Activity volunteer roles in spelthorne, surrey

Location: Remote (with occasional attendance to in-person events)

Hours: 8 Hours per month

Expenses: This is an unpaid remote position; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Closing date: 4 July 2025

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​Role Overview

​The Safeguarding Trustee will provide guidance so that Migrant Help meets all safeguarding obligations and promotes a culture of safeguarding at every level. They will provide expert oversight, policy guidance, and support for the embedding of best practices across the organisation. The Safeguarding Trustee will work closely with senior leadership to provide oversight of the way that the organisation remains compliant with safeguarding regulations.

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​Key responsibilities

• Maintain an awareness and understanding of the Charity Commission's safeguarding regulations, responsibilities, and safeguarding good practice through training, conferences, and guidance review.
• Review the Charity’s safeguarding policies annually.
• Be aware of statutory safeguarding processes and policies, acting as a point of reference for the Designated Safeguarding Lead, as needed, and as assurance on behalf of the Board, for guidance on statutory and legislative safeguarding matters for issues in all four countries in the UK.
• Assess the monitoring reporting for safeguarding policy and procedural effectiveness from both internal and external reviews.
• Consider the Charity’s strategic plans and make sure they comply with safeguarding legislation and regulations specific to our activities, statutory guidance, and the safeguarding expectations of the Charity Commission.
• Review the Charity’s risk register for inclusion of safeguarding risks with sensible measures in place or planned, including relevant insurance for trustees’ indemnity, providing assurance to the Board that safeguarding risks are being managed appropriately by the organisation’s staff.
• Lead on the standing action item at the Board of Trustees meetings regarding safeguarding.
• Trustees share collective responsibility for the charity’s governance, ensuring the charity’s mission is achieved and its operations are effective. Trustees support the CEO by contributing to strategic planning, offering expertise, and working together to provide the necessary oversight and direction for the charity’s growth and success. The Safeguarding Trustee has the additional responsibility to fulfil this for safeguarding processes.

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The skills and abilities you need

• Professional experience in safeguarding children or adults, with a means to keep informed of current legislation and good practice.
• Ability to work with short notice to give urgent Safeguarding advice and practical steps to the Safeguarding Lead.
• Understanding and having a ground-level aspect of referral processes to link clients in the services when giving Safeguarding advice.
• Ability to advise and support the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Safeguarding Manager within the Charity.
• Act with integrity and respect when working with others.
• A social work qualification is welcome but not essential.
• Direct practical experience is essential.

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Mandatory Training Requirement

​The Safeguarding Trustee must complete trustee governance and safeguarding training within the first three months of appointment. Additional training will follow as needed.

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Terms of Appointment

​​Trustees serve an initial three-year term, with the option for renewal up to a maximum of a second term of three years.

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​Time Commitment:

• 8 hours per month, including:
  • Quarterly board meetings, preferably with in-person attendance.
  • Safeguarding Operations Group – monthly, via Teams.
  • Annual half-day strategy session to contribute to the charity’s direction.
  • Regular Teams/telephone discussion with the Designated Safeguarding Lead averaging half an hour a week.
  • Must visit at least once with the Heads of Service or alone to a regional office once per year.

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​About Migrant Help

​Migrant Help is a leading charity that has been established for over 50 years and delivers a range of support and advice services to migrants across the UK. Our vision is for a global society that protects vulnerable migrants, treats them with respect and enables them to reach their full potential. 

​We place a high value on employees in relation to the work that they do and the benefits the organisation offers, with an ethos of being a Great Place to Work. 

​At Migrant Help, we foster a culture in which equality, diversity and inclusion are recognised, valued and encouraged. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we match your skills with the needs of our organisation. As long as you share our values, vision and goals. We welcome applications from candidates regardless of their age, religion or belief, race, gender reassignment, disability, sexual orientation, sex, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.

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Migrant Help is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to, applicants will have to undergo strict vetting procedures throughout different stages of the recruitment process therefore:

• All voluntary roles are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

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How to apply

​​To apply for this role, please click on the 'use this link to apply' button and complete the online application form where you will be asked to upload a copy of your CV along with an expression of interest letter.

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We particularly welcome applications from people with first-hand or indirect experience of displacement, either recently or in past generations

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We are launching REMIX, a bold new youth charity in East London (Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and Newham), and we need YOU to help make a difference!

At REMIX, we believe that every young person deserves the chance to shine—no barriers, no limits. We’re here to bridge the gap, providing powerful after-school tutoring, life-changing mentorship, and dynamic enrichment programmes that unlock potential, build confidence, and inspire lifelong success.

But we can’t do this alone! REMIX is about community, collaboration, and championing young talent. That’s why we’re teaming up with local schools, families, and community leaders to ensure that every young person, no matter their background, can thrive, dream big, and achieve more.

Join Us as a (Volunteer) Operations Manager

We’re searching for an organised, proactive, and strategic Operations Manager to support the running and management of REMIX, ensuring we deliver our mission with efficiency, passion, and lasting impact.

In this role, you will:

• Oversee Key Operations: Help coordinate programmes, manage logistics, and ensure smooth day-to-day functioning of REMIX’s youth initiatives.
• Support Organisational Growth: Work closely with our team to develop processes that enhance outreach, volunteer engagement, and operational effectiveness.
• Manage Resources & Scheduling: Assist in overseeing budgets, timetables, and resource allocation to maximize impact and streamline our charitable efforts.
• Coordinate Partnerships & Community Engagement: Strengthen relationships with local schools, organisations, and stakeholders to expand REMIX’s network and deepen community involvement.
• Ensure Operational Excellence: Help implement best practices for volunteer management, communications, and programme delivery, ensuring REMIX continues to thrive and innovate.

If you’re highly organised, a natural problem-solver, and passionate about empowering young people, this is your chance to play a vital role in shaping the future of REMIX.

Empower. Elevate. Remix the future.

Join us, support us, and help shape a legacy that lasts—one young person at a time!

Service Introduction 

The Programmes & Services department keeps our organisation running. Our team work directly with volunteers by offering them support.  

Our Programmes & Services department is divided into four roles. Each of these roles reports to our Programmes & Services Manager. Our four roles are: 

• People Coordinator 

• Volunteer Engagement Coordinator 

• Referrals Coordinator 

• Training Coordinator 

Key tasks and responsibilities 

Recruitment & Selection 

• Assist in the preparation of comprehensive job descriptions, person specifications, and engaging job adverts to attract the best talent. 

• Manage the full recruitment process using our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), from candidate sourcing to selection. 

• Actively monitor and maintain various recruitment channels to ensure a continuous pipeline of candidates. 

• Screen resumes and applications, shortlist candidates, and conduct initial interviews. 

• Coordinate and schedule interviews and training sessions, liaising with applicants and interview panels to facilitate a smooth process. 

• Conduct reference checks and background verifications where required. 

Onboarding & Offboarding 

• Lead the onboarding process for new volunteers, ensuring they feel welcomed and fully supported as they integrate into the team. 

• Develop and implement continuous improvements to the onboarding process to enhance the overall volunteer experience. 

• Organise necessary documentation and compliance requirements to ensure all records are up-to-date. 

• Facilitate offboarding procedures when necessary, ensuring a respectful and professional exit process. 

Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:

• Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends
• Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments
• Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition
• Support research into endometriosis.

This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.

Time commitment:

• five Trustee Board meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings). Three meetings are held in person on London on a Saturday, with two meetings being virtual evening meetings.
• Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group.

Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.

We are currently recruiting for ONE NEW TRUSTEE to join the board. We are particularly looking for significant experience of charity governance, management and best practice. Examples of how this might have been gained include having worked at a senior level in a charity, or previous trustee experience.

If you are keen to join the Endometriosis UK Board and don’t have this experience, there will be further opportunities over the next year as we will be recruiting for more trustees as Board members reach their maximum length of service. Keep an eye on our social media for more information.

Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis.

We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.

Healthwatch Haringey is the independent ‘people’s champion’ for health and social
care in the London Borough of Haringey.

We actively seek out the views of the public and patients on all matters relating to
health and social care, e.g. their experience in hospital, interim care, at the GP or
dentist, and collate those together to produce impact statements and reports.

With this evidence we seek to campaign for and change for the better the way
health and social care services are designed, delivered, and improved.

We have a statutory role, as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, are a
member of the London Borough of Haringey Health and Wellbeing Board and have
excellent relations with Commissioners across the borough. We also have a great
staff team who work hard to achieve the aims of Healthwatch Haringey.

While you might not have a background in health or social care, we are looking
for someone who has the transferrable skills to play a leading part in the future of
Healthwatch Haringey.

You will ensure Healthwatch Haringey is well governed with robust policies and
procedures in place, continue to establish and build constructive relationships with
Healthwatch Haringey’s key stakeholders and represent the organisation externally
whenever appropriate as one of its leading ambassadors.

As well as line managing the Healthwatch Haringey Manager, you will be responsible
for the strategic development of the organisation, the setting of priorities and the
delivery of statutory and contractual obligations.

We welcome applications from anyone who lives or works or is registered with a
GP in the London Borough of Haringey or North Central London ICS area (includes
London Boroughs of Haringey, Barnet, Enfield, Camden, and Islington). We absolutely
welcome and encourage applications from ALL sections of the community including
those from minority ethnic communities, disabled people, every gender, every age
group (over 18), and all socio-economic groups. You would be representing all
Haringey residents, but it is essential to make sure every voice is heard.

Please see the Person Specification in the recruitment pack on page 10 for more details and how to apply on
page 12.

We look forward to receiving your application. Thank you.

Becoming a Trustee is really rewarding, enabling you to give back to the community, as well as a great way to develop your strategic and leadership skills, put existing experience to use and a fantastic opportunity to learn new things from others. As a member of our Trustee Board, you will share responsibility for deciding how Citizens Advice K&C is run. Our Trustee roles are performed on a voluntary basis.

Strategy: you will work together with our other trustees to set our strategic direction and, with our management team, to deliver the business plan to ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients, the targets set out by our funders and our charitable objectives.

Oversight: you will develop and maintain an awareness of how Citizens Advice Kensington & Chelsea operates and set performance targets to monitor the service we deliver to our clients and our financial position

Governance: you will become a trustee and director of Citizens Advice Kensington and Chelsea and attend and actively participate in our quarterly board meetings

Risk & Compliance: you’ll work with our other Trustees and team to ensure that we meet our legal and regulatory requirements

Advocacy: you’ll act as an advocate for our clients and support our core missions of advice and advocacy

Salary: This is a voluntary role

Shape the future of student advocacy and social change by joining the NUS UK Board as a Lay Director.

We’re looking for an independent director to help steer our strategy, governance, and accountability. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with experience in campaigning, communications, legal affairs, or non-profit leadership who’s passionate about supporting one of the UK’s most impactful student-led organisations.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to attract the broadest possible range of talent. Whether or not you’ve previously held a board or committee role, if you bring relevant expertise, lived experience, or a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in:

• Financial oversight, audit, or risk management

• Human resources, recruitment, or EDI expertise

• Legal, strategic, or governance experience

• Communications, campaigning, or public affairs knowledge

• Experience in the charity, education, or membership sectors

• A collaborative and values-driven mindset

We are committed to equality of opportunity and especially welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented as Directors of NUS UK and within the sector more broadly.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Help shape the student movement and the future of education

• Influence decisions that impact millions of students

• Work alongside experienced, passionate, and values-led colleagues

• Develop your leadership and governance skills

• Make a meaningful contribution to social change

You’ll receive a full induction, ongoing support, and all reasonable expenses covered—including travel and accommodation when needed.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV (or a link to your LinkedIn profile) and a short covering letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and what you would bring to the role.

Apply by: Thursday 3 July 2025, 12 noon.

If you’d like an informal chat about the role before applying, we’d love to hear from you.

About The Connection at St Martin’s

Our vision:

We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets, and that everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home.

Our mission:

We support people sleeping rough to find a way off London’s streets. We get to know every person we work with, understanding what they need to recover.

Trusting relationships are at the heart of everything we do, with our clients and our colleagues. It is vital that the way we work provides the conditions to facilitate these relationships. We have agreed 4 core cultural traits which guide our day to day behaviour at The Connection. These are Curious, Safe, Together and Motivated.

About the Role

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Connection achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that The Connection has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision and mission.

While trustees share collective responsibility, the Treasurer leads the Board’s work on financial matters, provides support and challenge to the finance team, engages our auditors and chairs the Finance, Audit and Risk board subcommittee.

The Board of Trustees at the Connection have adopted the Charity Governance Code for larger charities which sets out the principles and key elements of good governance. Trustees will support the integration of the key principles of the Code which are described under the following areas: organisational purpose; leadership; integrity; decision making, risk and control; board effectiveness; equality, diversity and inclusion; openness and accountability.

The Connection at St Martin in the Fields is a company limited by guarantee, therefore each Trustee is also a company director and must fulfil the legal and financial responsibilities required under the Company Act 2006.

Full role description can be found on our website

Closing Date: Friday 4th July
Interview Date: First round (online) – w/c 14th July. Second round (in person) – w/c 28th July.

What does a Trustee look like? 

Look in the mirror!  

Right now, less than 3% of charity Trustees are under 30, 8% are people of colour and 36% are women. We are looking for people from across the UK and are keen to recruit trustees from all nations in the UK.

We value the many skills and experiences that you can bring to the Marine Conservation Society. We are committed to a Board culture that enables everyone to be their authentic selves and to enjoy the Trustee experience.

It’s a critical time for our ocean. There is not a moment to waste. Our goal is to recover the health of our ocean so it can help with healing our climate; to make seas protected in law to be protected in practice; and to stop the tide of plastic that’s getting into our waters. By joining as a Trustee, you will help navigate us through the risks and opportunities that we meet.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are essential to achieving ocean recovery so everyone can expect to be treated with consideration and respect in an atmosphere without prejudice, discrimination, harassment or violence. 

What we’re looking for 

We’re looking for people to join our Board with expertise in one or more of the following areas – click on the links for a fuller description:

• Governance/Legal – expected to be a legal professional with experience in charity, company or regulatory law. 

• Marine Conservation – knowledge of the marine environment, with policy and/or practical experience of conservation. A network of contacts across the marine sector, particularly with business or government, would be an advantage.

What you can bring to our Board can be just as interesting as where you’ve been working. Ideally, you will have the relevant skills and experience set out in the profile but you should not feel prevented from applying if you do not have experience across all criteria. You do not need to have previous charity trustee experience, but you will need to be comfortable participating at a senior level with complex discussions and the need to be comfortable making pragmatic but key decisions. 

Would you like to help change the lives of people affected by crime? This is a unique and exciting opportunity to shape the future of a national charity at the forefront of promoting Restorative Justice across the UK. We’re seeking an inspiring individual to lead our well-established Board of Trustees. If you believe in the power of Restorative Justice, are committed to Why me?’s mission, and bring life experience and leadership insight to the table, we’d love to hear from you. By becoming our Chair, you’ll help transform lives and give a voice to those affected by crime.

About Why me?

Why me? is a leading UK charity promoting Restorative Justice, a process that brings together those harmed by crime and those responsible for it, fostering healing, understanding and accountability.

The Role: Chair of Trustees

Our Board comprises the Chair, Vice-Chair and seven Trustees. The Board meets quarterly, typically for two hours at our Brixton office with some Trustees joining remotely if necessary.

As Chair you will also meet with the CEO regularly and may serve on subcommittees supporting specific elements of the organisation’s work. This is a voluntary role; reasonable travel and other expenses will be reimbursed.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is aligned with Why me’s? vision and mission
• Understands and is passionate about Restorative Justice and it’s impact
• Has the time and energy to be an active, engaged leader
• Appreciates the responsibilities and legal duties of charity governance

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with the following skills and experience:

• Strategic thinking with a future focused mindset Independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively and solve problems
• Expertise in income generation strategies, including fundraising and income stream diversification
• A strong understanding of sustainable funding models and financial resilience in the charity sector
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Tact and diplomacy with a willingness to challenge constructively
• Prior experience of committee/Trustee work
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of our work.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Board of Trustees.  

Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.

The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a day a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work. 

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, we would love to hear from you. 

Please see the job pack attached for full details and apply via the portal by 31st July 2025.

Join Manor Gardens Welfare Trust (MGWT) as a Trustee and play a pivotal role in empowering communities to thrive. Help us deliver innovative, culturally competent services tackling inequalities and improving lives across Islington and beyond.

MGWT has been at the heart of community support since 1913, continuously evolving to meet contemporary challenges. Our dynamic hub in Upper Holloway supports over 2,600 people annually, promoting health, wellbeing, and social inclusion among diverse, underserved communities. Our services include multilingual advocacy, mental health support and therapy services, youth service provision as well as chairing Islington's award-winning Food Partnership working for a sustainable food system in the borough. 

Although MGWT is a local charity, we have a notable track record of innovation and wider impact. We pioneered the first LGBTQ+ youth group in Europe and launched the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Our groundbreaking work continues to inform practices and policies at both local and national levels.

We are particularly seeking trustees with skills in fundraising (including expertise in securing grants from trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, statutory funding, legacies, and major gifts), Human Resources, and communications. Knowledge, experience, and a thorough understanding of the charity sector are essential, alongside a demonstrable commitment to our values. Previous board experience is desirable but not essential. We particularly welcome candidates with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address, including socioeconomic inequality, mental health, and the asylum process. 

Trustees commit roughly 6 hours monthly, guiding strategic direction, ensuring effective governance, promoting equality and inclusion, and serving as ambassadors for MGWT’s vital work.

Letter from Imelda Redmond, our chair of trustees

The current Board is a welcoming, collegiate and energetic group, working hard to make a positive impact on the lives of older people in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. I joined the organisation a year ago as chair and am enjoying steering the organisation through an exciting period of transformation as we implement our new, and ambitious, five year strategy. AUKEL has sound finances and a strong reputation for its service delivery (Hospital to Home service, community services, digital inclusion and Information and Advice). From this strong base, the organisation has an ambition to amplify the voices of older people within our communities and to create a more collaborative culture which both improves the connectedness of our services and also strengthens our relationships with local voluntary, statutory, community and faith groups. We are looking for someone with the time, passion and expertise we need to work collegiately with trustee colleagues to lead the organisation through this next exciting phase.

Yours,

Imelda Redmond

AUKEL Chair of trustees

About us Age

UK East London (AUKEL) is a local independent charity, which is part of the national Age UK network. We work across Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham to deliver services which support older people to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.

Our work

Each year we support around 20,000 older East Londoners by providing flexible practical and emotional support in homes, hospitals and in the community.

Our boroughs have the country’s highest pensioner poverty in the country, further exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis.

How we help

1. We tackle poverty

Each year our advice service supports over 2,000 older people to claim £3.2million in welfare benefits, grants and relief entitlements. During the cost-of-living crisis we distributed £42,000 worth of emergency vouchers for food, helping older people ensure there was food in the fridge.

2. We alleviate loneliness

According to a national model, Tower Hamlets has the highest rates of loneliness in London and in England. Our East End Friends initiative teams housebound older people who’d like a bit more company with a volunteer to visit them at home. 92% of older people said they felt less isolated and lonely and 100% of volunteers would recommend the scheme.

3. We improve health.

Many older people in our boroughs have very poor health. For example, at age 65, women can expect just six more years of good health, which is the lowest in London and almost the lowest in England. This reduces their quality of life and can make it harder to remain independent. As well as increasing income and addressing loneliness (both determinants of health) we offer yoga, walking, and chair-based exercise groups at our community centre in Bow. 87% of participants said they are more independent as a result.

4. We increase independence.

Many older people live alone and struggle to manage around the home. Our home from hospital service supports 3,000 older people to return to a safe and warm home. Just 6% are readmitted to hospital within 28 days compared to 15.3% in areas where there aren’t these services.

The Team

We have an established and talented Senior Management Team, a committed staff team and an extraordinary group of volunteers. Two years ago, the board recruited a new Chief Executive. She is ambitious for the charity, comes with a great track-record of charity leadership, and has worked hard with trustees to develop our new organisational strategy.

Who we are looking for

We want our trustees to understand the community we serve and are therefore specifically looking for applicants who live in and/or have strong connections with Hackney, Tower Hamlets or Newham. Additionally, we are determined to increase the diversity of the current Board in line with our organisational EDI Objectives. For this reason, we are actively seeking candidates from the Global Majority (all non-white ethnic groups, including Black, Asian, and other groups previously labelled as "ethnic minorities" or ‘BAME’).

Previous experience in the voluntary sector, adult social care, NHS, or similar relevant experience to the work of AUKEL would be helpful. As would communications/marketing experience. However, this is potentially a developmental role where you will gain knowledge and experience of charity governance – so the most important thing is your commitment to our organisational aims and your local connection.

You must want to improve the lives of older people across East London and understand the impact disadvantage and discrimination has on the life chances of our local population. You will be curious, collaborative and ambitious and able to commit to an average of one-to two days a quarter (most meetings are in the evenings).

If you're new to being a trustee, we can offer additional training and pair you with a fellow trustee as a ‘buddy’ to help guide you. They’ll be there to walk you through trustee materials, answer any questions, and provide support along the way.

Full role description can be found in appendix 1

What I get out of being on the AUKEL Board

'I continue to be impressed with the extent of the help AUKEL provides in our communities. The need for the service is increasing as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. I see the Trustee role as an enabling role. I enjoy rolling up my sleeves alongside my fellow trustees to tackle some challenging issues with our combined skill sets. I particularly enjoy working on the new People sub-committee and I can sense a renewed enthusiasm for finding ways to optimise the Trustee contribution.' (Teresa, a current trustee)

New Trustees will complete an induction to the organisation and the Board. This will include site visits and meetings with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Chair and Board members. During your induction you’ll have the opportunity to really understand our services and get to know our team. You’ll be able to ask any questions you want and visit any service you wish!

Time commitment

The full Board meets quarterly on Wednesdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in our Hackney centre.

We hope that all our trustees additionally sit on a sub-committee which reflects their interests and/or expertise. All the Committees meet quarterly the Finance Committee meets on Thursdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm usually face to face in Bethnal Green, the People Committee 5 meets quarterly on Mondays from 6.00-7.30pm online, and the Service Development Committee usually meets from 6.00-7.30pm on Thursdays online.

Travel expenses can be reimbursed.

Board members may be asked to commit additional time to support staff recruitment, review tenders and share expertise.

The agenda and papers for each meeting are usually emailed to Trustees a week in advance.

How to apply

If you are interested in being considered for this role please submit your CV/LinkedIn profile with a covering letter explaining why you wish to join the charity and the skills/experience you will bring to the Board.Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.

Potential candidates are welcome to have an informal conversation about the role. Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.

Closing date is the 30th of June.

Appendix 1

Trustee role description

The Board is responsible for the smooth-running of the organisation and supporting the Chief Executive. You will be supporting our 70+ members of staff and part of our 80+ strong volunteer team. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how to tackle the challenges that our beneficiaries face, and how to deliver appropriate co-produced services that enrich older people’s lives and enhance the whole community of East London.

Main tasks

• Contribute to Board meetings, helping to give firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting policy and targets and evaluating performance.
• Make decisions for the benefit of Age UK East London, exercising independent judgement and declaring any interests, exercising reasonable skill, care and diligence in carrying out activities.
• Be familiar with the rules that govern Age UK East London (Articles of Association) and make sure we follow those, Charity Law, Company Law and all other relevant legislation and regulations.
• Ensure the organisation’s financial stability, overseeing the setting of the budget and monitoring variance against the budget (the Board also has a Finance Sub-Committee to help oversee this).
• Ensure that we use our resources in line with our Articles and the requirements of funders, and that our accounts are a ‘fair and true’ representation of our finances.
• Safeguard the values of Age UK East London a maintain positive reputation for the organisation and its work.

Person specification

We’re looking for someone who:

• Cares about older people and wants to make a positive difference in their lives.
• Is open-minded, fair, and respectful, and values the opinions and experiences of others.
• Understands equity, diversity, and inclusion and its impact on older people and organizational practices
• Is committed to the charity’s mission, values, and social impact.
• Is reliable, committed and can dedicate some time to attending meetings and getting involved in the charity’s work.
• Is willing to learn about the charity’s work, the role of a trustee, and the challenges older people face.
• Can work well with others as part of a team, sharing ideas and supporting the charity’s goals.

It would be helpful (but not essential) if you:

• Have personal or professional experience with older people, or an understanding of the issues they face.
• Have lived experience or a connection to the charity’s mission.

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.