Volunteer Roles

At the Eco Centre our mission is to empower people to live and work sustainably. We inform, inspire and enable people to take action on climate change and the environment.

What we do

Our focus is on practical help so people can reduce carbon, live sustainably and combat climate change.

We’ve developed an innovative approach to helping people make that transition to sustainable living that has the potential of being scaled up and used nationwide – putting us on the road to zero carbon. We’re working closely with communities to pilot and develop the scheme.

In the next 12 months we planning an events programme to engage inspire the public and businesses, and for collaboration and co-creation for climate action innovation.

The next step will be a regional sustainability hub – a visitor attraction with hands-on activities. A go-to destination, training facility, and events/exhibition space – and a resource base for outreach and schools’ programmes.

How you can help

As Event Management Board Member, you’ll take a leading role in developing a new events programme that will inspire and engage and establish Eco Centre as a prominent proponent of climate action in the South West. A key aim will be the development of a sustainability hub for the South West.

You will be a member of a newly enlarged team, ensuring we’re able to step up our action on climate change/sustainability and the drive to Zero Carbon.

Key information:

Responsible to: The board and membership

Working Location: Generally remote working but the ability to visit venues and attend at events in the South West is essential.

Location Requirements: Preferably living or working in the South West. Regulations permit only a limited no. of directors from outside the area of benefit.

Hours: Minimum of 6-8 hours a month. Flexible

Renumeration: None. Voluntary. Expenses only.

How to apply: Click the Quick Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation. Please also submit a cover letter saying why you would like to be a board member and what skills you will bring to our board, operations and plans.

Closing date: 31 July 2023.

Interviews may take place in the week August or September.

Applicants can contact us for an informal discussion.

Please note, we’re actively reviewing applications and interviews will be held on a rolling basis. The ad may close early if a successful candidate is found.”

What you’ll be doing

As a hands-on board member, you’ll:

• Lead the development of an events strategy and programme
• Manage a programme of small/local and large-scale events
• Identify and develop new opportunities and potential partners in all sectors.
• Identify the communications, operational, strategy and capacity needs for the programme
• Be joining newly enlarged team, steering and developing the Eco Centre, helping it to realise its ambition of a Sustainability Centre for the South West.
• Play an important part in developing strategy and ensuring the organisation is well run and able to deliver, and step up, its impact on climate change and sustainability.
• Contribute to the day-to day running of the organisation and/or its operations.

What are the requirements?

This unique opportunity is for you if…

• Are experienced in events coordination and management in corporate or voluntary/statutory sectors
• Have some marketing experience
• Able to demonstrate a background in relationship development.
• Have experience of sponsorship and/or other income generation
• You work effectively with others to identify, analyse, and solve problems.
• You can use your experience and knowledge to make considered judgements
• You have a commitment to action on climate change/sustainability.

This position is open to people residing in the UK only.

Voluntary Minute Taker for the Chaseley Trust

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and experienced volunteer Minute Taker to support us at the Chaseley trust. 

· Are you an experienced minute taker who is looking to give back to the community and help towards a great cause?

· Are you available 4 times a year, on a quarterly basis to minute take at our board meetings that generally last around 3 hours?

If you are, the Chaseley trust could really benefit from your help and support. We are a registered charity providing long-term nursing and respite care for individuals facing complex disabilities, including Acquired and Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, and Degenerative Neurological Conditions such as Huntington's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone, and Parkinson’s disease.

The minute taker will be asked to keep an accurate record of what happens during the meetings and what decisions are made. The notes must be taken in an impartial way and be prepared and distributed to all attendees as soon as possible once the meeting is over. 

Volunteers are so important in helping us to make sure we can support the development, independence and continued well-being of the people who use our services. Volunteers not only make a difference to the lives of our residents and their loved ones, but also to their own lives.

My Life Films is seeing to appoint a highly motivated and experienced finance professional to join its Board of Trustees, to further its aims of improving the wellbeing of people living with dementia.

ABOUT MY LIFE FILMS

My Life Films is an award-winning charity that uses film and TV to improve the lives of people living with dementia and support those who care for them, through the on demand, dementia-friendly streaming service, My Life TV and life story film-making.  

My Life TV contains video content carefully created and curated to enable people living with dementia to feel stimulated and connected to the world, improving their mental health and supporting their essential care. It contains a wide variety of high quality content: interactive activities like quizzes, singalongs, drawing & chair yoga; calming content like animal or nature programmes and slow TV; a wide range of reminiscence programmes from the 1960s onwards and much more. We work with highly respected content partners as well as producing our own programming in partnership with trusted organisations in the dementia care field and more widely.

With the My Life TV platform successfully through its testing phase, we are now scaling up its use, with a primary focus initially on the professional care sector, in order to reach as many people affected by dementia as possible.

ABOUT THE ROLE

My Life Films is seeking an experienced qualified accountant to join the Board of Trustees and act as Treasurer. 

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of My Life Films and is ultimately accountable for everything it does. Its main purpose is to provide strategic direction, governance and to ensure My Life Films has a clear, shared vision of its aims, objectives and goals, clarity on what it is aiming to achieve and how it will go about doing it.

The Treasurer is the Board lead on financial oversight, statutory reporting and governance, Chairing the Finance Committee and providing direction and support to the Executive Director. The Treasurer will also act as support on banking as secondary signatory for the charity. This role will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity, sustainability and accountability of the charity as we grow our reach and diversify our income over the coming years.

We are committed to inclusion and representation and would particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and other minoritized groups.

ROLE DESCRIPTION 

• Role title: Trustee, My Life Films (Finance)
• Location: Remote – 1 meeting p.a. in person in Greater London
• Time Commitment: Approximately half a day per month
• Renumeration: Not applicable

Purpose of Role

As a Trustee, the commitment you display will make a direct difference to My Life Films. You will bring your skills and energy to supporting our work including developing our strategy, accountability to our beneficiaries and the public.

This trustee will provide expert financial oversight, chairing the Finance Committee and helping review and steer the structuring of quarterly management accounts, annual reports, financial processes and forecasting. They will also act as second signatory on the bank account, and process the monthly payment run.

All trustees are also asked to support on promoting the profile of the charity, including helping with fundraising as needed and promotion among their networks

Time Commitment

• Prepare for and participate in Board meetings (quarterly)
• Chair the Board Finance Sub-Committee (quarterly)
• Support the Executive Director with financial management and planning (monthly check-ins)
• Approve the monthly payment run alongside the Executive Director (monthly action)
• You may also be asked to attend events and/or support staff with certain projects.

Eligibility

Only persons aged 18 years or more may serve on the Board.

Key Responsibilities

• Duty of Compliance
  Ensure My Life Films complies with its governing document and regulations, reports on what it has achieved through annual returns and accounts, remains true to its charitable purpose and as a trustee to act with integrity 
• Duty of Care
  Use reasonable care and skill in the role as Trustee, using skills and experience as needed to ensure that My Life Films is well-run and efficient
• Duty of Prudence
  Ensure that My Life Films is, and will remain, solvent, has due regard to its reserves policy, avoids undue risk and safeguards its good name and values
  Ensure that My Life Films applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objectives

Key Duties

• Strategic Direction 
  - As part of the Board, ensure that My Life Films has a clear vision, mission and values, contributing actively to the Board's role in setting strategic direction to the organization, defining goals, targets and evaluating performance.
• Performance Management
  - Ensure that the Director receives regular, constructive feedback in managing the charity and in meeting objectives and that My Life Films measures its impact effectively.
  - Ensure that My Life Films’ values are put into practice by Trustees, staff and volunteers, with effective employment policies and processes in place.
• Financial Leadership
  - Ensure all strategic plans are financially appraised and that budget setting is aligned with objectives
  - Lead the Board review of Quarterly Management Accounts and constructively challenge and support the ED 
• Statutory Financial Reporting
  - Work with the ED, liaising with external agencies to create the Annual Report and Accounts.
  - Present the Annual Report and Account to trustees for formal approval
• Financial Safeguarding
  - Regularly assess the charity’s reserves status, advising the Board on occasions
• Financial Governance
  - Ensure that My Life Films’ legal, financial and regulatory obligations are met and that there are adequate financial controls in place, monitoring the financial position of the organization and to act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to My Life Films and always in the interests of My Life Films.
• Financial Processes
  - Oversee the charity’s banking arrangements and serve as Primary User of the bank accounts
  - Approve the monthly payment run for both the Charity and subsidiary trading company (MLF Productions Ltd) alongside the Executive Director
• Good Governance
  - Ensure that My Life Films has a governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size and reflects the diversity of its beneficiaries.
  - Ensure that the responsibilities delegated to the Director are clearly expressed and understood, and directions given to him/her come from the Board as a whole.
  - Ensure that there is systematic, open and fair process for recruitment of Trustees, subject to the charity’s governing rules and with a Code of Conduct in place.

PERSON SPECIFICATION (Essential)

• Finance
  - Qualified accountant, with significant experience in a financial role, and ideally some experience of both non-profit as well as commercial financial management.
  - Ideally has knowledge of charity SORP regulations as well as general accounting standards
• Commitment
  - Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Trustee including the time and effort required. Commitment to equal opportunities, inclusion and the aims and values of My Life Films.
  - A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort required to do the role
• Focus
  - Ability to think creatively and strategically, and exercise good, independent judgement with a willingness to listen and learn.
• Communication 
  - Ability to communicate clearly, sensitively and in a reasoned way, taking an active part in discussions, challenging constructively and ask questions appropriately
• Accountability
  - Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment, confidentiality, standing by collective decisions and able to manage challenging situations
• Leadership & Management
  - Ability to give clear direction and strong guidance to the Executive Director, as well as leadership among the Board of Trustees on financial issues

PERSON SPECIFICATION (DESIRABLE)

• Specialist expertise / sector understanding in one or more of the following areas:
  - Social Care / Healthcare
  - Media
  - Content production and distribution
  - Subscription services
  - Charity Accounting & Law
  - Fundraising

Board and Committee Recruitment

About Us

Day One Trust’s mission is to help young people from every background to succeed in the creative industries.  Currently the Trust operates two free-to-attend academies – East London Arts & Music (ELAM - opened 2014) and London Screen Academy (LSA - opened 2019). They already have an impressive track record in getting young people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds into creative industry careers. Our alumni include winners of the BRIT Rising Star and BAFTA Young Game Designer awards, and they are working across the UK games, music and screen industries.

We are supported by the largest players in the creative economy including YouTube, Working Title Films, EON Productions, Universal Music Group and Heyday Films.

Both our Academies are judged outstanding by OFSTED and the Trust’s finances are healthy. From these secure foundations we want to grow the organisation and expand our impact. We are considering projects to expand our existing academies, open new academies and find other ways to spread our unique approach to vocational education for the creative industries so that it is available to more young people. Our ambition is to do whatever it takes to future proof our creative industries and ensure that young people, no matter their background, have the foot-up that they need to make their greatest possible contribution.

About our boards

It is an exciting time to become a Board or Committee member at Day One Trust (DOT) as we look to increase the impact of our existing academies, ensuring their excellence is secured for the long term and explore opportunities to grow our impact beyond them, so young people everywhere, whatever their background, can benefit from the access to the creative industries, The Trust Board and its committees have oversight of the Trust and its academies, and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. Our board and committees’ strengths come from the range of different skills, experiences, backgrounds and perspectives of their members. A diagram of our board and committee structure is at the end of this document.

The foundations of both DOT academies were laid by leaders in the creative industries, spanning music, film & television; most of our founders still work closely with the academies and serve on the DOT board or on one of its committees, which include the governing bodies of the academies. They are joined by others who bring expertise in Education, finance, operations, and other areas. All of our board and committee members share a passion and commitment for the organisation’s work.

Is this for you?

Our mission is to help young people from every background to succeed in the creative industries, so representation is central to our work. We are always looking to improve the diversity of our board and committees and we want to make them as representative as possible of the characteristics and lived experiences of the young people attending our academies. We strive to make our boards inclusive spaces and welcoming to different voices and perspectives. 

Whether you are an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at a non-executive level, we want to hear from you. We are looking for individuals with a passion for education, the creative industries & inclusion who want to use their skills and expertise or lived experiences to strengthen our governance. Candidates do not need to have previous experience of being a trustee or serving on a board. We will support you in learning about the role and the organisation through your induction and by providing ongoing support from an established board or committee member.

Commitment: For each board or committee that you join, you would be expected to attend four meetings a year as well as an annual strategy day. In addition, you would be expected to engage with the academies between meetings, using your skills, experience and expertise in the most appropriate way to have maximum impact on their success. Typically this will mean three visits to the Academies per year, which could be timed to coincide with board meetings.

Skills and knowledge we are seeking

In this recruitment round we are particularly keen to recruit people with knowledge or experience in the following areas, but we welcome applications from anyone who is passionate about what we do and able to make a contribution.

• Educational standards and quality, with an academy trust, school or FE background

• Safeguarding in post-16 education

• Special Educational Needs

• Marketing to young people and employers, especially through social media

• Leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Building and property management, including construction projects

• Fundraising

Roles available

1. Trustee to chair the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Committee

The Safeguarding and Wellbeing Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Trust safeguards all of the young people in its academies and equips them to succeed in the creative industries or their chosen careers after leaving us. Our mission is to create pathways for under-represented and disadvantaged young people into those industries. Enabling them to overcome the challenges they may face in life while at our academies and afterwards is essential to that mission and we take it just as seriously as our responsibility to keep them safe from harm. We are currently seeking a dynamic individual to assume the role of the Chair of the Committee, who would also join our Trust Board.

2. Trustee to chair the Standards and Teaching Committee

The Standards and Teaching Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Trust’s educational outcomes and the quality of educational experience it provides match that mission. We want young people, whatever their background or circumstances, to make excellent progress in our academies, to experience excellent teaching, and as a result to go on to successful careers in the creative industry, either directly after leaving or after further study. We want to recruit a chair of this committee with experience of leadership in a multi-academy trust or of academy leadership, who can help us strengthen our practice and provide support and challenge to our academy and trust staff and governors. The chair would also join our Trust Board and report on the work of the committee as well as contributing to the overall strategic direction of the Trust.

3. Members of the Standards and Teaching Committee, with one also joining the ELAM Governing body

We want to grow the membership of the Trust’s Standards and Teaching Committee with 3-4 new members to broaden the range of educational expertise in the group. The Standards and Teaching Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Trust’s educational outcomes and the quality of educational experience it provides match that mission. Your educational expertise will be instrumental in enriching the overall educational experience in the academy.

Our first priority is for one of the new members to also join the ELAM Governing Body. In this role, you will play a key part in upholding the highest education standards at  ELAM. As a Member of the ELAM Governing Body, you will report on the Standards and Teaching Committee’s scrutiny of educational standards at the academy, and actively contribute to governance discussions and decision-making processes. 

4. Property or Estates professional to join the Finance, Audit, Operations and Risk Committee

We want to extend the Finance, Audit, Operations and Risk  Committee’s knowledge and experience in property matters by recruiting individuals with experience in property development or estate management. The Trust is responsible for two unique academy buildings which provide industry standard equipment in exciting learning environments. They are now 5 and 8 years old respectively. As they begin to mature, the trust must ensure that the buildings and their facilities continue to meet the needs of students and provide an authentic industry experience for them. In addition, the Trust is planning significant expansion of the ELAM site and is exploring other growth projects, including opening new schools, which will involve constructing new buildings or converting existing sites. Ensuring that these buildings are well designed, securely funded and successfully delivered will be essential to the success of any of these future projects

Appointment Process

Closing date: 23rd August 2024

Shortlisting date: 30th August 2024

Interviews: 23rd September - 11th October 2024

To apply: please send your CV and an email explaining which role you are interested in (Chairing a particular committee, or joining as a member of the  local governor body and committee), why you are interested and what you think you would bring to the role.

Day One Trust values equality, diversity and inclusion. We exist to ensure that young people from every background can succeed in the creative industries. Our staff and students are from very diverse backgrounds  and we want our Board to reflect this. We welcome applications from anyone regardless of their age, disability, ethnicity, heritage, sexuality, gender and socio-economic background. We particularly encourage applications from disabled candidates, and black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, as these groups are underrepresented within our organisation.

This post is unpaid, but we are committed to ensuring that people  from all backgrounds are able to contribute to our boards. We are happy to pay reasonable standard class travel expenses for any applicant and we will pay the same travel costs and any childcare costs for any board members so that these are not a barrier to taking part.

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, fast learning intern to join our growing team at Human Appeal; helping us to research projects, review HR reports, and complete quality checks for our UK offices to identify the support needs of our staff.

Main tasks include:

• Provide generalist support for the entire recruitment cycle including but not limited to; interview bookings, JD/JP drafting, advertisements, longlisting, coordination with managers or candidates, reference checks, etc.
• Support HR L&D initiatives including orientations, trainings, workshops etc.
• Ensure proper HR file documentation and file management to audit standards.
• Conducting HR quality checks via routine spot checks and maintain HR trackers.
• Compiling HR exec summaries or reports.
• Undertaking research projects and supporting HR project implementation when requested.

Knowledge/Experience/Skills required:

• Ideally studying towards or completed a Bachelors degree, preferably in HR.
• A good understanding of humanitarian relief
• Effective written and oral communication skills in English
• Basic IT Skills (Excel, Outlook, Office 365, One drive, TEAMs)
• Ability to work well in a diverse virtual team
• Problem solving skills
• Cultural awareness and an understanding of HR

Benefits of volunteering with us:

• Experience of operating within the HR division of an international charity
• Opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in HR Management
• Excellent support as part of a friendly team
• Excellent training opportunities
• Offer to provide references after 3 months of volunteering
• Support in developing your CV (should you want it)
• Opportunities to take part in Human Appeal local events

Learning & Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Human Appeal will provide:

• A detailed induction to provide you with an overview of Human Appeal
• Training and shadowing providing all the information and skills needed to fulfil the role
• A dedicated member of staff to provide ongoing support and supervision
• Payment of “out of pocket” expenses in line with Human Appeal’s expenses policy
• A volunteer handbook that outlines all of the policies and procedures you will need to be aware of whilst volunteering

Trustee and Audit Committee Chair

Education for Industry Group

Education For Industry Group specialises in the creation and operation of industry-led specialist education and training to deliver highly-skilled, job-ready graduates to the sectors it serves. The Group comprises four business divisions: Fashion Retail Academy, London College of Beauty Therapy, EFI Training and EFI Awards. United by a common goal to create and deliver outstanding vocational and academic education in partnership with industry, each division operates independently whilst accessing centralised functions across Marketing, Finance, Operations and Student Services.

The Group is a Registered Charity and also a Company Limited by Guarantee.

Our Board of trustees/directors has overall responsibility for the Group, with strategic responsibilities that include:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• Supporting and holding the CEO to account for the Group’s performance, including the quality of education and the progress of students;
• Overseeing the financial performance of the Group; and
• The safety and wellbeing of its staff and students.

The Board comprises a mix of senior executives from industry, educationalists and other professionals. We are currently seeking to recruit a new trustee/director with experience of audit and risk management, and with the capacity and capability to serve as Chair of the Group’s Audit Committee. The Audit Committee advises the Board on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s systems of internal control and its arrangements for risk management, regularly reviewing the Risk Register and providing oversight of the Group’s engagement with its external auditors.

The overall qualities and attributes that we are seeking include: 

• Proven leadership experience, to help guide the Group in a business-like manner through current and future challenges;
• Passion and enthusiasm to serve; and
• The commitment and flexibility to be able to devote sufficient time to this important role.

The commitment that we expect of a trustee is to attend six in-person Board meetings (each lasting c. 3 hours) per annum. Two of these are part of full day programmes that include additional time spent on meeting students, liaison with industry and strategic matters, which helps trustees to be connected and informed and to gain further from the experience. Additionally, the Audit Committee, comprised of a smaller group of trustees, typically meets three time per annum for meetings of up to 2 hours – normally online.

The roles of our trustees/directors are non-executive and the roles are unremunerated, but they present a great opportunity to ‘give something back’, the excitement that comes from engaging with emerging talent, and networking opportunities with retailers and education specialists. Recent expansion in the Group’s activities and a forthcoming relocation to new state of the art premises in central London make this a particularly exciting time to get on board.

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of our learners. The successful applicant will therefore be required to complete DBS checks.

Black and Minority groups are currently underrepresented and applications from individuals in these groups will be particularly welcomed.

Futher Information:

Further information about EFI Group is available on our websites.

How To Apply:

To apply, please send a current CV and covering letter to Graham Cooper, Secretary to the Board.

Could you be a Volunteer Chaplain and add real value to the work we do?

Our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional wellbeing and mental health.

We are looking for volunteer chaplains to help take part in informal weekly chaplaincy evenings to support the residents living in our Support Housing projects.

We house young people, aged 16-25, most of whom stay around 2 years. Our young people face many barriers; we provide a place and space for young people to feel safe through our projects that will lead to better life chances and a positive future. Our volunteers are at the heart of our work to support and encourage young people to turn their lives around.

YMCA DownsLink Group has a Christian foundation and inclusive vision. Our chaplaincy service helps ensure our YMCA supported accommodation is unique. Our multi-faith chaplains make a difference to the lives of young people in our supported accommodation by providing a space to be heard, to have fun and to eat together.

We are looking for people of faith or belief who are kind, good listeners, non-judgemental, with a sense of humour and a love of young people. We have a Christian Foundation and inclusive vision and we welcome applications from people of all faiths and beliefs. As a volunteer chaplain you will work as part of a team and spend time with the residents in their projects, cooking and eating with them, chatting, playing board games, and generally just being there for them. You will also receive training and support from one of our paid Chaplains.

We ask for a commitment of one evening (approximately 2 hours) every 2-3 weeks.

We are looking for Volunteer Chaplains in the following areas:

• Guildford and East Sussex
• Horsham and Crawley, West Sussex (one to two days a month preferably on Tuesday or Thursday evenings). 

Trustee

We're looking for a Trustee to be part of a school trust which is focused on providing children with the best possible education through collaborative working.

Position: Trustee

Salary: This is a voluntary role however expenses can be paid in line with the allowances policy

Location: Derby

Closing date: 29th July 2024

Time commitment: Around 10 meetings a year, mostly in the evening.

About the role:

As a Trustee, you will be responsible for governing a charitable company and directing how it is managed and run. Trustees must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements. Trustees should seek the advice of the board’s governance professional and other professional advice as appropriate.

The trust board works closely with the CEO and other executives. The CEO and colleagues are responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the trust and its schools, whereas the role of the board is strategic.

Key responsibilities will include:

· Determining the trust's mission, values, and long-term ambitious vision.

· Deciding the principles that guide trust policies and approving key policies.

· Appointing and appraising the senior executive leader and making pay recommendations.

· Working with senior leaders to develop a strategy for achieving the vision.

· Ensuring that stakeholders are involved, consulted, and informed as appropriate.

· Ensuring that all schools in the trust deliver a broad and balanced curriculum such that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and adult life.

· Taking ownership of the trust’s financial sustainability and ensuring effective resource management across the trust.

About you

You need not have been a charity trustee, or school governance before, but you will have experience in participating and decision-making at a senior level; independence of thought and judgement; a strong belief in the ethos and values of the charity and time to commit. A background in education would be helpful but all professional backgrounds are useful.

Contributions to the trust board

Trustees should ensure that they are making a positive and meaningful contribution to the board by:

· Attending meetings (typically around 10 meetings each year), reading papers and preparing questions for the senior executive leader in advance.

· Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with senior executive leaders and colleagues on the board of trustees.

· Getting to know schools within the trust, including visiting occasionally during school hours.

· Undertaking induction training and developing knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis.

About the organisation

The organisation is a trust that was formed to provide opportunities for collaboration, support, and challenge for the schools of Derby while allowing each school to retain its identity and accountability to its local community. 

Other roles you may have experience with could include: Senior teacher, Headteacher, CEO, Charity CEO, Social Enterprise, Director of Volunteering, Trustee, Trust, Director of Strategy, CFO, COO, Head of, Director, Fundraising Director, Head of Marketing, Director of Marketing, Director of Finance, Head of Finance, Head of HR, HR Director etc.

You do not need to have had previous Board experience, but an ability to demonstrate an understanding of charity governance is needed.

At Platfform we seek to lift the input and influence of our Trustees beyond the basics and into generative discussions and strategy formulation. We are firm believers in the brilliance of many minds, qualities, and experiences over the few. So, Platfform Trustees are invited to be actively involved in helping to shape our strategic direction in collaboration with the executive team and wider Platform teams.

The Board meets every six weeks on-line. We hold an annual face to face Board / executive strategic event annually which is face to face and held over two days.

The roles are not remunerated but all reasonable expenses are paid.

Trustees hold office for up to two terms, the first term is 5 years and the second term is 4 years.

See recruitment pack for more information. 

Could you coordinate local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background, just basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with people and good written and spoken English. If so, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Secretary?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a secretary to organise day-to-day activities. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people. As the first point of contact for SSAFA in the area you will play a crucial part in promoting SSAFA locally, organising local events and ensuring the smooth running of SSAFA across the divisions in your branch.

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.

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.

In recognition of our clients’ service to the Nation we aim to provide financial, practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can match clients to volunteers and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

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

This role is about coordination and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular time commitment each week. You would also need to organise and attend a number of regular meetings each year.

What would you be doing?

• Managing the branch office (if applicable) and providing support to all volunteers, especially new ones
• Work with the branch Chairperson, treasurer, and others to ensure smooth running of the branch.
• Accepting referrals and coordinating SSAFA caseworkers, visitors, and helpers accordingly
• Oversee all SSAFA casework across the branch ensuring clients get support that is effective and timely.
• Monitor volunteer numbers against the demand for support and recruit new volunteers as needed
• Working with the local training officer to ensure all volunteers are kept up to date with the training and information they need.
• Build relationships with regional and central office staff to ensure an effective flow of information.
• Maintaining accurate records of volunteers and cases, submit accurate data to Central Office
• Providing administration for an annual programme of meetings including an AGM, recording, and implementing decisions
• 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 including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• 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, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers, volunteer management – case management and quality. This training would take approx. 4 days.
• 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 of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your training up to date.
• Support from the Chair of the branch
• Access to the Welfare Team and Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
• 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 people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to coordinate a team of people volunteering.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to reporting any safety concerns etc
• Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.

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? No

Could you coordinate local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background, just basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with people and good written and spoken English. If so, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Secretary?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a secretary to organise day-to-day activities. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people. As the first point of contact for SSAFA in the area you will play a crucial part in promoting SSAFA locally, organising local events and ensuring the smooth running of SSAFA across the divisions in your branch.

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.

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.

In recognition of our clients’ service to the Nation we aim to provide financial, practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can match clients to volunteers and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

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

This role is about coordination and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular time commitment each week. You would also need to organise and attend a number of regular meetings each year.

What would you be doing?

• Managing the branch office (if applicable) and providing support to all volunteers, especially new ones
• Work with the branch Chairperson, treasurer, and others to ensure smooth running of the branch.
• Accepting referrals and coordinating SSAFA caseworkers, visitors, and helpers accordingly
• Oversee all SSAFA casework across the branch ensuring clients get support that is effective and timely.
• Monitor volunteer numbers against the demand for support and recruit new volunteers as needed
• Working with the local training officer to ensure all volunteers are kept up to date with the training and information they need.
• Build relationships with regional and central office staff to ensure an effective flow of information.
• Maintaining accurate records of volunteers and cases, submit accurate data to Central Office
• Providing administration for an annual programme of meetings including an AGM, recording, and implementing decisions
• 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 including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• 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, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers, volunteer management – case management and quality. This training would take approx. 4 days.
• 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 of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your training up to date.
• Support from the Chair of the branch
• Access to the Welfare Team and Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
• 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 people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to coordinate a team of people volunteering.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to reporting any safety concerns etc
• Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.

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? No

Would you like to support people from within the serving community? You just need a friendly demeanour, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, please get in touch!

What is a Community Volunteer Coordinator?

Community Volunteers provide practical help to serving personnel and their families. In this role you will be coordinating and supporting a team of Community Volunteers providing the type of support local families tell us they need.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved one is deployed overseas, or a family has to move to a new location. Some people find themselves facing illness, bereavement or unexpected financial problems. Day-to-day activities can become difficult without a little help. That’s where you come in! Could you spare a few hours a week to support a local team of volunteers lending a helping hand to military families?

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

This role is about coordination and administration so many volunteers are able to do this from home or at their place of work.

What would you be doing?

• Accepting referrals, matching Community Volunteers with beneficiaries and overseeing the progress of cases.
• Working with the Serving Community Team and a Regional Operations Support Manager, to recruit and induct new Community Volunteers as needed
• Supported by the Learning and Development team and Volunteer Experience team in Central Office, ensuring that all volunteers undertake required training and tasks for their role
• Providing support, supervision and guidance to Community Volunteers
• Collating and sharing reporting information about the support provided to beneficiaries
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support volunteers and beneficiaries
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFA’s policies and procedures at all times, including SSAFA’s: safeguarding; volunteering policy; equality, diversity and inclusion; health & safety; data protection; confidentiality

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Give back to the serving community
• Support and friendship from the SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
• Build networks across your local area and meet new people
• 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 about training and support?

• Training course for Community Volunteer Coordinators. Your experienced trainer will prepare you for your role and you’ll find out about the support available to you.
• Online training modules so you know how to keep beneficiaries, their families and personal information safe.
• Access to a range of online training modules to support with continued learning and development.
• Support from SSAFA’s Welfare team, Volunteer Experience team and Regional Operations Support Manager.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience and empathy
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Good IT skills e.g. ability to use Outlook and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries with regards to providing support to beneficiaries
• Experience of organising or coordinating people would be advantageous but not essential
• Ability to travel to meet volunteers and beneficiaries
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

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? Yes* (the cost of this check will be covered by SSAFA)

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

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 and background checks for your role.

Do you get a kick out of organising and appreciate a spreadsheet? Are you a multi-tasker with good communication and IT skills? 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 Administration 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 dedicated volunteers who make this possible.

The Team Administration Coordinator keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes, supporting day-to-day operations. This is a key role involving organising and recording team meetings, supporting with general planning, and helping with events administration. The 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, we need excellent administrators to bring teams together and support activities and operations.

What will you be doing?

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

Collaborating and planning: Working with the Chair and wider team to create an annual plan of activity based on local need.

Organising people and meetings: Providing administration for Serving Community Team meetings (at least four per year). This includes sending invites and recording minutes.

Gathering information and reporting: Helping to produce reports for SSAFA’s Central Office, including the team’s Annual Return.

General team support: Supporting members of the team with general administration tasks for example, helping with fundraising events, local engagement and publicity events.

Responding to enquiries: Responding to general enquiries to the team email inbox where needed.

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 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.
• 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.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• 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 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.

Volunteers wanted for our vibrant Friday Club for adults with learning disabilities/difficulties.

With around 60-70 members attending each week, we are in need of enthusiastic volunteers to help support our evening and provide our members with a smooth and trouble free evening from start to finish.

Usually entertainment ranges from disco evenings/live music/ karaoke/bingo and raffles in our main hall and more laid back activities in our small hall such as crafting, yoga or tai chi.

No formal experience/training required but an understanding of learning difficulties would be useful.

DBS checks will be carried out for all volunteers.

Please get in touch for more details.