Volunteer Roles

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.

Do you enjoy multi-tasking and coordinating events? Is attention to detail one of your strengths? If so, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need an Armed Forces background, just good organisation, and IT skills.

What is an Administration Coordinator?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas, each delivering support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Every branch has a team of volunteers who make this possible.

The Administrator Coordinator is a key member of the team, ensuring the smooth running of the branch and supporting day to day operations. This role is at the heart of the branch, overseeing the group inbox, organising meetings, and liaising with volunteers and external stakeholders.

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.

We aim to provide financial, practical, and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need excellent administrators to keep things running efficiently behind the scenes.

What would you be doing?

• Every SSAFA Branch has different needs, however, below are the main activities of a Branch Administration Coordinator.
• Overseeing enquiries: Overseeing the administration of the branch shared inbox and post, ensuring queries are answered.
• Getting people together: Organising internal meetings, both virtually and face to face
• Planning and organising: Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to arrange events such as the Branch Annual General Meeting
• Note taking and recording: Maintaining accurate records of meetings and decisions.
• Communicating: Supporting the Branch Chair with internal communications, keeping other volunteers up to date and informed
• Tracking and ordering: Keeping a record of branch assets, ordering stationery, and ensuring maintenance of equipment
• Supporting health and safety: Supporting the Branch Chair with administration of personal, office and event risk assessments where required

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

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 your 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 training and support would I receive?

• 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.
• Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Support from regional volunteering and operations employees
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• 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 with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Some experience of coordinating people or events is beneficial.
• Good IT skills e.g., confident using email and online diaries– you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.

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

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

Are 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 help SSAFA reach more supporters and raise greater awareness of our services through the magic of social media and digital marketing? You don’t need a military background, just some basic digital skills, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good written English. If you have I.T or digital marketing experience, that would be great but not essential. We’d love you to get in touch to find out more.

What is a Digital Marketing Volunteer?

There are SSAFA branches and service committees throughout the UK and overseas. We use local microsites and social media to raise awareness of our services, raise funds and find new volunteers. Digital Marketing volunteers help us maximise our message, keep content up to date and increase traffic to our sites.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients 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.

Our clients, volunteers and supporters come from all backgrounds and age groups and want to engage with us in different ways too. To offer the best possible service we need to provide seamless communication, consistent messages, and accurate information. We’d love to hear from you if think you could help us grow our on-line presence.

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

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 for a flexible volunteering opportunity as times and days could fit in around work and other commitments to suit you.

What would you be doing?

• As part of a team of volunteers, maintain branch microsites and social media feeds.
• Look at ways to increase traffic to microsites and improve SSAFA’s digital brand.
• Keep content current and accurate.
• Support and maintain the SSAFA brand by consistently using our brand guidelines and tone of voice.
• Working with the digital marketing team, interpret analytical data to develop local communication plans.
• Working with local SSAFA branches, build social media channels and integrate on-line and off-line activity to best effect.

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

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Be a part of our motivated and enthusiastic team.
• Experience, training and skills from a national charity that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Use your skills, knowledge, and experience to benefit the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
• Develop contacts, skills and opportunities working with influential people and organisations.
• Improve and develop your digital skills, useful in all aspects of your life.
• Support and friendship in your local area and the wider SSAFA community
• 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?

• 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.
• Support from our Digital Marketing team based at SSAFA Central Office.
• Training on our web platform
• Access to analytical tools and our digital marketing tool kit
• Induction covering all the aspects of SSAFAs services and the difference we can make to people’s lives.
• 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, possibly with some experience of digital marketing/ IT or social media
• Ability to write in English to a good standard.
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, supporters, volunteers, other agencies, and staff.
• Understanding of how social media can be used to engage and influence.
• Ability to use social media applications including adding and editing content.
• Basic understanding of website maintenance, training will be provided.
• Basic understanding of digital analytical tools, training will be provided.

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 disclosure check required? No

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

What is a Caseworker?

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

Why do we need you?

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

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

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

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

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

What would you be doing?

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

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

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

What training and support would you receive?

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

What are we looking for?

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

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

Minimum Age: 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the role

We are looking for Super Volunteers to support our new regional fundraising concept in York and Staffordshire. You will be home based with occasional group and service visits plus attending regional events. Ideally, you will be able to commit 15 hours per week to volunteering.

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

What you will be doing as a Super Volunteer (Regional Fundraising)

In this role you will work closely with the head of regional fundraising, heads of area and group development officers plus other regional fundraising volunteers in order to lead on and facilitate regional fundraising activity calendars. The primary objective of this exciting voluntary role is to bring to life regional fundraising activities in line with our “Rethink in the Community" concept and collaborate with all stakeholders to increase regional awareness generate much need additional income and amplify the impact of the work Rethink Mental Illness do. 

Tasks will include

• Organizing participation in good footfall local events.
• Supporting stakeholders to develop the potential of already established events.
• Supporting the national fundraising team to develop regional opportunity
• Supporting stakeholders to promote regional fundraising
• Supporting the head of regional fundraising and heads of area to implement regional priority funding campaigns.
• Supporting the head of innovation to develop new ideas and fundraising activities.
• Actively recruit regional fundraising volunteers.

You will support the following people and teams:

National

• Head of regional fundraising.
• National fundraising team
• Communications Team (COMS)
• Volunteer policy and practice manager
• Human Resources

Regional

• Heads of area
• Group development officers
• Service leads
• Group leaders
• Regional fundraisers

What will make you a great fit for this role?

You will be a great fit for this role if you are passionate about making a difference to those severely affected by mental health and have a knack for organizing events and activities. Your enthusiasm for fundraising, combined with your ability to inspire and motivate others, will drive the success of our activities. With your strong communication skills, you will effectively coordinate with volunteers and partners, ensuring everyone is aligned and excited about our goals. Your creativity will shine as you plan and promote diverse fundraising activities, keeping our calendar vibrant and engaging. Most importantly, your dedication to our cause and your proactive approach will make you an invaluable asset to our team, helping us to reach new heights in our mission.

Who are we?

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

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

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

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

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

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

Been There is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join a small, supportive and dynamic team as a Trustee Treasurer for the board.

What will you be doing?

About Been There

Been There is a charity in the form of an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. This gives them the opportunity to speak to someone who has ‘Been There’ themselves. Our Mentors are here to support, empower and, most importantly, listen.

About the role

Been There is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join a small, supportive and dynamic team as a Trustee and Secretary of the board. Alongside relevant experience, you will also possess an ability to work to tight deadlines, prioritising multiple tasks, and will be a natural team player with excellent written and spoken English.

Main Responsibilities

● Financial Oversight: Oversee and present budgets, accounts, and financial statements to the board in a clear and understandable manner.

● Strategic Financial Planning: Work with the board to ensure that financial strategies and decisions are fully integrated into the strategic plans of the charity.

● Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place to safeguard the charity's assets. Monitor and manage financial risk.

● Statutory Reporting: Ensure that the charity complies with all legal and statutory financial reporting requirements.

● Audit and Financial Analysis: Lead in the appointment and liaison with auditors, and provide insightful analysis on financial reports and audits.

● Budgeting and Forecasting: Oversee the development and review of the charity's annual budget and financial forecasts.

● Fundraising Support: Play an active role in guiding and supporting the charity's fundraising efforts, ensuring financial goals are met and resources are secured for future sustainability.

What are we looking for?

Person Specification

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with any body image issues and related mental health concerns. Experience, skills and expertise in charity law, an interest in the well-being of people combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions are particularly sought.

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

● Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in finance, accounting, or a related field, with a strong understanding of charity finance and governance.

● Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is highly desirable.

● Skills: Excellent financial and analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.

● Commitment: Ability to commit time for board meetings, committee involvement, and preparation work. Expected to attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to special projects as needed.

● Ethics: A commitment to the values and mission of Been There, with a passion for making a difference in the community.

What difference will you make?

Been There is a charity for people struggling with their mental health relating to body image. 

The Trustees are a core part of the team and very hands on. We have a tight knit team and your support will ensure we are always acting in the best interests of our beneficiaries.

Are you passionate about mental health and helping those struggling with body image issues and related disorders? Been There, a start-up mental health charity, is currently seeking a safeguarding trustee to join our dedicated team.

What will you be doing?

Job Summary:

As a safeguarding trustee, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our service users. You will work closely with our staff and volunteers to implement safeguarding policies and procedures, provide guidance and support, and help to create a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic

• Consider the organisation’s strategic plans and make sure they reflect safeguarding legislation and expectations of the Charities Commission.
• Work with the CEO and DSL regularly to review and ensure charity policies are creating a safer culture and keeping people safe.
• Check the organisation’s risk register reflects safeguarding risks properly and plans sensible measures to take.
• Make sure there is space on the agenda for safeguarding reports and help trustees understand and challenge those reports.

Effective policy and practice

• Make sure there is a 6 monthly review of safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Understand the monitoring your charity does to see whether policies and procedures are effective.
• Learn from case reviews locally and nationally, to improve your organisation’s policies/procedures.
• Oversee safeguarding allegations against staff or volunteers, together with CEO and DSL.
• Be a point of contact for staff or volunteers if someone wishes to complain about a lack of action in relation to safeguarding concerns.

Creating the right culture

• Champion safeguarding throughout the organisation.
• Attend relevant safeguarding training events (virtually)
• Support the trustees in developing their individual and collective understanding of safeguarding.
• Support regular safeguarding updates for staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.
• Make sure you have ways of gathering the views of staff and volunteers in relation to safeguarding and sharing these with the board.

What are we looking for?

• Qualifications and Experience:

- 5+ years experience in safeguarding, ideally within a mental health/charity setting (essential)

- Previous trustee/governance experience is not essential but would be desirable.

- Knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation/policies/procedures.

- Commitment to promoting positive body image and mental well-being.

- Understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with body image issues and related disorders would be beneficial.

- Skills: Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

- Commitment: Ability to commit time for board meetings, committee involvement, and preparation work. Expected to attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to special projects as needed

What difference will you make?

Been There is a charity in the form of an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. This gives them the opportunity to speak to someone who has ‘Been There’ themselves. Our Mentors are here to support, empower and, most importantly, listen.

The Trustees are a core part of the team and very hands on. We have a tight knit team, and your governance support will ensure we are always acting in the best interests of our service users and team.

How to Apply:

To apply for the Safeguarding Trustee position at Been There Mental Health Charity, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

We look forward to welcoming a dedicated individual to our team and making a difference in the lives of those we support.

Are you passionate about wildlife and nature? Are you looking for a purpose- driven Trustee role? Do you have a background in HR and an interest in developing people? Unique Trustee role at a leading Swan rescue charity offers the chance to be the ‘wind beneath the wings’ of these beautiful birds, who we rescue, rehabilitate and release back into their natural habitat.

What will you be doing?

As Trustee – HR Lead, you will play a crucial role in developing our most precious and important asset: our people. You will gain valuable experience in the non -profit sector and contribute to the growth of a unique and valuable wildlife charity. This role involves engaging with an interesting and varied group of people from many different backgrounds (fellow Trustees, full and part-time site staff and Volunteers).

This is an unpaid Trustee position. We understand the importance of work-life balance and value your time. Your commitment can be tailored to fit your schedule. You’ll be working with a passionate and friendly group of Trustees and while we all work hard, we learn lots and have fun doing it!

About Swan Lifeline

Swan Lifeline is the oldest registered charity devoted entirely to the care of sick and injured swans in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas and has cared for over 30,000 sick and injured swans. We are based on the magical Island setting of Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton, Berkshire, SL4 6SS. Our aims are to RESCUE, REHABILITATE and RELEASE injured swans, and we are able to provide shelter and treatment for up to 180 at a time, returning them to the wild as soon as possible.

What are we looking for?

As our As Trustee – HR Lead, you would play a leading role (with input from fellow Trustees) in developing our HR strategy and policies. You would also be responsible for helping us recruit, train, manage and develop our staff (Full-time staff, Trustees and volunteers).

What difference will you make?

As a small charity with currently 3 employees and 20 Volunteers your skills and experience would be an invaluable addition to our board of trustees as we seek to grow and do more. Without the right balance of skilled and dedicated staff and volunteers, we cannot support swans who desperately need our help and face an uncertain future because of the Nature emergency and Avian flu. The team you build and develop will be the driving force behind continuing to sustain Swan Lifeline for the future.

Experience and Skills

We are looking for the following qualities, attributes, skills and experience:

General qualities and attributes

• Passion for animal welfare, and Swan Lifeline’s core mission.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High degree of empathy suitable for personal, informal team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple work streams at any one time.
• Ability to lead independently but be part of a team.

Primary responsibilities of the Trustee – HR Lead

• Build a mid and long-term strategy for people.
• Develop our Volunteer offer and strategy.
• Advise and develop onboarding, training and development strategies.
• Review and update compliant People-related policies and data.
• Stay informed about HR/Charity best practices, and emerging trends.
• Develop an informative induction programme for new Volunteers.
• Working with the Volunteer Manager implement regular Volunteer outreach & satisfaction reviews to assist in long-term retention.
• Develop low-cost but high impact CPD programme for staff.

Trustee responsibilities

• An understanding of trustee legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities.
• Safeguarding the reputation of the charity.
• Ensuring financial stability of the charity.
• Ensuring SLL has a long-term strategy to achieve its objectives.
• Ensuring SLL has effective policies and procedures to achieve its goals.
• Actively participate in Trustee meetings and shared workload.
• Comply with charity law, our constitution, and other relevant legislation.
• Use your specific skills and expertise to help good decision making.
• Be an active Board member exercising our responsibilities and functions.

Are you passionate about wildlife and nature? Do you want to gain valuable experience applying your skills in new and innovative ways outside work? Do you have Digital Knowledge and Experience that you’d like to apply as a Digital Leader, honing skills in a charity organisation? Unique Trustee role at a leading Swan rescue charity offers the chance to be the ‘wind beneath the wings’ of these beautiful birds, who we rescue, rehabilitate and release back into their natural habitat.

What will you be doing?

As Trustee – HR Digital, you will play a crucial role in helping Swan Lifeline build future-proofed and integrated digital strategies, initiatives, and skills. You will gain valuable experience in the non -profit sector and contribute to the growth of a unique and valuable wildlife charity.

This is an unpaid Trustee position. We understand the importance of work-life balance and value your time. Your commitment can be tailored to fit your schedule. You’ll be working with a passionate and friendly group of Trustees and while we all work hard, we learn lots and have fun doing it!

About Swan Lifeline

Swan Lifeline is the oldest registered charity devoted entirely to the care of sick and injured swans in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas and has cared for over 30,000 sick and injured swans. We are based on the magical Island setting of Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton, Berkshire, SL4 6SS. Our aims are to RESCUE, REHABILITATE and RELEASE injured swans, and we are able to provide shelter and treatment for up to 180 at a time, returning them to the wild as soon as possible.

What are we looking for?

As our As Trustee – Digital, you would play a leading role (with input from fellow Trustees) in developing our digital strategy and capabilities, so we can innovate and continue to lead in the future.

What difference will you make?

Your skills and experience would be an invaluable addition to our board of trustees as we seek to grow and do more. Without the right future-proofed digital-enabled strategies and programmes, we may lose our leading role supporting swans who desperately need our help and face an uncertain future because of the Nature emergency and Avian flu.

Experience and Skills

General qualities and attributes

• Passion for animal welfare, and Swan Lifeline’s core mission.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple work streams at any one time.
• Ability to lead independently but be part of a team.
• High levels of empathy in a small, friendly, passionate team.

Experience in one or more of the following:

• Setting Digital Vision and Strategy
• Experience in Digital product development (e.g. websites, apps, ecommerce)
• Expertise in Digital presence, communications and marketing

Primary responsibilities of the Trustee – Digital

• Create Digital Vision, Strategy and Policies for the organisation
• Champion the use of Digital integration across channels, fundraising, marketing and operations.
• Build Digital awareness and literacy among all staff so that they are able to fully engage in identifying Digital opportunities and risks.
• Ensure Swan Lifeline is compliant with Digital security and other regulations, identify any risks and mitigation steps.
• Identify Digital skills needed by Swan lifeline and help develop a volunteer network of digital developers and contributors.
• Understand the current Digital estate (website, intranet, database, email, CRM, supporting computers/hardware/hosting, CCTV) and suggest improvements to meet the Digital strategy.

Trustee responsibilities

• An understanding of trustee legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities.
• Safeguarding the reputation of the charity.
• Ensuring financial stability of the charity.
• Ensuring SLL has a long-term strategy to achieve its objectives.
• Ensuring SLL has effective policies and procedures to achieve its goals.
• Actively participate in Trustee meetings and shared workload.
• Comply with charity law, our constitution, and other relevant legislation.
• Use your specific skills and expertise to help good decision making.
• Be an active Board member exercising our responsibilities and functions.

Bid writer wanted to help the Orpington & Bromley Gateway Club and Bromley Learning Disability Alliance to secure funding for a range of amibitious projects across the London Borough of Bromley.

The Orpington & Bromley Gateway Club is a support and social club for adults (16+) with learning disabilities/difficulties.

We currently run two clubs: Tuesday Club in Orpington from 1030-1330 and Friday Club in Bickley from 1830-2100.

This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of a team to support the vital work of the Legal Access Department at Care4Calais, responding to the various needs of the hundreds of refugees we support through the difficult process of claiming asylum in the UK.

Our Legal Access Team assists asylum seekers in navigating the UK asylum process by finding them specialist solicitors and working with our volunteer interpreters to help them organise their paperwork.

Our Onward Support Team is critical to this work, ensuring that our clients receive the best standard from the moment they enter our support service, to the moment they leave.

As a member of our Onward Support Team you will be responsible for the long term support of the Legal Access Team's client base, ensuring they have regular check ins, signposting, and all the holistic support they need to succeed at life in the UK. This support includes preparing for interviews, assisting with appointments, emotional support and signposting to local organisations to support integration into the community. 

We are looking for people who have a genuine passion for human rights and refugee protection. If this is you, please get in touch.

Responsibilities 

• Attend induction, ongoing training and keep up to date with resources and procedure to ensure you can carry out the role effectively and efficiently.
• Able to work independently and manage your time effectively
• Supporting asylum seekers with a range of tasks including onwards referrals, signposting, emotional support
• Supporting Legal Access Team caseworkers to provide wraparound care
• Maintaining and updating client records
• Sorting client paperwork
• Attend regular team meetings and contribute effectively
• Following safeguarding procedures and reporting safeguarding incidents appropriately
• Maintaining communication with the management team throughout your role, available for regular check-ins to ensure the best service is provided to our clients.
• Liaising with other professionals including local services and Migrant Help

Person Specification

• Organised and accurate with information, with an eye for detail. 
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with people who do not have English as their first language, working alongside interpreters to ensure clients understand the process
• An understanding of the traumatic experiences that our clients have been through and the emotional resilience to cope with this
• Professional and dedicated to ensure that the best interests of the clients and Care4Calais are represented at all time
• Ability to use spreadsheets, Google Workspace, messaging platforms and secure databases.

Desirable Criteria:

• Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as but not limited to: Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya, Amharic.

Care4Calais is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment and recognises that this is invaluable to our ability to serve the communities we support. 

We therefore welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds including from Black, Asian and Minority-Ethnic communities, people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, and people with lived experience of the UK immigration system. 

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 Business/Partnership Development Member you’ll take a leading role in identifying new opportunities and forming partnerships that will enhance the scope and scale of our operations, and impact on climate change. A key aim will be the development of a sustainability hub for the South West.

Key information:

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:
• Identifying new opportunities and potential partners in all sectors.
• Help develop growth and partnership strategies
• Help us build a business case for investors, partners and supporters.
• Lead on the development of key partnerships (including the statutory sector)
• Identify the communications, operational, strategy and capacity needs required for effective business/partnership development
• 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…

• Are experienced in business development or sales in the business and/or charity/voluntary sector.
• Able to demonstrate a background in relationship development.
• Have a background in senior management in the commercial, voluntary and/or statutory sectors.
• Can work effectively with others to identify, analyse, and solve problems.
• Can use your experience and knowledge to make considered judgements
• Have a commitment to action on climate change/sustainability.

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

Chair of Trustees - Strawberry Hill House

Since 2007 The Strawberry Hill Trust has undertaken a major £10 million restoration of Horace Walpole’s iconic gothic villa and gardens in Twickenham. As Chair, you will help the charity meet its growth ambitions and deliver the vision and leadership needed.