Volunteer Roles

This is an exciting opportunity for a volunteer Production Team Assitant to work with our talented and enthusiastic company of young people for the academic year September 2024 - July 2025 to put on Matilda the Musical JR, with two separate casts.We are actively interviewing for this role, so if we find a suitable candidate we will appoint them and close the advert, so don't delay in making your application.

A Brief History of the Spa Theatre Company 

The Company was founded in 1982 as a young people’s group. From 1982 to 1991, there was a Senior Company, but at present the Senior Company is on hold.   

The Advertised Position 

The role advertised is for one person to provide support to the Director, the Musical Director and the Choreographer of the Junior Company.

The Company is primarily a “teaching” organisation, offering a high standard of teaching in speech, drama, music and dance. 

The Company meets on a Tuesday evening at Aylesford School, Warwick, for tuition and rehearsal sessions.  We also perform a musical at a local theatre, usually in April/May.  

Key Attributes 

The Production Assistant is primarily in a learning and support situation and will be developing their ability to coach and train young people of varying ability.  They must be flexible, and should be prepared to learn from, and assist the Production Team. Candidates must be prepared to undertake a DBS check (Spa Theatre Company will cover the cost of this). 

Duties 

The Production Assistant will: 

A. report directly to the Production Team; 

B. take their instructions from the Production Team;  

C. demonstrate an ability to relate to all ages and to show enthusiasm and encouragement; 

D. help to ensure the safety and well-being of the children attending sessions. 

Remuneration  

The Spa Theatre Company is a Registered Charity for its work in the tuition of young people. This post is a volunteer role, however, we do offer a small honorarium which will reflect the general age and inexperience of the postholder.  

This is an exciting opportunity for a volunteer Choreographer to work with our talented and enthusiastic company of young people for the academic year September 2024 - July 2025 to put on Matilda the Musical JR, with two separate casts. We are actively interviewing for this role, so if we find a suitable candidate we will appoint them and close the advert, so don't delay in making your application.

A Brief History of the Spa Theatre Company 

The Company was initially founded in 1982 as a young people’s group. From 1982 to 1991, the group remained as a young people’s organisation (the upper age limit being 18).  In 1991, the view was that the Company should be more ambitious, by lifting the age limit. As of today, the Company retains the Junior section, but the Senior Company is on hold.

The Choreographer Position – Junior Company  

The role advertised is that of Choreographer for the Junior Company.

The Junior Company is primarily a “teaching” organisation. Its primary aim is to offer a high standard of teaching in speech, drama, music and dance. It has its own Director, Musical Director and Choreographer. The academic year consists of three terms, commencing in September each year. The academic year includes a public performance of a musical at a local theatre, usually in April/May.

It should be noted that the advertised post is for the Choreographer of the Company, for an entire academic year, and is not a “show only” post. It is intended that the post will be permanent, subject to a high standard of performance, reviewed on an annual basis.

The Commitment 

The members of the Junior Company are aged 8 to 17. Entry is by audition. They meet on Tuesday evenings during term time between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.  For the annual production, we may need to call for additional rehearsals on Sunday afternoons between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. These rehearsals will take place for typically 6 Sundays in a year, with the timing being dependent on the date of the show.During show week, the expectation is that the production team will be present for the full week, from 'get in' to 'technical rehearsals', through the shows and for 'get out'.

Key Attributes 

The Choreographer must have the ability to coach and train young people of varying ability.  They must be flexible, and adapt teaching styles.

Candidates must be, or become, DBS checked and it would be helpful if they had been teacher trained. The Tuesday sessions must be well planned and prepared, and candidates will need to work well with both the Director and Musical Director. It should be stressed that the youngsters gain educational values on Tuesday evenings and that they must be in a learning experience situation. 

Duties 

The Choreographer will: 

• have dance / movement training qualifications appropriate to the needs of children up to the age of 17; 

• understand that there is a wide range of choreographic ability within the group and adapt training styles appropriately; 

• have to work closely with the Director and MD, recognising the inclusive nature of decision-making;

• need to demonstrate an ability to relate to all ages and to show enthusiasm and encouragement.

The duties, organised on an academic year basis to suit the children will comprise: 

• attending weekly training sessions, on a Tuesday evening in a school in Warwick, from 6.30 – 8.30 during school terms only (for the purposes of general training of the junior members).  This will typically comprise 36 sessions over the course of the academic year;

• teaching a relatively mixed range of ability, so adapting teaching styles; 

• preparing children for a “showcase concert” to demonstrate to parents what the children have learnt – but children often perform things they have learnt outside, e.g solo guitar performances, or a dance; 

• helping the Director and MD of the company to choose the show and preparing audition pieces related to the musical score and the movement / dance needs of the chosen production;

• helping with auditioning and casting for that show.

Remuneration 

The Spa Theatre Company is a Registered Charity for its work in the tuition of young people. This is a volunteer role, with a small honorarium. 

The honorarium for the post is subject to negotiation and will be related to the experience of the candidate, it is expected to be a fixed amount up to a sum in the order of £1,200, paid as a single instalment at the end of the Summer term. The Committee reserves the right to adjust the fee proportionately for unfulfilled sessions and unexplained absences. The sum is paid tax-free, as remuneration for expenses. 
 
Supervision

The committee is considering retaining the services of the existing production team in a part-time supervisory capacity, again dependent on the experience of the candidate. The newly-appointed person will benefit from that experience, but the detailed arrangements will be discussed at interview. 

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community. 

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Bolton and District group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Bolton and District area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

The Volunteer Operations Director will play a critical role in shaping the operational framework of our startup. This position will be pivotal in setting up efficient operational processes, ensuring the successful implementation of our programs, and driving our mission forward.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the CIC's goals.
• Oversee daily operations, including program management, resource allocation, and volunteer coordination.
• Collaborate with the CEO to refine and execute the organisation's strategic plan.
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls and administrative procedures.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements applicable to the CIC's operations.
• Manage relationships with partners, suppliers, and other external entities.
• Lead the effort to secure operational funding and manage the CIC’s budget.
• Evaluate operational performance and implement improvements.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in operations management, preferably in a nonprofit or startup environment.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working collaboratively with a diverse team.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• A strong commitment to the values and mission of Vibes in Care CIC.
• Ability to work flexibly and adaptively in a dynamic startup environment.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to shape and grow a startup that has a direct impact on young people’s lives.
• Gain invaluable experience in strategic operations and nonprofit management.
• Be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a lasting social impact.

Are you committed to improving the mental health and well-being of young people in Warwickshire and Coventry? Young Minds Matter is looking for Volunteer Mentors who have a genuine connection with young people and a strong desire to create positive change. As a Volunteer Mentor, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting and guiding young people towards improved mental health and overall well-being. Join our team and help us cultivate a nurturing community focused on support and personal growth for young individuals.

What do our Mentors do?

Volunteer Mentors at Young Minds Matter engage in weekly 1:1 sessions with young individuals who require support, providing them with a compassionate ear, empathetic listening, and encouragement to navigate challenges by developing effective coping strategies. Serving as positive role models, Mentors empower young people to build resilience and thrive, creating a safe and nurturing environment where young people can explore their strengths, overcome obstacles, and realise their full potential.

Could you be a YMM Mentor? If you live in the West Midlands, want to help young people and are:

– Self-aware

– An excellent listener

– Non judgemental

– Ideally over 25 years old

– Reliable

– Able to use standard office software and have access to a computer

-Able to commit up to 6 hours a week during term time (in one day or possibly split over two days) in a local school

..then you have the ability to become an excellent mentor.

What we provide and what you gain:

– A bespoke induction training programme which will give you the knowledge and practical skills you need to work safely with students

– Ongoing skills development through work shadowing and online courses

– Peer support from our cohort of more experienced mentors

– Opportunities to get involved in other YMM initiatives

– Skills development with ongoing training that can boost your career

– Monthly 1:1 supervision sessions with a fully qualified British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited counsellor, to help you develop your skills and address any emerging needs of the young people you support.

– Reimbursement for travel expenses

– The opportunity to work in a rewarding role

This is an exciting opportunity for a volunteer Musical Director to work with our talented and enthusiastic company of young people for the academic year September 2024 - July 2025 to put on Matilda the Musical JR, with two separate casts.  We are actively interviewing for this role, so if we find a suitable candidate we will appoint them and close the advert, so don't delay in making your application.

A Brief History of the Spa Theatre Company 

The Company was initially founded in 1982 as a young people’s group. From 1982 to 1991, the group remained as a young people’s organisation (the upper age limit being 18).  In 1991, the view was that the Company should be more ambitious, by lifting the age limit. As of today, the Company retains the Junior section, but the Senior Company is on hold.

The MD Position – Junior Company  

The role advertised is that of MD for the Junior Company.

The Junior Company is primarily a “teaching” organisation. Its primary aim is to offer a high standard of teaching in speech, drama, music and dance. It has its own Director, Musical Director and Choreographer. The academic year consists of three terms, commencing in September each year. The academic year includes a public performance of a musical at a local theatre, usually in April.

It should be noted that the advertised post is for the Musical Director of the Company, for an entire academic year, and is not a “show only” post. It is intended that the post will be permanent, subject to a high standard of performance, reviewed on an annual basis.

The Commitment 

The members of the Junior Company are aged 8 to 17. Entry is by audition. They meet on Tuesday evenings during term time between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.  For the annual production, we may need to call for additional rehearsals on Sunday afternoons between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. These rehearsals will take place for typically 6 Sundays in a year, with the timing being dependent on the date of the show.During show week, the expectation is that the production team will be present for the full week, from 'get in' to 'technical rehearsals', through the shows and for 'get out'.

Key Attributes 

The Musical Director must have the ability to coach and train young people of varying ability.  They must be flexible, and adapt teaching styles.

Candidates must be, or become, DBS checked and it would be helpful if they had been teacher trained. The Tuesday sessions must be well planned and prepared, and candidates will need to work well with both Choreographer and Director. It should be stressed that the youngsters gain educational values on Tuesday evenings and that they must be in a learning experience situation. 

Duties 

The MD will: 

• have keyboard skills in order to take rehearsals 

• understand that most of the children cannot sight read and therefore need to be taught by rote 

• have had experience conducting a band of musicians 

• have the ability to make cuts in scores and how to deal with transposing instruments 

• need to demonstrate that they have voice training skills and understand vocal techniques 

• need to demonstrate an ability to relate to all ages and to show enthusiasm and encouragement 

• need to audition accurately and be able to choose audition pieces (for future shows) from scores and identify potential soloists for specific parts. 

The duties, organised on an academic year basis to suit the children will comprise: 

• attending weekly training sessions, on a Tuesday evening in a school in Warwick, from 6.30 – 8.30 during school terms only (for the purposes of general training of the junior members).  This will typically comprise 36 sessions over the course of the academic year;

• teaching a relatively mixed range of ability, so adapting teaching styles, by rote if necessary; 

• preparing children for a “showcase concert” to demonstrate to parents what the children have learnt – but children often perform things they have learnt outside, e.g solo guitar performances, or a dance; 

• acting as MD for the Junior Show, generally held in late May / June / July of each year; 

• helping the Director and Choreographer of the company to choose the show, and preparing audition pieces from the score;

• helping with auditioning and casting for that show;

• assembling a band / orchestra for the show (typically a 4 piece band with the MD acting as conductor or taking the piano part as well); 

• doing musical cuts in the score in liaison with the director;

• receiving band parts (the rights are applied for and received by the committee) and returning the band parts to the rights holders after cleaning any markings made. 

Remuneration 

The Spa Theatre Company is a Registered Charity for its work in the tuition of young people. This is a volunteer role, with a small honorarium. 

The honorarium for the post is subject to negotiation and will be related to the experience of the candidate, it is expected to be a fixed amount up to a sum in the order of £1,200, paid as a single instalment at the end of the Summer term. The Committee reserves the right to adjust the fee proportionately for unfulfilled sessions and unexplained absences. The sum is paid tax-free, as remuneration for expenses. 
 
Supervision

The committee is considering retaining the services of the existing production team in a part-time supervisory capacity, again dependent on the experience of the candidate. The newly-appointed person will benefit from that experience, but the detailed arrangements will be discussed at interview. 

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust is a leading charitable organisation dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and sustainable development of Scotland's historic buildings. Our mission is to safeguard architecturally and culturally significant buildings for future generations while ensuring they contribute to the vibrant life of our communities.

Our team has specialist skills in historic building preservation, fundraising, project management and property management. We also bring expertise in event management, building interpretation and in delivering educational programmes. So far, we have restored over 30 buildings and raised more than £30 million.

Following a recent review, we are seeking to appoint four additional trustees to join our strong and committed board. We are particularly interested in inspirational and dynamic applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:

· Strategy development and leadership

· Finance

· Heritage conservation

· Marketing

· Fundraising

· Property development

· Asset management

By joining SHBT as a Trustee, you'll have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Scotland's historic landscape. Your professional expertise and passion for our built heritage will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our organisation and the preservation of Scotland's history.

Trustees serve a term of three years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further three years. Successful applicants will be expected to attend four meetings a year, either at one of our own buildings or another site of interest and will have over-arching statutory duties in respect of governance.

For more information on the work of SHBT please visit our website. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a volunteer director to work with our talented and enthusiastic company of young people for the academic year September 2024 - July 2025 to put on Matilda the Musical JR, with two separate casts.  We are actively interviewing for this role, so if we find a suitable candidate we will appoint them and close the advert, so don't delay in making your application.

A Brief History of the Spa Theatre Company 

The Company was initially founded in 1982 as a young people’s group. From 1982 to 1991, the group remained as a young people’s organisation (the upper age limit being 18).  In 1991, the view was that the Company should be more ambitious, by lifting the age limit.  As of today, the Company retains the Junior section, but the Senior Company is on hold and the Junior Company is going from strength to strength.

The Director Position – Junior Company  

The role advertised is that of Director for the Junior Company.

The Junior Company is a registered charity and a “teaching” organisation. Its primary aim is to offer a high standard of teaching in speech, drama, music and dance. It has its own Director, Musical Director and Choreographer. The academic year consists of three terms, commencing in September each year. The academic year includes the public performance of a musical at a local theatre, usually in April/May.

It should be noted that the advertised post is for the Director of the Company, for an entire academic year, and is not a “show only” post. It is intended that the post will be permanent, subject to a high standard of performance, reviewed on an annual basis.

The Commitment 

The members of the Junior Company are aged 8 to 17. Entry is by audition. They meet on Tuesday evenings during term time between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.  For the annual production, we may need to call for additional rehearsals on Sunday afternoons between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. These rehearsals will take place for typically 6 Sundays in a year, with the timing being dependent on the date of the show.During show week, the expectation is that the production team will be present for the full week, from 'get in' to 'technical rehearsals', through the shows and for 'get out'.

Key Attributes 

The Director must have the ability to coach and train young people of varying ability.  They must be flexible, and adapt teaching styles.

Candidates must be, or become, DBS checked and it would be helpful if they had been teacher trained. The Tuesday sessions must be well planned and prepared, and candidates will need to work well with both Choreographer and Musical Director. It should be stressed that the youngsters gain educational values on Tuesday evenings and that they must be in a learning experience situation. 

Duties 

The Director reports directly to the Committee of Spa Theatre Company. 

The Director will: 

• have qualifications appropriate to the needs of children up to the age of 17 

• understand that there is a wide range of ability within the group and adapt training styles appropriately; 

• have to work closely with the Choreographer and MD, recognising the inclusive nature of decision-making;

• need to demonstrate an ability to relate to all ages and to show enthusiasm and encouragement.

The duties, organised on an academic year basis to suit the children will comprise: 

• attending weekly training sessions, on a Tuesday evening in a school in Warwick, from 6.30 – 8.30 during school terms only (for the purposes of general training of the junior members).  This will typically comprise 36 sessions over the course of the academic year;

• teaching a relatively mixed range of ability, so adapting teaching styles, by rote if necessary; 

• preparing children for a “showcase concert” to demonstrate to parents what the children have learnt – but children often perform things they have learnt outside, e.g solo guitar performances, or a dance; 

• Liaising with the Musical Director and Choreographer to ensure the smooth running of the Junior Company 

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of the children attending sessions 

• Organising auditions for entry into the Company 

• Preparing the annual schedule of teaching and rehearsal sessions

• Planning the annual production 

• Helping to select a suitable show 

• Deciding on audition pieces for principal roles 

• Organising auditions for principal roles 

• Liaising with the theatre management regarding get-in and get-out times 

• Liaising on wardrobe, set design, lighting, stage management, back-stage crew 

• Liaising with parents over casting and training issues 

• Helping to source parents for tasks such as stage direction, make-up, wardrobe, lighting, sound, etc

• Reporting to the Committee on a termly basis. 

Remuneration 
The Spa Theatre Company is a Registered Charity for its work in the tuition of young people. This is a volunteer role, with a small honorarium. 

The honorarium for the post is subject to negotiation and will be related to the experience of the candidate, it is expected to be a fixed amount up to a sum in the order of £1,200, paid as a single instalment at the end of the Summer term. The Committee reserves the right to adjust the fee proportionately for unfulfilled sessions and unexplained absences. The sum is paid tax-free, as remuneration for expenses. 
 
Supervision
The committee is considering retaining the services of the existing production team in a part-time supervisory capacity, again dependent on the experience of the candidate. The newly-appointed person will benefit from that experience, but the detailed arrangements will be discussed at interview. 

Key Information

Show: Matilda
Academic year 3 September 2024 and 22 July 2025 although often our production team stay on for multiple years. 
Rehearsals  Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm - 8.30pm  (Term time only)  Approximately 6 Sunday rehearsals during Spring Term.
The show One full week between 27th April - 4th May 2025.  You will be needed every evening during this week and all day on the Saturday and Sunday.

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Group Development Volunteers to support our DRPSS service in Ripley Derbyshire. You will be based in the community within our peer support groups and, ideally, you will be able to commit 3-5 hours per week to volunteering.

You will be volunteering alongside Group Development Workers, visiting a range of peer led support groups in the district of your choice. Liaising between the groups and the Group Development Team. Encouraging and supporting the groups to become self-sustainable and helping to promote the importance of peer support.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Delivered in partnership with People, Potential, Possibilities (P3) and Derbyshire Federation for Mental Health (DFMH), the service will help people improve and maintain their mental health and wellbeing and reconnect with their local community by offering access to targeted one-to-one staff support, telephone support and community groups, and is open to anyone over the age of 18 living in Derbyshire who is experiencing mental ill health. The service provides:

• Targeted support through one-to-one and group sessions
• Self help and peer support
• Telephone support
• Advice and information on mental illness
• Recovery education to help manage and understand your mental health
• Social activities in the local community
• Signposting to other sources of community and specialist support

What you will be doing as a Group Development Volunteer

• Visit a range of peer led support groups in the district of your choice
• Informing and updating the groups with any relevant information given to you by the Group Development Workers
• Reporting any information or concerns to the Group Development Team
• Encouraging the groups to become self-sustainable
• Promoting the importance of peer support within the groups

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• An in interest in mental health or supporting those with mental illness
• Knowledge of the local area
• Excellent active listening and ability to build rapport
• An understanding of the principles of Peer Support and Recovery
• Able to relate to people from all backgrounds and the ability to remain non-judgemental
• Understand the importance of confidentiality

This role will involve travelling to different groups across your chosen area. Whilst a driving licence and vehicle is not essential, the ability to get to the location of the groups is.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this.

Finance Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Finance Volunteer for our North Tyneside Group. As a Finance Volunteer, you would be joining a coordinating team of volunteers to plan and deliver services and activities to support people locally.

You will maintain and approve income and expenditure records and explain financial information clearly to other group members. You would ensure our financial requirements and policies are followed, and that money is spent in a cost effective manner.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience with a large charity, develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be comfortable with figures, preferably with an accounting or business background. You will live in the immediate area of the Group, allowing you to meet with other volunteers from the Group.

Apply 

Read through the role description carefully

Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Volunteer with us!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Dudley. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Join us and be a part of transforming lives through adult education in Scotland! 

Are you passionate about adult education and eager to make a difference in Scotland? We’re looking for dedicated individuals to join our Scotland Board Committee. As a Scotland Board Committee member, you will support the Board of Trustees in ensuring the sustainability and growth of WEA in Scotland. Your contributions will help maintain our educational provision in line with WEA’s values and principles, and you will play a key role in engaging with stakeholders and promoting adult education across Scotland. This is a rewarding opportunity for anyone aged 18 or over who meets WEA safer recruitment checks and has a strong commitment to our mission to bring learning opportunities within reach of everyone. 

WEA is seeking to appoint co-opted Board Committee members who have worked nationally in Scotland with recognised qualifications in one or more of the following fields:

• Accountancy or audit; with experience of dealing with pensions or multiple funding /revenue streams.

• Human resources; with experience of dealing with organisational development and change.

• Education / adult learning; with experience of legislative, social, health and/or education policy that may impact upon WEA delivery in England and/or Scotland. 

We offer: A comprehensive induction and training program. Supportive environment, especially for new committee members. The opportunity to use your skills and experience for a noble cause. 

Your impact: Influence adult education policies. Monitor and improve the quality of our educational offerings. Foster partnerships and build relationships with key stakeholders. 

Your commitment to our mission will help bring adult learning within reach. Together, we can create a community where continuous learning and development are a reality for all. 

The Exeter Students’ Guild is looking for Trustees to join our Board. We currently have 2 vacant positions.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Trustees are essential to the effectiveness of the Students’ Guild. Trustees have the ultimate legal responsibility for keeping the organisation focused on its purpose and directing the strategy (working with staff). They also have financial oversight, are responsible for resources, and are expected to ensure the organisation stays within the law.

We are looking for 2 Trustees to join our dedicated board, alongside 13 other Trustees made up of those with external professional experience, Student Trustees with lived experience as Exeter students, and Officer Trustees who are democratically elected to represent student voice.

Our Trustees are appointed for an inital term of 4 years, with the option of a second term. This is a volunteer role, with reasonable expenses being paid to cover your attendance at meetings and events.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

• Exprience or knowledge in one of the following: Higher Education, Senior Leadership, Students' Unions or Marketing
• A good understanding of the issues affecting students in the UK
• An understanding of the principles of good governance

​SKILLS

• The ability to ask questions and challenge the status quo
• Sound judgement and the ability to think strategically and commercially, handle competing priorities and make informed decisions
• The ability to build positive, strategic relationships with people at all levels
• Able to respond positively to challenging situations and solve problems creatively, as part of a collective leadership team

VALUES AND ATTITUDE

• A demonstrable commitment to our values
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and able to engage with people from all backgrounds and at all levels
• Passionate about championing the Guild and its impact, locally and nationally

INTERESTED?  

Please read our Trustee Recruitment Pack for more information.

HOW TO APPLY 

Please apply via our online portal, 

You will need to have ready an up-to-date CV and will be asked to provide responses (max 300 words each) to the following questions: 

• Tell us why you’d like to join the Exeter Students’ Guild as a Trustee - how do your personal values align with the Guild’s core values? 
• What knowledge, abilities, and experience can you contribute to our Board’s collective skills? 
• How would your knowledge, abilities and experience add value to the Guild Trustee Board and support the staff team in achieving the vision and 5 Year Strategy? 

Inclusion is central to the Guild. We approach our work collaboratively, empower our people and celebrate our uniqueness. If you’re driven to empower others and achieve great things, you’ll fit right in. Our people are proud of who they are and value each other’s differences, and we are committed to creating a diverse community that is radically inclusive of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

If you have any questions or queries about the role, please drop an email to Dani Alexander  - her email address can be found on our website careers page.

As a Branch Secretary, you would be in an essential volunteer role as the principal communications trustee managing and maintaining the administrative affairs of our branch. Using your expertise and skills, you will be able to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. We rescue and rehome around 200 animals each year and provide community help and support with animal welfare in all DA postcodes plus BR8 postcodes.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Secretary:

• To act as the primary contact point for all branch communications with the national Society, the branch committee and the branch membership.
• Arrange branch meetings, ensure accurate minutes are taken and distributed in accordance with branch rules.
• Ensure all branch committee decisions are implemented and actions completed.
• Arrange the branch AGM including the compilation and distribution of the annual report, nominations and agenda in line with the strict timetable laid down in the branch rules.
• Arrange the timely dissemination of the contents of all correspondence and literature received by the branch, ensuring availability to all committee members, and reply to all branch correspondence where necessary.
• Order and distribute RSPCA stationery, leaflets, posters and other fundraising and promotional material.
• Liaise with the Branch support specialist (BSS) and group chief inspector and notify them of all branch meetings.
• Advise the BSS of all changes to branch facilities, services and contact details.
• In the absence of the membership secretary, assume responsibility for the maintenance of the branch membership list.
• Submit recommendations for national Society awards to the BSS, in accordance with the wishes of the committee.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare.
• Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.
• You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.
• Be able to commit to 4 hours weekly.

Applications are particularly invited from people residing in DA postcodes or BR8 postcodes.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Secretary:

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
• Be a part of a small but friendly team of staff and volunteers.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.