Advice volunteer volunteer roles in southminster, essex

The Commonwealth Pharmacists Association is looking for a volunteer Graphic & Visual Designer to help us pro-bono for up to one day per week.

Why are we recruiting for a pro bono contractor?

As a global non-profit whose funding is primarily for our impactful in-country programmes, we have very little budget for our marketing and communications needs, and there are very few sources of funding for charities to get help with this. We need to create capacity within our staff team to free up time to focus on activities like fundraising in the hope that we can one day invest more in our human and technical communications resources.

This role could suit:

• An early career professional graphic designer looking for a unique professional opportunity for their portfolio that showcases their skill and impact at a global level.

• An experienced, professional graphic designer looking to give back to a worthy cause by using their professional skill set.

• A capable “amateur” graphic designer looking for a solid, stable opportunity to develop their professional portfolio and secure a robust client reference from a respected organisation.

• A professional graphic designer looking for an opportunity to contribute their core skills whilst accessing mentoringship from a professional who can provide advice and insight on furthering their current career, working in the charity sector, or broadening skills to include PR, media relations, strategic communications, copywriting, copyediting and more.

Role definition and Purpose

To support the CPA’s global Communications Team by producing impactful, original and eye-catching designs for both print and digital usage that support our programmes to improve healthcare outcomes for patients in more than 60 countries. The pro bono contractor will work with the Communications Team to create or format content in line with the CPA’s evolving Brandbook, having a chance to make their mark on the identity of this global organisation.

About CPA’s design philosophy

In our approach to visual design, we seek to create content in line with an aesthetic theory that can arguably be described as a form of digital neoclassicism in its aesthetic values. By this, we mean our designs embrace the best of the modern digital aesthetic popular in the Global North, making use of the colour blocking and some simplicity of the “vector minimialism” that became the foundation of the Corporate Memphis identity. We favour designs that lend themselves to accessibility, elegance and ease of visual navigation.

However, we also seek to recall the best of the Frutiger Aero aesthetic that dominated digital media from the mid-2000s to early 2010s in the Global North, and which in many ways lives on in the contemporary aesthetic choices popular in South Africa, India and South-East Asia. CPA’s aesthetic eschews both flat design and the dispersonal visualisations of Corporate Memphis for the three-dimensionality and emotional authenticity of Frutiger Aero. We add a maximalist flourish, playing with perspective, colour and boundaries in a way that helps bring our designs to life and make them relevant to our audience whilst still feeling fresh, clean and contemporary.

We cherish being pixel perfect for accessibility and comfort, but embrace the freedom to make considered choices to break the rules for visibility and impact.

Available benefits to the volunteer / pro bono contractor

• Mentoring and professional development. You will have the opportunity to work with an award winning strategic communications expert with 15 years of experience, including campaign management with M&C Saatchi for His Majesty The King’s Coronation, running campaigns for major political parties, and who is currently serving as Deputy Chair for the Commonwealth’s global communications forum. Formal mentorship is a possibility.
   

• Strengthen your portfolio with a unique pro bono opportunity. You will be able to evidence working on global healthcare campaigns and projects that reach people in dozens of countries around the world, and will have a chance to help shape the visual identity of a global NGO.
   

• Work on unique and impactful projects that change the lives of hundreds of thousands. Our charity works to improve the lives of patients in more than 30 countries with our highly impactful in-country partnership programmes. Your graphic design work will help make the world a healthier, happier and safer place for all.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Communications Team to produce visually appealing graphical assets in line with CPA’s new Brandbook.

• Create visual content to support social media campaigns and enhance educational content on our CPD Platform, working to a brief provided by colleagues.

• Offer expert advice and support in the formulation of visual content, particularly for social media and web.

• Professionally brand and format documents to the specifications of the Communications Lead and the Brandbook.

• In the future, the pro bono contractor may be asked to help contribute to an update to the visual identity of the charity.

Person Specification 

• Experience, competency using and independent access to advanced graphic design tools, which should include at least one tool on the list below, or an equivalent:

  • Adobe Photoshop

  • Adobe Illustrator

  • Adobe InDesign

  • Affinity Publisher

  • Affinity Designer

  • Affinity Photo

  • CorelDraw

• Experience using Canva or Adobe Express is also desirable, but we are ideally looking for someone with skill in a more advanced tool.

• Comfortable working with design asks for web and print.

• Understanding of the principles of good design, in particular balance, proportion, hierarchy, movement, variety, rhythm and use of white / negative space.

• Passion for visual identity and good graphic design, exciting by the prospect of working with a brand that celebrates the best of modern digital design but embraces the best elements of previous eras.

• Strong people skills, able to work well with a diverse team of people drawn from cultures and countries around the world.

• Attend a fortnightly team meeting online, which will be held during UK working hours (9am – 5pm UTC).

How to apply

Please include in your application:

• A short statement explaining who you are, your interest in the role and what you would like to bring to the table as a pro bono consultant.

• An attachment or link to a portfolio of your graphic design work to date. This portfolio can include example work, work you have done as part of a job, voluntary work or commissioned work – as long as it’s yours!

• A statement explaining what design tools you have access to and make use of in your graphic design work.

Whilst we welcome candidates who use AI as a supplementary tool in their work for speed and convenience, for example to aid with background removal or noise reduction, we are not interested in working with designers who use generative AI as a “design” tool in and of itself or create AI “artwork”.

Women's Aid Luton is seeking a visionary and dedicated Chair of the Board to lead and support the transformation and growth of our small yet impactful charity.

Women’s Aid Luton supports over 800 of society's most vulnerable women and children each year, helping them escape horrific abuse and violence. We provide a safe haven across our five refuges in Luton, operate a helpline, and offer bespoke assistance for families. Our services include access to legal advice, mental health support, employment assistance, and resettlement aid.

One of our refuges is dedicated to women from South Asian communities, with staff who speak Punjabi, Bengali, and Urdu. We also have a refuge for single women with complex support needs, such as mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependencies, often stemming from the trauma of domestic violence and abuse.

In addition to our direct support services, we focus on prevention and intervention by working with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse. We are committed to disrupting exploitative and abusive relationships to prevent loss of life and reduce the long-term economic and social costs to society. Our services contribute to creating a safer, more compassionate community, supporting women and children from diverse socio-economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, including those with complex needs.

With the current challenges facing our sector, we are focused on creating financial sustainability and resilience within the organisation, focusing on a robust funding strategy and a dynamic response to risk.

Our current Chair will come to the end of their term next year, and therefore we’re seeking a new Chair to support the charity in delivering our vital work.

The Chair of Trustees is a pivotal role within our organisation. Your leadership and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring we not only maintain but also expand our vital support and services for those in need. By guiding our strategic vision and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence, you will directly impact the lives of countless vulnerable women and children, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. Your commitment will drive our mission forward, creating lasting change and a safer, more supportive community for all.

What are we looking for?

EXPERIENCE

• An understanding and passion for the violence against women and girls sector
• Significant experience as a non-executive
• An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
• An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues.
• Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
• Experience of chairing meetings.
• Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
• Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
• Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
•  Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
• Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
• Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
• Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
• An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity

ATTRIBUTES

• Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
• A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
• A strong personal commitment to Women’s aid Luton’s vision and mission replace with: Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

The initial appointment is for a three-year term but can be extended for one further term for a maximum of six years. 

 “Joining Women’s Aid in Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid in Luton.

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and women who have personal experience of domestic abuse.

If you have some time, energy and interest in the domestic abuse sector and believe you can make a difference to Women’s Aid Luton, we would love to hear from you.

The Corporate Justice Coalition (CJC) is seeking dynamic, motivated and experienced people who want to add their energy and expertise to pursuing our mission to end corporate abuses of human rights and the environment.

Corporate Justice Coalition’s (CJC) mission is to secure greater protection of human rights and the environment with regard to the global operations of UK corporations, including improved access to justice for those harmed by the activities of UK companies. We work with a diverse range of mainly civil society coalition partners from the fields of global poverty, environmental sustainability and human rights to: change government policies and the law; maintain and strengthen civil society advocacy and campaigning on corporate accountability; develop and promote shared policy solutions; promote public support for the rights of people affected by corporate abuses and solutions to this.

We are looking for two new trustees to join our board. We are looking for a treasurer and another trustee with experience of fundraising in the charity sector.

In addition to the time required to fulfil the responsibilities of any trustee, the role of treasurer would require around 1 additional hour a month.

We are seeking to deepen the diversity of our board and will take that ambition into account when appointing trustees. We would especially like to hear from people with lived experience of the impact of corporate wrongdoing - either overseas or in the UK. In addition, trustee members with experience or skills in running a small charity are always welcomed.

Join us and help lead change for anyone affected by ME.

Can you help us deliver our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME by becoming a new Trustee on our Board?

With the recent launch of the UK Government Delivery Plan for ME/CFS, and some critical research partnerships on the horizon, now is an exciting time to join us and play a pivotal role in our work to secure a better future for people with ME.

As a Trustee, you will have a vital role within Action for ME, establishing a clear and shared vision, setting policies and acting in the best interests of Action for ME and people with ME. We are particularly looking for people who bring: Scientific and/or research expertise; healthcare and/or information, support and advocacy experience; Policy experience at local or national level; Communications and/or marketing expertise.

If you have experience in any of these areas and share our ambition for a better future for people with ME, we want to hear from you.

Trustee - Role Description

Duties of a Trustee are as follows:

• To ensure that Action for ME complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association,charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that Action for ME pursues its charitable objects as defined in its Memorandum of Association
• To ensure Action for ME applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in establishing a clear and sharedvision for Action for ME, giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against the agreed targets
• To act in the interests of Action for ME and for people with ME in general
• To safeguard the good name and values of Action for METo ensure the effective and efficient administration of Action for ME
• To ensure the financial stability of Action for ME
• To protect and manage the property of Action for ME and to ensure the proper investment of charity funds
• To appoint the Chief Executive and to monitor his or her performance and determine his or her remuneration.
• In addition to the above statutory duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions
• To represent Action for ME as appropriate.

Time Commitment:
The time commitment expected of a Trustee is approximately six days per annum, including an AGM, preparing for and attending Board meetings, and involvement in at least one of the sub-committees: Audit, Finance & Fundraising; Public Affairs & Communications; Research; Healthcare Services; or Remunerations & Nominations.

We hold an away day once every two years. Additional time may be required dependent on circumstances/needs. You will receive a full induction and support upon appointment.

We do ask that Trustees make a commitment to at least one, three-year term of office.

Trustee - Person Specification

All Trustees must demonstrate:

• A commitment to the organisation, its cause and demonstrate an understanding of MEand its impact
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Strategic vision Good, independent judgment
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak their mind
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• A willingness to participate in at least one sub-committee, as appropriate
• A commitment to working within Action for ME’s values and principles of working,including Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’:

             a. Selflessness
             b. Integrity
             c. Objectivity
             d. Accountability
             e. Openness
             f. Honesty
             g. Leadership.

• Be willing to sign relevant statutory and other forms (eg for opening bank accounts).

Specific requirements:

While we are open to applications from people who meet the person specification, we regularly review the skills and backgrounds of our Board members and are specifically looking for people who bring:

• Scientific and/or research expertise
• Policy experience at local or national level
• Communications and/or marketing expertise.

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please submit:

• Your CV, including all employment/voluntary roles since you left full-time education ensuring any gaps or time out is accounted for and
• A completed ‘Equal opportunities monitoring and information form’ (provided separately)
• A covering letter outlining why you would like to become a Trustee and how you meet the person specification outlined above, including how you meet the specific requirements we are currently looking for.

Please also indicate any reasonable adjustments that you may require to enableus to provide a good recruitment process with you.

You will be informed of the outcome of your application and any potential interviewdates with the Chair, the Chief Executive and another Trustee. We will be invitingpeople for interviews as applications come in and will close recruitment when we fillthe current vacancies.

Equity of access

We strive to ensure equity which includes being as accessible as possible to attract Board members with a diverse range of experience and insight. If you don’t meet the person specification fully, please do consider contacting us for a discussion as youmay be our ideal candidate!

We will consider all requests for reasonable adjustments within the parameters ofensuring Trustees are able to enact their legal responsibilities and accountabilities.

The International Council of Museums in the United Kingdom (ICOM UK) is seeking a new trustee with strong financial acumen and a passion for the museums and heritage sector and working internationally to be the Finance Lead on our Board. This is a strategic finance role to support the Strategic Director and advise the Board of Trustees in respect of the conduct of the charity’s financial affairs.  

The role requires experience and skills in financial planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances. 

We welcome applications from professionals with the skills, knowledge and lived experience that will strengthen and diversify our Board. 

 For further details on the roles and ICOM UK, you can view our Finance Lead Trustee Recruitment  Pack.