiasm – about being online, technology, willingness to learn and communicate that knowledge to the people Age UK Devon support.

A Digital champion volunteer,  helps older people learn IT skills in a safe and supportive way.

You will help provide support and guidance, to build their digital skills and confidence, enabling them to live a more digitally inclusive and independent life.

The role involves providing personalised support to an older person through one-to-one sessions in their home, or through group coaching in a community setting.

And in return you will gain new skills, be part of your local community, make new friends, and be proud to support Age UK Devon enable older people to get the most out of life!

Age UK Devon will repay any agreed travel expenses

More information about this volunteering role on our website. For an informal chat about this role please call us 

We’re looking for an IT professional to join our Board and provide thought-leadership on our digital and IT strategy, including guiding us through Cyber Essentials accreditation. If you can help us use technology to improve our local advice service, we would love to hear from you.

As our digital and IT expert, you will work alongside the Chair, Chief Executive and the external IT support company we use to:

• Ensure our IT operating systems and equipment are fit for purpose
• Guide the charity through the work needed to obtain Cyber Essentials accreditation
• Advise how we can use technology to improve our service to clients
• Translate the risks and opportunities of IT for other trustees
• Take the lead in evaluating IT related proposals for the Board.

We need someone who either lives, works or studies in Elmbridge (or the surrounding area) and who has:

• Demonstrable experience of delivering IT and business change management
• Experience of IT strategy planning and execution
• A good understanding of cyber security including obtaining Cyber Security Accreditation
• A good understanding of Microsoft 365 multi-factor authentication
• Experience of business continuity and disaster recover planning
• A good understanding of risk management
• A commitment to the Citizens Advice organisation
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse board of trustees and welcome applications from all sections of the community.  Experience of Citizens Advice work is not required.

Time commitment

Our trustees are expected to attend six board meetings each year.  These normally take place on a Monday evening, at our office in Esher. Reading preparation for each board meeting will take around one-two hours.  All Citizens Advice trustees are required to complete a small number of e-learning courses each year.

In addition, as the IT lead, you will need to have time to participate in various IT discussions with our management team and with the IT support company we use.  This work may average around 1-2 hours a week.

What difference will you make?

People with good local knowledge and strategic vision can really help us to develop a service that meets the changing advice needs of our community.

More specifically, your input will help us to reach more people and provide more timely advice.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Citizens Advice is a well-respected and influential organisation.  This is an opportunity to help develop this much-needed charity at a local level, really making a difference to people's lives.

As well as intellectual stimulation, the role will provide you with practical management experience of the voluntary sector to help develop your career.

Initial induction and training takes place in-house and through peer support but there is the opportunity to attend national Citizens Advice conferences and seminars.  Travel expenses to these events are paid.

We are a business-like but friendly board, keen to welcome new members.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering and supporting the serving community? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.

What is a Serving Community Team Volunteering Coordinator?

There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas, SSAFA have Serving Community Teams which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team is formed of a group of trained volunteers who make this possible.

A Volunteering Coordinator is a key role within the Team, supporting with local recruitment, induction, and celebration of volunteers and volunteering. They ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported. This role also has voting rights for the grant giving process.

What difference will you make?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and the number of people contacting us for help rises each year. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, SSAFA must maintain a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Serving Community Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator:

• Keeping track and keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of volunteer details, ensuring volunteers complete training, checking in with volunteers about their experience and passing on feedback.
• Monitoring and planning: Working alongside the Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required.
• Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups. Liaising with the Engagement and Events Coordinator and SSAFA’s Marketing and Communications team for support with branding and publicity materials.
• Welcoming and supporting: Working in partnership with SSAFA Central Office teams to coordinate local volunteer recruitment and induction, supporting new volunteers through these steps. Ensuring every volunteer has access to supervision and support, signposting to support from SSAFA Central Office teams as required.
• Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking opportunities to celebrate volunteering, engaging in local initiatives and finding ways to say thank you to volunteers for all their efforts.
• Partnership working: building positive relationships and working together with national and regional employees, who are available to offer you support.
• Being a volunteering champion: working with the Regional Operations Support Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the Team and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.

What about training and support?

• Instructor led training alongside like-minded volunteers will guide you through everything you need to know about volunteering good practice and volunteer management.
• Online, e-learning, training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
• Local induction and support.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Support from SSAFA volunteering and operations staff.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Some experience of coordinating people is desirable but not essential.
• Empathy regarding the needs and challenges of the serving community
• Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
• A belief in the impact of volunteering.

Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.

Minimum Age: 18

Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).

Is a criminal record check required? No

We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing two suitable references, and completing relevant training for your role.

Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?

If so, we would love to hear from you!

What is a Community Connection Champion?

The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.

Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.

What difference will you make?

Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.

Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:

• Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
• Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
• Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
• Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.

What about training and support?

• Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
• Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
• Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Give back to the serving community
• Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
• Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
• Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
• Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
• Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.

As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.

A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment. 

Are you full of ideas about how the serving community can raise vital funds, and how to highlight SSAFA’s impact? Do you enjoy inspiring and motivating people into action? If so, we’d love to hear from you! You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just a desire to support the serving community.

What is a Serving Community Team Fundraising Coordinator?

There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas SSAFA have Serving Community Teams that offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team is formed of a group of dedicated volunteers who make this possible.

Fundraising Coordinators are essential members of the Serving Community Team. They lead the development and delivery of a local fundraising plan. With the help of Fundraising Volunteers, this could include coordinating events, appeals, local grants or collections.

What difference will you make?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and the number of people contacting us for help rises each year.

In order to keep providing support to those who need it most, we need Fundraising Coordinators who can shout about the impact of SSAFA, and inspire people to donate, support our mission and join our community.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Serving Community Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Fundraising Coordinator:

• Planning and strategy: Leading the development of a local fundraising plan with support from the wider team, including the Engagement and Events Coordinator.
• Growing a team: Together with the Serving Community Team Volunteering Co-ordinator and SSAFA’s Regional Fundraising Manager, recruiting and supporting a group of fundraising volunteers to help deliver your fundraising ideas.
• Marketing: With help from SSAFA’s Marketing and Communications team creating eye-catching fundraising materials to support the annual fundraising plan.
• Reporting: Tracking and reporting on the success of fundraising activities and providing an annual report to SSAFA Central Office.

What about training and support?

• Online, e-learning, training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
• Local induction and support
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Ongoing support from SSAFA’s volunteering and operations based regionally and at our central office.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Empathy regarding the needs and challenges related to serving community.
• Good IT skills e.g. ability to use Outlook and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Be an effective listener, respectful and have a non-judgemental approach.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.

Minimum Age: 18

Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).

Is a criminal record check required? No

We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing two suitable references, and completing relevant training for your role. 

Are you someone who likes to raise awareness about a worthy cause? Can you always get people onboard with your good ideas and enthusiasm? If so, we’d love to hear from you! You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just a desire to support the serving community.

What is a Serving Community Team Engagement and Events Coordinator?

There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas SSAFA have Serving Community Teams that offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team is formed of a group of dedicated volunteers who make this possible.

Engagement and Events Coordinators are essential members of the Serving Community Team. They lead the development and delivery of an effective local publicity plan to raise awareness of SSAFA to potential beneficiaries, volunteers and funders in the serving community.

This role also has voting rights for the grant giving process.

What difference will you make?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups and the number of people contacting us for help rises each year.

In order to keep providing help to those who need it most, we need Engagement and Events Coordinators who can raise awareness of SSAFA, and encourage people to seek or offer support.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Serving Community Team has different needs, below are the main activities of an Engagement and Events Coordinator:

• Planning and events: With the Serving Community Team, develop a publicity and events plan to raise SSAFA’s profile in the community.
• Engaging: Engage with the local community to publicise the Team’s work, events and fundraising initiatives where SSAFA is represented.
• Marketing: Identify and develop case studies and good news stories with support from Marketing and PR colleagues at SSAFA Central Office and liaise with them about any PR or press opportunities.
• Networking: Be the point of contact locally for engagement and events and develop and maintain networks with local stakeholders and media outlets, providing press releases, interviews and case studies.
• Coordinating and teamwork: Oversee and support the activities of Community Engagement Volunteers and the Digital Marketing Co-ordinator.
• Branding and publicity: With support from Marketing colleagues at Central Office maintain a stock of SSAFA branded publicity resources and copy to distribute locally.

What about training and support?

• Online, e-learning, training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep people and their personal information safe.
• Local induction and support.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Ongoing support from SSAFA’s volunteering and operations colleagues based regionally and at our central office.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Empathy regarding the needs and challenges related to serving community.
• Good IT skills e.g. ability to use Outlook and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Be an effective listener, respectful and have a non-judgemental approach.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.

Minimum Age: 18

Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).

Is a criminal record check required? No

We work to make SSAFA as safe as possible for everyone. Part of this involves volunteers attending an informal interview, providing two suitable references, and completing relevant training for your role. 

We are working in partnership with Oxfordshire Youth, a boundary-breaking youth development charity, passionate about creating a future for and with young people that gives them the best possible opportunity to realise their potential.

Oxfordshire Youth support the youth sector across the county, working with grassroots leaders; it delivers innovative youth leadership programmes; and it provides a transformational supported accommodation service for young people. In everything it does, OY aims to meet the needs and aspirations of young people. All the charity’s work is grounded in best practice safeguarding and youth work principles and practice.

We are seeking a new Treasurer to join OY current board to provide high level oversight of the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.

 As a Treasurer you will have:

• Experience as a finance professional with a good understanding of business and financial planning, and financial management
• A good knowledge and experience in fundraising and finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations (this is not essential) 
• Good financial analysis skills
• Experience in advising others on financial matters, and being prepared to ask good questions that enable the board to have solid insight into the organisation's financial picture
• An ability to have strategic financial oversight without stepping on the toes of the finance executive - the Head of Finance

What do you get out of being a OY Trustee?

• Being a Trustee is a great way to ‘give something back’
• Developing your skills in leadership, influencing, debating, negotiating, strategic and organisational planning.
• You will have the opportunity to meet, network and learn from people who will have different professional backgrounds and life experiences to your own.
• Providing opportunities for training and development

This is a wonderful opportunity to join this very special charity that cares for children with life-limiting conditions and their families, through regular respite, end of life care and bereavement support. 

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

If you have the skills, experience and vision to join Oxfordshire Youth as their next Treasurer, please submit your application (CV and supporting statement) to Sandra Smith, on the Charisma Charity Recruitment website.

Closing date for applications: 18 November 2024

Interview date with Charity: 4 December 2024