Advisory Panel Member Volunteer Roles

Are you a passionate researcher who wants to make a real difference to the lives of animals and humans? We’re seeking talented experts to join our Scientific Advisory Panel and help us accelerate the development and adoption of non-animal research methods.

To reflect the diversity of technological approaches that replacing animals in science requires, we’re looking to grow our Scientific Advisory Panel and would like you to be part of it.

Our current panel is made up of 32 generous and talented professionals who give their time and expertise to help our mission: ensuring scientists use non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing.

By volunteering on our panel, you’ll not only be a valued member of our charity, you’ll also have the opportunity to network with other experts, have your say on groundbreaking research, and influence real-world change.

“I feel very honoured to be part of this community. I hope I can support the charity in any way possible as I strongly believe we can at least greatly reduce the number of animals used in scientific research.” Current Scientific Advisory Panel member

The role: The main responsibilities of your role will include:

• Supporting the grant review process by undertaking peer review of grant applications.
• Advising and supporting the staff team in monitoring funded projects.
• Supporting our strategic goals of funding research, sharing information and creating change.
• Helping to champion FRAME’s mission and charitable purpose.

Estimated hours: Approx. ½ day – 4 days per year. We’ll need your expertise during late April to early May, and late September through October to review grant applications.

Experience desired: We’re looking for panel members with scientific research experience most likely from an industry or academic background. This experience may relate to basic, translational, applied research, or regulatory testing in any area that is, or would benefit from human-relevant methods. This includes areas where laboratory animals have been used historically or are still widely used today but non-animal approaches are now being developed. Our current panel includes experts from such varied fields as bone tissue engineering and metabolomics through to neuropharmacology and ecotoxicology, and we welcome applications from diverse specialisms. The greater the diversity, the better!

Please note: All applicants should hold a PhD and be a named author on at least one published paper in a relevant research area.

What is the purpose of this role?

Panellists will inform and influence the support we offer to older people and help us deliver services that older people need and value.

What impact does this role have?

Our Panellists will help us to shape our services and our strategy. They will support us to make sure that people know about our charity, that our services have a positive impact on the lives of older people, and that we are a valued, local resource for older people to rely on.

What are the responsibilities of the role? 

• To support our charity and its aims and to act as an ambassador for our services and projects and the wider Age UK network.

• To ensure our charity is aware of emerging needs and issues related to older people in the City and County that could influence future planning.

• To represent the wider community of older people and their interests – including topics such as social, health, wealth, and longer-term needs.

• To develop an understanding of customer service within the charity and how it can be improved for older people.

• To maintain a positive commitment to, and active promotion of, Age UK Notts’ Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy.

What are we looking for?

• Integrity

• A commitment to the charity

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Good, independent judgement

• A willingness to speak their mind

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

What is the time commitment?

• The charity holds four meetings per year (Including the AGM), with each meeting lasting around 2 hours.There will be a mix of in-person and online meetings.

• In addition, Panellists need to set aside a minimum of 1 hours reading time before each meeting.

• Depending upon agreed actions, Panellists may be asked to dedicate some time to activities within the community, or for the charity outside of the meetings.

• Should exceptional circumstances arise, there may be a need for additional meetings, but this will be a rare occurrence.

• A chair and vice-chair will be elected by the members every 3 years and holders may serve a maximum of 6 years in total in either role.

What training will you be given?

You will be given a basic induction to the Charity and some basic compliance training to allow you to undertake your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to influence the largest, local charity providing support for older people. It’s a chance to bring your views, experience and knowledge to the table as well as building new relationships and meeting new challenges.

Please note the following key information

• You must be at least 18 years old

• You must agree to be properly appointed by our robust volunteer recruitment process (including references and DBS check).

• The role of a OPAP Panellist is voluntary and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

As we have a number of members retiring this year, we are currently looking for governors to join the Corporation Board. We are seeking experienced individuals, looking for an opportunity to use, and develop, their professional skills in a board-level environment. This is a really exciting time to join us at Preston College, as we implement our new Strategic Plan.

Being a governor is a hugely rewarding leadership role. Governors can make a real difference and give something back to the local community.

At the moment, we are looking for new governors with background and experience of one, or more, of the following areas:

- Business

-   Finance/ resources

-   Strategy

- Audit and Risk

- Estates Management.

Most importantly, we are looking for people who can contribute ideas and widen the perspective of our Board. We value the diversity of our learners and staff and are determined to reflect this amongst our Governing Body. We encourage people from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Most meetings are held in College. 

Please get in touch if you don’t feel you have the time to join the Board but would be interested in being co-opted to one of our committees. Co-option can provide an excellent introduction to voluntary governance roles. We are currently looking for co-opted members to join our Search and Governance Commitee, Resources Committee and Audit and Risk Committee. 

Are you passionate about taking action on climate change, biodiversity loss and social equity?

Do you believe that it's possible to meet today's needs without compromising those of future generations?

If you combine these beliefs with leadership skills and governance experience, we want to hear from you. Our Board of Trustees needs you to help us put Sustainability First in the UK.

Who we are

We’re a small, highly regarded think-tank and charity that promotes practical, sustainable solutions to improve environmental, economic and social wellbeing.

What we do

Sustainability First works towards real environmental and social change. Primarily

focussed on the energy and water sectors, we:

• undertake research

• initiate policy discussions

• make complex issues accessible to the public

• promote under-represented voices

• develop solutions to influence Players in the sector

The opportunity

You will be joining Sustainability First at a critical time, when we are stepping up our ambition to drive change in the energy and water sectors in a way that benefits people and responds to the urgent need to transition to a more sustainable future. You will work collaboratively with our Executive Director in meeting our ambitions to scale our work, drive change across the sector and embed the representation of people into decision-making.

This will include six primary responsibilities:

1 Ensure that Sustainability First has a clear strategic direction aimed at fulfilling its charity objectives and that the Strategy is regularly reviewed.

2 Oversee the governance of the Charity with:

     a. an effective, diverse and relevant Board of Trustees.

     b. appropriate policies, processes & financial management such that the Charity operates within the law, in pursuit of its Strategy and demonstrating good practice.

     c. regular and effective liaison, reporting and oversight of the Executive Director, Company Secretary and, as necessary, staff and panel of experts in order to ensure effective and proportionate planning, use of resources, monitoring and reporting by the Board of Trustees.

3 Set the agenda for and chair Board meetings to ensure engagement of, and discussion amongst Trustees based on the best possible information, input from the Executive Director and team, leading to clear and accountable decision-making.

4 Appoint, support and manage the Executive Director on behalf of the Board.

5 Ensure that the charity has an income generation strategy which is monitored and actively supported by trustees and Chair, in order to achieve the Board’s stated objective to build resilience and capacity for Sustainability First to successfully fulfil its charitable objects.

6 Represent the charity externally as required.

Skills

After many years of service to our charity, our current Chair is retiring. At a time of opportunity and challenge for our organisation, we’re looking for someone with a proven track record of leadership at board level, ideally in the UK charity sector. Your experience of running and growing a small but impactful organisation in a professional or voluntary capacity will be crucial to the work of our Board, dedicated staff and expert associates.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, you will draw on your experience of collegiate collaboration, positive decision-making and effective problem-solving to help ensure funding, organisational excellence, and ultimately environmental and social change.

PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR CHAIR

The ideal candidate will have proven knowledge/ skills/ experience in the following areas:

• Governance and board experience (essential) and in a chairing or leadership role (desirable)
• *Demonstrable leadership skills consistent with Sustainability First’s values and charitable purpose (essential)
• *Ability to both manage and support the Board and Executive Director to help achieve the best outcomes (essential)
• Support the vision and mission of the charity (essential) with experience, networks and profile in one or more of our areas of operation (desirable)
• *Sufficient time and energy to fulfil the role (essential)
• A growth mindset* (essential) and income generation experience (desirable)
• *Experience of small organisations and their particular challenges in a professional or voluntary capacity (essential)
• Experience of working within the UK Charity Sector (desirable)

In addition to preparing for and chairing the Board, the Chair will be an ex officio member of all Board Panels, will line manage the Executive Director and will represent the charity externally as requested.

The commitment is likely to average around two days per month. The appointment is for an initial three-year term with the option to renew.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is 13th May. You can read our recruitment pack in full on our website. Please send a cover letter explaining your reasons for applying, the skills and experience you would bring to this role, and a copy of your CV plus a completed EDI Monitoring Form to our Company Secretary and Head of Finance, Claire Williams.