Cafe volunteer roles

We are seeking to add to the expertise of our experienced, professional Board of Trustees all of whom are volunteers.  All our Trustees require excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, strategic vision and good independent judgement. Although not limited to, we would particularly value the experience and skills in the following areas : 

• Company Secretary/Legal Experience 
• Fundraising in the following areas – Grant, Corporate and Public 
• Marketing 

Lived or shared experience of mental health – desirable. 

Inclusion is one of our values and we are looking for diversity in the makeup of our Board. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities. The Board of Trustees meets every six weeks (in-person), in the evening at 7 p.m. for approximately 2 hours in the Borough of Sutton. 

As background information, Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1998. Its aim is to support individuals experiencing serious mental health issues in the London Borough of Sutton. We aim to keep such individuals well and active helping them to have a voice in the provision of mental health care in the Borough.  Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to individuals’ anxiety and distress.  The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.We provide nonclinical support through our Intentional Peer Support programme together with a Day Service and a Crisis Cafe at our centre in Belmont. We receive funding mainly from the NHS and the London Borough of Sutton although we are part of the Voluntary Sector. 

The board of trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Farm, it’s financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document and legal and regulatory guidelines.
All trustees should be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity. For example, all trustees should be able to read the financial accounts.

THE ROLE

Main Responsibilities

· To ensure that the charity, and its representatives, function within all legal and regulatory requirements applicable, and in line with the organisation’s governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.

· To maintain the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity.

· To take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a material risk to the charity, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties.

· To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.

· To avoid any personal conflict of interest.

· To manage and use the resources of the charity so as to optimise its potential.

· To ensure that robust systems are in place for internal financial control and the protection of the charity’s funds and assets.

· To undergo a thorough induction upon appointment and ongoing training to remain alert to, and aware of, their duties and responsibilities, and of the environment in which they operate.

· To achieve the purpose of the charity and to pursue the charitable objects, and provide public benefit.

Main Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements, and acts within the confines of its governing document and in furtherance to the charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
• Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to grow and maintain its public benefit and recognising the situation when it may be more appropriate to wind the charity up where there is no longer a need for the charity to provide the services it does or because the charitable objects are no longer relevant to contemporary social situations.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system for the recruitment, appointment and monitoring of the work and activities of the General Manager and, where applicable, other members of the senior management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques (including any electronic transactions) and any applications for funds.
• To maintain absolute confidentiality about all aspects of the trustees’ business, bearing in mind the over-riding legal obligations placed upon trustees.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good independent judgment
• Strong communication
• Friendly and approachable
• Knowledge of and interest in animals and community farms is desirable.  
• Candidates who are local are desirable, but it is essential that you are able to travel to the farm for meetings, events and the odd day of volunteering.

ABOUT DEEN CITY FARM
Deen City Farm and Riding School is an urban farm with an educational focus in the heart of the London Borough of Merton. With over 60,000 visitors a year, our five-acre site includes a farmyard, gardens, riding school, shop, café and small playground. As well as welcoming visitors who want to meet the animals and enjoy the setting, we also work with local schools and community groups to fulfil our charitable aim of improving the lives of everyone in the community. Volunteering is at the heart of the project and we also provide a work experience programme.
Deen City Farm is a limited company as well as a registered charity.

We are looking for volunteers for our Hastings drop in group, which meets for a communication cafe-style drop-in group on the last Friday of  the month between 10.30-12.30.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem.

This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.

On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year. (Where applicable, this can count towards continuous professional development).

Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity. 

These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.

The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery.

But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.

As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.

See inside our Collections storage facility - closed to the public - and help us prepare to move our collection to a new facility

What is an Inventory volunteer?

The RAF Museum has many items in its collection which are not currently on display. Our inventory volunteers will ensure that we have an up-to-date record of all the items in our reserve collection, their purpose and condition, to help us prepare to move from our current store outside Stafford to a new storage facility in Cosford. This is a weekday only opportunity.

This role sits within the RAF Museum’s Midlands Development Programme which will transform our museum and our impact on the local community through a series of phased projects – engaging audiences who may not obviously identify with the RAF story by finding common interests and histories which link them. As part of this project, we are planning a new learning centre, outdoor spaces, collections hub and major exhibition.

What will I be doing?

The Inventory Volunteer role could encompass various tasks, which might include:

· Assessing objects’ condition

· Measuring and weighing items

· Undertaking cleaning as required

· Object photography

This role is perfect for you if you…

· Are curious and eager to learn

· Pay attention to detail

· Have a light and careful touch

· Are happy working as part of a team

· Are organised and able to keep accurate records

How much time would I need to commit?

Ideally a half day (09:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 16:00) once a week, although other arrangements can be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 20 volunteering sessions. This is a weekdays only opportunity.

What's in it for me?

· Becoming part of a great team of volunteers and staff

· See and handle objects from the RAF Museum’s collection not on public display

· Learn about object conservation

· Discover more about the history of the RAF

· Gain behind-the-scenes experience within the heritage sector

· 25% discount at our retail outlets and café[KS1] 

· Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy

· Free entry to a wide range of museums and heritage sites across the UK.

FoBV is seeking four new Trustees to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct (FoBV) at a very exciting time in the life of this organisation.

About us:

Bennerley Viaduct, known locally as the ‘Iron Giant’, is one of only two wrought iron railway viaducts remaining in the UK. It was built in 1877 by the Great Northern Railway Company but was closed to rail traffic in 1968. It is now a Grade II* monument, beloved in the area.

Saved from demolition following a public enquiry in 1980 the Bennerley Viaduct stood dormant for 40 years until 2020. In 2020 FoBV was formed as a CIO to bring together the community that was interested in this structure and its surrounding environment. FoBV have since worked in partnership with the owners of the viaduct, Railway Paths Limited (RPL), and funders to restore the viaduct for public access and bring it to life with a programme of activities.

FoBV now lease the viaduct from RPL and has successfully attracted funding for the restoration of the viaduct and activity programmes from NHLF, Severn Trent Community Fund, World Monuments Fund amongst many others. FoBV has also worked in partnership with Broxtowe Borough Council to secure funding to deliver a new visitor centre, café and accessible ramp for the viaduct as part of the Kimberley Town Bid.

We now need to strengthen the existing Board of Trustees to oversee this next stage of the life of the ‘Iron Giant’ as we complete the new visitor centre and its fully accessible eastern ramp. We are looking for Trustees specifically with skills in Marketing & social media, Fundraising & Grants, Hospitality sector and Learning.

What does it Involve?

As a member of the board of trustees, you’ll be involved in:

· Setting the FoBV’s strategic direction, setting goals/targets and monitoring progress

· Ensuring the effective and efficient administration and financial stability of FoBV and its assets

· Joining a sub-committee or working group of the board based on your skills and experience and contribute to delivering identified priorities

· Ensuring FoBV complies with its constitution, charity law, and other relevant legislation or regulations

· Contributing to the appointment, support and monitoring of staff and volunteers

· Safeguarding the reputation and values of FoBV

· Building relationships with stakeholders, members and supporters

· Occasionally representing FoBV at events and acting as a spokesperson

What is FoBV looking for?

We don't expect you to bring lots of previous experience as a trustee, but to be successful as a trustee you are likely to have:

· The ability to operate impartially and objectively

· Commitment to FoBV vision, values and strategy

· Able demonstrate knowledge and experience of the skillsets that we are looking for.

· Proven strategic thinking ability combined with ability to be ‘hands on’ with issues.

· The ability to network and build relationships at all levels

· The commitment to devote the necessary time and effort needed for this role

· Excellent communication skills along with tact and diplomacy

· Trustees are required to attend six board meetings a year and offer support to the charity as and when required. Trustees are expected to contribute to other aspects of running the charity where their skills, experience and time commitments allow it.

We are looking for four new trustees. We’re particularly keen to hear from people who can bring skills in the following areas:

· Learning/education

· Hospitality experience, particularly with events and café operations

· Marketing & Social Media

· Fundraising/ Grant Giving

We want to ensure our board is diverse and represents our local community. We welcome applications from groups who are under-represented on our Board currently, including women, people with a disability and people of colour.

Interviews to take place w/c 14th July 2025

We are so excited to be bringing SMASH SHERWOOD to Sherwood Pines for the third year! Set to take place on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, in the picturesque Mansfield area of Nottinghamshire, this trail running event promises an unforgettable experience through the stunning Sherwood Pines Forest.

Key Information

As a volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in creating an unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike. Whether you're helping with registration, handing out water, cheering on participants, or ensuring the event runs smoothly, your support will directly contribute to making a positive impact in our community.

�� Date: Sunday 29th June 2025.
�� Location: Sherwood Pines, Kings Clipstone, Nottingham, NG21 9JL
⏳ Volunteer Shifts Available: 8am – 12pm/2pm

Perks of volunteering:
✔️ Be part of an inspiring, high-energy event
✔️ Meet amazing people and give back to the community
✔️ Receive a volunteer T-shirt and certificate of appreciation
✔️ Enjoy a day filled with fun, teamwork, and motivation

No experience? No problem! We welcome individuals, groups, and families to join us in making this event a success.

Dress Code: Smash Sherwood takes place outdoors so please come prepared for all weather conditions. Ensure to bring warm, waterproof, comfortable clothing/footwear and check the weather in advance. You will be given a high-vis jacket to wear to make you identifiable as part of the event, but if you do have your own, please bring it along.

Lunch: To show our appreciation we will give you a voucher for the Sherwood Pines Café which will entitle you to a free hot drink and cake.  We do advise you to bring a packed lunch along with you also.

Do you have 1-3 hours every two months spare to become a Mencap befriender volunteer?

We support a gentleman who would like for somebody to visit him for company and friendship. He enjoys time at home, watching TV, playing board games and baking, but mostly enjoys being outside when the weather is fine. He enjoys taking walks, cycling, bowling and meals out and would love for a friend to spend time and enjoy doing this with him. He would like to meet a volunteer to get to know and eventually enjoy getting out and about.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. As you get to know each our you may choose to ‘go out’ either with or without support from the staff that supports the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like: • Sitting and having a chat • Checking in on their well- being • Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink • Enjoying a walk • A craft activity at home • Reading a book/magazine together

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum (NNRF) is a £1m+ community-based charity providing advice and support to individuals and families who seek asylum or live as refugees. The Forum is a key partner of Nottingham City Council, and its work spans a number of separate programmes, much of which is delivered from our building and cafe in the heart of the city.

What exactly does the Forum do?

• We believe in a future where people are treated fairly and compassionately, and where everyone has the chance to feel safe and live with dignity.
• Working in partnership with others, our focus is on helping refugees and asylum seekers to rebuild their lives and to help with their immediate needs. We do this by providing a welcoming community centre, and by offering a range of support services and programmes, including impartial advice, advocacy and signposting.

We are seeking to appoint several Trustees during 2025, each on an initial 3-year term and applications are welcome from any background. In common with many organisations in this sector, people from ethnic minority backgrounds and those with lived experience of the asylum system are underrepresented on our Board at this time. Applicants who have governance experience, for example in schools or local government, or who may be working in a legal/HR role may be of interest. However, the most important attribute is that you have the energy, time and interest necessary to support the Forum’s work.  Candidates will be appointed solely on a defined selection criterion, ensuring that ethnicity plays no role in the decision-making process.

The role of our Trustees is vital to what we do and it means that you can support those seeking refuge to re-establish themselves in a new country. The Board of Trustees has the ultimate authority and responsibility for directing and governing the organisation. Being a Trustee can be a hugely rewarding experience - it offers a fantastic development opportunity, the chance to make a positive impact, to build new relationships and to gain experience in charity operations. As a Trustee you will be able to use your knowledge, skills and experience and have a direct influence over a cause you care about. You will also get free access to a range of Board-level learning resources, including articles, webinars and national networking events.

These are voluntary roles, with meetings usually set for after normal working hours. The minimum time commitment is quite modest - we have six Board meetings per year, each lasting a couple of hours, and an Annual General Meeting in November. We do actively encourage Trustees to also get involved in the work of at least one of our committees, so all of this means a commitment of no more than 1 day per month.

How can I apply?

• In the first instance, please send your CV (if you have one) and/or letter of application to our Chair of Trustees, Graham Bell, telling us about your interest in the role why you want to help us by volunteering as a Trustee. You are also welcome to send your application in the form of a short video. 
• We will also be holding online events during July and September as a way of introducing our work and as an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the role. Further details will be posted on social media.

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.

FoBV are looking for a new Chair of Trustees. This individual will lead the board and be responsible to its members, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, and in accordance with the charity’s vision, goals and charitable purposes. while also being an ambassador for the charity.

About Us

Friends of Bennerley Viaduct (FoBV) is a community organisation based in Derbyshire formed in 2015 with the purpose of safeguarding the Bennerley Viaduct Grade II* listed structure and its surrounding environment. Since 2019, when the organisation became a CIO, it has grown thanks to funding which led to the building of full access onto the viaduct, a new visitor centre and café and the development of an activity programme encompassing both formal and informal learning.

Chair role

· Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that FoBV achieves its charitable purposes and goals.

· Work in partnership with the Board, Operations Director and team to achieve our shared objectives.

· Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.

· Optimise the relationship between the board and FOBV staff, members and volunteers.

· Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.

· Act as a spokesperson and advocate for FOBV.

What we are looking for
Essential

● Experience of being a trustee.

● A keen sense of strategic purpose.

● An inclusive leadership style.

● The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative environment.

● Advocate - be able and willing to champion FoBV work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.

● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

● Be responsive

In addition to the above, the Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

● Support and provide advice on FoBV purpose, vision, goals and activities.

● Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

● Oversee FoBV financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress, with the support of the Trustee Treasurer.

● Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

● Ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively in conjunction with the Trustee Board.

● Provide support and challenge to the Operations Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

● Keep abreast of changes in charity law and regulations as appropriate

● Attend six Board meetings a year and be adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

● Contribute to the broader promotion of FoBV charitable objects, aims and objectives by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

 Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees

● Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

● Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

● Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

● Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

● Willingness to lead according to our values

● Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

● Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable travel expenses etc. will be reimbursed

Do you want to gain professional writing skills and have your named work viewed by thousands? Do you have a passion for great literature or fine art or classical or contemporary music or history or archaeology or something else in the humanities? Do you love to learn about other cultures, their cuisine, customs and language? Do you want to join a vibrant community of writers? Then write for us!

The Cultural Me is a platform for arts and culture with a focus on discovering practical solutions for mental wellbeing, leisure and travel.

We are looking for writers to research and write micro-articles (roughly 750 words), on selected subjects, for example, a piece on Tolstoy, or Early Renaissance to Contemporary Art, or Latin American magic realism to Postcolonial Literature, or Sri Lankan culture, or Beethoven, or Film... You will also be involved in editing contributions from other writers.

If you have never written professionally before, then don't worry: all we ask for is a Bachelor’s Degree in the Arts and Humanities. We are also happy to consider you if you have alternative qualifications — provided you can demonstrate specialist subject matter knowledge in one or more areas in the arts and culture (and you love reading). The articles we produce (unlike popular media) are to the best academic standards. The ideal person, therefore, should enjoy writing articles that are well-researched yet written in an accessible format suitable for the public at large.

Here is what you can expect from us in return for your voluntary work:

• Detailed and friendly, one-to-one editorial feedback on almost every line you write.
• How to write for a busy mainstream reader: developing a story.
• A language and style guide reflecting modern trends in mainstream media.
• The chance to develop a deeper understanding of the arts, history, philosophy...
• Publication of your work to a global audience on a fast-growing platform.
• A link to your writing portfolio to include in your CV.
• A chance to join our diverse community of writers in our active chat space with the option to contribute to our growing social feed on the Cultural Me website.

In addition, if you provide The Cultural Me as a reference for a potential job, we will provide a personalised reference based on your portfolio. Our writers have secured jobs with organisations such as the Red Cross, Kobalt Music, Oxford University Museums, amongst others.

This is a brilliant opportunity for someone with a passion for the arts and culture to join a community on a worthy mission. If you love the idea, then please email Emma by clicking on ‘Apply’ and writing a short cover letter explaining what you like about the role.

COMMENTS FROM OUR WRITERS

Claire Woods — MA Creative Writing, Open University

‘The editors have a keen eye for detail, and I’m learning so much already!’

Florence Gildea — MPhil Sociology, University of Cambridge

‘The level of support, the attention to detail and the encouragement I experienced while writing for The Cultural Me was absolutely unprecedented in all my years of writing. Editing is an underappreciated skill these days, as people are keen to publish content as quickly as possible. It is a testament to the commitment of the Editors at The Cultural Me for producing resources of the highest quality that they put so much time and effort into working with writers like me. I felt both stretched and valued.’

Zoe Willis — BA French and German, University of Bristol

‘Working on The Cultural Me micro-articles really made me interrogate what I was writing, making sure the subject was absolutely clear for those reading it. At university, you are never told to examine each sentence as to how it fits in with your argument.’

Elise Czyzowska — BA English Literature & Language, University of Oxford

‘Writing for The Cultural Me has allowed me to continue practising my analytical reading from university, and given me the opportunity to share my thoughts on the literature I know and love.’

Nicholas Benton — BA English Literature, University of Sheffield

‘The Cultural Me provided me with a detailed commendatory reference that helped me secure a place on a master’s degree at the University of Birmingham.’

Tom Mackinnon — BA History of Art, University of Cambridge

‘Since starting to write for The Cultural Me, I’ve actually learned a lot about writing for mainstream readers. At the same time, I really enjoy being able to keep in touch with the topics I love. I do recommend this experience to anyone wanting to pursue a career in writing, curation or education.’

SAMPLE MICRO-ARTICLES

Please see the attachment.

SAMPLE WRITER PROFILES

Deepa — https://thecultural.me/people/Deepa-Srivastava-109829

Elizabeth — https://thecultural.me/people/Elizabeth-Hopkins-109782

Rami — https://thecultural.me/people/Rami-Barhoumi-109470

Gemma —  https://thecultural.me/people/Gemma-Unyereno-109538

Belinda —  https://thecultural.me/people/Belinda-Robinson-109600

Josef — https://thecultural.me/people/Josef-Steen-109610

At WWT we are aiming to inspire the next generation of nature-lovers. We believe the best way of doing this is to foster emotional connections to nature at our sites and where people live.

One of the ways we do this is through our learning programme and, in particular, through Generation Wild, our flagship nature connection project for children and families from disadvantaged communities. In this role you will be engaging our younger visitors by bringing the life-sized puppet ‘Ava’ to life as part of this project. As a puppeteer, you are key to making the experience a truly magical one for the children

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. 

About You

• Someone passionate about inspiring children to develop and emotional connection with nature.
   
• Previous puppetry / theatre experience would be beneficial but is in no way essential. This role will suit you if you are reasonably extrovert and have good stamina!!

• Experience either in an educational setting or in an environment involving children would be an advantage.

This role is only suitable for over 18's.

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

My Life My Say exists to empower underrepresented youth to engage in politics, influence policy, and drive change through innovative, youth-led and non-partisan solutions, inspiring the next generation of leaders in democracy.​

We are currently hiring for a new Chairperson to replace the outgoing Chair who has served for the last 6 years. It is an ideal opportunity to steer the transition of the charity at a time when their Founding CEO has become Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, and we have appointed an interim leadership structure with two promising Co-CEOs.​

The new Chair will come in to support the charity on a new journey. There is funding in place but there is an opportunity to create a new 5-year plan that will:

​

1. Leverage the success of National Voter Registration Day targeting young voters to start the process of engagement

2. Continue to deliver the annual Next Generation Conference inspiring so many burgeoning political minds

3. Expand the impact of the Democracy Café model to stimulate the voice of young people

4. Continue the expansion of the Squad programme that ensures a bright and ever-increasing future for the role of young people in democracy

The Role

​The role of the Chair will be to ensure the professional running of the Board of Trustees, meeting quarterly to enable the governance of the charity. The role also includes mentoring of the management team to enable them to meet their potential and to allow the charity to thrive under their leadership.

There is an ambassadorial dimension too, seeking to represent the charity when meeting donors, funders, notable politicians, and influencers to underline the quality, integrity, and potential of the charity.

The final responsibility is to lead the assembled trustees to act as a force multiplier to affect the mission of the charity.

Expectations

Candidates for the Chair role will have:

​

• Prior board or senior leadership experience, ideally with a strong awareness of key issues in the democracy space.

• Bring strong governance expertise, strategic planning skills, and experience in influencing and fundraising.

• A commitment to amplifying the voice of young people is essential, along with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style that aligns with the values of the organisation. 

• Existing networks in political, philanthropic, or corporate sectors would be a welcome asset in helping to champion the mission and expand the reach of My Life My Say.

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This role is not remunerated but is an ideal position for someone who is looking to support an organisation with huge potential and a very palpable impact on the communities it serves. The role has the potential for significant exposure and network, so will enhance the career potential of the successful candidate. The outgoing Chair will be available for a smooth transition and will continue to support the Chair with anything they need.

Additional Information

Through this recruitment process we are looking to attract and retain a wide breadth of skills and experience relevant to the work of MLMS. We welcome all applications from those individuals who believe they have the skills and experience outlined above.

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Term of Office

The term of appointment is for three years with the possibility of renewal for a further one terms of three years. Trustees work on a pro bono basis.

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Further Information

MLMS confirms its commitment to equal opportunities in all its activities. It is intended that no applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of political belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or social class. Selection and promotion criteria are kept under review to ensure that individuals are treated on the basis of the job requirements and on their relevant personal merits, and are not disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

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).