Administrative support worker volunteer roles

JOB TITLE: Volunteer Assistant Coordinator
REPORTS TO: Volunteer’s Coordinator or Program Manager

ABOUT SOLACE INTERNATIONAL

At Solace International, we are dedicated to empowering communities and driving meaningful change through impactful programs and initiatives. Our charity workers are the foundation of our mission, and the Assistant Coordinator plays a crucial role in supporting a committed team of volunteers who contribute to the success of our organization.

We are seeking a passionate, organized, and dynamic individual volunteer to assist with all aspects of volunteer management, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and ongoing support. This role ensures a positive and enriching volunteer experience while aligning with the organization’s mission and objectives.

JOB SUMMARY

The Volunteer Assistant Coordinator will support the Volunteer Coordinator in the recruitment, onboarding, management, and engagement of volunteers. This role involves building strong relationships with volunteers, coordinating their activities to support programs and events, and maintaining efficient administrative systems to enhance volunteer operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and training volunteers.
• Maintain volunteer schedules and ensure adequate coverage for programs and events.
• Act as a liaison between volunteers and staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Support and oversee volunteer activities during programs and events.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records and assist in reporting on program impact.
• Help implement volunteer recognition programs and improve engagement.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong proficiency in spoken and written English.

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for volunteerism and community service.
• Friendly, approachable demeanor with a commitment to creating a positive volunteer experience.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Previous experience in volunteer management, customer service, or administrative roles is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily office-based, with on-site coordination during events and programs.
• Light physical activity may be required, such as setting up event spaces or carrying supplies.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit:

• A letter of application explaining their interest in the role.
• A current resume.
• Contact details for at least two references.

Application Process:

• Applications will be reviewed, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an initial online interview.
• Successful candidates will proceed to a face-to-face interview (or an alternative arrangement for overseas applicants).

We are looking for someone to lead a support group for people both living with and affected by Motor Neurone Disease, at our local in person support group meeting in Waltham Forest, 9.30am to 12.30 midday on the last Saturday of every month

What’s involved?

• Co – lead, with existing lead support group volunteer

• Organise once a month in person support group meetings, held on the last Saturday of the month, or drop-ins for people living with MND, their families and carers

• Send invites - where appropriate

• Arrange, organise and serve refreshments (all expenses can be claimed back of course!)

• Ensure that all who attend the events feel welcome, included and have an enjoyable social experience

• Regular check in' and communication with Community Support Coordinator

• Lead and manage, group support volunteers

This role will suit me if I:

• Am a good communicator

• Have good organisational skills

• Have warm and empathetic manner

• Am a team player

• Am able to encourage people to come along and meet others

What’s in it for me?

• Become part of a friendly and dedicated team

• Make a positive impact to the lives of people affected by MND

• Get access to a range of workshops and events

• Update your skills and experience

• Paid expenses for example travel

How flexible is the role?

Support Meeting Co - Lead, work from home for approximately 1 to 2 hours a week and attend in person monthly support group meetings (approx. 3/4 hours).

What sort of training/induction will I receive before starting?

You’ll be inducted into the role and receive training and informed about the Association, with full support from the Community Support Coordinator.

We are looking for someone who is dedicated and committed, that will work with the Community Support Coordinator to establish an in person support group in Waltham Forest.

The volunteer group support lead, must be committed to this role and attend every in person monthly meeting, with exceptions of holidays/sickness, where conversations with the Community Support Coordinator must take place in order to arrange appropriate cover in a timely manner.

We are looking for someone to be a part of the recruitment process when looking to expand the group volunteer support team. We are looking for someone that is comfortable with initial expenses of refreshments and biscuits for each group, which will be reimbursed upon submission of expense form and receipts

We’re looking for a volunteer workplace coordinator who loves to focus on organisation, systems and processes, and wants to help us build a smoothly running workplace with a culture of care.

Key information

Contract: Voluntary

Hours: Two to seven hours per week (part-time, flexible)

Location: Remote, with the option to work from our office: Two Queens, 2 Queen Street, Leicester LE1 1QW

Applications closing date: Thursday 29 May, 4pm

Any questions? If you have any questions please email info (at) leicester.news

We particularly encourage applications from women, people of colour, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people from working-class backgrounds.

Role responsibilities

• Organise quarterly board meetings, prepare agendas and take minutes.
• Manage and process payroll for paid workers.
• Reconcile payments Xero for financial tracking and reporting.
• Handle and respond to emails in our shared inbox in a timely manner.
• Perform legal secretary duties, including managing submissions to the Financial Conduct Authority.
• Organise and oversee director elections each year.
• Update and implement policies and rule changes as needed.
• Plan and coordinate the annual general meeting (AGM) alongside other team members.
• Provide general administrative support as required.
• Contribute to the general strategic development of the Leicester Gazette as a worker member.

About you

Essential

• Excellent and demonstrable organisational skills and self-starting initiative to get things done with care, efficiency and flexibility, showing a reliable, systematic approach and attention to detail.
• Confidence in improving office systems and processes, including databases, spreadsheets and file and document management.
• Experience in an administrative role.
• Strong numeracy skills and confidence in dealing with finances.

Desirable

• Experience in a newsroom or journalistic environment.
• Experience in a co-operative or similar nonprofit settings.
• Experience in or enthusiasm for democratic and inclusive ways of working.

What we offer

Although you'll join us as a volunteer, there are many benefits to being part of our team:

• Remote working
• Office space
• Mentorship
• Training opportunities
• Free resources and tools
• Team socials
• Worker membership

… and more!

About the Leicester Gazette

The Leicester Gazette is a local, independent newspaper, free to access for all online and soon in print.

We are a member-funded, community-owned news outlet about Leicestershire. We're building on a movement of co-operative media pioneered by West Highlands Free Press, the Bristol Cable, Norwich Radical, Manchester Meteor, the Ferret, and Exeter Observer.

Our mission is to hold those in power accountable, push for change, and amplify the voices of marginalised communities while finding real solutions to the challenges we face.

We publish investigations, news features and human interest stories that go beyond the headlines. Our journalism is fact-based and rigorous, and we prize good writing over clickbait and sensationalism.

Local journalism has been devastated in recent years, with thousands of reporters laid off and newsrooms being stripped of their worth, leaving communities plagued by a jungle of ads and stories that have nothing to do with local issues. The Leicester Gazette is our revolution against a broken industry.

Anti-oppression and liberation

We are committed to creating a progressive, supportive workplace and community. We’d like the way we work to actively challenge the power structures that reproduce inequality and injustice, and consciously choose to work in ways that are liberatory, or anti-oppressive.

We embrace and value the lived experiences of women, people of colour, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people from working-class backgrounds.

Throughout the UK, we provide essential services and support for individuals impacted by MS. We connect people to resources that foster a sense of belonging, community, and shared experiences.

 We are pleased to announce that we have secured funding from Wales and West Utilities for a 'test and learn' Community Connections project, which will operate until March 2026 and cover Wales and the South West of England.

 The goals of Community Connections are:

• To link individuals with, and affected by, MS throughout Wales and the South West of England (including Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire) to services, activities, and resources that promote living well with MS.
• To establish connections with local service providers that enable people with, and affected by, MS to access support and activities in their communities, while enhancing community connections.
• To offer information and guidance on various topics, including financial advice, cost of living information, energy efficiency tips, carbon monoxide awareness, and the Priority Service Register.

 As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Community Connections Volunteer to assist in directing people affected by MS to information about relevant local and national services. This could involve helping someone access information on benefits or supporting them with grant applications. This role will be conducted from home, providing assistance over the phone and via email.

 Here’s a summary of what the role entails:

• Guiding individuals to sources of support, such as our Living Well services, Helpline, health and social services, MS professionals, and local group activities.
• Referring any complex support needs to our Community Connections project team or Helpline.
• Occasionally assisting individuals who need help with grant applications and gathering necessary paperwork.
• Communicating relevant information to our Community Connections Project Administrator to maintain and update our service signposting lists.
• Staying in contact with referrals to ensure they are progressing with the support provided.
• Listening to and gathering feedback on the service as individuals conclude their involvement with the Community Connections project.

We will provide you with the necessary training and support to develop the skills required for this role, including an induction covering all outlined areas. Please note the role requires a DBS Check.

You will have the opportunity to discuss your role and any additional needs you may have with us.

Do you want to make a difference to vulnerable pets lives? Would you like to join a team providing practical support to keep pets with their owners in times of need? We are looking for volunteers to help support our Pet Food Bank activity. You'll use your attention to detail, organisational and communication skills to help our food banks provide support to the pets that need it most.

Why we want you

Sick, injured and homeless pets have relied on Blue Cross for help since 1897. Each year, thousands of dogs, cats, small pets and horses turn to the charity’s animal hospitals, clinics and rehoming services for treatment and support.

Our Pet Food Banks provide practical support to pet owners during financial crises, by distributing donated pet food via food banks in the local community. Our food banks can be the key to helping owners to keep their much-loved pets. Our Donations Assistants help manage the incoming donations and preparation of food for distribution. All this adds up to keeping more pets with their families. We would love you to join us and help us help more pets and people in need.

What you will be doing

• Organising donations as they come in and regular stock taking to keep track of the food we have available
• Checking use by dates on donated pet food
• Preparing packages of pet food and pet items to be given out to our pet food bank clients or to send to other local food banks for distribution
• Liaising with external food banks and organising deliveries of pet food to meet demand
• Using excel and our database to record the activity of the food bank
• Ensuring any stock overflow is collected for distribution to other Blue Cross coordinated food banks
• You can choose to combine this role with any of our other pet food bank roles if they are also available at your chosen location

The skills you need

• Competent, team player and self-motivated
• Friendly and with a professional approach
• Attention to detail
• IT literacy
• Good communication skills
• Used to dealing with a variety of people from different backgrounds

What's in it for you

• You’ll gain a variety of experience for your CV
• You’ll learn new skills such as customer service, communication and team working
• You’ll meet new people and get involved with your local community
• We’ll provide you with all the training you need
• You’ll be helping more pets and people in need

Disclaimer

Blue Cross holds inclusion as a core organisational value. We positively encourage applications from eligible volunteers regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. We actively embrace our differences and know that it is our differences that make us unique. You are very welcome at Blue Cross, without the need to hide any part of who you are.

We are recruiting 2 volunteers who are interested in working with young people and supporting the staff at two of our locations; in Seaton and Axminster.

The new volunteers will assist at Headlight’s fortnightly peer support sessions, supporting young people aged 11-18 with mental and emotional health issues. Volunteers may also be involved in the delivery of annual activity days (Discovery Days).

What volunteers are expected to do:

• help with running activities and will be encouraged to run their own once they are confident;
• helping with cooking and/or preparing food;
• offering a listening ear to a young person or who needs to talk;
• clearing, tidying and making cups of tea;
• offering support as may be necessary to service users;
• offering support to other volunteers and to staff; and
• mostly we ask that you get involved with activities and have fun!

A voluntary position will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all volunteers are expected to complete training and induction as part of their role.

We welcome and encourage applications from all people of all backgrounds including young people, people with disabilities and/or additional needs, and ethnic minorities. Please read more about the opportunity and apply.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Wakefield

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Our Independent Visitor Volunteers provide consistent and supportive relationships to children ad young people in care, offering emotional support, companionship, and guidance through shared activities and time together.  The Independent Visitor plays a vital role in helping the young people build confidence and feel secure while enhancing their personal, social, and cultural development.

As an Independent Visitor Volunteer in England, you might:

• support the child/young person to experience enriching activities that contribute to their personal and cultural development

• engage in activities such as pursuing hobbies, meeting for meals, or socialising in a community setting

• listen to and support the young person, fostering a sense of safety and trust

• help the young person develop social skills and increase their involvement in their community

• develop a positive and lasting relationship, ensuring the young person feels valued and supported

You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that the Independent Visitor Volunteers generally volunteer at evening and weekends due to the children’s and young person’s availability.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”. 

About the Role

As a Volunteer Administrator, you’ll play a key role in supporting our Rapha Listening Service by conducting initial service user assessments, assisting in matching clients to volunteers, and ensuring accurate data management. This role is ideal for someone who is organised, empathetic, and looking to gain valuable experience in administration, community support, and mental health services.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct initial assessments of service users via telephone, virtual, or face-to-face meetings.
• Input and maintain session reports in our CRM system (Lamplight) for monitoring and safeguarding.
• Complete service user feedback forms for monitoring purposes
• Assist with admin tasks, including computer-based filing and documentation.
• Signpost service users to appropriate external services when needed.
• Participate in team support sessions and 1:1 supervision with your line manager.

What We Offer

• Full training in safeguarding, data protection, and mental health support.
• Certificates for courses completed to enhance your CV.
• Volunteer Time Credits—exchangeable for services and activities with our local/national partners.
• Free group access to selected museums.
• Professional references for future employment.
• A chance to develop valuable skills in admin, mental health, and community work.

What We’re Looking For

• Compassionate, non-judgmental, and a good listener.
• Strong computer and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• A team player with a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Satisfactory DBS check (we can assist with this).
• Experience using Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Additional language skills to support diverse communities.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Overview of the role

Uttlesford Foodbank are seeking someone with financial experience to join the board as a trustee, who will be able to lead on financial matters, ensuring we meet our financial obligations and help us build a sound financial strategy as we move forward. This role involves leading on the financial affairs of the food bank and ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting, and good practice frameworks.

Responsibilities

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the food bank and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks:

• ensure the Board of Trustees fulfils its financial responsibilities
• ensure that the food bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
• ensure that financial reports: are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings; are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales); have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support, and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
• to review and approve financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

About you

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Uttlesford Foodbank
• previous experience or an ability in: financial accounting and reporting procedures; communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background; keeping financial records up to date.
• A knowledge and passion for your local community
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop

Benefits of volunteering

• feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us
• meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community
• building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our food bank
• bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision
• gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships

This role would be ideal for an early- or mid-career financial professional who is looking to broaden their range of skills and experiences within a friendly, welcoming, charity setting.

Impact of your role

By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with, Uttlesford Foodbank.

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training.

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Wythenshawe Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

Wythenshawe Foodbank are part of the Trussell network. We employ two members of staff and have approximately 30 regular volunteers, in addition to volunteers from local organisations who support us at specific events such as food drives.

We are seeking two new trustees with an interest in helping others, who are willing to uphold the food bank’s values, and who can bring life experience to the board of trustees. Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the organisation and for all decisions made by the board. They set the strategic direction for the charity, ensuring alignment to its values, and are responsible for setting organisational policy, defining goals, agreeing the financial plan, evaluating performance, and ensuring that strong relationships are maintained between the trustees, staff, volunteers, and users of the charity’s services.

Key tasks

• approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity
• act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community.
• ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
• help promote the organisation to a broader audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
• represent, and present on behalf of, the food bank at meetings and conferences as and when required
• ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• regularly communicate to the rest of the trustee board via trustee meetings or any other communication, any relevant information and/or developments regarding fund raising or grant applications.
• prepare for and regularly attend and participate in trustee meetings.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst supporting the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• knowledge of and commitment to the work of Wythenshawe Foodbank
• a commitment to equality, social justice and the need to eradicate food poverty
• willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning the needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries and staff, and act in the best interest of the charity
• sound, independent judgement and the ability to think creatively
• the ability to work effectively as a team member and demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop 

The food bank would particularly welcome applications from those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas: 

• Funding & Grants, for example: experience of fundraising and writing grant bids; experience of promotion/influencing organisations and businesses regarding donations and fundraising
• Social Media, for example: creating digital and social media strategy and plans to increase engagement, internally in the charity and externally to the public; communications and engagement experience using multiple platforms

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, background or beliefs. We also encourage those with lived experience of poverty to apply.

What difference will you make?

As a trustee you are providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Wythenshawe Foodbank.