Cafe host volunteer roles in london

Trustee for Bracknell Shopmobility
 

Do you want to support the running of a charity that helps disabled people in Bracknell?

Bracknell Shopmobility are the independent charity helping local people’s disability needs, from hire of mobility scooters to advice on disability aids and assistance, and also much more!

From our shop in central Bracknell we run regular social activities in our community café, hold fundraising activities, plus host regular visits from health and other advisors about a range of issues, not just focused on disabled people.

Our annual income has risen to £70k, and we have a new Treasurer joining us; we now need trustees to build our strategy for the future, so we can continue our 20+ year journey in helping Bracknell communities.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience in understanding the needs of disabled people’s mobility, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

You don’t need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as support from others is always available.  Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan longer-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members. Our small team of employees and volunteers are those dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a wide variety of backgrounds to join our charity.

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s day-to-day operations; however, contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for about six hours per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by video. A detailed Role Description and Person Specification can be made available to you upon request.

 Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references.

Your CV and supporting statement will be read by our trustees; an informal discussion followed by interview can be offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply, below, for more information, the Role Description & Skills Specification and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom) at your convenience.

At Merstham Community Facility Trust our vision is thriving community where every resident has the opportunity to belong. We aim to support, empower and connect the people of Merstham.

The purpose of the charity is to support the Merstham community by delivering services that reflect the needs and ideas of local residents. We are committed to championing community led projects, events and volunteering opportunities, and we strive to foster a sense of belonging, enhance personal development and promote wellbeing.

If you are a committed and enthusiastic person who wants to make a difference to the lives of the people of Merstham then this could be the volunteering position for you!

Our key initiatives are:

Addressing financial hardship by running a food club, hosting a food bank and providing a Community Fridge, using surplus food collected from local supermarkets and making it accesible to local residents, also saving tonnes of food ending up as waste. During the winter we provide a 'warm hub'

Improving Wellbeing including activities to address social isolation for example a community allotment, bee keeping, chatty tables, Craft tables, games evenings and a Cinema Club -aimed at reducing social isolation in the elderly. We have a number of mental health initiatives and have trained 20 Community Champions - who can give basic advice on mental and physical health issues. We organise various community events for example an Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Fayre and Coach outing to the coast.

Community Enablement Signposting to support, including access to Citizens advice, food bank and support groups. Employment support - provided by partners at the Hub to assist path to employment and increase employability. Up-skilling and training of volunteers and Lead volunteers to put skills back into our community, IT support

The Board is currently composed of six trustees and two associate trustees. We employ a manager, four part time office staff and three caretakers who conduct the work of the charity. There are about 60 volunteers and 20 Wellbeing Champions involved in the Hub, carrying out activities such as IT support, reception duties, Repair cafe etc. During the winter months we run a 'Warm Hub' where people of reduced means can receive a cup of tea, biscuits and a friendly welcome.

 As Chairman of the Board of Trustees you will play a vital role in shaping the future direction of the charity, and securing it's success in challenging the social inequalities faced by the community of Merstham.

Core Skills

1. Leadership & Facilitation

   • Ability to lead and inspire trustees and volunteers.

   • Encourages participation and manages diverse opinions.

2. Communication

   • Clear, respectful, and persuasive speaking and writing.

   • Able to represent the charity in public and with stakeholders.

3. Governance & Strategic Thinking

   • Understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities.

   • Can help develop and oversee long-term plans.

4. Meeting Management

   • Skilled in chairing meetings effectively, ensuring they are focused, inclusive, and productive.

5. Financial Awareness

   • Basic understanding of budgets, funding, and financial accountability (doesn’t need to be a finance expert).

6. Conflict Resolution

   • Ability to manage disagreements constructively and maintain harmony on the board.

Key Attributes

1. Integrity

   • High ethical standards and commitment to the charity’s mission.

2. Commitment

   • Willing to dedicate sufficient time and energy.

3. Impartiality

   • Treats all opinions fairly and avoids favouritism or personal agendas.

4. Empathy & Community Focus

   • Understands and connects with the community the charity serves.

5. Confidence Without Ego

   • Willing to make decisions and stand by them, but open to being challenged.

6. Reliability

   • Can be counted on to follow through with responsibilities and support the board and staff.

Optional but Valuable

• Fundraising experience

• Policy or nonprofit background

• Local community ties

• Experience managing volunteers