Volunteer Roles

Citizen Coaching and Counselling

Placement Counsellor Volunteer 2024-5

We are seeking up to 8 x Volunteer placement counsellors to start in October 2024 to join our team of 50 therapists and volunteers in Birmingham. Based at Zellig Building next to the Custard Factory in Digbeth B9 4AT.

Apllication checklist when applying you need to include 3 things;

1. CV upload- even if basic, we are interested in what you did prior to studying to be a cousnellor

2. Covering letter

3. Completion of the questions, presented online as your application progresses

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KEY DATES

Applications close Friday 2nd August 2024 at 5pm

Notification of interview day by email Monday 5th August 2024

Attend an interview day on Thursday 29th August 2024 (in person) either 10-1pm or 1-4pm

Induction day for successful candidates is on Thursday 3rd October 2024 10-4pm.

Application & Selection Process

Volunteer Counsellors and Counsellors in training can apply by completing our application form (and other attachments) and sending it back to us.

We operate a policy of non-­discrimination.

Applicants will need to:

• Be in the second year of their Level 4 or 5 Qualification or on a Master’s level or specialist course for children and young people counselling or already qualified but looking to restart cousnelling after a break from the profession
• Complete our application form (and attachments) and return to us as instructed.

Following application there is a selection process. Successful applicants will be asked to:

• Attend an interview day on Thursday 29th August 2024 (in person) either 10-1pm or 1-4pm
• This will include a short group exercise, interview, a piece of written work and a psychometric profile.
• The recruitment panel for the interview will comprise of 2-­‐3 people one of which will be the Clinical Lead / Chief Executive Officer.
• Supply copies of any certificates or diplomas they have already completed which relate to their counselling and bring ID

Following the interview selected applicants will be 

Be asked to complete an induction day training on Thursday 3rd October 2024 10-4pm.

• Provide a DBS We can provide one if you do not currently have a portable one.
• Be offered a placement subject to satisfactory completion of the induction process
• Placements are completed in 10-2 or 2-5pm slots Monday to Friday. 
• Placement counselling sessions are delivered in person, face to face at our Zellig based Counselling Centre. We do not allow placement counsellors to work online. 

Benefits for Volunteers

• Placements counsellors can get up to a £500 contribution to their supervision costs by seeing 10 clients in the year. This can be spent with any of the 15 independent supervisors working at our centre.
• Counsellors are assigned clients according to their level of experience and specialisms (following client assessment and careful consideration by our senior counsellors and Clinical Lead).
• The opportunity to accrue counselling, supervision and training hours that will count towards course requirements as well as BACP
• Supportive consultation with the Clinical Lead (see above).
• Annual appraisal
• Our best efforts to proper integration into the team
• Access to extra training as required
• Induction into relevant office procedures
• Honest professional references, should they be required
• To attend team meetings
• Potential opportunities for paid work once qualified.
• Although, not guaranteed, many of our volunteers have gone on to become accredited counsellors who are paid employees or sessional workers at the end of their placement.

Counsellors are required:

• To work within our policies and procedures and BACP
• To maintain a caseload of 2-5 clients a week.This can increase as you progress.
• See clients aged 18+ (unless on a Young People’s qualification) for short term (6 sessions) and longer-term counselling (over 6 sessions).
• To have regular supervision with a supervisor approved by us, agreed by your course provider and financed by yourself- see above for details of accessing free supervision.
• To rebook client sessions. If you need to cancel sessions with clients, unless you are unwell, you will be expected to remake these appointments
• To maintain client details and notes on our system.
• To meet regularly with the Clinical Lead.
• To report any client risk to the clinical lead or in his/her absence, CEO Martin Hogg on mobile
• If something goes wrong with your placement or you are unhappy with any aspect of Volunteering inform us at the earliest ocassion
• To attend casework supervision sessions as per requirements.
• To keep to time commitments as far as is reasonable and to inform the office of any impending lateness or sickness
• To ensure that counselling sessions are booked within our timeline
• Upon leaving the organisation, all counsellors should seek to ‘wind down’ their caseload, reaching planned endings with as many clients as possible. Any others should be transferred to another counsellor in a sensitive and professional

Applications close Friday 2nd August 2024 at 5pm

No agencies or advertisers please.

Application Instructions

Please read the vacancy information to ensure you can attend the interview dates and the induction date if successful.
Placements are only available  in person (not online) on Monday to Friday 10-5pm for your first 50 hours. 

Please note you need to supply CV, covering letter and a completed 'volunteer applicant questions' word document.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Knowledge of your local community

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Knowledge of your local community

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

About Upendo Tena Initiative

Upendo Tena Initiative was set up in 2019 and officially registered as a National NGO in Kenya in 2023. We aim to enhance gender equality, to combat child exploitation and to raise awareness of mental health and well-being throughout Kenya, whilst supporting children to understand and access their fundamental human rights. Gender-based violence, inequality, trafficking & exploitation, harmful cultural practices, poor mental health, and a lack of trauma-informed support, continue to be significant concerns facing children and young people.

Our innovative hands-on workshop programme is delivered in a variety of settings across Kenya, including in both primary and secondary schools, in children’s rescue centres and in provisions for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Our workshop sessions are tailored to the particular needs of the community/group of children and young people. We have adapted our programme to specifically meet the needs of those with additional needs and/or disabilities to ensure that our programme is accessible. We also adapt our topics and area of focus depending on the identified gaps and needs that arise in individual counties and communities.

We currently work with children and young people from the age of 8 – 21, or up to the age of 25 for young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

You can read more about our work on our website.

Additionally, our LinkedIn and social media platform can be found: @upendotena

Role description:

As an NGO we are able to reach numerous children, young people and communities each year through our bespoke workshop programmes, thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. As a small NGO, we are hoping to build a network of fundraising volunteers, where each volunteer can put their individual expertise to use and can also develop new skills and experience.

The fundraising remit is quite wide and so we can be flexible regarding how volunteers would like to provide support. Our fundraising volunteers can have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to expand the reach of our workshop programmes. There is also the opportunity for fundraising volunteers to develop fundraising strategies and take a lead on grant proposals and applying for funding, if this is an area of interest. We welcome any knowledge of the fundraising sector within our team!

What are some of the things we are looking support with?

· Planning fundraising events and activities such as; cake sales, summer/winter fetes, quizzes, raffles, clothes swaps, car boot sales, disco’s/parties, sporting activities (e.g sponsored bike rides or marathons), games nights, auctions etc. Any ideas you have would be very much encouraged and appreciated.

· Contacting businesses and organisations that may be willing to donate (monetary, physical or systems based donations).

· Contacting nurseries, schools, colleges or other businesses and organisations to raise awareness of the work of Upendo Tena Initiative and ask them if they would be interested in hosting/partaking in fundraising activities for us.

· Researching for any upcoming grants or funding opportunities that Upendo Tena Initiative may be eligible to apply for.

· Supporting with the applications for relevant grants and funding opportunities.

· Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events etc.

· Promoting the work and values of Upendo Tena Initiative.

· Following both internal and external policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for any fundraising events.

What are the benefits?

· A chance to be part of a small start up NGO with the opportunity to shape the direction of the fundraising team.

· Join a vibrant and passionate team.

· Meet new people and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

· Develop new skills and expand your knowledge.

· Regular 1:1’s and support from one of our Board Members.

· Training opportunities.

What are we looking for in a Fundraising Volunteer?

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

· Team player.

· Willingness to learn.

· Openness, honesty and transparency.

· Experience or interest in organising events and/or applying for funding opportunities.

· Strong admin, IT and organisational skills.

· Confident and able to work on one’s own initiative but within an agreed brief as part of a team.

· Reliable and dependable.

Could you be a Trustee?

Are you based in the West or East Midlands and looking for an opportunity to create positive social change, meet new people and learn new things?

Music Therapy Works is looking for three-to-four committed, motivated people to join the Board as Trustees, enabling even more people to benefit from music therapy.

We are looking, in particular, for one or more of the following skills/experience to complement our existing Trustees:

• Fundraising
• Marketing and communications
• Digital
• ICT strategy management skills
• Safeguarding
• Project or operational management
• Performance management
• Strategic planning

We also want our Board to reflect the diverse community that MTW supports. We would particularly like to hear from you if you:

• have a background in social care and/or safeguarding
• have a background in music therapy or a related field
• reflect MTW’s beneficiaries. For example: are you a disabled person? Do you have mental health needs? Are you a parent or teacher of a young disabled person, or a young person with mental health needs? Are you part of an adoptive family or do you work with children in care? Are you a carer for a person with dementia?

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take up your first position at board level, we really want to hear from you! It is not necessary for you to have previous experience as a Trustee - training will be provided. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, but you must be over 18 years old.

What do you get out of being an MTW Trustee?

We recognise that volunteering with us is a two-way process and are keen to ensure you get the most out of your time with us:

• Being a Trustee is a great way to ‘give something back’ while developing your skills in leadership, influencing, debating, negotiating, strategic and organisational planning. You will have the opportunity to meet, network and learn from people who may have very different professional backgrounds and life experiences to your own
• We provide an induction pack for new Trustees to help you quickly feel settled in
• We provide opportunities for training and development
• Every new trustee is assigned a Board buddy to help them to feel part of the team
• We offer reasonable expenses

Interested? What to do next:

1. For full details about being an MTW trustee, including a role description, please download and read the Candidate Pack
2. To register an initial expression of interest, please email us. We will be happy to discuss any queries you may have about the role or the recruitment process generally
3. If you want to apply, please complete the application form on our website and attach a copy of your CV. Alternatively, you can download a copy of the form as a Microsoft Word document from MTW's website and send it with a copy of your CV 
4. If you require any materials in an alternative format, please do not hesitate to ask
5. The closing date for applications is Sunday 11th August 2024
6. Interviews will be held in person in Worcester on 5th and 6th September 2024, with an online option if absolutely necessary

We really look forward to hearing from you! Check out MTW's website - musictherapyworks. co. uk/jobs for a full candidate pack and application form.

CPRE - England’s leading countryside charity - are seeking a volunteer with fundraising, marketing or communications experience, to assist their London branch with applications to grant makers and project progress reports

We are looking for a Programme Funding Volunteer who will have the opportunity to initiate funding relationships that will ultimately help us support London to move closer to being a zero-carbon city, help strengthen biodiversity, and nurture nature for the good of wildlife and Londoners. 

Reports to: Director, CPRE London. 

What will you be doing?

• Researching and tailoring applications to grant makers
• Assisting with producing project progress reports with a level of detail suited to the funder
• Involving with other income streams, including digital fundraising, sponsored events (focused on promoting climate friendly actions) and establishing more sustainable funding through regular giving from individuals

Benefits of the role

• The use of your skills and experience to contribute to the success of our charity and make a positive difference to making London a greener city
• The opportunity to meet like-minded people and enjoy being part of a team
• Our support to help you develop in your volunteering role and provide you with relevant training
• The opportunity to enhance your CV by developing additional new skills and gaining valuable experience
• The opportunity to become involved with events and workshops on a local and national level
• We will provide a reference for any future work or volunteering
• We provide out-of-pocket travel expenses

What are we looking for?

Skills / Experience Essential (E) or Desirable(D). Please provide examples or evidence where possible.

• Excellent written communication skills (E)
• Strong research skills (E)
• Good interpersonal skills (E)
• Educated to at least degree level (E)
• Some past experience of fundraising, marketing or communications work (E)
• Understanding of the environmental sector (D)
• Some experience of using layout and design software (D)

What difference will you make?

This is an opportunity to mobilise resources to help London move towards its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, strengthen biodiversity and to nurture the well being of nature and Londoners through improved access to quality green spaces.

Commitment:

• ~ 14 hours/ week; mainly during office hours
• A minimum of 8 weeks commitment is preferred
• There is an option to come to the office on Tuesdays or Thursday, although this is not essential if you would prefer to work from home.

The Organisation:

Sir Henry Irving founded the Fund in 1882 with a number of other actors and stage managers. Over 140 years, Presidents have included Sir John Gielgud, Sir Lawrence Olivier and Dame Penelope Keith. We are thrilled that our Royal Patron has recently been confirmed as King Charles III.

The ABF is a membership charity with over 600 members who are from the acting or stage management fraternity. Members select up to 12 trustees from within the membership to govern and take responsibility for the ABF’s management and administration. Those trustees can appoint up to four additional non-member trustees on the basis of skills and experience they can bring to the charity.

The Board of Trustees delegates authority to a number of sub committees, including Grants & Services, Finance & Operations, and Marketing & Engagement. We ask trustees to join one of these committees.

For over 140 years, the Actors' Benevolent Fund has supported actors and stage managers experiencing hardship due to injury, illness or old age. To date this support has consisted of financial grants and benefits advice, as well as a listening ear. This support is delivered by a small staff team at Adam Street just off The Strand in London.

The charity world has changed significantly in recent years. Society rightly expects charities to deliver their purposes effectively for public benefit. The ABF has been going through a process of reform to maximise the help it delivers and to ensure it is the most effective and impactful steward of its resources.
The charity’s first ever CEO was appointed last summer, and a new Board of Trustees was elected and appointed early 2024 to take the charity forward into the future with a bold new ambition to increase impact.

To find out more about the Actors’ Benevolent Fund, visit the website.

The Role:

This is an exciting time to be joining the Board of Trustees of the Actors’ Benevolent Fund. The charity has been on a journey of transformation, with a new Board and strategy in place, and we are looking for two additional trustees to join us on this journey. These are incredibly challenging times for the industry, with an increased cost of living combined with a scarcity of funding for the Arts, resulting in fewer opportunities for actors, actresses and stage managers, and research evidencing mental health problems. There is a growing need to respond to the changes within our society and profession, and we are seeking individuals with the passion to join an inspirational team to make meaningful and sustainable change to our community. 

We are currently looking for two non-member trustees, each with knowledge and experience in one of the following two areas:
•  Investment management
•  Strategic marketing and / or brand awareness

Person Specification:

Essential: 
•  Demonstrate a passion and commitment to the charity and our vision for its future strategic direction
•  Professional knowledge and experience in one of the following subject areas:
-  Investment management
-  Strategic marketing / brand awareness
•  Understanding of and commitment to the role and responsibilities of being a charity trustee
•  Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
•  The time to commit to the role: Board meetings are held from 10.30 – 13.00 on the last Thursday every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November), and sub committees meet three times per year

Desirable:
•  Experience of charity governance and being part of a Board 
•  Experience of acting or stage management

Please download the Candidate Information Pack for further details.

How to Apply:

To apply, please provide us with:

•  An up-to-date CV; and
•  Either a supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4 or, if you prefer, a video of no more than 4 minutes long, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise, what you think you can bring to the role and what you hope to gain from the role.

All applications should be sent to the Trustees Unlimited email address, published on their website. 

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, alternatively please contact Melissa Baxter or Ian Joseph.

Closing date for applications: 29th July 2024

Interviews with the Actors' Benevolent Fund: 9th – 14th August 2024, in person at the ABF offices in Adam Street, London.

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 Income Generation/Fundraising Board Member you’ll take the leading role in developing and implementing an income strategy that will deliver the required resources to meet our climate change and programmes and creating a sustainability hub for the South West.

You will be a key 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:

Position: Income Generation/Fundraising Board Member

Responsible to: The board and membership

Working Location: Generally remote working but the ability to help occasionally at events in the South West is preferable.

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:

• Develop and lead on the implementation of an income generating/fundraising strategy.
• Developing new areas of fundraising (eg corporate; donations legacy giving)
• Provide new ideas and innovation for fundraising and income generation (eg events programme)
• Lead on ensuring we have the capacity, systems and processes required to develop and maintain income streams  
• 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.
• Be contributing to the day-to day running of the organisation and/or its operations.

What are the requirements?

This unique opportunity is for you if…

• You have substantial background as a fundraiser with a good understanding of charity/voluntary sector fundraising at strategic and operational levels
• You have experience of diverse income generation types.
• You are able to develop new income streams such as corporate sponsorship or from events/trading
• 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.

Do you want to gain professional writing skills and have your named work viewed by thousands? Do you have a passion for great literature or fine art or classical or contemporary music or history or archaeology or something else in the humanities? Do you love to learn about other cultures, their cuisine, customs and language? Do you want to join a vibrant community of writers? Then write for us!

The Cultural Me helps our subscribers learn about the arts and culture the same way they would learn a new language. We are a tech company and are developing artificial intelligence-assisted learning.

We are looking for writers to research and write micro-articles (roughly 300–350 words) on selected subjects, for example, a piece on Tolstoy, or Early Renaissance to Contemporary Art, or Latin American magic realism to Postcolonial Literature, or Sri Lankan culture, or Beethoven, or Film... You will also be involved in editing contributions from other writers.

If you have never written professionally before, then don't worry: all we ask for is a Bachelor’s Degree in the Arts and Humanities. We are also happy to consider you if you have alternative qualifications — provided you can demonstrate specialist subject matter knowledge in one or more areas in the arts and culture (and you love reading). The articles we produce (unlike popular media) are to the best academic standards. The ideal person, therefore, should enjoy writing articles that are well-researched yet written in an accessible format suitable for the public at large.

Here is what you can expect from us in return for your voluntary work:

• Detailed and friendly, one-to-one editorial feedback on almost every line you write.
• How to write for a busy mainstream reader: developing a story.
• A language and style guide reflecting modern trends in mainstream media.
• The chance to develop a deeper understanding of the arts, history, philosophy...
• Publication of your work to a global audience on a fast-growing platform.
• A link to your writing portfolio to include in your CV.
• A chance to join our diverse community of writers in our active chat space with the option to contribute to our growing social feed on the Cultural Me website.

In addition, if you provide The Cultural Me as a reference for a potential job, we will provide a personalised reference based on your portfolio. Our writers have secured jobs with organisations such as the Red Cross, Kobalt Music, Oxford University Museums, amongst others.

This is a brilliant opportunity for someone with a passion for the arts and culture to join a community on a worthy mission. If you love the idea, then please email Emma by clicking on ‘Apply’ and writing a short cover letter explaining what you like about the role.

COMMENTS FROM OUR WRITERS

Claire Woods — MA Creative Writing, Open University

‘The editors have a keen eye for detail, and I’m learning so much already!’

Florence Gildea — MPhil Sociology, University of Cambridge

‘The level of support, the attention to detail and the encouragement I experienced while writing for The Cultural Me was absolutely unprecedented in all my years of writing. Editing is an underappreciated skill these days, as people are keen to publish content as quickly as possible. It is a testament to the commitment of the Editors at The Cultural Me for producing resources of the highest quality that they put so much time and effort into working with writers like me. I felt both stretched and valued.’

Zoe Willis — BA French and German, University of Bristol

‘Working on The Cultural Me micro-articles really made me interrogate what I was writing, making sure the subject was absolutely clear for those reading it. At university, you are never told to examine each sentence as to how it fits in with your argument.’

Elise Czyzowska — BA English Literature & Language, University of Oxford

‘Writing for The Cultural Me has allowed me to continue practising my analytical reading from university, and given me the opportunity to share my thoughts on the literature I know and love.’

Nicholas Benton — BA English Literature, University of Sheffield

‘The Cultural Me provided me with a detailed commendatory reference that helped me secure a place on a master’s degree at the University of Birmingham.’

Tom Mackinnon — BA History of Art, University of Cambridge

‘Since starting to write for The Cultural Me, I’ve actually learned a lot about writing for mainstream readers. At the same time, I really enjoy being able to keep in touch with the topics I love. I do recommend this experience to anyone wanting to pursue a career in writing, curation or education.’

SAMPLE MICRO-ARTICLES

Please see the attachment.

SAMPLE WRITER PROFILES

Ugne — https://thecultural.me/people/Ugne-Civilyte-109496

Isabella — https://thecultural.me/people/Isabella-Barber-109388

Rami — https://thecultural.me/people/Rami-Barhoumi-109470

Judith — https://thecultural.me/people/Judith-Kuthy-109397

Ashly — https://thecultural.me/people/Ashly-Cork-109382

Christina — https://thecultural.me/people/Christina-Apostolidou-109357

Katerina — https://thecultural.me/people/Katerina-Koukouthaki-109393

Satkartar — https://thecultural.me/people/Satkartar-Chaggar-109383

We are a small, friendly, experienced board seeking additional trustees who bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, who broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Our trustees play a vital role in ensuring that Power to Connect achieves its core purpose. They oversee the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring effective management and alignment with our vision.

We are particularly interested in candidates with the following experience, though we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to support our work:

- Charity fundraising experience

- Outreach and communications experience

- Business Development Experience

- Charity management or governance experience, either through a previous trustee role or as a senior leader in a relevant charity

DUTIES

- Help set Power to Connects purpose, vision, goals and activities.

- Provide creative and innovative ideas and input into forward planning.

- Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

- Provide oversight and scrutiny of financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

- Identify, monitor, and control key risks.

- Stay informed about changes in the operating environment.

- Contribute to regular reviews of the charity’s governance.

- Attend monthly board calls, prepared to contribute to discussions.

- Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect the charity’s interests, excluding personal or third-party interests.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

- Passion for our cause

- Willingness and ability to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities as trustees

- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good judgment, and work effectively as a board member.

- Effective communication skills and active participation in discussions

- Strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

- Strong networking capabilities that benefit the charity

- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities with all stakeholders, including staff and volunteers

- Personal gravitas and ability to influence

- Willingness to devote necessary time and effort to fulfil the role effectively