Area manager volunteer roles in southminster, essex

Welcome to Unlock YOUR Potential, a brand new dynamic organisation starting up thats dedicated to transforming lives and empowering individuals aged between 18 and 60 years old from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are passionately committed to creating new pathways for positive change through our comprehensive programmes and holistic support.

We are planning to create a small social mobility charity that provides a range of services and support. Currently we are a not-for-profit organisation, about to go through charity registration. 

Our Vision: We envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our Mission: Our mission is to empower, inspire, and support those facing barriers and challenges. We deliver tailored programmes that foster skills, confidence, and networks, paving the way for success.

Our Values:

• Passion: Our work is fuelled by a deep care for the communities we serve.

• Results: We are driven by the tangible outcomes and achievements of our beneficiaries.

• Innovation: We constantly seek innovative methods to enhance our programmes.

• Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership and inclusivity.

• Integrity: Our operations are marked by professionalism, ethics, and transparency.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we will be offering a suite of transformative programmes and services designed to empower individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our holistic approach will address key areas such as employment, education, life skills, mentoring, and personal development.

Its an exciting time to launch our new charity with the new governments focus on getting people back to work or in training and development, there will be plenty of opportunities for us to make a huge impact but we need to set the foundations and get ourselves ready to launch. 

Delivery Manager (DM):

We are looking for a Delivery Manager, who can join our new charity start-up and help us build a solid foundation and help to create, design, develop and immpliment our core delivery programmes at Unlock YOUR Potential, providing our key services to those who need it. This includes Employability and Enterprise Programme, Health and Well-Being Programme, Life Skills, Mentoring and Personal Development Programme.

As our Delivery Manager you will be responsible for the delivery and long-term strategy of Unlock YOUR Potential's delivery programmes. You will be responsible for;

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of all programmes and services.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to enhance our offerings.
• Ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve programme delivery and impact.
• Monitor and report on the outcomes and achievements of our programmes.
• Support the team in troubleshooting and resolving any issues that arise during programme delivery.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the delivery team.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in programme/project management, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for social impact and creating opportunities for those facing socio-economic challenges.

Time Commitment:

• Approximately 6-8 hours per week, with flexibility to fit around your life.​
• We are starting off small and there will be plenty of flexibility and you will manage your own workload and time.

Join us in making a difference and unlocking the potential of disadvantaged people in our community!

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Overview

This is a Senior Leadership team role.

The Base Camp Manager has responsibility for many of the logistical aspects of the expedition,
including equipment, food, and managing the environmental impact at base camp. You will need to be ready to turn your hand to a range of tasks, acting as the ‘fixer’ for the expedition and supporting the expedition team with all aspects of expedition life.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. You do not have to fundraise to lead on our expeditions.

At MS Society all our activities and services are shaped by our MS community – people affected by MS, volunteers, staff and other experts. We aim to raise as much awareness as possible about MS, to ensure that people with MS have the support and information they need.

We've been successful in securing funding from Wales and West Utilities for a 'test and learn' Community Connections project (covering Wales and the South West of England) which will run until March 2026. 

Community Connections aims to: 

• Connect people with, and affected by, MS across Wales and the South West of England (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire) with services, activities and resources to enable them to live well with MS.
• Develop links with local service providers which enable people with, and affected by, MS to access support and activities in their local areas, whilst improving connections within the community
• Provide information and guidance on a range of subjects, including advice about finances, cost of living-related information, energy efficiency information, carbon monoxide awareness and the Priority Service Register. 

As part of the project, we’re looking for volunteers to deliver MS Awareness sessions to partner organisations that the project will signpost to (such as Citizens Advice Bureau). MS Awareness volunteers will help us to ensure that these partner organisations are equipped to support people with MS (who will be accessing their activities and services). To help people to understand how people with MS feel.

Here’s an overview of what will be involved - 

• Delivering talks (via Zoom/Teams) to organisations to increase their understanding of MS and its symptoms. 

• Signposting to the relevant MS Society team for further information and practical support, as required.

• Note taking and helping us understand how effective sessions were 

• Attending regular volunteer support groups, where you will debrief and share experiences with other volunteers, as well as receive support from your supervisor.

We will support you to develop the skills you need for this role which will include an induction into all the areas outlined. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs you may have with us.

Are you passionate about social media and can lead a small team? We're looking to recruit a Lead Volunteer for our Social Media Team. We’re looking for someone who has a passion for promoting a small charity supporting a rare condition and has the ability to support a volunteering team as well as plan and use platforms and tools for social media including Canva, Google Drive and other digital platforms.

The Social Media Team develops and promotes Burning Nights CRPS Support’s communications online, using social media platforms as widely as possible, in order to maximise our impact and to inspire actions in the public, healthcare professionals, communities and businesses. The promotion of our activities will raise awareness of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and provide support and empowerment to the CRPS community. Communications will also run in line with Burning Nights CRPS Support's campaigns strategy/plan.

This is a flexible volunteering opportunity, which means your commitment can be balanced around your lifestyle - being part of a team to ensure that communications to our community and supporters are up to date and timely.
You will provide leadership for your team and support the development of a communications plan for the charity.

Key Tasks and Objectives
You will lead and support an overarching communications strategy, direction and plans for Burning Nights CRPS Support's Social Media/online communications, create engaging content, supervise the team and encourage high standards.
Tasks may include:

• Managing the Social Media campaigns across social media, which includes overseeing engaging content, writing and editorial, design and artwork from The Social Media Team.
• Help develop social media campaigns and day-to-day activities.
• Prepare graphics for sharing across channels.
• Monitor the impact of social media campaigns; Analyse, review and report on effectiveness of campaigns in an effort to maximize the charity’s reach.
• Scheduling and posting social media content.
• Capture and report on monthly data from across all social media platform.
• Lead on Social Media meetings or the social media section of Comms meetings.
• Work with the whole Comms & Marketing Team including the Lead Communications & Marketing Volunteer to provide relevant content for their teams to use on social media, providing training/coaching where appropriate.
• Develop, manage content and maintain social media objectives and targets.
• Supporting the Social Media Team to ensure our social media platforms are regularly updated.
• Supporting with the development, preparation and implementation of Burning Nights CRPS Support's Social Media strategy in conjunction with the overall Comms strategy.
• Encouraging others to comment on our posts and share them with others, to ensure that our communications reach a wide range of stakeholders and diverse audience.
• Increasing the numbers of followers and engagement across our social media channels - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok and X, using appropriate tools and utilising relevant channels to reach diverse audiences.
• Monitor, analyse and report on the performance of social media channels/activities using tools like Metricool, Buffer and Google Analytics, feeding back monthly to the Lead Comms Volunteer and the trustees, using the data to inform future activities.
• Keep up to date with the charity and healthcare sectors, events and news, and suggest content to promote through our social media feeds.
• Support new volunteer Social Media Team members ensuring they understand their role or assign them their role.
• Act responsibly with data held by Burning Nights CRPS Support that you may access as part of your role, adhering to guidelines and policies and reporting any concerns or possible breaches to Burning Nights CRPS Support's Data Protection Officer/Lead.

Key Skills or Qualifications

• Experience of using social media platforms, other online tools and Communications to generate interest in a charity, business or project.
• Experience of managing a team and projects.
• The ability to inspire people to act and get involved internally and externally.
• Ability to transform small snippets of information into interesting and engaging stories suitable for social media platforms.
• Good IT skills, including Google Drive, Canva, Buffer, Word and Excel.
• Experience of managing multiple campaigns, with excellent organisational and time management skills, delivering effective targeted outcomes.
• Be proactive and show initiative, with the ability to volunteer unsupervised.
• Genuine interest in supporting a small charity and a passion for campaigning for a healthcare charity.
• Be motivated and enthusiastic with proven experience and is passionate about social media and marketing, and producing tangible results.
• Good interpersonal skills dealing with people sensitively and respectfully from a wide range of backgrounds
• Strong strategic development, project management and articulate communication skills.
• Good attention to detail and accuracy, with succinct writing and proof-reading skills
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other volunteers and staff.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise and structure work schedules.
• Ability to be innovative and creative.
• Ability to be flexible and have a 'can do' approach.
• Friendly, approachable manner - able to build rapport with a range of partners and staff, and provide a collaborative team environment.
• Confidence in communicating on Zoom or by email.

Key Benefits

• Voluntary Experience: Gain practical real-world experience working in social media management.
• Supportive Team: Collaborate with a passionate team working on projects.
• Personal Development: Develop your skills in social media marketing, content creation, and community engagement.
• Portfolio content for future job applications.
• Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause.

Training and Support

• Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
• Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
• Regular updates on charity activities.
• Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
• After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
• Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.

We are looking for someone who shares our values to join us as a Music Education Trustee, maximising the impact of our music education strategy in helping children and young people from families on low income in Surrey to make music.

Specific Tasks

Identifying, developing and overseeing appropriate group teaching and ensemble projects in primary and secondary schools with high pupil premium ratios. Such  projects will be funded or co-funded by CKT but delivered by other established music education providers 

Managing CKT’ s interface with

• Surrey Arts (including at chief executive and area manager level),
• Surrey state schools  as potential beneficiaries of CKT’s work
• other providers of music education in Surrey including Rock Schools

Working with:

• CKTs music education advisers to help define and deliver the above
• the bursaries trustee/manager to ensure that the criteria and process for CKTs bursaries maximises CKT’s impact
• the marketing and communications manager to best market what CKT offers to schools and music teachers
• Trustees, taking the lead on fundraising in developing applications for grants to fund CKT’s project work
• Acting as one of CKT’s Trustees and Directors attending and contributing to board meetings
• Performing such other tasks and activities for CKT as skills and time allow

Skills and experience required

In depth experience of music education at primary and/or secondary level

This will probably have been gained through practical experience either as a successful school head of music and/or in a county music service and/or in a music education charity or provider  

We are currently recruiting for a Fundraisers for our newly formed not for profit which provides fully qualified mental assistance dogs for those in need across Northamptonshire.

Ideally this would be a great role for someone who looking to gain some experience having been out of the business for a while and looking for someone to grow with us or someone is newly qualified in this area

You will have the platform to take control and create your own success story.

Essential to the role

ü  Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

ü  Satisfactory references

ü  Has working knowledge of word, Outlook

Desirable

ü  Educated to GCSE level with English and Maths

Role and Responsibilities

· Have experience of fundraising would be ideal.

· Must have strong verbal and written communications skills.

· You will be measured against agreed key performance indicators.

· You should be able to work with all other areas of the organisation from volunteers fundraising, to corporate functions.

· Strong time management skills and manage own administration with a keen eye for attention to detail.

· Be honest, reliable and knowledgeable about our services and how we support the local community.

Location: Remote with travel across England/Wales
Contract: Fixed-term project (Length TBC)
Hours: Part-time

Salary: Volunteer
Reporting to: Peer Support Lead

About Long Covid Support

Long Covid Support is a registered charity committed to advocating for and supporting individuals living with Long Covid. Our work includes peer support, awareness campaigns, and partnership building to address the ongoing needs of people with Long Covid across the UK.

Role Overview

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Project Manager to establish two in-person peer support networks for individuals with Long Covid in underserved communities in England and Wales. This is a dynamic and collaborative role, ideal for someone with strong project management skills and a passion for community-based health support.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research and Scoping

• Identify and scope two target areas with high prevalence and need for Long Covid support.
• Collaborate with the Peer Support Lead, local contacts, and established community groups.
• Conduct visits, assess existing support networks, and engage through social media.
• Evaluate suitability of community spaces in partnership with our community space provider.

2. Assessment of Resources and Gaps

• Map existing services, networks, and links to the charity’s current support offerings.
• Identify service gaps and opportunities where peer support groups could add value.

3. Implementation and Support

• Set up two local peer support groups using identified community spaces.
• Recruit and train volunteer facilitators to run group sessions.
• Connect with expert services for supplementary support at group meetings.

4. Evaluation and Reporting

• Use appropriate evaluation tools to measure impact and effectiveness.
• Produce a comprehensive project summary with findings, learnings, and recommendations for future initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Demonstrated experience managing short to medium-term projects.
• Background in peer support or community health initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with evaluation tools and reporting processes.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Long Covid or experience working in long-term health conditions.
• Existing network or experience working in England/Wales health or community sectors.

Welcome to Unlock YOUR Potential, a dynamic new start-up charity dedicated to transforming lives and empowering individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are passionately committed to creating new pathways for positive change through our comprehensive programmes and holistic support.

We are currently a not-for-profit organisation, going through charity registration. 

Our Vision: We envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our Mission: Our mission is to empower, inspire, and support those facing barriers and challenges. We deliver tailored programmes that foster skills, confidence, and networks, paving the way for success.

Our Values:

• Passion: Our work is fuelled by a deep care for the communities we serve.

• Results: We are driven by the tangible outcomes and achievements of our beneficiaries.

• Innovation: We constantly seek innovative methods to enhance our programmes.

• Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership and inclusivity.

• Integrity: Our operations are marked by professionalism, ethics, and transparency.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we will be offering a suite of transformative programmes and services designed to empower individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our holistic approach will address key areas such as employment, education, life skills, mentoring, and personal development.

It's an exciting time to launch our new charity with the new government's focus on getting people back to work or in training and development. There will be plenty of opportunities for us to make a huge impact, but we need to set the foundations and get ourselves ready to launch.

HR and Volunteering Manager:

We are looking for an HR and Volunteering Manager who can join our new charity start-up and help us build a solid foundation. You will be responsible for setting up and managing all aspects of our HR and volunteering programmes at Unlock YOUR Potential.

You will be responsible for:

• HR Programme Development and Management: Set up, develop, and manage the HR programme. Design and implement initiatives that enhance HR practices and volunteer management.

• Volunteer Recruitment and Retention: Develop strategies to recruit, train, and retain volunteers. Ensure volunteers are engaged and supported.

• Partnership Building: Collaborate with local businesses, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to create partnerships and opportunities.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the HR and volunteering programmes, making adjustments as needed.

• Team Leadership: Lead and support a team of dedicated volunteers and staff.

• Fundraising and Outreach: Contribute to fundraising, grant applications, and community outreach efforts.

• Communication and Collaboration: Ensure effective communication and collaboration within the organisation.

Volunteering in this role can be incredibly rewarding, as you'll be making a significant impact on the charity's ability to achieve its mission while gaining valuable experience in the non-profit sector.

Join us in making a difference and unlocking the potential of disadvantaged people in our community!

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

We are a new Community Interest Company offering arts, gardening and wellbeing workshops to all.  We are currently running on a 100% voluntary basis and are looking for some revenue to offer more to our local communities. Do you have a few hours spare each week to help us out? Do you have previous experience with applying for funding? Do you think gardening and The Arts should be accessible to all? If so we would love to hear from you.

Aim of the post: To generate an income from local, regional and national grant pots to increase the range and effectiveness of Flourish Arts Network outreach.

Person Specification: The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience;

• Relevant qualifications, previous experience in grant / bid writing, fundraising, and excellent communication skills.
• Successful track record of achieving agreed financial income targets with a charity, CIC, social enterprise or not-for-profit organisation.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, work collaboratively and supportively as part of a team.
• Manage time effectively and work to deadlines; be organised in monitoring grants and responding to grant providers.
• Volunteer as little as two hours per week.
• Be passionate about the wellbeing of others.

Duties can include;

• Apply to a list of grant/funders which will be provided. Research potential grant providers to seek funding opportunities especially those relating to Flourish Arts Network's areas of operation.
• Determine and create plans to streamline the grants administration procedure.
• Initiate contact and write bids to raise funds to support for Flourish Arts Network.
• Liaise with grant providers to ensure receipt of applications, and get feedback for any unsuccessful bids in order to learn and develop moving forward.
• Closely track grant expenditure and monitoring for successful bids, in line with the terms of each grant received.
• Join us for for refreshements and conversations at some of our free events.

The Honorary Treasurer is a key voluntary post within Mountain Training England and the wider network of related mountaineering organisations. As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer shares the responsibility for overseeing the management of the organisation and implementing the strategic objectives of its members.

The Treasurer has an oversight role over all aspects of financial management, working closely with other members of the Board of Trustees to safeguard the organisation financially. They act as an informed reference point for the Chair and other Trustees.

Although it is the Treasurer’s responsibility to ensure proper financial records and procedures are maintained, much of this work is delegated to the Finance and Audit Sub-committee and paid staff.

Our annual statement of accounts can be seen at Companies House.

Role of Mountain Training England Treasurer

• The Treasurer oversees the financial matters of Mountain Training England in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements of the Charities and Companies Acts and reports both quarterly to the Board and to the Members at three Council meetings per year about the financial health of the organisation.
• The Treasurer ensures that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are in place.
• The Treasurer takes the lead on the formulation of policies for finances, reserves and investments.

Specific Responsibilities

• To oversee/verify and present budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements to the Board and Members after discussion with the Finance Committee. 
• To ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• To ensure that full and accurate accounts and records are kept.
• In conjunction with the Executive Officer maintain sound financial management of MTE’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.
• To ensure compliance with relevant legislation e.g. Companies and Charity legislation and contractual agreements with external agencies such as funders and statutory bodies

• Chairing the Finance and Audit Committee in line with its terms of reference and reporting back to the Board.
• Present the annual statement of accounts to the Members at the Annual General Meeting.
• To liaise with designated staff about financial matters.
• Advising on the financial implications of MTE’s strategic and operational plan.
• Ensure that the annual accounts are compliant with the current Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.
• Ensure any recommendations of the independent examiner are implemented.
• Contribute to the fundraising strategy of the organisation.
• Advise on reserves policy and investment policy.
• Ensure that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of MTE or partner organisations.
• Ensure that MTE has sufficient liquidity to meet its future commitments.

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE

Considerable experience as a treasurer of similar sized organisations

Some experience of walking, rock climbing or mountaineering.

OR experience of controlling a budget in a small-to-medium-sized (SME) organisation/business

Have an interest in the development of the Mountain Training awards

Financial accounting and reporting experience

Experience of working with charity or educational body accounts

Recognised accountancy qualification e.g. ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, AAT etc

DESIRABLE

Knowledge of Charity SORP

An understanding of Equity/Inclusion applicable to financial resources

Commitment

As Treasurer you will chair the Finance & Audit Committee, which meets quarterly. You will also be expected to attend four Board meetings and a minimum of one of three Members’ Council meetings per year.  Attendance at the AGM is expected to present the annual statement of accounts to members.

Occasional attendance at MTUKI Council meetings and Finance Planning Group meetings is required.

Term

Trustees serve for a maximum of three years and are re-elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. At the end of the first three-year term of office Trustees are eligible for re-election for one further term of three years. From time to time the positions of Treasurer, Vice-Chair and Chair become subject to renewal. The Trustees nominate these positions from the Board and the Council votes to approve them at the AGM.

Expenses

Reasonable travel, parking and subsistence expenses are paid to Trustees, in line with MTE expenses policy.

Trustee

We are seeking passionate individuals from all walks of life to become trustees and help shape the future of charities making a real impact across the UK.

Position: Trustee (Voluntary Role)

Location: UK-wide (remote/flexible options available)

Time Commitment: Part-time, flexible hours (typically 4–10 days per year)

Remuneration: Voluntary (travel and reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Closing Date: 27th August 2025

About the Role

As a trustee, you’ll join the board of a not-for-profit or charitable organisation, helping to guide its strategy, ensure financial sustainability, and uphold its purpose. You will work collaboratively with fellow trustees and staff to ensure the charity is well-run, legally compliant, and delivering real results in line with its mission.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting and monitoring the strategic direction of the charity
• Overseeing financial planning, risk management, and governance
• Supporting and constructively challenging senior staff or volunteers
• Upholding the organisation’s values and acting as an ambassador
• Ensuring compliance with charity law and other regulations

Trustees typically attend board meetings every few months (often virtually), with some additional involvement depending on your availability and the needs of the charity.

About You

We’re looking for people from all backgrounds, whether you're an experienced professional, early in your career, or someone with lived experience relevant to a charity’s mission. No previous trustee experience is necessary; training and support will be provided.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with knowledge or skills in:

• Finance, legal or governance
• Digital, data, marketing or fundraising
• HR, people management, or organisational development
• Lived experience of the issues the charity works on
• Public, private or voluntary sector leadership

Your most important qualities? Commitment, integrity, good judgement, and a genuine desire to make a difference. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups on charity boards, including younger people, people from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority communities, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

About the Organisations

This is a general call for trustee roles across a wide range of UK charities working in areas such as health and social care, education, homelessness, the arts, environmental sustainability, international development, and more.

Whether large or small, every charity benefits from a diverse, passionate board to help them thrive and respond to the needs of the communities they serve.

Other roles you may have experience of could include:Finance Manager, Accountant, Solicitor, Lawyer, HR Business Partner, Digital Lead, Marketing Manager, Fundraising Officer, Project Manager, Operations Lead, Youth Worker, Social Worker, Data Analyst, Community Leader, CEO, COO, NHS Manager, Policy Advisor, Civil Servant, Creative Director, Engineer, Academic, Entrepreneur, Volunteer Manager, Board Member, DEI Specialist, or Retired Professional.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Working closely with the Grants Managers and under the Head of Fundraising and other members of the senior Volunteer Grant Team, the Grants Coordinator (Unpaid Volunteer) will research, write grants, maintain, and coordinate fundraising efforts for AHO, with a target of a £5m yearly income by the end of 2030.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The role of Grants Coordinator (Unpaid Volunteer) will research, maintain and coordinate

• Research, write and manage a pipeline of trusts and foundations, aid grants and public sector tenders and contracts that offer unrestricted and programmatic funding.
• Initiate new and manage existing relationships with trusts and other grant-making bodies through emails, calls, meetings, and attendance at events.
• Organise and lead regular fundraising meetings with the Head of Fundraising and the senior team.
• Write and lead on applications, bringing together information and expertise from colleagues as necessary.
• Lead and manage the reporting process to existing funders, bringing together input from colleagues as necessary.
• Attend and assist with public-facing events organised by AHO or others when necessary.
• Work with the senior team to write compelling concept notes and presentations for new areas of work.
• Work with staff and Volunteers across AHO to produce compelling and successful fundraising bids.
• Closely monitor deadlines for applications and reporting, proactively and confidently liaising with relevant staff for timely and high-quality submissions.
• Identify new opportunities for unrestricted and project funding from a range of sources, including trusts, grants and charitable foundations; European, national and local government; individual supporters; and commercial opportunities. 
• Develop and maintain general content and resources in line with branding, such as presentations and texts for staff to reference and share with potential funders.
• Contribute to quarterly Board papers through pipeline updates and the CEO's report.
• Contribute on an ad hoc basis to any other reasonable activity as requested by senior staff.
• Very occasional travel to Africa and other Diaspora for work with our sister organisation, AHO EU and to regions in England where colleagues are based.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Key Competencies

•   Experience in awarding, managing or applying for grants.
•   Experience in awarding, managing or applying for grants.
•   Strong knowledge of UK, EU, and US legislation, accounting requirements and good practice relating to grant awarding and reporting.
•   Experience in using a CRM system or database.
•   Experience in efficiently managing and delivering grant-funded projects and programmes in low settings
•   Ability to work unsupervised, a motivated self-starter, with robust problem-solving, administrative, and multi-tasking skills and is good at follow-through.
•   Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to assimilate and digest large volumes of information.
•   Strong attention to detail and strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage workload effectively and to work with changing priorities and time pressures.
•   Ability to occasionally adjust working hours to fit with multiple time zones as required.
•   Strong written and communication skills.  You will be able to present information in a compelling way through proposals, memos and PowerPoint presentations. 
•   Ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds
•   Desire to contribute to new ideas and ways of working to develop improved models, processes and use of technology in grant-making.
•   Outstanding partnership management skills, with the ability to support and establish highly collaborative internal and external partnerships.
•   Experience with databases/grant-management systems is desirable but not necessary.
•   Financial and budget management skills are desirable but not necessary.
•   Ability in English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili, and Chinese is desirable but not necessary.

We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Colchester and District group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Coichester and District area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.