Activities Support Volunteer Roles in Manchester, Greater Manchester

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 Greater Manchester, 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 Works service across Greater Manchester.

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 Greater Manchester Board of Trustees.

The Corporate Relationships Trustee will support in developing the corporate supporter base across the city region, with the aim of increasing the funding received from organisations. This will involve supporting the Fundraising and Partnerships Manager to shape the our corporate partner “offer”, engaging with corporate supporters, and building the narrative of our social value proposition.

Securing corporate funding / financial donations as an income stream will enable the Charity to continue delivering the Smart Works service across Greater Manchester, helping women to secure employment and gain financial independence. The corporate partner offering will include securing formal, multi-year Charity Partner status for Smart Works Greater Manchester across the city region and increasing corporate participation in fundraising challenges, such as the annual Cycle for Smart Works challenge and payroll giving.

The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of 0.5 day per month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to sit on the Fund-Raising Sub-Committee, with meetings taking place every three months, and to attend Board meetings taking place every quarter.

If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, the team would love to hear from you.

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 

It is our vision that the successful applicant will have a strong network of corporate contacts across Manchester city and the wider city region and be able to leverage their skills to create, develop, and secure corporate partnerships and deliver the desired financial outcomes.

The Corporate Relationship Trustee will be expected to support the Fundraising and Partnerships Manager, and, where necessary, to liaise with the Smart Works Charity Corporate Partnerships team in London to ensure joined-up activities where contacts are national organisations.

As this is a voluntary, unpaid opportunity, it requires a self-starting and proactive approach with the capacity and time to challenge, engage and contribute to the work of the Board in a positive manner.

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.

Smart Works promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled candidates, and candidates with lived experience of unemployment as 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.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Volunteering alongside colleagues including the Branch Coordinator, Cat Welfare team, Branch Development Manager and Vet team to ensure that CP cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied in branch
• Support fosterers to follow Cats Protection cat welfare policies and procedures
• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
• Supporting the branch by ensuring that accurate and up to date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified Cats Protection systems
• Attending relevant Cats Protection volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
• With the other volunteers, recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers using Cats Protection processes
• Represent the branch at relevant meetings
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the Cats Protection Cat Adoption Team Leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by leading and supporting other volunteers in direct cat care roles. You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A willingness to follow Cats Protection policies and procedures
• Basic knowledge and experience of cat welfare
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to engage with people on all levels, to build strong and effective relationships
• A willingness to develop themselves and others and to update knowledge and skills as necessary
• Good administration and organisational skills
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• The ability to handle sensitive issues with objectivity and pragmatism
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

The time expectation for this role will vary depending on the number of volunteers and cats in care. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders usually spend between 10 to 12 hours per week in this role which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

Bath Welcomes Refugees (BWR) is seeking a Volunteer who will coordinate the monthly social gathering we hold for Ukrainian refugees.   The aims are to offer friendship and support, the opportunity for people who are potentially isolated to come together and to signpost people to services and activities.  Volunteers can also help with wider community integration, helping with language development, cultural exchange, local knowledge, etc. 

Who we are:

BWR harnesses the goodwill of the community in welcoming and supporting refugees and asylum seekers to thrive in their new community.  BWR is a small inclusive charity. Volunteer-led and non-partisan, we help refugee families out of desperate circumstances and into a promising future. Our volunteers provide hands-on support with English-language teaching, resettlement support, helping with our creche and at social events. We also have volunteers who help with employability, DIY, gardening, fundraising and more.

Expectations for this volunteer role include:

• Liaising with volunteers and planning the volunteer rota for sessions, in conjunction with the Volunteer Coordinator.

• Liaising with the management of the premises as required.

• Unlocking and locking up the premises and overseeing setting up at the beginning of sessions and clearing up at the end. 

• Liaising with representatives of the Ukrainian community to plan activities and publicise events.

• Overseeing the provision of drinks, snacks, cooking ingredients and materials which may be required (e.g. for games or crafts). 

• Allocating volunteers to specific roles or tasks as required (e.g. kitchen, supervising activities with children, registering arrivals).

• Coordinating and supporting volunteers during sessions.

Your skills and experience:

• Understanding of refugee issues

• Sensitivity to other cultures

• Experience of coordinating team work and working within a team

Time commitment:.

• Sessions run on Saturdays from 12pm to 2pm monthly - time commitment from 11.30am to 2.30pm for setting up and closing down. 

• 2 or 3 additional hours monthly liaising with volunteers; contacting leaders of the Ukrainian group 

• Full day Induction Training session and full day First Aid training

• There is scope for expanding the role to include activities beyond this event, if you have a little more time to offer

Benefits:

• Induction Training Day and further training opportunities

• Volunteer social events - summer picnic, volunteer walk

• BWR Newsletter

• Support in your role

How to volunteer:

If you would like to take on this volunteer role we would love to hear from you.  Please contact us by 10th May 2024 outlining your details and we will be in touch.

About us

Established in December 2013, Betknowmore UK’s mission is to address gambling related harm in UK communities. We are the leading provider of gambling support and training services. We work tirelessly to raise awareness, deliver support services and, through education, create more understanding about gambling related harm. ‘We want people to be empowered, to live the life they want to lead.’ Read more about our values, strategy and impact.

We exist to provide support and training services that prevent and address personal and societal harms caused by gambling. Together we aim to raise awareness, deliver support services and, through education, create more understanding about gambling harm.

Today the charity is governed by a Board of Trustees and run by Betknowmore UK senior management. This is where you come in – we are currently recruiting new members for our Board of Trustees.

About you

We are seeking committed individuals who share our vision, mission and values to join our board. You do not need to have prior knowledge of gambling harms as training will be provided throughout the induction period. Previous experience as a trustee, although desirable, is not essential.

We are specifically looking for the skills in the following areas.

·Community Engagement/networking/influencing

·Legal

·Commissioning

·Research

·Finance

For more information about the duties of a trustee and the person specification please see the Role Description Pack below. We would love to hear from you if you have time, skills and experience to share.

How to apply

To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter outlining why you would like to become a trustee and how your skills and knowledge would be an asset to the charity. (details in jobpack)

Good Vibrations is an award-winning, national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.

Our work currently involves a range of projects across the UK, including long-standing weekly music sessions at Bethlem and Lambeth hospitals, projects in around 12 prisons a year in England, and our Resonate programmes in Glasgow, Sheffield and Nottingham, which focus on those with disabilities and mental health issues in the community.

The Board of Trustees upholds the best interests of Good Vibrations, ensuring that we achieve our charitable aims whilst abiding by charity law and other relevant regulations.

Good Vibrations wishes to appoint a new Chair to our Board of Trustees who is experienced in organisational leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  The Chair supports and empowers the Board and CEO to lead the charity so that we achieve our vision, mission and aims, whilst remaining sustainable and ethical.

The Board of Trustees

Good Vibrations is a registered charity in both England & Wales (1126493) and Scotland (SC048860). The charity is governed by the Board of Trustees, which currently numbers five following the standing down of some long-term members.

The Board is vital in Good Vibrations’ governance and is responsible for setting directions in strategy and maintaining oversight over all activity. Trustees also play an ambassadorial role in raising awareness of our work.

The current board includes expertise in arts and culture, legal and charitable affairs, finance and academia, helping to ensure that we extend our knowledge of the issues and challenges we face.

Good Vibrations is regularly in receipt of funding from Arts Council England and Creative Scotland, as well as from the National Lottery and several other Trusts and Foundations. The Board is currently involved in creating the organisation’s next 5-year Business Plan. You can see our most recent Annual Report and Accounts here.

What are we looking for?

The position has become available following the standing down of the current Chair Nick Jolliffe, who has been with the organisation since 2018. The organisation has recently appointed a new CEO, and this is an exciting time of development for the organisation.

As our new Chair, you will help shape the next exciting phase of our future development as we commence our new strategic plan, and embed our newest Trustees within our established Board. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.

The role of the Chair is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two hours a week, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Strong leadership skills that engage, inspire and motivate the Board, staff, freelance team and other external stakeholders.
• Genuine interest and commitment to social justice issues and improving outcomes and opportunities for marginalised people in our society.
• A proven track record in developing strategic initiatives and steering an organisation toward success
• Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity, or operating at a senior strategic leadership level in previous roles
• Knowledge about UK charity governance and commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and risk management in all areas including finance.
• Excellent communication skills and networking capabilities, and able to act as an ambassador for the charity and cause.
• Ability to commit time, interest and effort to conduct the role well.

How our Board works

Trustees meet quarterly at Board Meetings, either in person in London or online from 5.00pm – 7.30pm.  There is also an annual Strategy day in London.

In addition, a Finance sub-committee meets quarterly, looking in-depth at finance and other matters, before putting recommendations forward to the Board.

Trustees do not receive remuneration or other benefits, but all expenses can be claimed including those required to cover access needs such as sign language, interpretation, captioning or travel expenses. The full legal framework for Trustees is laid out in the Articles of Association, which were recently revised in 2022.

Trustees serve for an initial term of three years and will have the opportunity to be re-appointed for a second and final term (maximum of nine years).

What Responsibilities will you have?

Trustees ensure the good governance and smooth running of the charity, supporting the Chief Executive Director, the wider staff team, and our team of freelance facilitators.

ow there are lots of ways that someone can gain experience and insight, not just through professional experience. Having trustees with lived experience of the settings in which we work is essential to our work.

All Board members can have access to training and charity networks to benefit not only the charity, but individual’s personal development.

All Good Vibrations’ Trustees have responsibility for the:

• governance of the organisation in line with legal and financial requirements of the Charity Commission, OSCR, other regulatory bodies, and funders;
• appointment, including the approval of job descriptions and pay levels of members of staff; agreeing terms & conditions and employment procedures;
• recruitment of new Trustees;
• approval of Good Vibrations’ strategy, its business, and artistic plans, and use of resources;
• approval of budgets, annual accounts and financial strategies;
• approval of all policies ensuring that they are updated in line with law and best practice.

The Chair, as the leader of the Board of Trustees, has some additional responsibilities including:

• working with and line managing the CEO to develop the direction and strategy of the charity;
• conducting annual performance reviews for each trustee and the CEO;
• ensuring high standards of governance, risk management and strategic direction
• ensuring that all Trustees have the information available to carry out this task and monitor progress;
• leading and developing the Board of Trustees and CEO including induction, training and succession planning;
• support of the CEO in their role, including developing external relations with key agencies;
• working with other members of the Board to organise and populate sub-committees and short-term working groups;
• planning the cycle of Board Meetings and working with the CEO to set agendas and plan meetings;
• chairing and facilitating Board meetings effectively, encouraging discussion, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made fairly;
• acting as a principal ambassador for the organisation at Board level and developing external relationships for the benefit of Good Vibrations

Before you apply

Good Vibrations is committed to becoming an organisation that reflects society and promotes diversity of thought and experience and inclusion of those who are historically underrepresented in leadership roles. We would particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the contexts in which we work, including from people with a previous conviction.

For an informal conversation about the role prior to application, please contact us through details on our website.

Please note this post will require a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS) and references.

How to Apply

We welcome all applications but particularly those from individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, disability, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, mental ill health, and autistic and neurodivergent people. We also encourage applications from those protected under the 2010 Equalities Act due to age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

We are interested to hear from those who may not consider a position like this due to social or financial disadvantage. Those with caring responsibilities and on low incomes are encouraged to apply, and we will work to make provision where possible.

To apply for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing your interest through Charity Job. We will also accept applications in any preferred format (including audio or video).

The closing date for this position is 14th May 2024 with interviews to be held on the week of 20th May.  Any access requirements will be met.

Midland Mencap seeks a passionate volunteer photographer/videographer to capture the energy and joy of our sports, health, and wellbeing community sessions in Birmingham or Walsall.

 Help us showcase the positive impact of our services by documenting participants' stories and achievements.

 Share their smiles, successes, and inspire others to get involved with Midland Mencap!

What would I be doing?

Attend sports, health, and wellbeing sessions: Be present at designated sessions to capture content.

Capture photos and videos: Document activities, participant interactions, and highlight positive moments.

Tell visual stories: Use photo and video to convey the spirit of the sessions and the impact they have on participants.

Potential for interviews: Conduct short interviews with participants to gather testimonials.

Collaborate with the marketing team: Share content for use in promotional materials, social media, and the website.

 What do I need?

 For this role you will need

· Access to own digital camera equipment or modern smartphone

· Able to travel independently in the Birmingham / West Midlands area

· Friendly, calm, and patient

· Accepting of people who may be different to you

· Happy to chat and a good listener

· Willing to learn and act within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap

· An enhanced DBS check and references will be required

 When and where do you need me?

· 2 - 4 times a month at sessions across Birmingham or Walsall

What’s in it for me?

As one of our valued volunteers, Midland Mencap will offer you:

· Gain valuable digital media experience.

· The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities

and their family carers

· Any training and development that is needed

· The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team

· Support within your role

· Agreed out-of-pocket expenses

· Lots of appreciation for your amazing contribution

· Positive wellbeing from doing something great

· Improve career opportunities by adding your volunteer role to a CV

Community Volunteer 

Role description 

Our volunteers are vital in helping us make life fully inclusive for the 12 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.  RNID hugely value the contribution of our volunteers and we achieved the Investing in Volunteers quality mark in 2023. 

What you’ll be doing 

Community volunteers help us share information. They act as ambassadors for RNID, providing information to deaf people and people with hearing loss and tinnitus and providing information on RNID services and activities. They do this by: 

• attending events, such as community open days, health information days 

• giving presentations to groups (these might be in-person or held remotely on-line 

You don’t have to do all types of activities; you can pick the activities you find most interesting and match your skills and experience. Community volunteers help us on an ad hoc, flexible basis, there is no fixed time commitment. 

Full induction and training is provided and you’ll be assigned a supervisor to provide you with on-going support and to introduce you to our community of volunteers.

Requirements 

You need to be 16 or over for this role. You may need to be able to travel by car or public transport to different places. We’ll reimburse your expenses in line with RNID’s expenses policy.

We are specifically seeking trustees with experience in the following areas:

• Income Generation
• Governance
• Finance
• Marketing and PR

A LITTLE ABOUT PANS PANDAS UK

PANS and PANDAS are complex neuro-psychiatric conditions which are frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed. PANS PANDAS UK are the only charity in the UK working to improve outcomes and ensure brighter futures for people affected by PANS and PANDAS.

We provide support and information to families and work tirelessly to inform medical practice by raising awareness at government levels, engaging with medical Royal Colleges and the NHS. In addition to this we work closely with health, social work and educational professionals as well as our European and International peer organisations.

We are a small group of trustees who are located around the UK. We work from home and have a warm, supportive, and positive culture. If you would like to join our friendly team, please download our Trustee Job Description.

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

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

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

A bit about this role

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

What can you expect to be doing?

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

· Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins

· Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised

· Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

· Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

· Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

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

We’re looking for someone with

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Willingness to be part of a team

· Good organisational skills

· Flexible approach

· Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

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

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

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

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

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

A bit about this role

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

What can you expect to be doing?

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

·Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins

·Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised

·Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

·Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

·Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

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

We’re looking for someone with

·Good communication and interpersonal skills

·Willingness to be part of a team

·Good organisational skills

·Flexible approach

·Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

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

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

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

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

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

A bit about this role

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

What can you expect to be doing?

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

·Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins

·Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised

·Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

·Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

·Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

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

We’re looking for someone with

·Good communication and interpersonal skills

·Willingness to be part of a team

·Good organisational skills

·Flexible approach

·Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

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

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

How you can make a difference!

Sense Holidays gives children, young people, adults with complex disabilities and their families the opportunity to have fun, meet new people and try new activities. Sense Holidays take place across the UK at a range of venues and vary. Each year we need skilled volunteers to help us deliver this exciting programme. 

The Volunteer Role involves:

• Staying in touch with Sense and your Holiday Leader before and during the Sense Holiday, raising any issues or concerns that may need addressing by the wider team.
• Attending the equivalent of one full day mandatory training which will be delivered virtually. You will also be asked to complete online e-Learning prior to the holiday.
• You will provide hands on support for the people on the holiday to meet their everyday needs. This may involve but is not limited to; supporting them to participate in group activities, making activities accessible to their particular needs, supporting the building of friendships and social communication.
• You may also be required to support holidaymakers with personal care including support with eating and drinking, washing, bathing and toileting. 
• Carry out tasks of daily living, such as cleaning the venue and cooking to maintain a clean and safe living environment.
• For those qualified and willing, you may be asked to complete Driving for Sense and drive an accessible vehicle on the holiday this could be a car, van or minibus depending on the holiday.

Volunteer Role Criteria

Essential criteria: 

• Aged 18 or over.
• Have experience supporting those with additional needs. Please note, we can offer a small number of places to those who are less experienced.
• A skilled communicator.
• Have a positive, can-do attitude.
• Can demonstrate reliability.
• Can demonstrate resilience.

Desirable: 

• Able to use British Sign Language.
• Experience in moving and handling.
• A full driving license and willingness to drive on a holiday.
• Experience cooking for large groups.

Why Volunteer for Sense?

Sense is a national disability charity supporting everyone who is deafblind or has complex disabilities. We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.

Volunteering on a Sense Holiday requires resilience but offers an incredibly rewarding experience.

Benefits

• All food, drink, accommodation, and activities on the holiday are paid for by Sense Holidays.
• You will receive comprehensive training for your role.
• The chance to practice and use your existing skills to communicate with others. 
• An opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairments. 
• Up to £60 of your travel expense paid. 
• Full support from our team, including induction and training for this role, and regular ongoing support. 

Ready to make a difference?

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of places are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Mynshull’s Educational Foundation is committed to improving the life-chances of young people from Manchester and Salford, so they can grow up to fulfil their potential. Through the provision of small grants, we aim to reduce the barriers that young people face to education, skills and training.

We provide funding for young people aged 25 or under to help them obtain equipment, uniforms or experiences that support them in starting or continuing their education or training.  Some examples include grants towards the cost of school trips and residentials, text books, stationery, apprenticeship equipment such as tools, and musical instruments.

We are currently recruiting for trustees to join our board.  The right candidate will understand the challenges faced by young people in Manchester and Salford; this may be through their own lived experiences or through professional experience, for example in education or health and social care.  The successful candidate will be passionate about improving outcomes for young people.  Previous experience of being a trustee is not essential to this role.

A full role description and person specification can be found in the attached Recruitment Pack. 

As a trustee you would be expected to attend a minimum of 4 board meetings (2 hours each) per year, as well as commit approximately 1 to 2 hours per month to reviewing applications for funding (this can be done remotely, online). 

Mynshull’s Educational Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, where all trustees feel valued and empowered to contribute.  We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.  We particularly welcome applications from people who have experience of using charity services or delivering services in Manchester.

For an informal discussion of the role, the foundation’s activities and what is involved in being a trustee, please get in contact.

This role is subject to pre appointment checks including a Standard DBS Check.

Gaddum (charity number 507162) provides administrative support and data processing for Mynshull’s Educational Foundation (Charity number 532334) which is an independent charity.  

If you have any questions about your personal information and data, how it is used or stored, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

How you can make a difference!

Sense Holidays gives children, young people, adults with complex disabilities and their families the opportunity to have fun, meet new people and try new activities. Sense Holidays take place across the UK at a range of venues and vary. Each year we need skilled volunteers to help us deliver this exciting programme. 

The Volunteer Role involves:

• Staying in touch with Sense and your Holiday Leader before and during the Sense Holiday, raising any issues or concerns that may need addressing by the wider team.
• Attending the equivalent of one full day mandatory training which will be delivered virtually. You will also be asked to complete online e-Learning prior to the holiday.
• You will provide hands on support for the people on the holiday to meet their everyday needs. This may involve but is not limited to; supporting them to participate in group activities, making activities accessible to their particular needs, supporting the building of friendships and social communication.
• You may also be required to support holidaymakers with personal care including support with eating and drinking, washing, bathing and toileting. 
• Carry out tasks of daily living, such as cleaning the venue and cooking to maintain a clean and safe living environment.
• For those qualified and willing, you may be asked to complete Driving for Sense and drive an accessible vehicle on the holiday this could be a car, van or minibus depending on the holiday.

Volunteer Role Criteria

Essential criteria: 

• Able to support with gender appropriate personal care. For this role, volunteers must identify as male, to provide this care to our holidaymakers. 
• Aged 18 or over.
• Have experience supporting those with additional needs. Please note, we can offer a small number of places to those who are less experienced.
• A skilled communicator.
• Have a positive, can-do attitude.
• Can demonstrate reliability.
• Can demonstrate resilience.

Desirable: 

• Ideally live near the areas of Skipton, Gloucestershire, or the New Forest.
• Able to use British Sign Language.
• Experience in moving and handling.
• A full driving license and willingness to drive on a holiday.
• Experience cooking for large groups.

Why Volunteer for Sense?

Sense is a national disability charity supporting everyone who is deafblind or has complex disabilities. We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.

Volunteering on a Sense Holiday requires resilience but offers an incredibly rewarding experience.

Benefits

• All food, drink, accommodation, and activities on the holiday are paid for by Sense Holidays.
• You will receive comprehensive training for your role.
• The chance to practice and use your existing skills to communicate with others. 
• An opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairments. 
• Up to £60 of your travel expense paid. 
• Full support from our team, including induction and training for this role, and regular ongoing support. 

Ready to make a difference?

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of places are subject to an enhanced DBS check.