Advocacy Volunteer Roles
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help us to help local people in need
We are looking for several new volunteers to become Trustees to help us grow and develop our charity.
You don’t need to have been a Trustee already, be older, or have management experience. We are looking for people who can offer their time and are keen to help improve the service that we provide to local people in need.
We are keen to make our board more representative of the people we serve. We therefore particularly welcome applications from young people, people with disabilities, women, people of colour and anyone with an understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised communities.
What we do
Citizens Advice Runnymede & Spelthorne (CARS) provides valuable advice to over 6,000 people a year, helping them with issues such as housing, debt, benefits, employment and family. CARS is a local charity at the heart of our community. We are a team of around 50 employees and volunteers funded solely by grants and donations, and we are a member of the national Citizens Advice.
What a Trustee does
As a Trustee you will make sure that the charity is well run and help develop new ways to improve the charity’s services.
Who we are looking for
Above all we are looking for volunteers who are keen to help and have time to commit.
It may also help if…
You have had experience of or know someone who has used our services or those of a similar organisation and have an insight into the needs of marginalised groups and those who need help and advice.
We are also looking to bolster our fund-raising efforts and would like to hear from you if you have any knowledge or ideas in this area. This could be helping by using your contacts, preparing funding bids or raising donations from private or corporate donors.
As a new Trustee you will benefit from:
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Induction, training, and we will cover of out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. travel or child-care)
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Mentoring from an experienced trustee
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Opportunities to influence change and to make a difference
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Learning new skills and developing your personal networks
There are 5 Board meetings per year held in Addlestone, Surrey. They currently take place on a Monday, from 5.30 to 8.00 p.m. which can be attended in person or joined online. As a small charity, Trustees will have the opportunity to be involved in supporting the charity beyond Board meetings.
If you would like to apply, we can send you an application form. If you'd prefer, we welcome letters or short videos explaining why you are interested and how you feel you can help.
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) is here for people working to make lasting change, whether in their community, across society, or for our planet.
We support change-makers by sharing the latest thinking and advice. We connect the campaign community to grow solidarity, share ideas, and find common cause. And we act as a powerful champion for the right to campaign.
We are looking for 3 new Trustees to join our Board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Smart Works
Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed. After visiting Smart Works, 69% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.
Smart Works Newcastle, operating as a licensee of Smart Works Charity, is led by a Board of passionate and dedicated trustees, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the Smart e Works service across Newcastle and the North East.
More information about who we are can be found on our website.
About the opportunity
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Newcastle Board of Trustees.
As part of the annual Smart Works Female Unemployment Index, it was established that in 2023 the average age of a Smart Works Newcastle client is 37. Consequently, the Board is seeking a new trustee who will help raise greater awareness about the Smart Works service with young women across Newcastle and the North East.
The Young Women’s Trustee will lead the development of understanding the needs of Smart Works Newcastle’s younger clients aged 16 to 25 years (these being unemployed, NEET or in danger of becoming NEET, and those leave the care system) and become a recognised and valued advocate for this community across Newcastle and the North East.
The successful candidate will develop new and existing connections with referral partners who support young unemployed women, develop a marketing plan and social media content to better reach and communicate with this audience, and build relationships with corporate partners and grant funders who support this community. The candidate will also have the opportunity to connect with policy makers whose focus is on improving the employment outcomes for young women across Newcastle and the North East.
The Young Women’s Trustee will bring experience, insights and enthusiasm, and on occasions may also be required to design and drive specific improvement initiatives.
The time commitment is approx. a half a day every two weeks, but there will be occasions when more time is required during busy periods. The Young Person’s Trustee will be required to sit on relevant task force groups as and when their experience is relevant and attend (and prepare for) Board meetings every quarterly.
Please note, no previous trustee experience is required as a thorough induction and training programme will be provided. The trustee will also receive a board buddy, a fellow Smart Works Young Women’s Trustee, for ongoing support.
Trustees are appointed to serve initially for three years, with the potential to be reappointed up to a further two terms (maximum nine years). This is a voluntary role, however out of pocket expenses can be reimbursed. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and a basic DBS check.
General Duties of a Smart Works Trustee
- Work with the Chair of the Board of Trustees to ensure the centre is well-run and governed effectively.
- Provide support to determine the strategic direction of the Centre.
- Advocate for the Centre, raising its profile and the awareness of the Smart Works service in the geographic area.
- Build strong working relationships with the Chair, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters.
- Work in a small team and tailor strong interpersonal and communication skills to all levels of seniority.
Personal Specification
The Young Women’s Trustee will use their skills and experience to amplify the voices of Smart Works Newcastle’s younger clients and successfully network with key employment and skills programme providers, third sector, and 16+ educational organisations that exist across Newcastle and the North East.
Lived experience of unemployment and overcoming barriers at a young age, and / or experience supporting social value or youth unemployment projects is preferred, but not essential.
The successful applicant will demonstrate enthusiasm for developing at board level and will become a real advocate for young women living in socially disadvantaged and minority communities across Newcastle and the North East.
It is essential that all applicants believe in the mission of Smart Works and align with our core values, share a commitment to fairness and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, acting at all times with honesty and integrity.
If you are up for the challenge and are seeking to give something back to the community in the North-East, then Smart Works Newcastle would love to hear from you. Smart Works particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled candidates, men and women and candidates with lived experience of unemployment, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at Smart Works.
How to Apply
Please visit our website or click "Apply Now" to find out more information - we can't wait to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
JOB DESCRIPTION
As a Patient Feedback Volunteer, you will play a central role in helping us understand our patients’ and carers’ experiences, by collecting and recording their feedback through a range of channels.
Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:
- Meet with patients, families and carers and ask for feedback using iPads, comment cards or speaking to them over the phone
- Record answers and opinions given by patients accurately, as much as possible in their own words
- Collect the data and enter onto a database
- Discuss the results with your line manager
- Meet with your line manager to find out how the service can be improved
- Let patients know how their ideas and opinions are being used to improve services, where appropriate.
- Attend selected hospice meetings, as and when required
ABOUT US
Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and 6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left.
Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.
Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
- ROLE TITLE: Trustee of the Board of Directors
- SPECIALISM: Finance / Treasurer
- LOCATION: Grimsby
- HOURS OF WORK:4 - 6 hours per month.
- MEETINGS: 6 Board Meetings and 6 Sub-Committee Meetings per year.
All Trustees are expected to make an active and dynamic contribution to the Board, the organisation and to supporting our work. Trustees have wide-ranging skills, knowledge, and experience appropriate to governance and strategy.
The overall role of the Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, our strategic planning and to provide guidance to help ensure financial viability and support the requirements underpinning proper financial governance and procedures.
This key role will provide assurance to the Board that the financial resources of YMCA Humber meet its present and future needs, working with the CEO to ensure the Charity complies with relevant legislations, through efficient administration and best practice in good governance.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Strategic vision, and a solid understanding and acceptance of the legal responsibilities of Trusteeship.
- Financial or accountancy experience.
- Good independent judgment, and a high level of credibility within the community.
- Strong leadership skills and a commitment to the work of the Charity.
- Open and transparent approach.
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- Knowledge of Charity finance or housing association finance.
- Skills to analyse proposals and examine the financial consequences.
It should be noted that the focus of this Trustee role is strategic, and the Treasurer will not be managing the organisation’s finances on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and liaison with the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Finance is expected.
Initially we’d like to set-up an informal conversation prior to completing any application.
After this, if you feel that a trusteeship with YMCA Humber would be a good fit for you, we’ll invite you to submit a personal statement and submit your CV, that will be reviewed by the current board of trustees.
Our mission is to develop an extended YMCA family, which allows people to have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
EqualEdge Seeks Passionate Non-Executive Directors to Join its Board
EqualEdge is a for-profit company with a social mission to enable Breakthrough UK to provide services to disabled people, to increase their opportunities to be employed and to reduce any social isolation. We're passionate about inclusion and diversity in the workplace, and we're expanding our horizons to revolutionise Workplace Personal Assistants, funded by Access to Work and in the future Personal care services in the UK.
To achieve this ambitious vision, we're searching for experienced and enthusiastic non-executive directors with expertise across various sectors to join our board and help us shape the future of our company.
About the Role
As a non-executive director, you will play a vital role in providing strategic guidance and oversight to our executive team. You will also be a champion for our mission of fostering a more equitable landscape and launching innovative personal care services within the UK.
We are particularly interested in candidates with strong experience in:
- Recruitment (HR): You have a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams. You understand the intricacies of talent acquisition, particularly within the recruitment and personal care sector or a similar service industry.
- Marketing: You have a deep understanding of brand development and implementation of successful marketing strategies. You're passionate about reaching new audiences and driving growth in a competitive market.
- Personal Care: You have extensive knowledge of the UK care sector, its regulations, and best practices. You're a visionary leader with a passion for improving the quality of life for those who require personal care services.
- Finance: You have a strong financial acumen and experience in overseeing financial performance. You can provide strategic guidance on resource allocation to support both international expansion and the launch of our new service line.
We are also open to applications from experienced professionals in other sectors who share our values of inclusion and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Have a good black book of connections to allow us to build our client base and reach the people that need us most.
- Provide strategic guidance and advice to the executive team on a range of issues, including business development, marketing, and operations, with a specific focus on national expansion and the launch of our personal care services in the UK.
- Oversee the company's financial performance and ensure that we are on track to meet our financial goals, considering the resources needed for national growth and the launch of a new service line.
- Serve as an EqualEdge ambassador and help us build relationships with key stakeholders in new markets and within the UK care sector.
- Attend board meetings and actively participate in discussions, bringing a national perspective and insights relevant to your area of expertise.
You would be a great fit for this role if you have:
- A proven track record of success in a senior leadership role
- A deep understanding of the business landscape, with transferable skills applicable to our areas of focus
- A passion for inclusion and diversity, with a national mindset
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
EqualEdge is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We recruit, select, train and promote personnel on the basis of their skills and abilities.
We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marital status or civil partnership, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, age or disability.
We expect to have board meetings every month for the first year, the meeting is expected to last an hour.
Join us and be part of shaping a more inclusive future for workplaces and revolutionising personal care in the UK!
This is an opportunity to play a key role in the Area leadership by supporting the Chair in the oversight of all Area activities, making sure that they are consistent, integrated and in line with Ramblers' mission and strategy.
The Ramblers work to help everyone enjoy the pleasures and benefits of walking, and to enhance and protect the places where people walk. We are committed to encouraging and supporting walking, protecting and expanding public rights of way and access land, and protecting the beauty of the countryside and other areas.
The Vice-Chair supports the Area Chair in the leadership of Ramblers' activities in East and West Sussex including the provision through the Groups in the Area of organised walks, helping to ensure the Groups are run well, follow good practice and join in national/Area initiatives, and the protection of rights of way.
The Vice-Chair deputises for the Area Chair, as required, at meetings of the Area Council and Area Executive Committee, represents the Area at meetings of the South East Regional Cluster and, in agreement with the Area Chair, leads specific projects in which the Area is engaged, making sure in all cases that Ramblers' policies and procedures are followed with a view to ensuring that the Area, its members and volunteers are kept safe and legally compliant.
The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in the oversight of the Area's working relationship with local authorities, organisations and politicians.
The Vice-Chair assists the Chair by making sure that the Area follows all of the required governance, including AGMs and attendance at Ramblers' General Council Meetings.
The incumbent will work closely with the Chair and other members of the Area Executive Committee and Area Council, and where necessary seek advice and guidance from Ramblers' central office.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you be an Action for M.E. Trustee?
Are you impatient for change, passionate and have time to spare to make a positive impact? Around 1.3 million children and adults in the UK with M.E. and M.E.-like symptoms following Covid-19 urgently need people like you.
Action for M.E. is the only UK charity support children and adults with M.E., through information, support, advocacy and healthcare services while working to secure change for the future. Over half of our Board of Trustees have direct experience of M.E.
We are a small organisation that regularly punches above its weight, working on a national and international scale and are delighted to be working with staff, volunteers and our Board of Trustees team who are passionate, dedicated and determined. We have high aspirations and ambitions and believe that Action for M.E. can, and will, make a major contribution to creating the change that is so desperately needed.
As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in guiding Action for M.E. to deliver critical services to meet present needs, while working to secure change for the future.
You will work as part of a dynamic Board of Trustees, helping to shape the strategic direction of the charity, bring fresh ideas and perspectives, ensure effective governance and financial stewardship and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
We're looking for up to three individuals, from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We have a particular need for those who bring skills in either one or more of the following areas: research, science, local/national government, policy/advocacy and communications. These will complement the skills we currently have on the Board.
Are you committed to making a difference? Do you want to accelerate change? If you are ready to contribute your time and expertise to this worthwhile cause, we want to hear from you.
Join us in our mission to transform lives. Become our Charity Trustee today!
Please review the application pack attached for further instructions on how to apply to become our next Action for M.E. trustee.
We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome any reasonable adjustment requests required to take part in this recruitment process.
The closing date for applications is 30 April 2024, with interviews happening on a rolling basis.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
RNIB wants to test the use of WhatsApp to be able to reach more blind and partially sighted people who have previously never accessed our services.
The role is simple. You agree to us sending you WhatsApp messages from RNIB every month with details of activities and events available. By signing up to this role, you agree to then share the information with people you know either personally or professionally. The key is reaching more people with sight loss, so they are aware of what is available.
Our aim is to reach people with different levels of vision and a variety of age groups and communities across the UK.
Contact with RNIB’s customers is not part of this role.
This opportunity is available to anyone who can spare 30 minutes each month, including people who are living with one or more eye conditions.
RNIB are open to you sharing your personal experience to help us understand what is working and provide feedback on the content and responses from people.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
A fantastic opportunity to build knowledge of the UK asylum system, gain experience of casework and deliver an essential service to asylum seekers.
About the team:
The Public Law team operates within our Legal Access Department, assisting with two main areas of concern:
Supporting asylum seekers housed in unsuitable accommodation, specifically on vessels (such as the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland) and former MoD sites. We provide one-to-one casework for individuals accommodated at these sites, gathering information to support a transfer request to more suitable accommodation, and gathering data and evidence for wider legal challenges to the Home Office’s use of these sites.
Additionally, we support individuals who have received notices that they are being considered for the UK’s Rwanda policy. Similarly, we provide one-to-one casework for these individuals, gathering information that would be essential to challenging removals in the event of another flight to Rwanda, as we saw in June 2022.
As part of this team, you will be able to support clients independently and manage your own time and caseload, while also working as part of a team towards the same goal. So, if you thrive in a collaborative environment and are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you!
Role description
Responsibilities:
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Supporting people seeking asylum to understand the process and ensuring that they are able to make their own, informed choices.
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Attend induction, ongoing training and keep up to date with resources and procedure to ensure you can carry out the role effectively and efficiently.
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Working independently and managing your time, sometimes working to tight deadlines
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Taking on new cases each week, whilst also providing ongoing support to existing clients
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Sorting and organising client’s paperwork and accurately maintaining client records
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Liaising with other professionals including lawyers, Migrant Help, and other C4C teams
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Understand the remit of the role, we do not give legal advice, we are a referral mechanism
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Following safeguarding procedures and reporting safeguarding incidents appropriately
We kindly ask that you volunteer a minimum of eight hours per week with this team to ensure that our clients receive the best possible service. Your volunteering hours will be flexible and can be adapted to fit your schedule.
Person specification:
Essential:
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Ability to use spreadsheets, Google Workspace, messaging platforms and secure databases.
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Proven dedication to social justice with a clear understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, or have a willingness to learn about these.
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Ability to work sensitively with a diverse range of clients, demonstrating cultural competence, respect and compassion.
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Experience in efficiently managing high volume caseloads while maintaining a high standard of care and attention.
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Resilience in the face of challenging and emotionally demanding situations, with a positive and solution-oriented mindset.
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Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative.
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Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to people who do not have English as their first language, working alongside interpreters to ensure clients understand the process
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Meticulous attention to detail in documentation and case records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with protocols.
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Professional and dedicated to ensure that the best interests of the clients and Care4Calais are represented at all times
Desirable:
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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.
To apply, please send a CV and brief covering letter outlining why you would like to volunteer with the Public Law team, and why you think you would be suitable for this role. If you have any questions about this or need additional support with the application process for any reason, please contact the recruiter for this team, whose contact details can be found in the attached role description.
Please note applications without a covering letter will not be considered.
Due to the volume of applications only successful candidates will be contacted, we apologise that we cannot respond to each individual applicant.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting new role within our team; it's a chance to shape in an election year how we influence public policy. This role with have a direct impact on how we Scout, and how our Young People can engage with UK democracy!
We are looking for a motivated team of people to design, shape and form a brand-new volunteer team to support how we influence policy at a local and national level. We are also looking for a Team Leader who can energise and support the team to achieve great things.
We are looking for people who are excited by politics and passionate about building Scouts advocacy to influence the political agenda so that more young people can gain skills for life.
As an Advocacy Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in helping further reach and impact of Scouts across the UK by promoting what we do with political audiences.
We are looking for a Team Leader and Team Members to drive forward our strategic goals and help support us to show our impact nationally and locally in line with our strategic goals and charitable objectives. It’s important for the team to be politically impartial.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Engagement Volunteer
About the role
Healthwatch Lewisham is an independent organisation set up to champion the views of health and social care service users. It strives to make sure that health and social care services are meeting local needs and to ensure that the public’s voice is heard regarding how local services are run.
As a Community Engagement volunteer, you will be taking a lead in helping us reach people, contributing to our Patient Experience and Emerging Communities Programmes. This role is ideal if you like talking and interacting with people, are passionate about the voice of the local communities and believe in equality.
Patient Experience
We visit healthcare and community settings to talk to people about their experiences with health and social care and capture those experiences with our feedback survey.
Following a visit, volunteers input the feedback into a database. Those looking for further skills and development can get involved in analysing the data collected and help create charts and written content for our quarterly Patient Experience Report.
Healthwatch Link Champion/ Emerging Communities
If you have an interest in supporting an emerging or isolated community then you could contribute to our Patient Experience Programme as a Healthwatch Link Champion. This part of the role specialises in gathering and feeding back views from a particular community, helping to build trust, improve links and deepen our understanding of how the community experiences health and social care services.
Tasks
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Visiting health and care and community venues to talk to people and gather feedback.
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Carrying out telephone engagement to capture people’s feedback.
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Collecting online reviews of relevant services from google,the NHS and other review sites.
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Inputting patient experience feedback into a database.
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Analysing patient experience feedback.
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Producing infographic summary reports, highlighting, and simplifying the key findings from our Patient Experience Report.
Time Commitment
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A weekly commitment, Weekday morning availability a plus
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4 hours a week, 3-month minimum commitment
Travel commitment
You must be willing and able to travel across the borough – sometimes this could be up to 1.5 hours.
Is this role right for me?
What we are looking for:
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Aged over 18.
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Able to travel to and around the borough.
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Confidence in speaking with strangers.
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Friendly, approachable manner with good verbal communication and listening skills.
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Awareness of personal and professional boundaries.
Considered a Bonus:
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Additional languages are considered a plus.
Benefits of volunteering
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Incredibly social role, where you meet and work with lots of other people
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Join a network of over 300 volunteers
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Gain access to our training hub and develop yourself further
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Our volunteers receive priority job alerts for internal paid roles
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Travel expenses covered
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Hours: Dependent on volunteer availability and project need
Across Coventry and Wolverhampton community
Ref CVM-232 (Vol)
Are you a dynamic, collaborative and creative individual with a proven record of engaging positively with young people vulnerable groups and families? Do you have experience of providing support, advice and advocacy and the ability to assess clients’ needs?
If so, join St Giles Trust as a Community Violence Volunteer Mentor working on our CIRV service, supporting young people, adults and families who have been or at high risk of being affected by violence offending and or exploitation.
About St Giles Trust and Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV)
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.
The Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) is a pilot service running across Wolverhampton and Coventry which seeks to engage children, young people and adults at risk who are within the criminal justice system due to criminality and violence and provide them with effective interventions to reduce the risk of reoffending and violence.
CIRV project is run through the Violence Reduction Unit and is a collaboration between West Midlands Police and a variety of agencies, including St Giles Trust. The service is for children and young people aged 14 years and older that are at risk of, or are experiencing, group-based violence and exploitation. St Giles Trust mentors will engage and support these young people and when their risk of violence has reduced, the young person will work with a volunteer mentor before exiting the service.
About this key role
Our CIRV Volunteer Mentor will engage and support young people, adults, and families once they have been identified as being involved in a violence-related incident, being at risk of exploitation or gang-affiliated and build positive relationships with the clients and their families, plus work directly with them in order to promote positive change, build resilience, and prevent young people from experiencing significant harm.
As a mentor, you will be non-judgmental, reliable and respectful of the young person’s autonomy. You are not there to tell them what to do, your role is to explore options with them, support them to make good decisions and act as a transfer of trust between the young person and other agencies.
What we expect from you:
- To strive for the best that you can do and complete your volunteering activities with dedication and commitment
- To attend any briefings and training that we think will help you in your placement
- Be positive about and support the work of St Giles
- Follow and operate within the policies and procedures of the organisation, including Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities
- Act responsibly and within the law
- Maintain confidentiality of St Giles activity, our clients, our team and our procedures
- Value and respect the rights of clients
- Work in partnership with staff and volunteers to make society a better place for our beneficiaries
- Let your volunteer manager know if you are having any problems or if you have any complaints, concerns or feedback
- Meet agreed time commitments and give reasonable notice when you’re not available so that arrangements can be made.
In return you will be introduced to how our organisation works and your role within it. Give information about St Giles work, policies, and procedures. Offer training, group supervision and support. Deliver a Level 2 Mentoring qualification.
Please note this role requires Enhanced Adult and Children DBS with the Child Barred List.
We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.
St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.
To apply, please visit our website via the ‘Apply’ button.
Closing Date: 11 p.m. on 12 April 2024
Please apply early as interviews will be conducted when suitable applications are received.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
A fantastic opportunity to build knowledge of the UK asylum system, gain hands-on casework experience and deliver an essential service to refugees.
About us
Care4Calais is a volunteer-based charity providing essential aid and support for refugees in France and the UK.
In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, bedding, food and assistance to refugees who live in appalling and dangerous conditions.
Across the UK we collect and distribute clothes, shoes, mobile phones and other essential items, as well as social support and interaction, including language lessons, sport and music workshops. We also help with vital access to legal, medical and educational services.
Our Legal Access Department is an access to justice project that exists to arrange critical legal representation for people seeking asylum and, more than this, to support people through the hostility and difficulty of claiming asylum. The department, made up mostly of volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure that people feel informed, empowered, and far less isolated and alone.
About the role
The aim of this role is to provide crucial one-to-one casework and support to people seeking asylum in the UK. Our Asylum 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. We currently work with 100+ legal firms around the UK, providing an invaluable service to both the asylum-seeker and the overstretched legal immigration teams. You’ll have the chance to gain broad experience of working in a fast-paced and experienced team while meeting the ever-changing needs of those we support. So, if you thrive in a collaborative environment and are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you!
The Role
As a Legal Access Caseworker, you’ll focus on providing outstanding support to your clients throughout the complex asylum process.
In this busy, hands-on role, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the function of the UK asylum system so we can provide the highest standards of service to those who need us most. A key focus will be on maintaining accurate and complete records and processes and delivering high quality service to every one of our vulnerable clients.
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
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Manage own caseload of adult asylum seekers requiring legal representation to support their asylum claims and to challenge unsuitable accommodation, poor treatment, and uphold our client's rights.
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Communicate effectively and sensitively with clients and refer to legal firms where appropriate.
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Identify clients’ individual wellbeing needs and make onward referrals internally and externally in line with this. Provide emotional support to clients undertaking the process of claiming asylum in the UK.
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Liaise with legal teams on behalf of clients where necessary.
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Keep relevant records up to date to allow for quick and effective retrieval.
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Attend and contribute meaningfully to team meetings.
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Develop and maintain a network of key contacts within relevant authorities, legal teams dealing with immigration and public law matters, and other NGOs focused on support of refugees and people seeking asylum.
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Attend relevant external meetings representing the organisation as needed, ensuring that knowledge and learning is shared across the department.
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Ensure that any safeguarding concerns are identified and responded to appropriately.
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Complete relevant external training required for you to undertake the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
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Proven dedication to social justice with a clear understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
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Ability to work sensitively and effectively with a diverse range of clients, demonstrating cultural competence, respect and compassion.
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Experience in efficiently managing high volume caseloads while maintaining a high standard of care and attention.
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Resilience in the face of challenging and emotionally demanding situations, with a positive and solution-oriented mindset.
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Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
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Meticulous attention to detail in documentation and case records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with protocols.
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Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative.
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Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Desirable Criteria:
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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.
Successful applicants will be provided with the induction and training needed for them to succeed in the role.
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. If you have any questions about this or need additional support with the application process for any reason, please contact us.
To apply please send a covering letter outlining why you want to volunteer with the Legal Access Department - Asylum Team, and why you think you would be suitable for this role. Please note applications without a covering letter will not be considered.
Due to the volume of applications only successful candidates will be contacted, we apologise that we cannot respond to each individual applicant.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we need your help
Marie Curie is piloting a Companions in the Community Service in partnership with Langport Surgery to support those in their last year of life.
The Service will compliment the support already provided by the Surgery Team, and local community service, providing end of life expertise to patients and their circle of support. Whilst clinical and care professionals provide hugely important services, we want to ensure that those who have a life limiting condition and/or experiencing health decline have all the support they need to help navigate the practical and emotional journey.
What we need you to do
Companions will be trained in a variety of end-of-life support needs, to allow the person to choose what they need, when they need it. This will include topics such as: Compassionate Conversations, Advance Care Planning, Unconscious Bias, Community Services and Connection, what to expect at the End of Life and Bereavement Support.
Support provided could be a one off activity such as completing an Advance Care Plan or supporting them to access Carer’s Support Allowance, or it could be an going engagement providing different aspects of support over a longer period of time.
What skills or experience do you need?
willingness to support others during death, dying and bereavement.
Interest in supporting people face to face, including their personal homes, care homes and community.
Access to IT equipment and basic IT skills e.g. typing on word and email attachments
Passionate individuals who are keen to support us in making this pilot a success, to benefit the people we support and the Langport Surgery Team
Patience, empathy, and emotional awareness
Excellent active listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others.
Commitment and reliability
Inclusive and respectful values
Willingness to learn and operate within Marie Curie processes and boundaries.
What we can offer you
An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
What we ask of you
To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines
To complete an induction and any training related to the role
Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect. We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment. We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.