Business area manager volunteer volunteer roles

Looking to Make a Difference? Join Where Next as a Board Trustee!

Are you a passionate professional who wants to make an impact beyond the workplace?

About Where Next
Where Next is a charity based in Redditch, Worcestershire and Studley, Warwickshire providing support to adults with learning disabilities.  Founded over 40 years ago by caring parents it has grown from strengthen to strengthen and now provides day care for 150 clients.  The care and support is centred around horticultural and social activities but it also covers many other activities for the clients ensuring that is a varied and engaging programme of activities, nurturing the potential of everyone who attends Where Next

The charity is led by a Chief Executive and a passionate and experienced Board consisting of an excellent Senior Management team and Trustees.  There are 20 staff in total 

The charity has just commenced a developmental journey which will be looking at redesigning the facilities and services ensuring that the charity continues to be relevant going forward. 

Our webpage provides mor information and insight to the work of the charity

What we are looking for.

The Board are looking to strengthen existing skills and knowledge that currently exists and would like to appointment Trustees with any of the following skills and experiences.

Ø  Parent/ carer of an individual with Learning and Disabilities - living or professional experience – bringing day to day experiences to ensure that the Charities strategy is appropriate from a user’s perspective

Ø  Health and safety contract management – providing expertise in all aspects of safety aspect

Ø  Fund raising and PR/marketing including social media - Bringing innovative ideas to expand our reach and connect more people with our cause.

Ø  Project management – sharing skills to aid strategy of charities developments

Ø  Business planning and/or Business Case development -providing skills for the creation of business cases

Ø  Horticultural management – Bringing leadership to support the activities of the charity

Ø  Education /Training/ skills and personal development - offering insights to help improve and develop our Board and workforce

Why Become a Trustee While Working Full-Time?

• Enhance Your Professional Skills: Gain leadership, governance, and strategic experience that complements your career development.
• Broaden Your Network: Collaborate with like-minded professionals, build relationships across sectors, and expand your influence.
• Flexible Commitment: We understand your time is valuable. Our trustee roles are designed to fit alongside your job, with regular meetings and flexible involvement options.
• Make a Real Difference: Your expertise can shape the future of a charity that empowers individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

What’s Involved?

• Board Meetings: Attend approximately 4 meetings per year (held in person and/or virtually).
• Strategic Guidance: Work with fellow trustees to set the long-term vision and strategy of "Where Next" and oversee its implementation.
• Support & Advice: Provide expertise in your specific area while supporting the leadership team on key decisions and projects.
• Advocacy: Use your professional network to champion our cause and help us grow.

The application process

Applications are welcomed and applicants should send CVs and a supporting statement detailing what has attracted the applicants to Where Next to the Chief Executive. 

The shortlisted applicants will be invited for initial discussion with the chairman and CEO.

Who are we: 
We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families. We take a positive and proactive disability and illness. We don't conform to society's and the media's view that disability is awful, and you have no quality of life. Although we fully acknowledge it gives rise to come of the most heartbreaking and challenging times you will ever face. We ask everyone who joins Buttons & Bubbles to embrace this perspective. If you don't agree with it, then sadly we're not the right organisation for you. 

About the role: 
 
We are looking for people to help lead some our teams across the organisation. We are volunteer led and manage 65+ volunteers across the country, most of them remoately. There are 10 different teams ranging from creative to business development. We are looking for up to 10 people to help with the coordination of feedback, delegation of tasks and assisting with running monthly meetings. We have a very diverse team of volunteers from all different culture, religons and disabilities. 

Our values: 

We embrace disability and neurodiversity; it makes us a stronger and more brilliant team. No robots at Buttons & Bubbles, thank you! 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a few individuals who may have the following skills and experience. Don't worry if you haven’t as full training will be provided.

Skillset; 

• Communication skills  

• Coordination skills

• Delegration 

• Knowledge or previous experience of working with disabilities. 

• Knowledge of inclusive design and work practices or open to learning.

• Organised  

• Adaptable  

• Willing to learn and develop  

• Thrill of building an online community. 

• Have a basic DBS check

• Positive attitude towards disability or illness 

Benefits of joining Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C:  

• Gaining valuable experience. 

• Improving your confidence 

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest. 

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Making a difference to the community 

• Makes a positive impact on people 

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills. 

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers. 

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future 

• Employment opportunities

Martlets, Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House have collection tins hosted by a wide variety of businesses across Worthing, Sussex, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas. Our tins continue to play an important role in raising money and awareness for the hospices so that we can continue to provide specialist care.

These tins need to be collected, replaced, and returned to our fundraising offices or shops on a regular basis. With collections expected to be completed on a 6-8 week cycle.

We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help us with this important fundraising and community liaison role.

You will be the face of the Fundraising team in your locality, representing the hospices when collecting. This is a chance to involve yourself with the community by building a relationship with our collection tin hosts and keeping them up to date with any news from us.

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a flexible volunteering role to fit around other commitments. We can discuss potential rounds based on where you live and an appropriate distance to travel.

Martlets, Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House have collection tins hosted by a wide variety of businesses across Worthing, Sussex, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas. Our tins continue to play an important role in raising money and awareness for the hospices so that we can continue to provide specialist care.

These tins need to be collected, replaced, and returned to our fundraising offices or shops on a regular basis. With collections expected to be completed on a 6-8 week cycle.

We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help us with this important fundraising and community liaison role.

You will be the face of the Fundraising team in your locality, representing the hospices when collecting. This is a chance to involve yourself with the community by building a relationship with our collection tin hosts and keeping them up to date with any news from us.

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a flexible volunteering role to fit around other commitments. We can discuss potential rounds based on where you live and an appropriate distance to travel.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can I expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
• Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
• Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
• Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathy to cats and our values
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Confidence in handling money

How much time is expected of me?

Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

We are seeking an experienced professional to volunteer as a Contract & Compliance Advisor. This role is ideal for someone with significant experience in law, compliance, procurement, or contract negotiation, who would like to use their expertise to support a values-led charity.

Key Responsibilities

• Review contracts, agreements, and supplier documentation
• Identify potential risks, liabilities, and areas requiring clarification
• Highlight key terms, conditions, and small print in clear, accessible language
• Provide guidance on compliance, procurement, and contractual best practice
• Support staff to understand contractual implications (non-legal advice)
• Offer input on negotiation points where appropriate

Please note: This is an on-site volunteering role based at Chickenshed in London and cannot be carried out remotely.

This role is advisory and does not involve acting as Chickenshed’s legal representative.

Social Media/Marketing Manager

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. We are looking for someone to help us publicise CAG and what we do to build a consistent positive message about young people and Challenge Adventure Group and, ultimately, build a demand to be a part of CAG.

These messages and stories will be delivered through a variety of media.  Additionally, we want to engage our current and potential audiences by creating and developing a compelling social media strategy and content.  We want to get the CAG name and story out into the community to build long lasting and meaningful relationships with local organisations, community groups and other relevant parties and to establish CAG as a strong and vibrant participant of local life.

Description

We are looking for an experienced offline and online/social media marketer to work with us to maximise our presence in order to attract new members and volunteers and to advertise CAG to its full potential.

We would like you to:

• Develop and on and offline marketing strategy.
• Prepare and deliver on and offline marketing material and stories.
• Perform a social media audit: Assess the current state of our social media pages and make recommendations on how we might improve our presence and engagement and where we might focus our efforts.
• Help us develop and/or execute a social media campaign around, in the first instance, recruiting new members.
• Provide guidance/strategy on how we can manage our social media on an ongoing basis e.g. using a centralised tool, creating a content calendar, identifying easy and free graphic tools and images.
• Produce fresh and engaging content for our social media channels.
• Prepare graphics for sharing across channels.
• Engage with our followers and encourage interaction.
• Manage and maintain social media channels on a regular basis.
• Work with our Group Leader who will provide our existing brand/style guidelines and share the CAG ethos.

We are looking for a volunteer who has experience of:

• Writing and editing marketing content for social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok / across all platforms.
• Building strategies to increase social media following and build fundraising or awareness campaigns.
• Developing a coherent brand voice for social media, from content creation to community interactions.
• Using and setting up tools such as Hootsuite, Social Sprout, Canva, etc.
• Creating content calendars to help plan social media activity.
• Marketing specific events such as New Member Evenings and Duke of Edinburgh Introductory Presentations.

Ideally you should have/be:

• A flexible team player.
• A basic understanding of what CAG stands for and its place in the local community.
• A passion for the work of CAG and the importance of it to its members and volunteers.
• Experience of digital: social media marketing.
• Ability to engage and build a rapport with a wide range of people and organisations including local schools.
• Ability to build and maintain good working relationships.
• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings.
• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Check, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future.  You will shape how we present ourselves to our service users, stakeholders, funders and general public. With your help we will be able to continue to grow our membership through building campaigns to recruit new members who will be able to take advantage of all the challenging adventures we offer and help make the lives of these young people richer and more positive. You will build on the social media campaign we already have in place to help us raise awareness in the local community of what we do and why we do it and ensure that we become a key player in our community as a whole. 

What's in it for you?

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.   This is a new role so you have the flexibility to make it your own under the guidance of CAG Committee.

About the location - Where will you be working?

The volunteer will work from home will be required to attend meetings within the Solihull area.

Travel Limit

This role is partly remote but ideally the candidate should be available for face to face Committee meetings and attending CAG events and other meetings.

When will you be working?

• Flexible so during office hours if necessary for certain events but evenings if preferred.
• You would need to be available to attend Committee meetings which normally take place in the evening.
• Occasional weekends to attend recruitment/marketing events.

Estimate of time commitment

• 2-3 hours per week

Details

The volunteering could be long term.

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

Volunteer Ice Cream Bike Operator

About The Role

We’re looking for positive minded individuals who can bring joy and some theatre to Ice Cream sales whilst on the move on our electric trike at Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

Become the face (and wheels!) of Martin Mere Wetland Centre – a mobile, bike‑powered ice‑cream experience that pops up where the crowds are. You’ll steer one of our fully‑equipped electric bikes, to delight customers with ice cold refreshments and Ice-Creams. Use your entrepreneurial flair to maximise daily sales. Expect plenty of sunshine, spontaneous dance‑offs with kids, and the buzz of being on the move. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 
 
If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don’t wish to apply online, please email us, or give us a call and leave a message with your name and number. 

About You

Skills & Experience:

• Customer-facing experience: Previous experience in retail, hospitality, or customer service is highly beneficial. 
• Communication skills: Ability to interact confidently with customers and promote the business. 
• Physical fitness: Ability to cycle a loaded ice cream bike for several hours and handle the physical demands of the role. 
• Numeracy and basic tech skills: Comfortable with handling cash, using card readers, and potentially using POS apps. 
• Independence and reliability: Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and ensure the business runs smoothly. 

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife – talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake…
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Time commitment?Flexible over peak periods e.g. summer holidays and at weekends.

How to Apply

For more information on this fun and important role, and others, and to apply please visit our website. 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

 Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our collection box fundraising volunteers help our volunteer groups raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

 What we need from you

You’ll be:

· overseeing the collection and delivery of collection boxes in different locations

· recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters

· researching local areas for collection box ‘hot spots’

· sharing fundraising ideas with other volunteers and putting these into practice 

· sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our collection box fundraising volunteers usually spend 1 to 2 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

 We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 6 September 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 7 and 18 September 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 8 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 15 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 22 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 12 November 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Ref: V268 | Advisory Group Member | Northern Ireland

We’re looking for three Advisory Group Member Volunteers over the age of 18 years old, based in Northern Ireland.

You would need to commit to at least three quarterly meetings per year, and other ad hoc sub-group meetings and events as requested.

We are particularly Interested in applications from individuals with lived experience and skills or knowledge in income generation, communications, commissioning or rehabilitation.

Our Advisory Group normally meets in Belfast; however, events can be anywhere in Northern Ireland and meetings can be joined remotely. Travel expenses will be covered. 

The volunteer will be

· Someone with the skills and expertise to advise Northern Ireland’s senior management team on organisational strategy, operational planning, influencing the Stormont government, income generation and the external environment.

· A people person with good listening skills

· A great communicator who enjoys meeting new people

· Reliable and organised

· Passionate about supporting people affected by stroke

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Crewe.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

St Basils is looking for a new Non-Exec Director / Trustee to join our Board as the Designated Safeguarding Board Member.

About Us

St Basils works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase opportunities and ultimately prevent homelessness.

We help just over 4,000 young people each year across the West Midlands, with services in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Our services range from providing supported accommodation to outreach, advice, support, employability and engagement services to help young people regain the stability they need to rebuild their lives, gain skills, confidence and employment and move on. The aim is to help them successfully break the ‘cycle of homelessness’ so that they can go on to experience a bright, fulfilling future and never return to a state where they are at risk of homelessness again.

About our Board

We are a registered provider of social housing, a charity and a company limited by guarantee, meaning our Board members are both Directors and Trustees.

To navigate our challenging regulatory landscape, we need to be tightly governed. At the heart of this is a Board with the right knowledge, values, skills and diversity, all whilst working towards our vision that homelessness should not be part of growing up.

As a member of St Basils’ Board, you will be a guardian of St Basils’ charitable purpose. You will be responsible for holding the Senior Leadership Team to account through constructive challenge and support, and for ensuring St Basils’ strategic priorities are met.

You will form part of St Basils’ governance framework, providing oversight of key business areas, such as business planning, safeguarding, risk, finance, health and safety, EDI and business development. 

Our Board is made up of 14 members, 2 of which are designated for young people who have lived experience of homelessness and / or St Basils’ services.

St Basils has adopted the RACE Equality Code and is actively seeking applications for Board members from Black communities to ensure our Board is reflective of both the young people that we serve and our dedicated workforce.

About the Role

We are looking for a voluntary Director / Trustee with a professional background in safeguarding to join our Board as the Designated Safeguarding Board Member. Our new Board member will need to have a strong understanding of safeguarding, ideally with experience in supporting vulnerable young people.

As the Designated Safeguarding Board Member, you will:

• Work with St Basils’ Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to regularly review safeguarding reports, trends and serious incidents
• Act as a safeguarding champion at Board level, supporting other Directors / Trustees to develop their understanding and confidence in safeguarding
• Provide oversight of allegations or safeguarding concerns relating to staff, volunteers or Board Members
• Attend regular meetings and engage with services, staff and young people to maintain visibility of safeguarding in practice
• Support the Chair, CEO and DSL in ensuring appropriate governance oversight of serious safeguarding incidents, including reputational considerations
• Ensure the Board receives appropriate assurance on safeguarding risks and how they are managed

Our new Director / Trustee will sit on our Service Delivery & Development Committee which oversees both the housing elements of our services as well as the support / progression we provide to our young people. This committee meets virtually, one a quarter.

Although the role is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be paid for costs incurred in undertaking the role.

About You

You will be a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or have significant experience in a senior safeguarding role.

You will demonstrate sound judgement and be able to challenge confidently and constructively, although you do not need to have Board experience.

You will work within the principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and understand the needs of the diverse young people we serve.

You will put the needs of young people first, be passionate about ending youth homelessness and share our mission, vision and principles.

Time Commitment

You will need to be able to attend the majority of Board and Committee meetings, one of each is held each quarter (8 meetings total per year). Each meeting will last around 2 hours and will normally be held late afternoon/early evening (usually 4pm – 6pm). Board meetings are held in person at St Basils’ Head Office in Birmingham, and Committee meetings are held virtually via Microsoft Teams. The dates for meetings are set by calendar year, towards the end of the previous year.

Meeting papers will be shared via an online portal one week in advance of the meeting to allow for sufficient preparation time.

A Board away day is held each year, usually October, and every other year this includes an overnight stay. This will be fully paid for by St Basils.

We encourage Board members to visit our accommodation services to deepen understanding of our work and support effective governance and decision-making. We would like all Board members to make 2 visits a year if possible.

All travel expenses incurred in attending Board meetings / conducting site visits will be reimbursed by St Basils.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a series of essential online training courses (for example GDPR, Cyber Security, EDI, Safeguarding, Risk Management) and the opportunity to do additional online or in-person training, such as Psychologically Informed Environment training. As part of our commitment to race equality, we provide mandatory Anti-Racism training for all staff and Board members.

You will be part of a knowledgeable and supportive Board and have the opportunity to work alongside young people with lived experience.

You will have the guidance of a knowledgeable Chair to support your development as a Director / Trustee, and you will have access to St Basils’ Senior Leadership Team to help you fulfil your role.

St Basils is a learning organisation and therefore we are able to support and develop Board members who are new to the role. In addition, St Basils has membership with the Board Development Agency, which provides our Board Members with access to webinars and development tools specific to housing sector Boards.

Being a Director / Trustee at St Basils is more than just attending meetings – if you would like to contribute to an organisation that has young people at its core, where you can visibly see the difference you are making, then this is the role for you.

For further information please see the link to the full job pack.

We welcome early applications and will interview on a rolling basis.

Why we want you

As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community to ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

This role is diverse and allows for you to focus on the areas that you have skills or interests in. The role has flexibility and can work around your other commitments.

Below are some examples of possible activities you can take on or be a part of as a SSAFA Community Engagement Volunteer.

What you will be doing

• Activity Organisers - Love planning? Help coordinate amazing events like charity dinners, carol concerts, and local fairs.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Event Champions - Be the friendly face of SSAFA! Help at events, chat with visitors, sell merchandise, and spread the word about our work.
• Promoting SSAFA Services - Help provide a warm, welcoming presence at Veterans Breakfast clubs, cafes or hubs - offering information about SSAFA services and signposting as appropriate.
• SSAFA Storytellers -Deliver engaging talks to organisations and groups, sharing SSAFA’s incredible history and mission.
• Community Connectors - Collaborating with the Community Engagement Manager to establish a local network, promote SSAFA's services, and respond to community opportunities such as gardening projects.
• Fundraising Heroes - Whether it’s rallying local businesses, organising events, or getting creative with unique fundraising ideas, you’ll play a crucial role in keeping SSAFA’s support going strong.
• Administrators - Are you detail-oriented and love keeping things organised? Assist with branch and event administration, manage schedules and branch calendars, and ensure everything runs smoothly currently being undertaken.

The skills you need

• Be friendly and approachable.
• Confident to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
• Reliable attitude, staying connected with your Branch and/or Community Engagement Manager about your availability.
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events if necessary.
• Basic IT skills would be an advantage.

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others and make a difference.
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising awareness of SSAFA.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and SSAFA Community Engagement Manager.
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.