Accompanying Project Volunteer Roles in Streatham, Greater London
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Alternatives to Violence Project Britain
The Alternatives to Violence Project is a network of skilled volunteers who run workshops for anyone who wants to find ways of resolving conflict without resorting to violence. We work in the community and in prisons.
What difference will you make?
The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) serves people who want to handle conflict well without using or suffering violence, whether physical or psychological. Our trained volunteer facilitators deliver intensive, low-cost, conflict-resolution skills workshops in the community, in prisons and in other settings. We reach diverse communities, attracting people from across a wide spectrum of ages, ethnic backgrounds, and socio-economic backgrounds.
What will you be doing?
The overall role of the chair is to lead the Board as it sets strategic direction and oversees the good governance of the charity. You will be responsible for ensuring that the organisation is following correct governance and meeting its charitable obligations.
This is an active role, where time will need to be invested regularly outside of meetings to support this small charity.
In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the Chair include the following:
• Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings
• Giving direction to board policy-making
• Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making
• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting
• Organise & run board and other general meetings
• Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
• Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive to achieve this
• Working closely with paid stuff to ensure charity stays on track vs it's objectives
What are we looking for?
We are looking for an individual who will be committed to AVPB cause and has the following skills:
• Leadership skills
• Experience of committee work
• Tact and diplomacy
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Impartiality, fairness and ability to resolve differences
It would be a significant advantage if you have experience of chairing a trustee board or comparable body. (e.g Chair of School Governors, Parish or Town Council Chair etc). Also advantageous would be a background in health or social care.
Where you will be working
London, N1 6HT
Mainly at home, or remote opportunity.
All our board meetings are currently held online. We can occasionally gather for an annual event.
Time
Mostly outside office hours
Estimate of time needed:
1-3 hours / week
Term
Our trustees’ roles have initial term of three years, with the possibility of renewal for further 3 years.
Remuneration
The role of the Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.
Before you apply
Please submit your CV along with a short covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills would add value to the board.
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!
Volunteer - Homeline befriending project
Homeline is a befriending project for older people based in Hammersmith and Fulham.
If you have an hour or two to spare each week and befriend an isolated person in their own home we would love to hear from you.
You could provide companionship or accompanying someone outdoors to assist them to remain independent in the community and help them avoid becoming housebound.
Join our friendly team and enjoy the benefits of full role training, DBS and continued support.
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!
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.
About Youth Club:
Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games.
Youth club takes place at Tooting Hub- Beechcroft Road, Tooting, SW17 7BU.
About Sports Programme:
We work in partnership with Fulham Kicks to run a football session every Monday. We provide 1:1 sports advice to help build confidence and remove barriers by supporting young people to plan their journeys and accompanying them to join their first sessions. We find new sessions for young people at youth clubs, gyms and other sports providers. We arrange frequent trips to offer new sports to our young people including: boxing, yoga, trampolining and hopefully to go-karting.
We will also deliver a research project to sports providers, local authorities, support networks and other young people. The project will detail: (1) the accessibility barriers to sports faced by young people, (2) methods of best practice on including young refugees and asylum seekers, (3) funding and support options available from local authorities, and (4) what participatory 1:1 support looks like for young people.
About the role:
As a sports program volunteer, you would be helping young people to travel safely around London, to feel welcome in the city, to join in with sports activities where possible and to inspire young people to take part in sports. You will need to go on group trips to external sports providers and to attend our youth club occasionally. We welcome volunteers with any level of sporting ability, the only thing necessary is to be willing to give some sports a go when it is possible. Please note, some sessions you attend will be only for under 18’s, and so you will not always be allowed to take part, and then your role will only be to accompany. We are very happy to be flexible regarding which sessions you attend according to your interests.
We ask for a commitment of at least 1-2 sports sessions or youth club evenings every month. Our youth club runs every Wednesday from 6.00-8.00pm, the external sports trips will usually be weekday evenings. We are able to be flexible according to your schedule.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur after each session/trip.
- Providing feedback of your experience to contribute to the research project.
- To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.
- To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.
- To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.
- To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.
- To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
- To occasionally research local sports providers to find sessions for our young people.
Requirements:
Essential:
To be 18 years or older;
- To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;
- To be reliable and punctual;
- Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;
- To be passionate about sports and helping young people to access sports.
- Current resident of the UK;
- Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;
- Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role
Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm – 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon – 2pm once every 3 months.
Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish.
Through volunteering with us you will:
- Meet new members of your local community;
- Learn about different cultures;
- Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum and their ability to access sports in London;
- Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
- Develop your skills and competencies;
- Be able to access relevant training;
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Choice in Hackney is currently recruiting Volunteer Walking Friends who will accompany our service users on walks to help them feel less isolated.
Job Requirements:
- Available to commit to the project for a minimum of 3 months;
- Open-mindedness and willing to learn;
Benefits:
- References for future employers etc. where appropriate
- Flexible commitment (time, geographical area, etc.)
- Regular support from the Volunteer Coordinator (by phone, in person, and by email)
- Out-of-pocket expenses (including safety equipment such ask masks or gloves) reimbursed
- Joining a friendly and supportive volunteer community
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer - Homeline’s tele-befriending service!
Do you have an hour to spare each week? Want a simple remote volunteer role you can fit around your busy life?
Look no further! Homeline is a befriending project for older people in Hammersmith and Fulham.
We are looking for volunteers to remotely call a few isolated older adults per week. These calls make such a difference and are often the only phone call a person will receive all week!
A flexible role ideal for volunteers who work during the week and have less time to commit. Join our friendly team and enjoy the benefits of full role training, DBS and continued support.
Get in touch, join our friendly team and enjoy the benefits of full role training, DBS and continued support.
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!
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic well-being of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study groups, youth clubs, sports trips and football.
Volunteering With CARAS – Our Community of Welcome
CARAS has a proud history of volunteers helping us deliver our charitable aims. Volunteers are an essential part of the CARAS community, bringing skills, insights, experience, different languages, and enthusiasm to the roles.
Community members tell us that welcome by volunteers is so important in an often hostile world. It helps them feel safe and wanted. Community is at the heart of all we do, and we could not deliver the projects we do without the enormous contribution volunteers bring. Thank you for taking the time to consider volunteering with us.
About Sports Programme:
We work in partnership with Fulham Kicks to run a football session every Monday evening. We provide 1:1 sports advice to help build confidence and remove barriers by supporting young people to plan their journeys and accompanying them to join their first sessions. We find new activities and memberships for young people at youth clubs, gyms and other sports providers. We arrange frequent trips to offer sports to our young people including boxing, yoga, trampolining and hopefully go-karting.
To advance and continue this work we have an exciting new element to the project. The research project will detail: (1) the accessibility barriers faced by young people, (2) methods of best practice for including young refugees and asylum seekers, (3) funding and support options available from local authorities, and (4) what participatory 1:1 support looks like for young people.
About the role:
As a Sports research volunteer, you will work with four young people hired as peer researchers to co-design and deliver a research project to sports providers, local authorities, support networks and other young people. The aim here is to help to remove barriers that young refugees and asylum seekers face in accessing the sports they enjoy. You can do this remotely, researching sports providers and finding sessions for our young people to attend. You will also take part in in-person workshops looking at young refugees and asylum seekers’ experiences in accessing sports in London. You will work with the young people to design questionnaires and deliver the results to local authorities and sports providers. You may need to help young people to travel safely around London and to feel welcome in the city. We would love you to join in with activities where possible and if you would like to.
We ask for a commitment of at least 2-3 hours per month in your own time, and to attend workshops over the Summer for the research project.
Tasks and responsibilities:
· To attend research workshops and assist staff in facilitating them.
· To support young people in their co-design of the project
· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.
· To participate in research in an independent, open-minded and fair way.
· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.
· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.
· To challenge young people’s negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.
· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality Policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
To be 18 years or older;
· To have access to your own IT device and to be comfortable using Google Search and Microsoft Office.
· To be able to work both from home and at CARAS
· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;
· To be reliable and punctual;
· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;
· Current resident of the UK;
· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;
· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of the role:
Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6 pm – 8 pm. we offer the same training on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12 noon – 2 pm once every 3 months.
Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite for being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.
Desirable:
· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).
· Some experience in designing/ using questionnaires and surveys to inform services or activities
· To be confident in advocating for young people and explaining their life experiences to local authorities and sports providers.
Through volunteering with us you will:
· Meet new members of your local community;
· Learn about different cultures;
· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
· Develop your skills and competencies;
· Be able to access relevant training;
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!
Join Us in Shaping the Future: Bring your passion for eye care and diverse expertise to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. Become a Trustee of Vision Care for Homeless People!
- Are you passionate about ensuring everyone has access to essential eye care services, regardless of their circumstances?
- Are you eager to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness?
- If so, we invite you to consider becoming a Trustee at VCHP, where we're dedicated to providing vital eye care to those in need.
About Us
At VCHP, we believe that everyone deserves the right to clear vision and eye health. Since 2003, we've been on a mission to provide comprehensive eye care services to individuals experiencing homelessness across the UK. From eye exams to prescription glasses, we're committed to ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to their vision. Now, as we look to the future, we're seeking dynamic individuals to join our board and help guide our strategic direction.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Do you know how to positively challenge the status quo? At VCHP, we're on a mission to provide essential support to those experiencing homelessness, and as we move forward, we recognise the importance of having a diverse and skilled board to guide our efforts effectively. We're currently seeking individuals who can bring specific expertise to address the existing skills gaps on our board. We're particularly interested in candidates who possess one or more of the following skills and experiences:
- Board Experience: To provide strategic leadership and governance oversight.
- Digital Skills: To navigate the digital landscape and leverage technology for organisational growth.
- Cybersecurity: To ensure the security and integrity of our digital infrastructure.
- Lived experience of homelessness or experience as a service user: To offer firsthand insights into the needs and challenges of our service users.
- Charity Law and Compliance: To ensure that we operate in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Policy Development: To develop robust policies that align with our mission and support our organizational objectives.
By adding individuals with these specific skills to our board, we aim to enhance our capacity to fulfil our mission and serve our community more effectively. For the full role description, which outlines essential skills and responsibilities, please contact us.
Why Join Us
- Make an Impact: As a Trustee, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve and contribute to positive change in our community.
- Professional Development: Joining our board offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, including leadership development, networking, and learning from experienced colleagues.
- Be Part of Something Meaningful: Join a dedicated team of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference and creating a brighter future for VCHP and those we support.
How to Apply
If you're ready to embark on this rewarding journey and help shape the future of VCHP, we'd love to hear from you!
To apply, kindly detail your alignment with the desired skills and experiences and articulate your motivation for seeking the role of trustee at VCHP within a concise response of no more than 2 pages. Please accompany this with your CV, if you have one.
If you want to learn more or have questions before applying, please contact Anna, who will be happy to assist you. Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact Anna who will be happy to advise on this.
Closing date for applications: 31st May 2024, with the possibility of interviews conducted on a rolling basis.
Interview dates: July 2024. While this role can be carried out remotely, please note that there will be one annual face-to-face meeting.
To apply, kindly detail your alignment with the desired skills and experiences and articulate your motivation for seeking the role of trustee at VCHP within a concise response of no more than 2 pages. Please accompany this with your CV, if you have one.
Closing date for applications: 31st May 2024, with the possibility of interviews conducted on a rolling basis.
Interview dates: July 2024. While this role can be carried out remotely, please note that there will be one annual face-to-face meeting.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Europia is a community development organisation established in 2008. Our friendly multi-lingual team are committed to supporting and empowering Eastern European nationals in Greater Manchester. We also work with regional and national partners and in doing this, we have national recognition.
We are looking for 3 Communication Volunteers, who will play a vital role in enhancing our organization's communication efforts across various platforms.
Position Overview: Your responsibilities will include creating engaging social media posts, producing informative videos, compiling our annual report, and providing general support to our communication team. This role is essential for effectively conveying our message, engaging with our audience, and promoting our organization's mission.
Key Responsibilities:
- Social Media Management: Creating compelling and visually appealing posts for our organization's social media channels (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) to increase engagement and awareness.
- Content Creation: Developing written content for various communication materials, including blog posts, newsletters, press releases, and website updates.
- Graphic Design: Designing graphics, images, and infographics to accompany social media posts, blog articles, and other communication materials.
- Video Production: Planning, scripting, filming, and editing videos to showcase our organization's work, impact, and initiatives.
- Annual Report Compilation: Collaborating with team members to gather information and data for the annual report, and designing/layout of the report for publication.
- Research and Trends: Keeping abreast of communication trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to continuously improve our communication strategies.
- General Support: Providing assistance and support to the communication team as needed, including administrative tasks and coordination of communication projects.
Please note that the responsibilities outlined above apply to all three positions. You are not expected to fulfill every duty listed. Instead, we encourage you to apply for the position that best aligns with your experience and interests.
Qualifications:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop or Canva) and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie).
- Creativity and ability to generate innovative ideas for content creation.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Prior experience in communication, marketing, journalism, or related fields is desirable but not required.
- Passion for our organization's mission and commitment to promoting positive social change.
Time Commitment: Flexible
Benefits:
- Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and make a positive impact through effective communication.
- Gain valuable experience in communication, marketing, and multimedia content creation.
- Enhance your portfolio with diverse and engaging communication materials.
- Work with a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to achieving our organization's goals.
Note: This role is voluntary and unpaid. However, we deeply appreciate the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, and their contributions are invaluable to the success of our organization.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
What is the purpose of this role?
Panellists will inform and influence the support we offer to older people and help us deliver services that older people need and value.
What impact does this role have?
Our Panellists will help us to shape our services and our strategy. They will support us to make sure that people know about our charity, that our services have a positive impact on the lives of older people, and that we are a valued, local resource for older people to rely on.
What are the responsibilities of the role?
• To support our charity and its aims and to act as an ambassador for our services and projects and the wider Age UK network.
• To ensure our charity is aware of emerging needs and issues related to older people in the City and County that could influence future planning.
• To represent the wider community of older people and their interests – including topics such as social, health, wealth, and longer-term needs.
• To develop an understanding of customer service within the charity and how it can be improved for older people.
• To maintain a positive commitment to, and active promotion of, Age UK Notts’ Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy.
What are we looking for?
• Integrity
• A commitment to the charity
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good, independent judgement
• A willingness to speak their mind
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
What is the time commitment?
• The charity holds four meetings per year (Including the AGM), with each meeting lasting around 2 hours.There will be a mix of in-person and online meetings.
• In addition, Panellists need to set aside a minimum of 1 hours reading time before each meeting.
• Depending upon agreed actions, Panellists may be asked to dedicate some time to activities within the community, or for the charity outside of the meetings.
• Should exceptional circumstances arise, there may be a need for additional meetings, but this will be a rare occurrence.
• A chair and vice-chair will be elected by the members every 3 years and holders may serve a maximum of 6 years in total in either role.
What training will you be given?
You will be given a basic induction to the Charity and some basic compliance training to allow you to undertake your role.
What can you gain from this opportunity?
This is an opportunity to influence the largest, local charity providing support for older people. It’s a chance to bring your views, experience and knowledge to the table as well as building new relationships and meeting new challenges.
Please note the following key information
• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must agree to be properly appointed by our robust volunteer recruitment process (including references and DBS check).
• The role of a OPAP Panellist is voluntary and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed
***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***
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!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation, which took place on 1st April 2023, will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we are now the only significant national funder with the efficiency,
capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss. We have a clear ambition – to save sight and to change lives.
We are now seeking up to four new trustees as we establish ourselves in our new form and under our new name (soon to be announced). This is an exciting inflection point for us, and our new trustees will be central in enabling us to achieve our ambition.
We have worked through our merger and have a clear focus and vision, as well as a strong Board and senior leadership team, all of whom are ambitious for the potential impact we can make. Our re-brand will also enable us to amplify our position as a leader within the sight loss sector. Our merger was a critical step in accelerating research which will create a positive impact on the lives of millions of people. We do not want this opportunity to pass us by and that’s what makes these such an important and exciting roles for the right people.
As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to steer the course of our charity and our sector, shaping our strategies, and advocating for meaningful change. You will be help us be a driving force behind world leading research into sight loss prevention, and transformative initiatives that enhance the quality of life for countless individuals.
We are particularly seeking individuals who have a medical or scientific research background, ideally in ophthalmology, and those who have experience in retail and fundraising. If you want to be part of something that will really make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
“I extend a heartfelt invitation to those who share our commitment to making a profound difference in the lives of individuals affected by sight loss. Our journey towards a future where eye diseases are prevented and the challenges faced by the visually impaired are overcome requires the collective effort of dedicated individuals. We are seeking trustees who are not only passionate advocates for our cause but also possess the vision, expertise, and dedication to guide and govern our organisation. Your unique perspectives and skills will play a pivotal role in shaping and defining our impact for years to come.”
Dr Heather Giles, Chair
“Our two organisations came together to form a new dynamic, ambitious, entrepreneurial, impact-driven organisation to save sight and change lives. We are searching for trustees that can join us, and be at the forefront of creating the culture, the outlook and the methods of working and the operations to truly make a difference in society.”
Keith Valentine, CEO
ABOUT US
We are a new organisation forged from two ambitious charities: Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation. Our single, unifying mission is to save sight and change lives.
It is a mission that reflects two urgent questions everyone faces when they receive a diagnosis of sight loss: ‘How do I stop this?’ and ‘How do I live my life?’
Answering these questions guides our strategy as we progress a five-year plan with solid and lofty aspirations.
THE MERGER
Fight for Sight funds breakthrough research and life-changing services to build a more equitable future for blind and partially sighted people by accelerating breakthroughs in multiple sight loss conditions.
Vision Foundation works to inform, include and empower the visually impaired community. Empowerment is at the heart of what we do; our work focuses on what people can do, rather than what they can’t.
The merger will help us to realise a joint ambition to tackle sight loss from both a clinical and social perspective. Our combined organisation is now grounded in data and insight into the science, as well as the lived experience of, sight loss. With this wealth of evidence we’re determined to:
- generate further investment into the sector,
- accelerate clinical progress,
- improve quality of life for people facing or living with sight loss
Crucially, coming together is about growing our influence and impact, not reducing or diluting what we do. So, as we evolve as a merged organisation, we are combining our teams, announcing our new name and fine-tuning our unified
mission and strategy – as well as continuing with the important work we’re already committed to – you can expect big things from us and it is an exciting time to join us as a trustee.
OUR FUTURE
Our principal role is as a grant-maker. We award grants to the scientific community that could lead to scientific breakthroughs and treatments to stop eye diseases from progressing. In the future, we believe research can prevent people from losing sight and reverse sight loss. We invest to advance treatments that will cure eye disease and protect and grow the community of world-class scientists, technologists, and data scientists who can deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Historically, Vision Foundation has funded innovations that directly impact people who are blind or partially sighted, from music classes for children to projects that take eye tests into at-risk communities. We invest in programmes, organisations and activities that deliver equity for and with blind and visually impaired people.
As a grant-maker, we are change-makers, accelerators and drivers of impact. We are bold, energetic, challenging, disruptive, tenacious, and determined.
We aren’t afraid to tackle the challenges facing the sight loss community, either. Recent campaigns include The Unseen, which unearthed the shocking scale and nature of domestic abuse among blind and partially sighted people, and See My Skills, which addressed high unemployment rates. The charity excels at working in partnership with others towards creating a more equitable society for the sight loss community.
As we progress, we’ll scale the impact of projects like these, look beyond the nation’s capital, and drive systemic change. We’ll need to secure the funds to invest in our trusted partners to achieve our ambitions. We’ll continue to fundraise by engaging with supporters and companies through legacies, events such as the London Marathon, and our network of charity shops.
The evidence we commission influences policy and decision-making to demand equality for all.
We’ll shortly have a new name that reflects our united ambitions, so it’s an exciting time for us and the people we serve.
OUR FINANCES
The charity is in a strong position financially, with a high level of reserves that we intend to draw down over the coming years as we focus on investing in sustainable growth and increasing our impact. Compared to many charities, we
have well diversified income streams, predictable costs, and are in the fortunate position to hold a sizable portfolio of investments. Our plans for the short and medium term are to invest in our income generation infrastructure, and to significantly increase the amounts of funding we can put to our charitable purpose.
OUR BOARD AND LEADERSHIP TEAM
Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation is the only organisation in the sight loss sector with an Executive Leadership Team that has over half of its members with lived experience of sight loss.
The Board currently numbers ten trustees, including our newly appointed Chair.
The Board meets four times a year, or more often as required.
Follow this link to find out more about our Board.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
As the most senior leaders in our charity, trustees play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the fulfilment of our mission to save sight and change lives. You will serve on the main board and will be invited also to get involved in one of our sub-committees. These are currently:
- Social Impact & Scientific Research Committee (SISR)
- Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources Committee (FARR)
- People Committee
- Retail Committee
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Provide leadership and strategic guidance to the charity, aligning efforts with the mission and values of the organisation.
- Collaborate with the board, executive team, and stakeholders to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance the charity’s impact and sustainability.
Governance
- Ensure effective governance, decision-making, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Work closely with board members, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration and open communication, harnessing different views and opinions.
Engagement
- Represent the charity at public events and networking opportunities to promote our mission and raise awareness about our cause.
- Develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, corporations, government agencies, and the visually impaired community.
Evaluation and Accountability
- Collaborate with the board to evaluate performance, ensuring alignment with the charity’s goals and objectives.
- Ensure the charity is accountable to donors and beneficiaries, that is financially robust and sustainable, and that is effective risk management in place.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
We are seeking dynamic and dedicated individuals to serve as trustees of our ambitious merged organisation. The ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to our cause, along with the following:
Specialist experience
At this time, we are particularly interested in candidates who have leadership experience in:
- Scientific and/or medical research
- Ophthalmic research and/or clinical practice
- Strategic oversight of substantial fundraising and/or retail operations
Despite these areas of interest, we welcome a diversity of skills and experience at our charity and on our Board, and want to find the right candidates regardless of their specific areas of expertise or experience. So if you are interested in this role and think you can contribute to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
General attributes
Knowledge & experience
- An understanding of governance, and experience on a committee or board.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including donors, corporations and government agencies.
Skills & abilities
- Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision to deliver impact.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Entrepreneurial instincts and a healthy understanding of risk balanced with ambition using sound judgement.
Styles & behaviours
- High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the charity’s values, as well as a passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with, or at risk of, sight loss.
- Collaborative, highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing difference perspectives.
- Solution-focused, with an ability to see the big picture and be pragmatic.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Remuneration
This role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Time commitment
While the exact time commitment may vary based on the charity’s needs and priorities, we anticipate the following general expectations:
- A minimum of four Board meetings per year
- Up to four subcommittee meetings per year (the specific committee depending on skills and experience)
- Preparation for meetings, review of materials, and other trustee engagement as appropriate.
- Annual Strategy Day with full Board and executive team.
- Meetings with members of the executive leadership team as appropriate.
- Representing the charity at high profile events, functions and public engagements to enhance its reputation and partnerships.
Location
At present Board meetings are held in central London. Subcommittee meetings are held remotely.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) is the leading professional membership body for clinical radiologists and clinical oncologists. The RCR is a registered charity which educates and supports doctors throughout their career. With over 16,000 members in the UK and internationally, we’re contributing to the advancement of each new generation of doctors and helping to improve patients’ lives.
We require a broad range of skills and experience on our trustee board to help deliver our strategic goal of increasing the clinical radiology and clinical oncology workforce, which will ultimately lead to improving imaging and cancer care services for all. If you are passionate about helping us meet our ambitious goals in an environment that is dynamic and fast paced, which celebrates differences and values diversity then we encourage you to consider applying to be a trustee. Please find out more about the role, our strategy and values in the candidate pack which includes a video of our President, Dr Kath Halliday, speaking about the role of a trustee at RCR.
Purpose of the role
- To contribute to setting and monitoring of the RCR’s strategy
- To oversee the responsible management of the RCR’s resources and the effective delivery of its activities
- To uphold the legal and regulatory standards of the RCR as a charity.
Person specification
- Bring high level expertise and experience in matters of one or more of:
- Business Management and Development, if possible on a global scale
- Campaigning, advocacy and politics
- Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
- Successful track record of achievement through your career
- Possess, or be willing to gain, a broad knowledge and understanding of the healthcare landscape and the current issues affecting it
- Confident and effective communication skills
- Possess an understanding of charity governance
- Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship
- Ability to work collegiately and effectively as a member of a diverse team whilst maintaining an independent perspective.
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.
- A strong personal commitment to equality and diversity.
- Commitment to the Nolan principles (the seven principles of public life).
Term of office : Three years
TIME COMMITMENT:
6 half-day meetings per year, plus one full day annual awayday in the summer.