Volunteer Roles

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a legal background, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee at our Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone Branch and support us with GDPR compliance. 

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a  committee meeting every other month lasting 2 hours either in person or virtually (can alternate). However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR

•  Assist the Branch in ensuring that activities are GDPR compliant and reviewing and updating the Branch processing activities register.
• Support the Branch in developing and updating Branch policies, particularly the Branch privacy notice and internal data protection policy, to make sure they are compliant.   
• Support the Branch when liaising with external specialist providers such as HR and health and safety specialists.
• The Branch may occasionally enter into new leases with regards to its charity shops; so liaising with external specialists for advice if it does not fall under your area of expertise.
• To assist the Branch when developing new schemes, such as providing welfare assistance to those  low incomes, to ensure any new schemes are GDPR compliant.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside legal and GDPR compliance experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and have the ability to put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR

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

An exciting opportunity for a friendly and dedicated individual to join our team as a Self-Directed Support Group Worker on a part-time (15 hours per week), fixed term to 2027.

Post Objectives:

To raise awareness of Self-Directed Support and support individuals to consider and evaluate available Self-Directed Support Options. The SDS IDEAS project seeks to ensure that:

• People and carers have an increased knowledge and understanding of Self-Directed Support principles and options for social care.
• People and carers feel more informed, listened to and less stressed when making decisions around their own social care choices.
• People and carers are prepared for Social Work SDS Assessments.
• People and carers have increased skills so are better able to manage social care packages.

Key responsibilities

• Raise awareness and grow understanding of Self-Directed Support options with local individuals, organisations, and agencies
• Create and deliver a programme of network meetings and focus groups
• Provide information to enable people to make informed choices
• Work with individuals to assist them to self-advocate, monitor and assess ongoing need
• Maintain contact and activity records and evaluate outcomes

About you - what we'll need you to bring:

• Excellent customer service skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to work on your own initiative and produce high quality, accurate work
• Demonstrable experience of working Microsoft office applications
• The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
• Professionalism with a can-do attitude
• A proactive solution focused approach to problem solving
• A driving license and access to your own vehicle

Working hours:
This is a Monday-Friday role, working hours to be mutually agreed with your line manager. Successful candidates will require a PVG. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview at the Inverurie office in Aberdeenshire.

Person Specification:

Essential

• A qualification in community development or equivalent.
• A sound understanding of the principles and practice of community development
• Understanding of the principles and practices of Self-Directed Support
• Knowledge of the issues affecting people who require Self-Directed Support
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Experienced on using Microsoft Office
• Sound interpersonal and group work skills
• A commitment to anti-discriminatory community work practice
• Experience of working effectively within an organisation
• Understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work on own initiative and be part of a team
• Ability to respond positively to feedback and to modify performance if required
• Ability to learn and reflect on own performance
• Think creatively and develop imaginative solutions
• Ability to work flexible hours as required
• Thorough understanding of equality and equal opportunities

Desirable

• Experience of working with people accessing Self-Directed Support services
• Knowledge of how to organise materials in appropriate formats, for a wide range of user groups
• Ability to recognise sensitivity of situations and to respond appropriately
• A proven track record of anti-discriminatory working

This is an exciting opportunity to pass on your human resources and employee relations expertise whilst helping the RSPCA; promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things.

As a HR & Employee Relations expert you would be supporting the branch by helping them maintain and develop staff throughout the organisation. You would play a key role in advising Trustees on the long-term and strategic direction of human resources and contributing towards policy setting.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a  committee meeting every other month lasting 2 hours either in person or virtually (can alternate). However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

•  Advise Trustees on the long-term vision and strategic direction for investment in human resourceSupport the Branch grow, maintain, and develop staff throughout the organisation.
• Contribute to HR policy setting, strategic direction, goal and target setting, and evaluate performance against targets, budgets, plans and charitable objectives.
•  Ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to the RSPCA Isle of Wight Branches charitable objectives and complement the company culture.
• Advise on and help improve management of HR.
•  Ensure the Board of Trustees properly remunerates staff, reviewing and rewarding performance and development opportunities.
• To work with the Branch Manager to review current HR management arrangements and provide guidance on HR strategy and short and long-term direction. 
• Receive progress reports on HR and any recurring staffing issues.

 What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside Human Resources experience, including a CIPD membership, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

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

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in health and safety, who could devote their time to volunteer with us as one of our trustees at our Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone Branch. This role will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a  committee meeting every other month lasting 2 hours either in person or virtually (can alternate). However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee - Health and Safety

•  To act as the branch committee member with specific responsibility for informing co-trustees, branch  volunteers, and staff on health and safety matters relating to branch activities, and to assist with the implementation of good health and safety practices.
• Liaise with the branch manager regarding the implementation of any new health and safety guidelines from the Society, or the branch’s health and safety provider.
• Work with staff managers to ensure that the required staff training on health and safety is carried out.
• Ensure that health & safety risk assessments including manual handling, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations), and fire is carried out and reviewed annually.

 What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside health and safety experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee - Health and Safety

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

This is an exciting opportunity to share your Governance and Compliance expertise whilst helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty. You will be able to influence how we do things, and with your support, we will achieve so much more!

We are looking for someone with a Governance and Compliance background that could spare some time to volunteer with us as one of our trustees at our Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone Branch.

This role will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a  committee meeting every other month lasting 2 hours either in person or virtually (can alternate). However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Governance and Compliance

•  Take the lead on policy review, amendment and implementation and create a timetable to ensure Branch policies are reviewed at appropriate intervals.
•  Set out processes and work with senior staff and trustees to ensure policies are implemented and embedded throughout the Branch.
•  Use your experience and expertise to ensure the Branch is complying with its governing document and other regulatory requirements.
•  Provide technical governance knowledge and leadership and to keep abreast of any developments in the charity sector that are relevant to the Branch operations.
• Assist in setting the long term strategy of the Branch, ensuring the charity meets its objects and purpose.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA's charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would have a background in Governance and Compliance and have the ability to put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Governance and Compliance

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

A Peer Mentor is a volunteer who has experienced similar challenges and experiences as the person they are supporting. Being a peer mentor is seen as a positive and secure way to progress towards education, work, or employment.

Volunteers who take on peer support roles can feel empowered, have a greater confidence and a more positive sense of identity.

Could you provide an authentic voice that our clients can relate to?

· Do you have 1-2 hours a week to support a client

· Can you inspire others, give them hope through self-disclosure and by being an example of recovery?

· Build relationships based on trust, acceptance, understanding and an empathy from a shared lived experience?

· Can we rely on you to tap into your own experiences to help us identify barriers and gaps in our services and how we can be improving and identify good practice?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

· Inspiring service users by using your own life experiences and by being a positive role model

· Providing a safe sounding space, listen in a non-judgemental way

· Helping to improve wellbeing, confidence, and independence by exploring activities that promote this

· Assist service users to engage with formalised support

· Attend appropriate training and development opportunities as required

Volunteer Opportunity: Contact Centre Assessor 

Location: Dudley Town Centre office (DY1 1NP) 

Closing Date: 22nd July 2024

Are you passionate about helping others and making a difference in your community? Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton are looking for a number of dedicated volunteer Contact Centre Assessors. This role involves providing an effective and efficient assessment of client’s advice needs, on the telephone, by email and web chat in our Contact Centre.

No experience necessary.  Full training given.

Purpose of the Role:

• Assess client enquiries via phone, web chat, and email with good listening and writing skills.

• Identify important details, and record information accurately.

• Signpost clients as needed

Minimum Commitment Required: 2 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday) for a minimum 9 months’ commitment after training. 

About You

You will be:

• Be friendly, empathetic, and have great listening skills

• Able to show attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive client information.

• Patient, calm, understanding, and have a positive attitude.

• Competence in using IT (ability to use the internet, email, word).

• Reliable, and punctual.

• Able to work unsupervised and as part of a team.

In Return, We Offer:

Valuable Experience: Gain practical experience and a sense of fulfilment in volunteering for a trusted charity with over 80 years’ experience.

Training and Support: Comprehensive Interesting training and ongoing support to help you succeed in your role.

Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and feel part of our wonderful team.

Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a difference in someone's life.

Flexible Hours: We understand the nature of volunteering and offer flexible volunteering hours.

Health and Wellbeing: We prioritise the health and wellbeing of our employees and volunteers, recognising that their wellness contributes to theirs and the organisation’s professional success.

Professional Development: We are strong advocates for continuous professional development and encourage employees and volunteers to pursue growth opportunities, should they choose.

Diversity and Inclusion: At our organisation, we strive diligently to foster an environment of diversity and inclusion. We firmly believe in embracing individuals from all walks of life and encourage all to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As a volunteer we will reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering will not cost you anything apart from your time.

What Our Volunteers Say About Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton:

"I now feel braver when looking at new job opportunities, I can utilise my skills and experience from volunteering in the hubs

- Cost of Living Support Hub Volunteer

“Working on reception is interesting and rewarding. No day is ever the same and it’s great to know I am making a difference”

- Receptionist

Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our community. Apply today to join our team and become a Volunteer Contact Centre Assessor !

Volunteer Opportunity: Wellbeing Tutor 

No Experience Required 

Location: Community Venues Across Dudley Borough 

Minimum Commitment Required: After training, 2.5hrs x 1 weekly for 6 weeks (repeated twice yearly)

Closing Date: 22nd July 2024

Are you passionate about helping others and making a difference in your community? 

Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton currently have an exciting opportunity for you to become one of our volunteer tutors delivering on our 6 week programme to help people with long term health conditions or disabilities. We have a group of around 15 volunteers who take it in turns to deliver the programme but because of the success and demand for the course we need more volunteer tutors to deliver for us to deliver more courses. 

2 tutors always deliver each 6-week programme together.  Full training is given.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check, as you will be delivering a programme to people who are unwell. We will pay for and apply for this on your behalf.

Programme Details

No medical training/knowledge is required to become a tutor and deliver our programme. This programme is about giving people the tools and confidence to manage their symptoms to the best of their ability in their day to day life, therefore no medical knowledge is required. 

Duration: 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks (you must be able to commit to the full 6 weeks at a time)

Group Size: Up to 12 participants per group

Key Topics that you will be fully trained to deliver:

 Managing pain

 Getting a good night's sleep

 Healthy eating

 Dealing with difficult emotions

 Relaxation techniques

 Handling triggers

Programme Benefits

The programme empowers participants to:

 Manage their symptoms effectively

 Make informed healthy lifestyle choices

 Gain confidence in their ability to manage their condition daily

About You

You will need: 

• A long-term health condition or disability or are a carer of someone with a long term health condition.

• To demonstrate you are friendly, supportive and empathetic.

• To be able to demonstrate that you can speak confidently in a group setting and enjoy sharing information to help others.

• To be reliable, punctual and be able to work positively within a team as you will be co-delivering with other tutors.

• Excellent communication skills 

• To be able to commit to the training to the required standard to be a tutor (2.5 hrs, twice a week, for 7 weeks)

In Return, We Offer:  

Valuable Experience: Gain practical experience and a sense of fulfilment in volunteering for a trusted charity with over 80 years’ experience.

Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and feel part of our wonderful team.

Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a difference in someone's life.

Flexible Hours: We understand the nature of volunteering and offer flexible volunteering hours.

Diversity and Inclusion: At our organisation, we strive diligently to foster an environment of diversity and inclusion. We firmly believe in embracing individuals from all walks of life and encourage all to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As a volunteer we will reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering will not cost you anything apart from your time.

What Our Programme Participants Say: 

“We had a lovely group of people for our sessions, all with differing conditions and life experiences to bring to the table for discussion and problem solving. It felt like a mini community, which was really lovely”.

“I found the sessions to be a great boost to my confidence and I found the tutors to be extremely approachable and open-minded. They both listened carefully to everyone and gave relevant and do-able feedback”.

What our Volunteer Wellbeing Tutors Say:

“I have been delivering the self-management programme now for just over 12 months and I really love it. I like meeting new people and I like to be able to help people, which the course allows me to do. “

“I go home every week of the 6-week course I am delivering feeling really good and knowing I have helped someone, sometimes in a small way and other times in a big way. It also helps me with my own health condition and I would encourage other people to come along and become a volunteer tutor.”

Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our community. Apply today to join our team and become a Wellbeing Tutor!

Volunteer Opportunity: Home Library Drivers Wanted!

Location: Wolverhampton and/or Sandwell

Closing Date: 22nd July 2024

Are you passionate about helping others and making a difference in your community? Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton are looking for dedicated volunteer home library drivers to help us deliver library books to individuals who are unable to access libraries due to disability, illness, frailty, or full-time caregiving responsibilities.

No experience necessary.  Full training given.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check, as you will be delivering library resources to vulnerable people at home. We will pay for and apply for this on your behalf.

Purpose of the Role:

• At the beginning of the shift, pick up library materials from a designated library and drive these resources to a list of client’s homes ensuring the safe and timely transport of these resources.

• Follow a 4-6 weekly rota to drop off and pick up these resources (so the routes and clients are familiar to you) 

• When you drop off the resources, if vulnerable clients look like they need support (we train you to identify this) you will inform our Coordinator who will undertake an assessment. 

Minimum Commitment Required:

1 day per week (hours to be agreed) for a minimum 6 months (following an induction, where you shadow our existing drivers and get to know our organisation)

About You

You will have: 

• Qualified driver status with a full, current UK driving license (maximum 6 penalty points) and access to own car. (we pay mileage expenses)

• Friendly, approachable with a positive attitude

• Reliable, punctual and ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team

In Return, We Offer:

Valuable Experience: Gain practical experience and a sense of fulfilment in volunteering for a trusted charity with over 80 years’ experience.

Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and  feel part of our wonderful team.

Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a difference in someone's life.

Flexible Hours: We understand the nature of volunteering and offer flexible volunteering hours.

Diversity and Inclusion: At our organisation, we strive diligently to foster an environment of diversity and inclusion. We firmly believe in embracing individuals from all walks of life and encourage all to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As a volunteer we will reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering will not cost you anything apart from your time.

What Our Volunteers Say About Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton 

“Now that I am retired, volunteering at Citizens Advice gives me a purpose in life. I feel I can serve my community and make a difference to local people who are in difficulty. I learn a lot, use my skills and discover new skills as well as having new and varied experiences every day”. 

Volunteer Generalist Advisor 

“I was a Doctor before I retired and Citizens Advice is like working in a hospital, the work is rewarding. My colleagues are great. Real team work”! 

 Volunteer Generalist Advisor 

Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our communities. Apply today to join our team and become a Volunteer Home Library Driver!

We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

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

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

Time Commitment

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

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

About you

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

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

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

We are looking for an innovative Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide leadership, guidance  and oversight ensuring operational efficiency and sustainabiltiy, with a passion for supporting children and young people with disabilities. 

F6IT os an inclusive, family centric organisation for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. We believe in the importance of participation, personal development and fulfilment, making friends and having fun alongside family and friends within their community. F6IT is also a strong, active advocate of disabilty, inclusion and language in local goverment and all parts of the community.

You will be joing a growing organisation and you will help build and drive forward the ambitious plans to deliver more support, fitness clubs and leisure activities to more children and young people with disabilties You will ensure that the needs of our Beneficiaries are at the heart of everything J6IT does.

Why we want you

Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. Each group has a committee, who work together to plan the groups activities or fundraising - all in line with Parkinson's UK guidelines.

What you will be doing

• Keep up to date about the news and developments of Parkinson's UK more widely, sharing these with the group
• contributing ideas for fundraising, activities and speakers
• sharing experiences with the committee and connecting with the local community
• helping to prepare for and clear up after group meetings
• assisting at fundraising events and any activities arranged by the branch
• taking notes / minutes at meetings and events

The skills you need

• be a good communicator, as you will be working with a wide range of different people
• Honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group
• be collaborative and team focused, as you will take part in regular meetings and discussions
• be motivated and reliable, and able to show patience and empathy when dealing with sensitive situations

What's in it for you

• Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, making new friends and building connections
• You'll be part of a pioneering organisation, committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's - in your local area and beyond
• Gain valuable organisational, administrative and people skills

Disclaimer

It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. In this role you could be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete our Advanced Data Protection training. Your Parkinson’s UK staff contact can help you do this.

Why we want you

Are you a great communicator who enjoys bringing people together? Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. We need great organisers who can keep our members and volunteers connected to our local group’s range of activities.

What you will be doing

• Help organise and promote the groups range of activities
• Keep up to date about the news and developments of Parkinson's UK more widely, sharing these with the group
• Encourage and inspire others to engage with activities
• Attend regular committee meetings and take and circulate notes
• Work with local Parkinson's UK staff to ensure the group runs within Parkinson's UK governance procedures

The skills you need

• Strong administrative, organisational, communication and IT skills to help keep the group running smoothly
• Good collaboration skills - support the team to be inclusive, open to a diversity of views
• Positive attitude; making things happen in your local community and bringing people together to work as a team
• Supportive; able to listen to the needs of people with Parkinson's, and reflect these to the group to shape the support provided
• Honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group

• What's in it for you

• Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson’s, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections
• You'll be part of a pioneering organisation, committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's - in your local area and beyond
• Gain valuable organisational, administrative and people skills
•  
• Disclaimer

• It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. As a Secretary you would be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete and maintain your data protection and confidentiality training. As part of recruitment, you will be asked to provide a reference for this role. Your Parkinson’s UK staff contact can help you do this.

About Bramber Bakehouse

Bramber Bakehouse works alongside victims of domestic abuse, survivors of human trafficking, asylum seekers and refugees to break the cycles of poverty, violence and disadvantage.

Our trauma-informed programme is a direct response to the situation women face as a result of their past experiences. Learning together in the kitchen fosters community, increases self-esteem, improves mental health and develops trust.

Combine this with our tailored wellbeing sessions, transferable life skills lessons and future-proof support, it’s a recipe for success.

We are seeking Trustees with a variety of skills to join our Board.

What will you be doing?

Trustees are given a full induction, receive training opportunities and can claim reasonable expenses to enable them to carry out their duties. 

Main Tasks 

• Reflect the organisation’s vision and values, strategy and policies 
• Work closely with the board to formulate and review the strategic aims of the organisation 
• Ensure the policy and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims 
• Ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charity and company limited by guarantee 
• Use resources effectively and efficiently 
• Ensure best practice is developed and applied
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the organisation 
• Take part in training sessions
• Contribute specific skills, interests and contacts 
• Fulfil other duties as required from time to time by the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees meet six times a year: four early-evening meetings and two weekend away-days, in Eastbourne or Brighton.

What are we looking for?

• Sector knowledge - experience in the charity or social enterprise sector, knowledge of purpose driven organisations and trauma informed practice
• Safeguarding - experience of child and adult safeguarding from a practitioner or governance perspective
• Fundraising - experience in the charity sector, at a senior level.
• Business Development - experience of developing social enterprise, trading; property management
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - experience of developing ED&I strategies and frameworks

We aim to achieve equity, diversity and inclusion at every level of our workforce. As a result, we're prioritising applicants with lived experience of gender-based violence, displacement, exploitation or racism. We believe organisational diversity matters and we will be more accountable and better able to assess the needs of the women we support if we have a good range of perspectives within our team.

What difference will you make?

We are a charity that works alongside women who've experienced gender-based violence, exploitation and/or displacement. Through the power of baking, women are able to lead safe, purposeful, independent lives.

Time Commitment and Location

The Board of Trustees meet six times a year: four early-evening meetings and two weekend away-days, in Eastbourne or Brighton.

We have a clear strategy, an expanding staff team and ambitious plans for growth. None of this would be possible without the input and support of a skilled and engaged Board of Trustees.

This role is mainly home-based.