Advocates Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Healthwatch Lambeth is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to be a credible and effective ambassador for the organisation in Lambeth. Healthwatch Lambeth is the independent champion of local people who experience or need health or social care. Its vision is that people have their health and social care needs heard, understood and met. To achieve this vision HWL works to bring the voices and experiences of local people to bear in decision making.
HWL is governed by a Board of trustees which provides effective, skilled oversight and direction to the organisation. The Board is a supportive group who will work closely with a new Chair to ensure HWL fulfils its vision and responsibilities.
The successful candidate will be excited at the prospect of joining HWL and working with a passionate and experienced staff team, as well as a skilled and committed Board, to raise HWL’s profile, ensure it is strategically positioned to influence and advocate for improvement in health and social care.
Due to the current Chair of the board's term ending in early 2024, Healthwatch Lambeth wishes to recruit a Chair of the board. We are also seeking new members to the Board of trustees including trustees with HR experience, finance experience and other skills relevant to Healthwatch Lambeth's work. We are particularly interested in appointing trustees who reflect the diversity of our borough. If you have not been appointed to a board role before, we encourage you to apply and we will provide mentorship and training to ensure you can fulfil the role.
Please do not hesitate to ask any questions and if you think this could be for you.
Application instructions
You are welcome to speak informally with the CEO or present Chair to find out more.
Please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you are interested in applying for the Chair role by midnight on 7th March.
Please get in touch if you are interested in a general trustee role.
Appointment process
Following receipt of your application, we will arrange an informal discussion with our Chair and CEO. The next stage is we will then interview individuals with 2 or 3 board members and if successful we will take up references. Following this, a recommendation will be made to the board on your appointment, and if successful you will be co-opted to the board and then formally elected at our AGM.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The role in a nutshell:
In this volunteer role, you will be based at home and helping older people via the telephone to access and connect with services locally or nationally. Through research and making telephone calls on the older person’s behalf, your input and support will help empower them to become more confident and less isolated.
What will you be doing?
The role of a Connect and Support Service Volunteer is incredibly varied and always person-centred. On one day you may be supporting an older person to feel less lonely, encouraging them to meet other people by finding out about social activities, making connections, and checking with them that all's gone well. The next you may be organising transport for someone with mobility problems to ensure they can benefit from their local day centre or lunch club. Someone else might benefit from your support in helping them to find a trusted gardener or handyperson so they can maintain their home. Or, you might make a call on someone’s behalf if they don’t feel confident to do so themselves. For others, you might highlight the support that their local Age UK, or similar organisation can offer may be all they need. No day is the same in this vital role!
How would you be supported in this role?
As part of the Connect and Support Service Team, you will receive full training and undertake an induction to ensure you feel confident in your new role as a Connect and Support Service Volunteer. We will provide access to regular check-in and support sessions with the team as well as a peer support network with other volunteers. Age UK will also reimburse you for agreed expenses you incur related to the role.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Volunteers enable the Connect and Support Service to reach a greater number of older people in need of support and to provide additional time and focus using their range of experience and skills.
Additional information:
Volunteering in this role must take place between Monday and Friday, 9am – 5pm.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
Older people are at the heart of everything we do at Age UK. While full training and ongoing support are provided to enable you to excel in this role, having a pre-existing understanding of some of the challenges people in later life may face, along with an awareness of the services and support that may be available to them will be particularly useful. In addition, effective verbal and written communication and IT literacy are important in this role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Been There is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join a small, supportive and dynamic team as a Trustee.
What will you be doing?
Main Responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership: Contribute to the development and implementation of our strategic objectives, providing insight, oversight, and direction to ensure the organisation's goals are achieved efficiently.
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Governance and Compliance: Ensure that Been There adheres to all legal and statutory requirements. Monitor compliance with governance best practices and ethical standards.
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Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation, ensuring its viability and that all financial resources are managed responsibly and in line with organisational objectives.
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Risk Management: Identify, monitor, and mitigate risks to the organisation, ensuring robust risk management strategies are in place.
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Advocacy and Ambassadorship: Act as an ambassador for Been There, advocating for our mission and values, and enhancing our visibility and reputation.
- Fundraising Support: Play an active role in guiding and supporting the charity's fundraising efforts, ensuring financial goals are met and resources are secured for future sustainability.
What are we looking for?
Person Specification
Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with any body image issues and related mental health concerns. Experience, skills and expertise in charity law, an interest in the well-being of people combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions are particularly sought.
Knowledge, skills and understanding:
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of governance experience within a board, ideally in the non-profit sector or a related field.
- Skills: Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge: A good understanding of the legal and financial responsibilities of a trustee and experience in risk management, strategic planning, and organisational oversight.
- Commitment: Ability to commit time for board meetings, committee involvement, and preparation work. Expected to attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to special projects as needed.
NB: Ideally you would need to attend quarterly trustee meetings in the Kingston Upon Thames area, but you are able to attend this remotely if required.
What difference will you make?
Been There is a charity in the form of an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. This gives them the opportunity to speak to someone who has ‘Been There’ themselves. Our Mentors are here to support, empower and, most importantly, listen.
The Trustees are a core part of the team and very hands on. We have a tight knit team, and your governance support will ensure we are always acting in the best interests of our beneficiaries.
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED JOB SPEC FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CHARITY TRUSTEE.
We are an app-based charity that connects people over 18 with a vetted and trained Mentor (who has also 'been there') to help with body image issues.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you like dogs? Do you like people?
Your community needs you!!
Walkie Dogs is a weekly social group located in the UK that brings local communities in every city together to walk their dogs and make connections. We support mental health organisations and work towards reducing knife and gang crime throughout the UK. As a volunteer-led organisation, we provide training to ensure that our volunteers are equipped to offer support and resources to our members. Our online retail store offers the best products on the market to promote the health and well-being of dogs in the UK, with exclusive discounts for our members. We also provide educational tools, travel advice, training, and more to the dog community.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role as a Volunteer Walk Leader at Walkie Dogs. As a Volunteer Walk Leader, you will be responsible for organising and leading dog walks for our social group. Your day-to-day tasks will include coordinating meet-up locations, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and their dogs, providing guidance and support during walks, and fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the group.
Qualifications
- Experience leading group activities and events
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Passion for promoting mental health and reducing knife and gang crime
- Knowledge of dog handling and safety
- Ability to provide guidance and support to members
- Reliability and punctuality
- Strong organisational skills
- Familiarity with the local area's, 74 cities in the UK. (anywhere with a cathedral)
Collaborating with Mental Health organisations across the UK we aim to support and spread awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being
Each volunteer will receive full walk leader training, access to the our website, discounts and walks across the UK.
We require an up to date DBS check and a minimum of of 20 walks per year
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you like dogs? Do you like people?
Your community needs you!!
Walkie Dogs is a weekly social group located in the UK that brings local communities in every city together to walk their dogs and make connections. We support mental health organisations and work towards reducing knife and gang crime throughout the UK. As a volunteer-led organisation, we provide training to ensure that our volunteers are equipped to offer support and resources to our members. Our online retail store offers the best products on the market to promote the health and well-being of dogs in the UK, with exclusive discounts for our members. We also provide educational tools, travel advice, training, and more to the dog community.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role as a Volunteer Walk Leader at Walkie Dogs. As a Volunteer Walk Leader, you will be responsible for organising and leading dog walks for our social group. Your day-to-day tasks will include coordinating meet-up locations, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and their dogs, providing guidance and support during walks, and fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the group.
Qualifications
- Experience leading group activities and events
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Passion for promoting mental health and reducing knife and gang crime
- Knowledge of dog handling and safety
- Ability to provide guidance and support to members
- Reliability and punctuality
- Strong organisational skills
- Familiarity with the local area's, 74 cities in the UK. (anywhere with a cathedral)
Collaborating with Mental Health organisations across the UK we aim to support and spread awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being
Each volunteer will receive full walk leader training, access to the our website, discounts and walks across the UK.
We require an up to date DBS check and a minimum of of 20 walks per year
A cancer diagnosis brings extra expense from day one. Every child or young person with a cancer diagnosis has a short-term disability and needs to apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The forms are long and complex and sometimes families need advice or support to ensure they include enough information to receive the correct level of financial support.
Your empathy, understanding and ability to identify the key information to enable families and young people to claim financial assistance will have a tremendous impact easing stress and allowing them to concentrate on supporting themselves physically and emotionally.
You will be an important part of the team and provide practical support to young people and families completing DLA and PIP forms which can seem lengthy and daunting to young people, and families. Each family’s needs are different, however support via benefits such as DLA and PIP are usually one of the first recommendations made to families seeking financial advice.
What you’ll be doing:
- Providing face to face to support to families of children and young people with a diagnosis of cancer
- Actively listening to families and asking relevant questions to enable them to identify specific support needs
- Supporting families to complete complex forms to enable them to claim DLA or PIP
- As a key part of the team recognise when to ask for other team members for advice or support
This will include:
- Looking at the DLA/PIP form with the family or young person
- Explaining the information Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) needs
- Coaching the family to include as much detail in their answers as necessary
The practical support required for this role will vary from taking the time to read through an application with a young person or family, who require a second opinion. Others may require questions to be re-phrased to simplify them and make them more applicable to their lived experience.
You will be providing guidance on how to answer the questions on the forms and useful information to include. It may occasionally include filling in the form with the family/young person when they are not able to complete it themselves
Booking slots will be flexible to meet the individual need (30 minutes up to 2 hours)
There is scope and opportunity in this role for development into supporting families or young people with appeals.
What we’ll give you:
- The satisfaction of using your skills and talents to make a tangible difference in the lives of young cancer patients
- A solid introduction and first-hand experience of working in the charity sector with the opportunity to meet other Teams across the organisation and gain a clear insight into the day-to-day work of Young Lives vs Cancer
- Full induction and training with support from a dedicated volunteer manager
- The support of a friendly and knowledgeable team
- Experience of working with a social care team and opportunity to develop communication and planning skills and advocating for families
- Experience of working with and directly supporting children and young people with cancer and their families
- And of course, we’ll cover any out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Volunteering Policy!
You should be able to volunteer for 2 hours per week during Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm at our Home from Home in London WC1. We are flexible as to days or times to fit in with your other commitments.
We may close applications for this role early depending on applications
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you like dogs? Do you like people?
Your community needs you!!
Walkie Dogs is a weekly social group located in the UK that brings local communities in every city together to walk their dogs and make connections. We support mental health organisations and work towards reducing knife and gang crime throughout the UK. As a volunteer-led organisation, we provide training to ensure that our volunteers are equipped to offer support and resources to our members. Our online retail store offers the best products on the market to promote the health and well-being of dogs in the UK, with exclusive discounts for our members. We also provide educational tools, travel advice, training, and more to the dog community.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role as a Volunteer Walk Leader at Walkie Dogs. As a Volunteer Walk Leader, you will be responsible for organising and leading dog walks for our social group. Your day-to-day tasks will include coordinating meet-up locations, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and their dogs, providing guidance and support during walks, and fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the group.
Qualifications
- Experience leading group activities and events
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Passion for promoting mental health and reducing knife and gang crime
- Knowledge of dog handling and safety
- Ability to provide guidance and support to members
- Reliability and punctuality
- Strong organisational skills
- Familiarity with the local area's, 74 cities in the UK. (anywhere with a cathedral)
Collaborating with Mental Health organisations across the UK we aim to support and spread awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being
Each volunteer will receive full walk leader training, access to the our website, discounts and walks across the UK.
We require an up to date DBS check and a minimum of of 20 walks per year
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you like dogs? Do you like people?
Your community needs you!!
Walkie Dogs is a weekly social group located in the UK that brings local communities in every city together to walk their dogs and make connections. We support mental health organisations and work towards reducing knife and gang crime throughout the UK. As a volunteer-led organisation, we provide training to ensure that our volunteers are equipped to offer support and resources to our members. Our online retail store offers the best products on the market to promote the health and well-being of dogs in the UK, with exclusive discounts for our members. We also provide educational tools, travel advice, training, and more to the dog community.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role as a Volunteer Walk Leader at Walkie Dogs. As a Volunteer Walk Leader, you will be responsible for organising and leading dog walks for our social group. Your day-to-day tasks will include coordinating meet-up locations, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and their dogs, providing guidance and support during walks, and fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the group.
Qualifications
- Experience leading group activities and events
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Passion for promoting mental health and reducing knife and gang crime
- Knowledge of dog handling and safety
- Ability to provide guidance and support to members
- Reliability and punctuality
- Strong organisational skills
- Familiarity with the local area's, 74 cities in the UK. (anywhere with a cathedral)
Collaborating with Mental Health organisations across the UK we aim to support and spread awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being
Each volunteer will receive full walk leader training, access to the our website, discounts and walks across the UK.
We require an up to date DBS check and a minimum of of 20 walks per year
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Active Gloucestershire seeks two Trustees
5 x Board Meetings per year – 3 hours
4 to 6 Sub-Committee Meetings per year – 2 hours
They’re seeking two Trustees to help mould the organisation’s future and enable everyone in Gloucestershire to live healthy, happy lives.
Active Gloucestershire inspires and enables people to improve their lives through physical activity. Physical activity is a key factor to improving wellbeing, and social inequalities can create barriers to physical activity. Active Gloucestershire is committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy the transformative benefits of physical activity - regardless of their background.
The organisational vision is for everyone in Gloucestershire to live healthy and happy lives. This is delivered though we can move - a social movement committed to getting Gloucestershire physically active. As the coordinating body for we can move, Active Gloucestershire work with many partners to promote an active, healthy lifestyle; from community and voluntary groups to schools, local authorities and national organisations such as Sport England.
For this position, Active Gloucestershire hope to hear from strategic thinkers, who are able to remain objective and focus on the bigger picture during decision-making. They will be committed to personal development, and strongly advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion.
In addition to these characteristics, the successful candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:
The voluntary and community sector - including Charity leadership.
Health, wellbeing or physical activity in Gloucestershire
People who have been impacted by inequalities in sport and physical activity
They welcome applications from any and all backgrounds. Experience as a Trustee is not necessary - alignment with the organisational values is far more important. New Trustees will receive an induction and will be paired with a ‘Board Buddy’ to gain the knowledge, confidence and skill to hit the ground running.
Purpose
An Oxfordshire Youth Hospital Navigator Volunteer will provide support to Oxfordshire Youth staff and young people within our Hospital Navigator scheme. The post holder will passionately believe in the potential of all young people to achieve their goals.
An Oxfordshire Youth, Hospital Navigators Volunteer will be an advocate for young people.
Oxfordshire Youth Hospital Navigators Volunteers do not have fixed hours, but commit to flexible hours to suit their availability and staff needs. Shifts are available 7 days per week.
Join our dynamic team YPSA Team to coordinate the ground-breaking Intervention programme - Hospital Navigator. With an increase in the number of young people presenting at emergency departments due to serious violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse, we are addressing an urgent need for signposting young people to support services following discharge from A&E.
The Hospital Navigators will establish trust with young people who arrive at the JR hospital due to pre-existing concerns such as substance addiction, mental health issues, personal care, and violence itself. When in the hospital, there is an opportunity for the young person to reflect and be open to intervention. A volunteer in a dedicated Navigator role would request permission to refer the young person to a third-party agency that can provide the necessary specialist support. This moment may assist in redirecting the young person back into the community via a different pathway. The volunteer would connect them with a local support agency/charity that would assist them in reintegrating into the community, building resilience, and providing mentoring to prevent repeat occurrences that could lead to their hospitalisation.
The Navigator Coordinator will supervise Hospital Navigator volunteers. Once the navigator has gained the young person's trust and agreement, they will prepare an assessment and referral form that includes the type of difficulties, services available for referral, and the type of communication the client prefers.
Main volunteering duties
● Work within a busy A&E and the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) within JR hospital setting
● Liaise with the triage nurse team once people are medically cleared, to screen and offer signposting to appropriate services outside of the hospital
● Liaise with the A&E rapid response team to identify patients readmitted multiple times, and offer information to try to help reduce further re-admission
● Require administrative skills and be able to use IT, including finding out information from the internet on where and how to access services.
● Work within a team of people including doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists.
● Some important skills include good communication with people, and the ability to listen and build trust in a relatively short time frame.
This role profile is subject to amendment following discussion with the post holder and daily tasks will be determined by the needs of the young people and staff.
What you will gain
You will gain valuable experience and receive high-quality training to ensure you feel confident and motivated to support different aspects of Youth work. You will learn about teamwork, building and maintaining groups and recognising group dynamics.
Available training includes Safeguarding Levels 1 and 2 and GDPR. In addition, it will be possible to have further discussions about available opportunities for a Diploma in Youth Work Practice. Please note that some of this training is mandatory and you will only be able to volunteer if you complete this training.
All volunteers must undergo a DBS check.
Equipment will be provided.
Support for You
● Training and development opportunities in safeguarding level 2, self-harm and trauma-informed training, Mental Capacity Act, GDPR, Motivational interviewing and suicide prevention.
● Networking and social opportunities to meet sector partners and staff members.
● Ongoing day-to-day support and guidance from your team.
● Regular one-to-ones with a member of OY staff appointed to support you during your time with us.
Skills Required
We welcome volunteers over 18 years old and from all backgrounds and levels of the community. No previous experience is required, just an enthusiasm for getting involved.
However, we are looking for volunteers to demonstrate the following key skills and abilities:
● Good administration skills
● good communication and interpersonal skills
● impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidentiality
● an ability to ensure decisions are taken and followed up
● good time-keeping
● using your discretion and sensitivity for others
● a commitment to the organisation and the role
Applications will be reviewed as and when they are received.
To apply, please send a copy of your CV accompanied by an application form to or recruitment team, alternatively, visit our website for more information.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview to meet the team and find out more about the programme.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
IAD is looking for a Lobbying Lead to manage the Lobbying Team to help us advance our charitable goal to promote and defend democracy. The candidate must be able to commit 5 hours per week to this role.
The International Association for Democracy (IAD) is an NGO that works to defend and advance democracy around the globe. We link people with their governments and lobby governments to promote, strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values at home and abroad. We also work towards raising public awareness about the current state of democracy around the world and what should be done to better defend and promote democracy. For further information, visit www.iad.ngo.
Objectives of this Role
- Manage the lobbying team
- Develop a political strategy for IAD
- Identify key politicians we should lobby
- Lobby relevant politicians to advance IAD's charitable goals
- The candidate is expected to volunteer for 5 hours per week to this role
Skills, Qualifications & Requirements
- A bachelor's and/or master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations or a related field
- Proven experience in lobbying/advocacy (minimum 1 year)
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Very good written and verbal communication skills
- Fluent in English
- Basic understanding of Google Workspace and collaboration tools on Google Docs
- Candidate must be available to have calls with politicians during working hours (9am - 5pm) every now and then (approximately once every two weeks)
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience with NGO
What We Can Offer YOU
- Experience in an international NGO and an excellent reference to help you in your career
- Training and experience in managing a team, which you can add to your CV
- You will join a welcoming international network of students and professionals who have a passion for promoting and defending democracy, the rule of law and human rights
- The inclusion of your name, photo, and role at IAD on our website
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About We Are Family
We Are Family is an extraordinary peer support community for adopters and prospective adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption. We currently operate across Greater London and the Home Counties, with ambitions to scale nationally over the coming years.
You can find out more about us here.
The Role
We are looking for new trustees to strengthen and enhance our board. The key responsibilities of the role include, governance, overseeing policy and direction, financial oversight and assisting with the leadership and general promotion of We Are Family to support the organisation’s Vision, Mission, Values and needs.
This is a voluntary opportunity with associated Trustee expenses - such as travel / childcare - covered by We Are Family. Trustees can be based anywhere in the UK.
Commitment
Trustee capacity to devote the time needed for the following is essential:
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4 Board meetings per year
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2 Board away days per year (on a Saturday)
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Membership of at least one sub-committee (which also meet 4 times a year)
We estimate 8-10 hours for the charity per month. The duration of membership for a new Board member is for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of appointment for a further three year term.
Skills and Experience
All applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:
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Be able to show high levels of professionalism and an ability to work collaboratively with others, including Trustees, our core team and the wider Volunteer network at We Are Family
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Be well-organised, with good written and verbal communication skills.
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Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. A thorough induction, and further trustee training as appropriate, can be provided.
We are particularly interested candidates with the following experience:
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Working as a professional with or in the adoption sector,
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Advocacy and/or research work;
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Finance/charity finance
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Leadership within a charity
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Education
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Legal.
Although many of our current trustees are adopters themselves, we are also keen to recruit suitably qualified people who are not, but who can demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of We Are Family.
One of the great strengths of We Are Family is that we are volunteer and member driven, and we represent a diverse community of adoptive parents. We particularly welcome trustees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the board can benefit from this diversity of experience. We would also welcome single adopters to the board.
To Apply
If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, please get in touch!
Refer to our job ad for the Applications email address and email our team. If you would like an informal conversation about the opportunity, please let us know.
Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation, which took place on 1st April 2023, will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we are now the only significant national funder with the efficiency,
capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss. We have a clear ambition – to save sight and to change lives.
We are now seeking up to four new trustees as we establish ourselves in our new form and under our new name (soon to be announced). This is an exciting inflection point for us, and our new trustees will be central in enabling us to achieve our ambition.
We have worked through our merger and have a clear focus and vision, as well as a strong Board and senior leadership team, all of whom are ambitious for the potential impact we can make. Our re-brand will also enable us to amplify our position as a leader within the sight loss sector. Our merger was a critical step in accelerating research which will create a positive impact on the lives of millions of people. We do not want this opportunity to pass us by and that’s what makes these such an important and exciting roles for the right people.
As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to steer the course of our charity and our sector, shaping our strategies, and advocating for meaningful change. You will be help us be a driving force behind world leading research into sight loss prevention, and transformative initiatives that enhance the quality of life for countless individuals.
We are particularly seeking individuals who have a medical or scientific research background, ideally in ophthalmology, and those who have experience in retail and fundraising. If you want to be part of something that will really make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
“I extend a heartfelt invitation to those who share our commitment to making a profound difference in the lives of individuals affected by sight loss. Our journey towards a future where eye diseases are prevented and the challenges faced by the visually impaired are overcome requires the collective effort of dedicated individuals. We are seeking trustees who are not only passionate advocates for our cause but also possess the vision, expertise, and dedication to guide and govern our organisation. Your unique perspectives and skills will play a pivotal role in shaping and defining our impact for years to come.”
Dr Heather Giles, Chair
“Our two organisations came together to form a new dynamic, ambitious, entrepreneurial, impact-driven organisation to save sight and change lives. We are searching for trustees that can join us, and be at the forefront of creating the culture, the outlook and the methods of working and the operations to truly make a difference in society.”
Keith Valentine, CEO
ABOUT US
We are a new organisation forged from two ambitious charities: Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation. Our single, unifying mission is to save sight and change lives.
It is a mission that reflects two urgent questions everyone faces when they receive a diagnosis of sight loss: ‘How do I stop this?’ and ‘How do I live my life?’
Answering these questions guides our strategy as we progress a five-year plan with solid and lofty aspirations.
THE MERGER
Fight for Sight funds breakthrough research and life-changing services to build a more equitable future for blind and partially sighted people by accelerating breakthroughs in multiple sight loss conditions.
Vision Foundation works to inform, include and empower the visually impaired community. Empowerment is at the heart of what we do; our work focuses on what people can do, rather than what they can’t.
The merger will help us to realise a joint ambition to tackle sight loss from both a clinical and social perspective. Our combined organisation is now grounded in data and insight into the science, as well as the lived experience of, sight loss. With this wealth of evidence we’re determined to:
- generate further investment into the sector,
- accelerate clinical progress,
- improve quality of life for people facing or living with sight loss
Crucially, coming together is about growing our influence and impact, not reducing or diluting what we do. So, as we evolve as a merged organisation, we are combining our teams, announcing our new name and fine-tuning our unified
mission and strategy – as well as continuing with the important work we’re already committed to – you can expect big things from us and it is an exciting time to join us as a trustee.
OUR FUTURE
Our principal role is as a grant-maker. We award grants to the scientific community that could lead to scientific breakthroughs and treatments to stop eye diseases from progressing. In the future, we believe research can prevent people from losing sight and reverse sight loss. We invest to advance treatments that will cure eye disease and protect and grow the community of world-class scientists, technologists, and data scientists who can deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Historically, Vision Foundation has funded innovations that directly impact people who are blind or partially sighted, from music classes for children to projects that take eye tests into at-risk communities. We invest in programmes, organisations and activities that deliver equity for and with blind and visually impaired people.
As a grant-maker, we are change-makers, accelerators and drivers of impact. We are bold, energetic, challenging, disruptive, tenacious, and determined.
We aren’t afraid to tackle the challenges facing the sight loss community, either. Recent campaigns include The Unseen, which unearthed the shocking scale and nature of domestic abuse among blind and partially sighted people, and See My Skills, which addressed high unemployment rates. The charity excels at working in partnership with others towards creating a more equitable society for the sight loss community.
As we progress, we’ll scale the impact of projects like these, look beyond the nation’s capital, and drive systemic change. We’ll need to secure the funds to invest in our trusted partners to achieve our ambitions. We’ll continue to fundraise by engaging with supporters and companies through legacies, events such as the London Marathon, and our network of charity shops.
The evidence we commission influences policy and decision-making to demand equality for all.
We’ll shortly have a new name that reflects our united ambitions, so it’s an exciting time for us and the people we serve.
OUR FINANCES
The charity is in a strong position financially, with a high level of reserves that we intend to draw down over the coming years as we focus on investing in sustainable growth and increasing our impact. Compared to many charities, we
have well diversified income streams, predictable costs, and are in the fortunate position to hold a sizable portfolio of investments. Our plans for the short and medium term are to invest in our income generation infrastructure, and to significantly increase the amounts of funding we can put to our charitable purpose.
OUR BOARD AND LEADERSHIP TEAM
Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation is the only organisation in the sight loss sector with an Executive Leadership Team that has over half of its members with lived experience of sight loss.
The Board currently numbers ten trustees, including our newly appointed Chair.
The Board meets four times a year, or more often as required.
Follow this link to find out more about our Board.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
As the most senior leaders in our charity, trustees play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the fulfilment of our mission to save sight and change lives. You will serve on the main board and will be invited also to get involved in one of our sub-committees. These are currently:
- Social Impact & Scientific Research Committee (SISR)
- Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources Committee (FARR)
- People Committee
- Retail Committee
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Provide leadership and strategic guidance to the charity, aligning efforts with the mission and values of the organisation.
- Collaborate with the board, executive team, and stakeholders to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance the charity’s impact and sustainability.
Governance
- Ensure effective governance, decision-making, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Work closely with board members, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration and open communication, harnessing different views and opinions.
Engagement
- Represent the charity at public events and networking opportunities to promote our mission and raise awareness about our cause.
- Develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, corporations, government agencies, and the visually impaired community.
Evaluation and Accountability
- Collaborate with the board to evaluate performance, ensuring alignment with the charity’s goals and objectives.
- Ensure the charity is accountable to donors and beneficiaries, that is financially robust and sustainable, and that is effective risk management in place.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
We are seeking dynamic and dedicated individuals to serve as trustees of our ambitious merged organisation. The ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to our cause, along with the following:
Specialist experience
At this time, we are particularly interested in candidates who have leadership experience in:
- Scientific and/or medical research
- Ophthalmic research and/or clinical practice
- Strategic oversight of substantial fundraising and/or retail operations
Despite these areas of interest, we welcome a diversity of skills and experience at our charity and on our Board, and want to find the right candidates regardless of their specific areas of expertise or experience. So if you are interested in this role and think you can contribute to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
General attributes
Knowledge & experience
- An understanding of governance, and experience on a committee or board.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including donors, corporations and government agencies.
Skills & abilities
- Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision to deliver impact.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Entrepreneurial instincts and a healthy understanding of risk balanced with ambition using sound judgement.
Styles & behaviours
- High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the charity’s values, as well as a passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with, or at risk of, sight loss.
- Collaborative, highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing difference perspectives.
- Solution-focused, with an ability to see the big picture and be pragmatic.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Remuneration
This role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Time commitment
While the exact time commitment may vary based on the charity’s needs and priorities, we anticipate the following general expectations:
- A minimum of four Board meetings per year
- Up to four subcommittee meetings per year (the specific committee depending on skills and experience)
- Preparation for meetings, review of materials, and other trustee engagement as appropriate.
- Annual Strategy Day with full Board and executive team.
- Meetings with members of the executive leadership team as appropriate.
- Representing the charity at high profile events, functions and public engagements to enhance its reputation and partnerships.
Location
At present Board meetings are held in central London. Subcommittee meetings are held remotely.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you like dogs? Do you like people?
Your community needs you!!
Walkie Dogs is a weekly social group located in the UK that brings local communities in every city together to walk their dogs and make connections. We support mental health organisations and work towards reducing knife and gang crime throughout the UK. As a volunteer-led organisation, we provide training to ensure that our volunteers are equipped to offer support and resources to our members. Our online retail store offers the best products on the market to promote the health and well-being of dogs in the UK, with exclusive discounts for our members. We also provide educational tools, travel advice, training, and more to the dog community.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role as a Volunteer Walk Leader at Walkie Dogs. As a Volunteer Walk Leader, you will be responsible for organising and leading dog walks for our social group. Your day-to-day tasks will include coordinating meet-up locations, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and their dogs, providing guidance and support during walks, and fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the group.
Qualifications
- Experience leading group activities and events
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Passion for promoting mental health and reducing knife and gang crime
- Knowledge of dog handling and safety
- Ability to provide guidance and support to members
- Reliability and punctuality
- Strong organisational skills
- Familiarity with the local area's, 74 cities in the UK. (anywhere with a cathedral)
Collaborating with Mental Health organisations across the UK we aim to support and spread awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being
Each volunteer will receive full walk leader training, access to the our website, discounts and walks across the UK.
We require an up to date DBS check and a minimum of of 20 walks per year
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you like dogs? Do you like people?
Your community needs you!!
Walkie Dogs is a weekly social group located in the UK that brings local communities in every city together to walk their dogs and make connections. We support mental health organisations and work towards reducing knife and gang crime throughout the UK. As a volunteer-led organisation, we provide training to ensure that our volunteers are equipped to offer support and resources to our members. Our online retail store offers the best products on the market to promote the health and well-being of dogs in the UK, with exclusive discounts for our members. We also provide educational tools, travel advice, training, and more to the dog community.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role as a Volunteer Walk Leader at Walkie Dogs. As a Volunteer Walk Leader, you will be responsible for organising and leading dog walks for our social group. Your day-to-day tasks will include coordinating meet-up locations, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and their dogs, providing guidance and support during walks, and fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the group.
Qualifications
- Experience leading group activities and events
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Passion for promoting mental health and reducing knife and gang crime
- Knowledge of dog handling and safety
- Ability to provide guidance and support to members
- Reliability and punctuality
- Strong organisational skills
- Familiarity with the local area's, 74 cities in the UK. (anywhere with a cathedral)
Collaborating with Mental Health organisations across the UK we aim to support and spread awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being
Each volunteer will receive full walk leader training, access to the our website, discounts and walks across the UK.
We require an up to date DBS check and a minimum of of 20 walks per year