Area volunteer roles in poole, dorset

About us

Penificent is a business seeking to address issues faced by young people and to provide a positive influence through comics and workshops. Our books contain thought-provoking discussion questions directly related to the topic of the book, e.g. mental health, Knife crime etc. The books also have activities for young people to go through during a workshop or at home with their parents,keyworker,appropriate adult. These activities range from colouring to creating your own story that tackles a young person’s choice. Through user feedback, we have learnt that our comic story structure with the questions and activities promote more profound thought in young people than the average workbook or mainstream comic book. We currently run workshops in schools with our comics either in person (before Covid-19) or via zoom due to the pandemic. We have also run workshops with BBC Newsround ( Search: Penificent BBC Newsround) Quotes from Anti Knife crime newsround workshop (Adam 16,:"Living in a notorious area I think it stops me from doing many things like leaving my house and going out.

"Girl 16, who didn't want to be named, said: "I feel like you hear so much about knife crime, people begin to think that it's normal but the characters in this comic tell you there's a different way."), gained support from the Mayor of London and the Mayor of Southwark and also been featured in the Sunday time (Search: Penificent Sunday times)

What you will do

We are looking for a Marketing & Communications Volunteer to join our team to drive the organisation’s exciting growth ambitions.

The role will report into the organisation’s founder and will be remote based.

We will offer you stimulating and meaningful work and the opportunity to make a real difference.

Create posts for each of our social media platforms - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn,tictoc.

Analysis of the traffic on our social media and providing insights of our demographic.

Looking for ways on how to turn views into purchases from the posts.

Person specification

• Focused and driven

• Planning and organisational skills

• Good written and verbal communication ability

• Knowledge of social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn

• Attention to detail

• Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines

• Working knowledge of Word and Excel

• Marketing experience or qualification (desirable not essential)

This is an exciting opportunity if you have some previous Marketing experience or are looking to move into a Marketing role.

This will also look great on your cv when applying for future jobs and we will provide a reference.

BioBright

BioBright helps the maritime industry to reduce CO2 and water pollution by using algae cultivation and monitoring systems.

The maritime industry is a significant contributor to global environmental challenges, particularly regarding CO2 emissions and water pollution. BioBright is committed to tackling these urgent issues through its innovative algae-based technologies designed to reduce emissions and improve water quality within ports.

Algae-Based Technology for CO2 Absorption BioBright cultivates algae inside ports, which naturally absorbs CO2 from the surrounding environment. Only 400 grams of algae can absorb 800 grams of CO2 every hour, making it a highly effective solution for carbon reduction in maritime ecosystems. By scaling algae installations in key port areas, BioBright helps ports significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

Marketing & Communications

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Purpose: Lead BioBright’s marketing strategy for B2B channels, grow our visibility, and turn interest into partnerships, customers, and real-world impact. With your help, we can accelerate the maritime industry's transition to net zero and protect marine life by raising awareness about the power of algae-based solutions. This is an opportunity to apply your marketing skills to something that truly matters.

Why Join Us: At BioBright, we’re building cutting-edge algae technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions, restore water quality, and support marine biodiversity. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a mission-driven startup tackling urgent environmental challenges in ports and coastal ecosystems. Your voice and creativity will directly contribute to positive change.

Responsibilities:

Develop and execute marketing campaigns across digital and offline channels. Manage BioBright’s social media presence (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.). Create engaging content: posts, newsletters, case studies, press releases, investor updates. Support branding and messaging across pitches, events, and product launches. Work with the web team to keep the site updated with clear, compelling content.

Key Skills:

Strong writing and storytelling skills, especially for science/tech topics. Experience with digital marketing tools (Mailchimp, Meta Ads, Google Analytics, Canva, etc.). Comfortable with both strategy and hands-on execution. Understanding of sustainability, tech, or marine/environmental topics is a plus. Video editing or visual content creation is a bonus.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Our network of committed local vegans across the country is growing! The Vegan Society organises various outreach activities to influence change in every level of society. There are a range of activities going on all the time, from general educational stalls at events to meeting with local policy influencers.

What does the Advocate role involve?

Being an Advocate for veganism with The Vegan Society will mean communicating with people in your local community. You'll share the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. You will form part of a local group, headed up by a local Organiser. The Organiser will feed back your collective efforts to staff. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group, for vegan socialising and ideas sharing.

You’ll stay in touch with the Organiser and bring your passion to tasks. Activities can range from staffing a stall to giving a talk at an employee event. It could also mean writing to a local newspaper or lobbying an MP.

Messaging can differ every month. Part of our mission statement is to ensure people can remain vegan, so you might focus on getting more vegan options available in local businesses. Or within our Live Vegan for Less campaign, you may share cheap vegan recipes to help people with the cost of living.

When acting as an Advocate, you will use The Vegan Society’s branding and messaging guidelines. Your local Organiser will guide you in doing this, as they hold physical resources and handbooks. You can report any issues and feedback you have to your Organiser. You can also contact staff if your Organiser isn't available or you have any problems.

What training and support is available?

You will be provided with a big welcome and full induction from your local Organiser. They will introduce you to the group and any actions that are ongoing. Any training and development will be provided via your Organiser, and you can also ask for specific training on any areas that you need some development in.

What skills would be useful in doing this role?

• The ability to stay motivated in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
• Good email etiquette, responding in a timely manner
• Committed to veganism and the mission of The Vegan Society
• Ability to stay calm if confronted with differing opinions or challenges
• A good communicator, with the ability to be persuasive
• Confident in communicating with people from a range of backgrounds
• Experience of campaigning
• Any experience in talking with members of the public through customer/public service would be helpful
• Awareness of current affairs, especially those that relate to veganism
• Regular availability and a willingness to stay committed to actions
• Good team player

How much time do I need to invest?

For Advocates, we ask for people to engage in a minimum of four to six actions per year. An example of an action could be writing to an MP or holding a stall. But the more you can do, the better! On occasion, there may also be online meetings to plan for actions or provide training.

Who can I contact to find out more?

Enquiries are welcome! Please contact Katy Malkin (Volunteering Coordinator).

How do I apply?

Interested? Simply fill in our Community Advocate application form. This should take a few minutes.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Joining this role means you'll be at the heart of providing essential support to families facing the unimaginable; caring for their child who's life will be short.

Many families in Wales are unfortunately facing this challenge alone, without support from others.

As a Practical Family Support Volunteer for Tŷ Hafan, you will assist families in need with various light tasks such as cleaning, tidying up and laundry.

Your contribution will go beyond housekeeping; it's about taking some of the pressure off and giving families the breathing space they need to spend more precious time together.

This role offers the satisfaction of knowing you are making a positive impact on families with a child with a life-shortening condition, by helping them create a tidy, clean and safe home environment that reduces their daily stress and worries.

Most importantly, you will be helping us to ensure that no family faces this challenge, alone.

Considerations:

Age requirement: 21+

Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area)

Time commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks.

Background checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting.

Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers with some skills, experience and knowledge of gardening, either as a profession or as a hobby.

Activities include:

Activities include helping families with light housekeeping tasks such as; cleaning, dusting, vacuuming and laundry, giving them the space they need to be there for their child who needs them.

We are looking for volunteers who:

•Can empathise with the families you are helping and show them kindness and respect;

•Are reliable and flexible and committed to volunteering on a longer term basis;

•Will follow our health and safety guidelines, policies and procedures and report any issues or concerns to the Family Support Volunteer Manager;

•Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting;

•Are polite and friendly;

•Can adapt to different situations and challenges;

•Enjoy making a difference in the lives of others

At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.

We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

Training you will receive:

You will receive a comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning.

You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who will assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings.

Other role and organisation specific training is available including both supplementary and mandatory training.

All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.

The benefits of becoming a Practical Family Support Volunteer in Family Homes:

•Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy;

•Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year;

•Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others;

•Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.

Position Overview
Join a passionate team making a real impact on conservation in Madagascar — from anywhere in the world.
We are offering a unique remote internship opportunity to support SEED’s conservation professionals working on the ground in Madagascar. As part of this role, you’ll contribute directly to vital environmental research through data input, cleansing and preliminary analysis. This position is ideal for a motivated individual with a foundation in conservation data who is eager to deepen their skills and gain hands-on experience.
About the organisation
SEED Madagascar is a British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high quality community health, livelihoods, education infrastructure and conservation programmes to support sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication across all of our programmatic areas.
Location: Remote – based anywhere in the world
Time zone: East Africa Time
Timeframe: 6 months extendable – flexible 2 days a week
Contract: Voluntary, unsalaried
Reporting to: Conservation Research Coordinator / Senior Research Assistant
Duties and responsibilities
1. Receiving data from the team of researchers in Madagascar and taking responsibility for the
organising, cleaning and inputting of data
2. Feeding back to the team with recommendations for data quality improvements and learning
3. Supporting on the initial analysis across the range of data collected when required
4. Working with the wider SEED environment team in inputting data and analysis into technical reports
5. Opportunities for liaising with the SEED communications team on highlighting data findings through social media
6. Any other tasks the Conservation Research Coordinator deems necessary within the broad remit of this role
Qualifications
● Hold or be studying towards an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in or relating to conservation or have comparable field experience
● Have experience inputting and managing datasets
● Have experience applying software, preferably R or Python, for data manipulation and analysis.
● Proven high standard of written and verbal communication and editing skills
● Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to SEED’s ethos and approach and be a good ambassador for the organisation at all times
● Be punctual and be able to work to tight deadlines in an organised manner and to a high standard
● Ability to work well under pressure to targets and deadlines
● Proactive, creative and resourceful
● Experience of collaborative team working and be able to work both independently
● Excellent listening and verbal communication skills and a flexible and patient attitude
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint
● Proficiency in data analysis and statistical modelling
● Be able to financially support themselves for the duration of their internship as there is no stipend available for travel

Jumble Sales Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to raise funds, have fun and join a super team of volunteers who together make our Jumble Sales in Thatcham a great success?  As Jumble Sales Organiser you would be helping to make everything run smoothly for the team.

Time Expectations:  1 Saturday every other month (plus preparations)

This could be a shared role and tasks may include:

· Booking the hall for future Jumbles

· Contacting the Jumble team before events to check availability

· Set up stalls, running a stall and packing away at the end

· Collecting any items/resources needed from the centre the day before

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Fundraising Events Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to be part of a dedicated and friendly team of volunteers and make a real difference to the lives of cats and kittens in our care?  Do you enjoy planning and organising for events?  Maybe you have a particular skill that you would like to put to use?
 
Then this could be the role for you! 
 
Our Fundraising Events Team are at the heart of what we do, raising essential funds for the cats. 

Our Fundraising Events Organisers share ideas, tasks and inspiration, planning and delivering local events, with the support of the Fundraising events helpers, such as Open Days (usually 2 per year) at the centre and our annual Christmas Bazaar. 

Time Expectation:  This role can be varied and time commitment can be flexible. 

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

At WWT, we are on a mission to restore wetlands and unlock their power. Taking direct action to bring wetlands back to life and inspiring and empowering everyone to do just the same.

We are looking for 2 volunteers to join our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (FARCom) as co-opted members.

Effective governance is vital in making sure we harness our resources to achieve our strategy. Our Council of Trustees are responsible for overseeing our strategic direction and managing our finances, resources and risk.

The FARCom plays a crucial role in supporting trustees to do this. As a co-opted committee member, you will bring your specialist skills and knowledge to bear, helping to ensure short and long term viability for the charity. Co-opted members are not trustees, but play a crucial role in enabling good governance.

Online interviews will take place during the week of the 23rd June (if you have restricted availability that week, please make a note of this in your application – we will accommodate requirements where possible).

Brooke is seeking two new board members with specific background or experience in the following: 

• Digital/technology transformation
• Fundraising – individual, institutional, or major philanthropy
• International development
• Legal and / or governance

We are proud to be Brooke. We are resourceful, share new ideas and help each other succeed. Together we make change happen.

Brooke’s work across Africa, Asia and Latin America transforms the lives of animals and people in the communities we serve. With our ambitious plans for growth throughout 2025-26, these are key roles to support Brooke as we soon develop an ambitious new global strategy from 2027.

We are currently seeking new members to join our highly skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated board, bringing invaluable experience and expertise to drive our mission forward. You will be joining a highly skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated team, together pursuing the goal of global compassion and healthcare for working horses, donkeys and mules and the communities that depend on them.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team you will ensure Brooke effectively delivers its inspiring mission and is governed to the highest of standards. Your responsibilities will include shaping and reviewing our strategic objectives, guaranteeing alignment with our charitable goals, and maximising public benefit.

We are seeking individuals with wide-ranging experience and a proven track record of strategic leadership. Your ability to challenge constructively, coupled with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, will be instrumental in fostering a supportive yet empowered environment. As a member of our diverse board of Trustees, you will contribute to shaping policies and priorities that ensure Brooke's financial stability and long-term impact.

If you are passionate about the welfare of working animals and the communities they serve, and are ready to make a tangible difference, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of Brooke. Be part of something truly meaningful by becoming a board member today.

Closing date: Sunday 25th May.

Interviews to be held w/c 2 June.

Introduction

Do you care about the future of the countryside in North and East Yorkshire?  Do you have skills and experience in in policy development in or for Local Authorities that you could bring to our work?  CPRE North and East Yorkshire are looking for a Trustee and Local Authority Communications Lead to contribute to our important work protecting our beautiful local countryside and green spaces.

Who we are

CPRE campaigns nationally and locally for positive solutions which safeguard the long-term future of our precious countryside which is facing multiple threats. At national level, the charity produces in-depth research and sound arguments to press government, Parliament and other decision-makers to support our countryside, be it national landscapes or simply much loved local green spaces, through policies which ensure:

- The right development in the right place

- Active support to improve biodiversity and 

- Countryside protection from climate change impacts and contribution to climate change solutions.

Here in North and East Yorkshire, the largest of the CPRE regions (6,900 square miles!), we have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to help shape development in ways that enrich the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.

The role

Our small but energetic team of volunteer Trustees enable people to protect the countryside they love and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live.  But with your support we can do even more! 

In joining us as a Trustee on the Board you’ll have a general role in developing the charity in line with our strategy and, together with other Trustees, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and other legal and governance regulations.  However additionally as our Lead for Local Authority Communications you will use your particular  knowledge of policy development in this arena to inform and guide the Trustee Board on Local Authority campaigning and coordinate and drive forward related activities to meet agreed aims.   

+Trustees initially serve a three-year term and may serve up to six years in total. 

What we need and what’s in it for you

You don’t need to have prior Trustee experience but we are looking for applicants with manager/senior level experience in policy development in Local Authorities and/or as policy advisor to Local Authorities. By volunteering with us you’ll be using what you know  to help find positive solutions for the major issues facing the countryside and the environment as well as being part of a group of people who share your passion for the countryside.  Our friendly team will provide you with initial training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership.  Further information on role responsibilities and our skill requirements are provided in the supplementary documents available on our application website, CPRENEY.

Unify Giving is an innovative charitable technology platform that connects donors directly with verified individuals in need. Our mobile app enables anyone to donate directly to beneficiariesm ensuring 100% of donations reach recipients while preserving their dignity and choice. We partner with established charities who verify legitimate need.

Following our successful Newport pilot, we're expanding across the UK to help more individuals experiencing hidden homelessness and other forms of vulnerability.

Role Overview

As a Charity Liaison Officer volunteer, you'll be at the heart of our mission to bridge the gap between donors and those in need. This purpose-driven role focuses on establishing and nurturing partnerships with charitable organisations across the UK, enabling more vulnerable individuals to receive direct support through our platform.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while gaining valuable experience in the charity tech sector. You'll represent Unify Giving to potential charity partners, help onboard new beneficiaries, and ensure our existing partners are up-to-date with platform developments that can enhance their work.

Key Responsibilities

• Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong relationships with charity partners who can verify and support potential beneficiaries.
• Partnership Outreach: Identify and approach suitable charitable organisations working with homeless individuals and other vulnerable populations.
• Onboarding Support: Guide charity partners through the process of bringing verified beneficiaries onto the Unify Giving platform.
• Training & Education: Provide training to charity staff on how to use the Unify Giving platform effectively.
• Impact Communication: Gather and share success stories (while maintaining privacy) to demonstrate the effectiveness of our direct giving model.
• Platform Ambassador: Keep charity partners informed about new features and improvements to the Unify Giving platform.
• Feedback Collection: Gather insights from charity partners to help us continuously improve our service.

What We're Looking For

• Passion for addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable individuals
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to explain technology in accessible, non-technical terms
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
• Experience in the charity sector, social work, or community engagement (desirable but not essential)
• Understanding of homelessness issues and challenges in the UK (desirable)
• Reliable access to transportation for partner visits when needed
• Comfortable using digital platforms and mobile applications

Time Commitment

We're looking for volunteers who can commit to approximately 5-10 hours per week, with flexibility around your schedule. This can include:

• Virtual meetings with potential and existing charity partners
• Occasional in-person visits to charities in your region (dependent on distance/ travel expenses covered)
• Regular check-ins with the Unify Giving team

What You'll Gain

• Make a direct impact on addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable individuals
• Develop professional skills in partnership building, communication, and the charity tech sector
• Gain insight into innovative solutions to social problems
• Be part of a passionate, mission-driven team
• Receive training and support from Unify Giving
• Opportunity to build your professional network across the charity sector
• Letter of recommendation upon successful completion of a 3-month volunteer period

Locations

We're particularly seeking volunteers in the following areas:

• London
• Newport
• Manchester
• Bristol
• Brighton & Hove
• Edinburgh
• Cardiff
• Other major UK cities (please specify your location when applying)

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from those with lived experience of homelessness or other forms of social exclusion.

Unify Giving connects those who want to help with those who need support, ensuring direct impact while preserving dignity and choice.

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Who we are

The Landmark Trust is one of Britain’s leading building conservation charities. With the help of our supporters, we save historic buildings in danger of being lost forever. We sensitively restore such ‘Landmarks’ and offer them a new future by making them available to everyone for short breaks. The lettings income from the 200 extraordinary buildings in our care supports their maintenance and survival in our landscape, culture and society. 

Seeking Trustees

With several Board retirements this year, the Landmark Trust is looking to appoint up to three new Trustees.

We are a charity which rescues and restores significant historic buildings; and which makes these available to as many people as possible, for enjoyment and inspiration, through our holiday accommodation business.

Landmark’s Board of Trustees numbers ten individuals with a broad range of expertise and experience.  The common factor is a commitment to the protection of heritage buildings, and to supporting the objectives, ethos, and aspirations of the Landmark Trust.

We welcome applications from any outstanding candidates who bring a strategic approach, good sense, and a desire to make a difference, to the Board.  Some particular skills which would be of interest are set out in the detailed Trustee Brief.

We also particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups, younger applicants, and those based outside the South East.

Closing date for applications: Monday, 9 June 2025 at 5:00 PM
Interviews will be held on: Monday, 14 July 202 

African Development Choices (ADC) is a UK-based Social Enterprise on a mission to reduce poverty by empowering communities to make more informed choices in the management of public resources.

ADC’s purpose is to enable communities to independently meet their needs for essential services, such as clean water and safe sanitation and improve lives in Africa.

At ADC we encourage a working culture of seeking and giving input, showing, and taking initiative and commitment to the organisation and its purpose.

Main Purpose of Job: You will be the main point of contact for the HR General Team, handling day-to-day management of volunteers, communications, and policy administration. Additionally, you'll support Talent Acquisition by screening CVs, scheduling interviews, and managing onboarding. This is a great opportunity to contribute to new HR initiatives and strategies.

Department: HR General

Division: People & Culture

Position Reports to: Chief People Officer

Position is Responsible for: No direct reports

Main Duties & Objectives
 

Your main responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
 

• Assist with the Talent Acquisition process by screening CVs, coordinating interviews, and managing the onboarding of new hires.

• Support the HR team with administrative tasks related to recruitment and employee onboarding.

• Assist in the development and implementation of human resources policies, systems, and processes.

• Undertake tasks around performance management.

• Gather and analyse data with useful HR metrics to develop effective action plans (i.e., employee turnover rates, volunteer satisfaction, retention rate per manager, etc.)

• Create strong relationships across the organisation and develop a network of contacts throughout your area and understand who the key individuals are.

• Update and maintain volunteer records when necessary.

• Provide administrative support to the Talent Acquisition team by screening CV’s and setting up interviews.

• Working with leadership teams on developing, organising, and implementing design models.

• Attend the HR General Team weekly meeting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential

• Previous administrative experience in Talent Acquisition

• Proven experience as an HR Generalist or HRBP and be able to demonstrate your complete understanding of the position.

• Knowledge of HR processes and HRIS systems and HR best practises.

• Able to assist on developing action plans for the implementation of new HRIS systems, policies, HR strategies, etc.

• Excellent communication and people skills.

• Experience in working closely with business leaders and line managers to build their people capability.

• Able to deliver a high standard of work in a timely manner, within defined processes and with minimal supervision.

• The ability to keep sensitive information confidential.

• Available to volunteer at least 7-10 hours a week 

• Ability to actively take initiative and help set things up in a start-up environment.

• Ability to actively seek and give input in a collaborative team environment.

• A committed team player with good communication skills.

Desirable

• Hold a qualification related to HR.

What ADC Offers You

This is a volunteer, remote and unpaid position with the following benefits:

• Professional learning and career development opportunities.

• An opportunity to build on your work experience within your profession.

• An opportunity to be part of a diverse team representing different parts of the world, that is changing lives in Africa.

• An opportunity to help shape a start-up social enterprise.

• We will provide work reference for you.

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Here at African Development Choices, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our teams are made up of people from all over the world and we welcome all applications. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, and you require any reasonable adjustments for your application with us, please let us know by contacting recruitmentatafricandevelopmentchoicesdotorg.

Haig Housing Trust provides housing for veterans and their families. We’re looking for a passionate, experienced individual to join our Board of Trustees and help us drive real change.

What will you be doing?

Our purpose is to provide quality homes to improve the lives of veterans and their families. We have a long and proud history of supporting our beneficiaries. We have over 1,500 properties across the UK on small well-managed estates, ranging from six houses to 360 homes on our largest estate in Morden. Homes are available at an affordable rent. We also offer extensive support, advice and signposting to assist those in housing need. We believe housing is fundamental to building thriving communities.

This is an exciting time to join our board. Now under the recent Patronage of HRH The Princess Royal we have ambitious plans to improve our housing stock, grow the support we offer our beneficiaries and ensure they remain at the core of everything we do. We have a strong leadership team, a robust financial base and are confident about our future.

Due to planned retirement we want to strengthen the Board. We want to stress that no board experience is necessary to apply – we will help you to learn and grow. What we do ask is that you are committed, curious and collaborative.  If you have a legal background, that would be of particular interest.

We are on an important journey to improve our impact, growing investment in our properties over the next five years. We froze rents in 2022, allowing us to keep increases to below inflation over the last four years. We want to build our profile, thinking creatively about the needs of the veteran community and on how to innovate our service delivery for their benefit. With our new chair, the Board will shape our strategic goals, ensuring that we continue to deliver housing that is fit for the future.  

We are in a strong financial position. Total income in FY 23/24 was £12M.  We are debt-free with a strong balance sheet. We own our properties, have strong reserves and are diversifying our income, growing fundraising so that we can modernise our homes and increase our impact.

We are governed by a diverse Board of independent, non-executive trustees with a wealth of professional, charity and Armed Forces experience. Trustees meet formally every quarter and delegate specific issues to three committees (Finance and Risk, Estates and People) that report to the Board. Overall, we have c60 staff, based in Victoria, led by the Chief Executive and a Senior Leadership Team of four.

What are we looking for?

Person Specification

Essential

• Clear empathy for Armed Forces veterans and their families and a passion for our mission.
• A collaborative, engaging style that promotes positive relationships at all levels and with partners.
• A willingness to help us develop and deliver better customer service.
• Commitment to help us grow our standing with public, private and civil society organisations.
• Willing to learn about those areas of running a charity with which you are not familiar
• Personal integrity and credibility that grows confidence at all levels with everyone you meet.

Able to make the time commitments of the role.

Desirable

• Experience of operating in the charitable sector.
• Connections within the military and veterans’ sectors.
• Legal experience (in a relevant sector)

What difference will you make?

Trustees bring their own experience to a Board, using their skill and judgement to enable good decision-making and deliver impact.  If you share our passion for helping those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families and want to play your part in delivering a better future for them, we’d love to hear from you.

We do ask that candidates commit to:

• Attending four board meetings, a strategy offsite and four sub-committee meetings a year.
• Developing a good understanding of our operations and the environment in which we operate.
• Meeting the people we help and the teams that support them.
• Helping the board ensure the highest standards of governance and strategic focus.
• Monitoring the performance of Haig’s activities in a constructive and collaborative way.
• Making time, skills, and experience available (in and outside of regular board meetings).

The overall time commitment is around 1 day a month on average. Board usually meets in person in London each quarter; committee meetings are remote. Trustees are appointed for renewable terms of office of three years. The role is unremunerated, although expenses are reimbursed.

Before you apply

To express interest please contact us via Reach. Applications by CV and covering letter (max 2-sides A4).  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.