Volunteer Roles

The Neuroblastoma UK Board of Trustees is seeking a Treasurer.  This role is vital in ensuring best practice and excellent record keeping across our financial and fundraising activities.  It involves working closely with the rest of the board of between 8 and 12 Trustees to ensure the board has clarity on our financial position and availability of funds for our research grants.  It also involves working closely with our small team of smart and passionate employees who work to drive vital income to the charity.

Neuroblastoma UK has a clear strategy, and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. The Trustees are the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of our beneficiaries first. The Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, the Charity’s management and administration

The role of the Treasurer

• To oversee and present budgets, accounts and financial statements to the Board
• To ensure the financial resources of the Charity meet its present and future needs
• To ensure appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
• To advise on the financial implication of the Charity’s strategic plan
• To lead the Board on investment strategy and to monitor and ensure that it is consistent with the Charity’s policies and legal responsibilities
• To ensure that accounts are prepared in accordance with the relevant statutory bodies i.e the Charity Commission, Registrar of Companies
• To keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
• Liaise and manage our volunteer bookkeeper
• To help streamline our digital resources and Gift Aid reclaims

What we are looking for

• An individual with integrity, passion and strategic vision
• A commitment to the Charity – minimum requirement 3 years term of office
• Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak their mind
• Accountancy and financial skills are a requirement, as well as experience using digital resources
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of a Trusteeship

The Charity holds 4 board meetings a year, with each lasting approx. 2.5 hrs, plus preparation time. Average of 4- 6 hours per month in addition for ongoing communications and decision making. As a Board member and therefore an ambassador of the Charity there will be fundraising and research events which we hope you show a willingness to attend, subject to your availability.

Trustee

Who we are:

We are a long-standing (32 years) local charity, based in Ashford, providing friendly advice, companionship and volunteering opportunities for anyone in our part of Kent who is socially isolated, lonely, or would welcome support with their mental health and wellbeing. We arrange 3 free drop-in sessions per week at Ashford Parish Rooms, at which our service users participate in a wide range of activities including crafts, singing and art therapy. We also offer food and beverages from our pop-up healthy eating café and dedicated door-to-door transport where required.

Due to an upcoming retirement we are now seeking a Trustee to join our Board.

About the Role:

General Trustee

As with all of our Trustees we warmly welcome community-minded individuals who want to make a difference and are happy to bring their personal and professional experience and expertise to the Board. If you have legal, IT or HR background that would be a bonus, but the key attributes are that you have a commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of the local community and want to help people live independently wherever possible. 

It is expected that all Trustees will be able to attend our Trustee meetings in Ashford, which are held at least once a quarter, as well as the AGM and ideally a small number of other functions eg fundraising events.

Skills & Experience:

Essential:

An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

An understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.

Good time management reliability.

Excellent communication skills.

Willingness to commit sufficient time to the Trustee role.

Eligible to be a Trustee.

Desirable:

Previous experience of working with/for a charity, or being a charity trustee or involved with the adult social care/health sector, would be an advantage but is by no means essential.

Why you should Apply:

You will be using your skills, knowledge and experience to help ensure Ashford & Tenterden Umbrella continues to be an important part of the local community, providing mental health and social support. Although this is a voluntary position, reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid.

For more information, and if you would like us to call you for an informal chat about the role, please email our Chairperson, Edwin Chambers. Contact information can be found when you click on the blue "How to Apply" button above.

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting? You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Sense Virtual Buddying volunteers make a real difference to supporting young people and adults who may be lonely or isolated.

Sense matches volunteers with disabled people to meet for an hour a week on Zoom, over phone, by email, text or letter writing. Our volunteers have spent thousands of hours with their buddies — learning new skills, having fun, and forming fantastic friendships. Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests, to make sure you have a great time. You and your buddy choose a time that suits you, and you can decide what activities you’d like to do together.

The Role of a Virtual Buddy

Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests to ensure you’ll have lots of fun together. Once matched with a buddy, you will get to know each other remotely via video calls and phone calls.

You’ll arrange weekly sessions and plan fun things to do together – what this looks like will be inspired by your mutual interests. You could be gaming, doing arts and crafts, playing music, seed planting – there are so many possibilities! We will provide you with weekly themed activities to help to support you in planning your interactions with your buddy.

We’ll also keep in touch with you to ensure you have all the support you need.

The programme is open to all volunteers who are 16 and over. You don't need to have previous experience volunteering or caring for disabled people. We welcome people from all backgrounds and with all interests.

Want to find out more? Every month we host an information session on Zoom for our Virtual Buddying volunteers and those who are thinking of getting involved.

What we can Offer You

Before you start your volunteering role, we’ll make sure that you’ve had the training you need to feel confident. This will be delivered online and via video call.

While you’re volunteering with us as a Virtual Buddy, you’ll get:

• A written account of your volunteering and references if required
• Reimbursement of pre-agreed expenses (up to £25)

Volunteering as a Sense Virtual Buddy is a great opportunity to develop new skills and get to know new people whilst making a real difference to a person’s life. 

Who we are Looking For

We need positive, empathetic volunteers who are passionate about supporting people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. We are looking for volunteers who are great communicators and who are friendly, enthusiastic, positive and ready to have fun!

We’re also always looking for volunteers who have knowledge or experience of British Sign Language (BSL) and/or other communication methods like Makaton.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

We’d love for you to consider joining us as a Sense Virtual Buddy!

Climate Guardians

We are an online platform that allows climate concerned citizens to collectively harness their voices for the planet.

-Individuals’ climate concerns are rising (climate anxiety). 81% of Germans aged 15-29 say climate change affects their everyday lives -Climate experts argue that businesses and governments need to step up their game. 70% of Germans agree with them -Yet, current narratives and solutions tell individuals consumption reduction is the answer. This further amplifies climate anxiety while missing experts' recommendation to step up business and policy change

An online platform that allows climate concerned citizens to collectively harness their voices for the planet. Citizens can build agency by easily sending personalised appeals (letters, emails, social media messages) to decision-makers (business leaders, politicians, journalists) in order to improve outcomes in their local neighborhoods and cities. Taking action is social, fun and impactful.

Corporate Social Resposibility (CSR) Expert

Role Description: We're on a mission to help businesses harness their influence while bringing together the expertise of NGOs and the mass participation of everyday people. We're looking for a Corporate Social Resposibility (CSR) rockstar to spar with us on how we can deliver value from a CSR perspective. This workstream is key to helping us to be financially sustainable and keep striving for our mission.

Weekly Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role: 3-4 weeks

We require a Cinematographer (D.P.) or good Camera operator who might be retired (or have time) to help us on this first-of-its-kind full length feature/documentary to be shot in wide screen for theatrical release.  If you remember your Moviola, 35mm, Arri and Red, then you'll understand.  We've already secured global distribution for this self funded (fundraising) film with sales revenues going to cancer research.  We will be using Zeiss cinematic lenses with Sony cameras which a trained cinematographer or Camera Operator will recognise.

We have a 5 min screener to give an idea of what this unique film project is about, so please contact us if you are able to spare the time to bring your expertise not only onto our film, but to help our bright young cancer research scientists who really need more funds for research.   

Sickness whispers to the scientists "You cannot fight my storm", and the scientists whisper back "WE ARE THE STORM".

Shannon Trust Volunteer Network - Volunteer Hub Administrator

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?  

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team. 

The role

Our volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust. We are looking for two volunteers to provide remote administrational support to our Volunteer Hub team, each role supporting one of the regional Volunteer Network Leads. 

Training

Shannon Trust provides a wide range of training for volunteers. You will be expected to attend some mandatory training for new volunteers via our online learning platform. You will also be provided with some 1 to 1 training specific to the role. The training will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the values and visions of the charity and practical support for your role. You will also be required to attend quarterly reviews with the relevant Volunteer Network Lead to support you on an ongoing basis.

Volunteer benefits

Induction training and ongoing training, support and development in the role, flexible working, recognition for your contribution and reimbursement of expenses where applicable. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to be a part of the organisation.

We welcome volunteer applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions.

Befriending Volunteer

You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents with in the Wamdsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.

Our Be-a-Friend service is one of our longest running services, matching people over 65, who live alone and have limited social contact, with a friendly local volunteer with similar hobbies and interests. The volunteer and their new friend set up a suitable time for them to meet each week for a chat and a cup of tea, which could be during the day, in the evening on the way home from work or even on the weekends . If you would prefer to volunteer from home, you can also be matched with an older person for telephone befriending. For many of our matched pairs, this is the beginning of a firm friendship. 

Befriending Plus

Befriending Plus is an extended version of the Be-a-Friend programme, for individulas needing help with life admin and small tasks as well as companionship. For Befriending Plus pairs, time spent together can include helping to use a phone or tablet, helping the client to organise their file, going out for a coffee or popping to the post office together. This support can help older people to stay independent at home for longer, as well as increasing their confidence to do these tasks when the volunteer is not there.

Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI) is seeking new Trustees

Commitment: 2-3 hours per month

Location: Exeter/Hybrid

Contract: voluntary

ECI has an active board of trustees known as the ECI Council. The trustees set the strategic direction of the organisation and oversee the governance required to deliver innovative projects and programmes that meet the needs of people in Exeter and wider Devon.

We are seeking multiple trustees to strengthen and diversify our board. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who have skills and experience in the following areas:

• Using ECI’s services or similar services of other organisations.
• Have relocated to Exeter and/or have faced challenges finding a sense of belonging in their community.
• Child and/or adult safeguarding.
• Human resources, particularly employee relations/employment law
• Law/Legal services.
• We are keen to hear from younger applicants as we want to ensure we are including the
  perspectives of young people.

About the role

 As a voluntary trustee you will play an important role in the success of ECI as part of the board team. Your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the strategic direction of ECI.
• Advocating for the services we provide and the positive outcome they have for our community.
• Governance oversight to ensure we operate within legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Networking/utilising your skills to enhance our reach and impact.

The board of trustees meet bi-monthly, usually alternating between in person and online, with meetings taking place on weekday evenings. In addition, we will look for your engagement and support in areas of work that your skillset and experiences lend themselves to on an ongoing basis.

All reasonable travel and other associated expenses will be reimbursed in line with ECI’s travel allowance policy.

You don’t need to have previous experience as a charity board trustee – we will give you the support that you need to learn about us and your role.

ECI is an equal opportunities employer and we will provide reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the process. Please contact us to identify any additional support that you might require to enable you to make an application. 

Purpose of role:

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA).

Scope and Objectives:

Trustees have a duty individually and collectively to:

·Determine the overall direction and development of WCA through good governance and clear strategic planning.

·Ensure that WCA pursues the objectives defined in its governing documents, and complies with charity law, company law, employment legislation, and with all other relevant legislation, constantly striving for best practice in governance.

·Uphold the financial responsibilities invested in their position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in WCA.

·Ensure that WCA uses its resources in pursuit of its charitable objects.

Main duties:

·To contribute actively to the Board’s role in providing direction for WCA, in setting overall policy and in maintaining a framework of good governance and accountability, and in evaluating performance against agreed targets.

·To give clear direction, leadership, guidance, and advice to the WCA director and staff.

·To safeguard the good name and values of WCA and to act as an ambassador for the organisation.

·To provide vision, inspiration, and support to the WCA director and staff.

·To ensure the effective and efficient administration of WCA.

·To ensure the financial stability of WCA.

·To appoint the director and monitor his/her performance.

·To use specific skills, knowledge, or experience to help the Board of Trustees to reach sound decisions.

This may involve:

·Scrutinising Board papers;

·Contributing to or leading Board discussions;

·Acting as a board champion for a particular area of WCA’s work;

·Identifying and focusing on key issues;

·Providing guidance on new initiatives;

·Being part of a working group.

Duty of Care:

Each Trustee will:

·Apply reasonable care and skills as a Trustee, using their knowledge and experience to ensure that WCA is well run and efficient;

·Be ready to consider the need for external professional advice on matters where there may be material risk to the charity, or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties;

·Safeguard the good name and values of WCA.

·Maintain absolute confidentiality about sensitive information received in the course of responsibilities as a Trustee.

Each Trustee will:

·Ensure that the charity is and will remain solvent; keeping informed of the charity’s activities and financial position;

·Avoid undertaking activities that might place the charity’s property, funds, assets or reputation at undue risk.

Each Trustee is required to act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and must always bear the interests of WCA in mind.

Section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993 disqualifies anyone who:

·Has been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty unless the conviction is spent.

·Is an un-discharged bankrupt.

·Has previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the court or the Charity Commissioners.

·Is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986.

It is an offence to serve as a charity trustee while disqualified unless the Charity Commission has given a waiver under section 72(4) of the Charities Act 1993.

Accountability:

The law imposes a duty of care on Trustees to act responsibly and prudently in all matters relating to their charity and to act in the best interests of the charity.

WCA is a registered Charity and Company Limited by guarantee and Trustees are therefore accountable to the members, the Charity Commission, and to Companies House (as company directors).

Suitability as a WCA Trustee will include many of the following:

·Commitment to Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA).

·Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.

·Availability to attend meetings regularly.

·Strategic vision.

·Good, independent judgement.

·Ability to think creatively.

·Willingness to participate actively in discussions, listening to others and con- tributing accordingly.

·To use professional experience and any technical skills and knowledge to contribute to Trustee decision making.

·Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

·Ambassadorial ability and willingness to represent WCA in a range of situations.

·Experience of involvement in community or residents’ groups and/or in building community involvement.

·Commercial awareness including, but not limited to: marketing, branding, fundraising and social media.

·Skills and experience within finance or communications.

·Valuing diversity, with experience and/or knowledge of minority issues and perspectives.

·Capacity to pursue potential sources of charitable investment in WCA.

·Willingness to take part in training and learn new skills

International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) was founded in 2009 and aims to provide protection and improve the welfare of animals in need. 

We are currently looking for a Research Volunteer to help support our Online Retail/Fundraising Team. This will enable us to continue raising vital funds for our animals in need by helping to identify potential sources for donations of goods or sponsorships for our projects. 

Tasks will include:

• Researching suitable businesses to reach out to.

• Gathering data and presenting findings.

• Collaborating with the Retail Manager on future projects, helping to research and develop fundraising strategies. 

• Providing support for the preparation of funding proposals.

Ideally you will;

• Have experience or an interest in a Research/Data Collection role, particularly within the charity sector.

• Be familiar with Google Workspace or willingness to learn.

• Have the ability to work independently and use your own initiative.

• Offer 1-3 hours per week (hours can be fully flexible)

What we can offer you;

• Full training and support from our Retail Manager.

• An opportunity to build your CV skills and develop your experience.

• A chance to help increase the awareness of the great work we do at IAPWA.

• A fully flexible role that can fit around your schedule via remote working.

If you would like further details about the role, please don't hesitate to reach out via the Apply button.

We're on the lookout for passionate volunteers to join us at one of our events. As a volunteer on the day you’ll be part of an amazing atmosphere and will support Mencap to make change through raising funds or engaging with your local community.

The Great North Run is the biggest half marathon in the world with over 50,000 runners taking part. Mencap has runners who have signed up to run and fundraise for us. We need you to come to our cheer point to give our runners big cheers and high fives on Sunday 8th September. We need volunteers to arrive by 10am and we will be finished by 3pm.We will send you more details about how to get there nearer the time. We will also provide you with snacks and water and a Mencap t-shirt.

Our community and fundraising events are vital to Mencap, bringing people together to share experiences, launch programmes and celebrate successes! They also often help to raise funds for our services, such as the Mencap Direct helpline, advocacy services, and national campaigns such as Treat me Well.

We hold lots of events throughout the year, including bike rides and runs from 10km all the way up to Marathons. We also do bucket collections, garden parties, Christmas wrapping sessions, and lots more!

We couldn't run these events without the support of volunteers, so by giving a few hours of your time you can help us to host events, raise vital funds to support Mencap's work and support people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

You'll be part of a diverse and inclusive team alongside volunteers with and without a learning disability. You will represent Mencap and help to promote our work and raise awareness for people with a learning disability at iconic events across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

As a Mencap Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make new friends
• Receive agreed out of pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive a full volunteer briefing and training on the day
• Volunteer alongside our experienced
• Have a chance to give back your local community

About Mencap

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

We are looking for a patient volunteer to visit a gentleman who lives in Newcastle. This man has learning disabilities. The visits will likely be short, enough time for a chat, a cuppa, and to check in on how he is doing.

This gentleman is supported by a dedicated team who regularly take him swimming, horse riding, out for walks and for meals in the local pub or café, which any volunteer is very welcome to join.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing.

In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them. In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local cafe/pub for a meal/drink
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap 

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Bright Futures UK works with young people who have been forced to take time out from education due to chronic illness. We provide programmes to help stimulate learning in addition to having a social aspect that offers respite to the isolation these young people face due to their unfortunate circumstances.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide educational support and a fun, safe space for young people.
• Engage with young people in a positive and friendly way, helping them overcome their experiences and not feel defined by their illness.
• Interact with a young person on a one-to-one basis, leading conversations or trying new hobbies together (e.g., book club, video games, music, crafts).

Why You'll Love It:

• Make a significant impact by helping young people who have missed out on school experiences.
• Fit volunteering into your working day or busy schedule with a commitment starting from just 1 hour per week.
• Receive full support from Bright Futures UK staff, including training and resources.
• Gain personal fulfillment by providing much-needed companionship and support to young people facing challenging times.

What We’re Looking For:

• Warm and energetic individuals who can positively engage with young people.
• No tutoring experience necessary; full training is provided.
• Ability to create a fun and safe space for young people to explore new interests and skills.

Your sessions will be fully supported by Bright Futures UK staff – whether you have questions, need resources or materials, or just want to bounce an idea off the team, we’re here to help.

We’re looking forward to working with you to help our young people reach their true potential!

Thank you for considering this opportunity. Apply now and make a difference!

Practical Considerations:

We cover all expenses and materials used.

We are asking for one hour online a week.

DBS will be provided where needed.

Safeguarding training provided with certification.

Must be 18 or over to volunteer.