Chair Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Branch Chair?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.
What would you be doing?
- Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
- Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
- Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
- Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
- Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
- Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
- Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- 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!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
- Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
- Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
- Reliability
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
- Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
- Good written and spoken English.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chair of Trustees - Sansara
SANSARA is a vocal collective making choral music that matters, giving voice to powerful human stories.
It is recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees to chair its board that has strong governance, public health, finance, and creative arts experience, from the 1st of August 2024 or earlier, as the current Chair resigns on the 31st July 2024.
Choirs are living, breathing instruments with unmatched expressive potential. SANSARA channels this creative force to present compelling choral experiences at the highest level, from intimate a cappella performances to immersive electronic soundscapes and critically acclaimed recordings. Its core projects fuse artistic excellence with social engagement.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a qualified in hair braiding/styling hair and would like to share your skills with others? We have an exciting opportunity to teach young people the skills needed to braid hair. Hair care is an essential to looking after oneself and providing confidence.
What you will be doing
- Planning hair braiding/styling workshops on a 1:1 basis or in a small group
- Sharing skills and techniques
- Encouraging others to get involved in learning and discussions about hair care
The skills you need
- A skilled and qualified Hair stylist
- Calm and patient approach
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
As the Chair you should take control of meetings, ensuring that everyone who wishes to has a reasonable chance to speak and take part. The Chair should ensure any reasonable adjustments are made for Trustees with learning disabilities or other disabilities. You should be able to listen to and understand a wide range of views, present information clearly and concisely and get clarification of relevant points, thus enabling the board to make effective decisions. The board must demonstrate its leadership of the organisation. It is the chair's role to enable the board to do that.
Personal skills and qualities
● leadership skills
● experience in chairing meetings and committee work
● facilitation skills
● tact and diplomacy
● excellent communication and interpersonal skills
● impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidences
● Knowledge or experience of learning disability, including the issues that impact on the lives of people with learning disabilities
● Good knowledge of the third sector
It is desirable for the chair to have knowledge of the type of work undertaken by Speak Out and a commitment to keeping ahead of the changes in the organisation that take place.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chair of the Board of Trustees - Kidscape
Kidscape is an award-winning bullying prevention charity that works across England and Wales. Since 1985, it has been giving practical help to children, families, and professionals to prevent bullying and protect young lives.
As Chair, you wouldlead the team and board to shape its work across England and Wales, providing national, regional and local provision.
New Dawn New Day is a longstanding Leicester based women’s charity. A key focus of our work is supporting women who have come into contact with Criminal Justice Services or are at risk of offending, delivering a range of practical and emotional support designed to meet their multiple and complex needs.
If you have a commitment to, but not necessarily experience of working in the women’s sector, this role is a great opportunity to use your experience and leadership skills to help drive forward our work and build on our excellent reputation.
We are looking for a Chair to lead the Board, oversee our strategic direction ensure effective governance & inspire us.
Key Responsibilities
Ensuring effective governance
- Providing support and leadership to ensure trustees fulfil their duties and contribute to strategic decision-making
- Maintain a supportive team culture among trustees, leveraging their varied experiences and networks for the charity's benefit
- Supporting new trustees to develop their participation and contribution
- Oversee the plan for trustee recruitment to ensure succession, diversity & relevant skills
Development of the charity’s long-term strategy
- Working in collaboration with trustees, the CEO, and the Senior Executive Team to oversee the development of the long-term strategic plan
- Review delivery of the annual plan to achieve funding & project objectives
- Research broader networks, potential partnerships & stakeholders to support the charity's strategic goals and funding requirements
Working with the CEO
- Develop a productive working relationship
- Agree their annual objectives and provide support and oversight to deliver them
Acting as a representative of the charity
- Be an ambassador, developing our network with decision makers and other stakeholders as appropriate
For more details on the role & candidate requirements please find attached our Candidate pack for more details
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Chrysalis Supported Association is a registered provider of social housing, specialising in providing accommodation and support to vulnerable adults across the UK.
You will contribute actively to the Board by providing strategic direction, setting policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance against agreed targets, meeting the needs of our tenants. Two positions available.
What will you be doing?
You will also help ensure that Chrysalis Supported Association complies with its overall governance document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations and keep up to date with internal and external factors that could impact Chrysalis Supported Association’s activities. You will also help to ensure the effective and efficient administration and financial stability of the charity.
We operate across the country developing accommodation for tenants with specific needs including learning difficult, mental health issues, those escaping domestic violence or recovering form substances abuse. We support many clients with other services such as counselling and developing work skills.
We have two positions, one as Chair. This is an unpaid role but we offer a programme of board development to all trustees and paid expenses.
What are we looking for?
You should have a passion to assist others feel safe in their own home, supported appropriately and able to operate in a group structure liaising with other boards and prepared to develop areas of expertise within the sector as well as bringing your own skills a contributing to future growth.
We would be very interested in new trustees with specialist housing experience but also those with experience with our client groups or those with governance, legal or financial skills and a passion for helping those we support.
What difference will you make?
You will contribute to the strategic direction and growth of a specialist housing provider that sits in a group of organisations providing a range of supporting services including addiction recovery, counselling, DV support, helping to make a difference to our tenants and clients lives and enabling them to live as independent a life as they are able.
Time commitment
6 Board meetings, 6 Development sessions / subcommittee meetings of 2 /3 hours usually during the day, plus pre read materials and so 6-8 hours a month.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you the new Chair-designate for Reading Community Learning Centre?
Do you have enthusiasm and skills to cooperatively govern and lead our charity that supports women learners?
You could be the Chair-designate of Reading Community Learning Centre, a charity serving the needs of local refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant women. We stand proudly for equality and women’s rights, and are looking for a woman Chair-designate to take on the role of leading our Board, supported by our outgoing Chair for a handover period of up to 12 months.
Although this is a voluntary position, the provisions of Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010 effectively apply as they would for our employment of women-only staff.
About us:
Set up in 2007, we are a Charitable Company that helps often-marginalised women to achieve their individual potential, through helping them improve their English, build confidence, make friends, volunteer locally, gain qualifications or secure a job.
In the 2022-23 academic year, 420 women from 36 different countries attended classes at the Centre, and 874 women received information, advice and support, through our charitable spending of around £200k.
About the role
We’re looking for a woman to lead our Board, to work with other trustees and our Centre Manager to shape our future supporting and empowering women.
If you can think and lead strategically, and help us plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed to be our Chair-designate and eventual Chair. Support from our employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.
Experience of committee or similar work, an understanding of cooperative leadership and a strong focus to shape the forward-looking Board, are what we are looking for. You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as induction will be provided, plus specialist guidance as a new trustee, including access to external training.
This is a high-profile appointment, with strong commitment to the future of Reading Community Learning Centre an essential quality, and having a good understanding of the value for the women we help. Trustees make the top-level decisions for our charity: our Board includes women with understanding, skills and experience of our support, and we require new trustees to have empathy with our cause.
We are a charity, not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We encourage women from all backgrounds to apply, particularly Black, Asian and minority ethnic women, and those who have previous experience of engaging and working collaboratively with our beneficiaries.
The Board meets online every six weeks, and we ask you for up to sixteen hours per month; this includes all meetings, correspondence, communication, etc.
How to apply
This high-profile appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer an informal no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification can be made available to you by request before that discussion.
Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references and satisfactory completion of an Enhanced DBS check.
Your CV and supporting statement will be read by our current Chair and trustees; an informal discussion followed by a more formal interview can be offered as soon as mutually convenient.
I need to know more
Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply below for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone) and explanation about this important role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure 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.
What you will be doing
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
- Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
- Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
The skills you need
- Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
- Friendly and approachable
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure 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.
What you will be doing
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
- Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
- Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
The skills you need
- Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
- Friendly and approachable
- Great written and verbal communication skills
- Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
- Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are currently looking for a personal assistant to the charity's chair person.
Responsibilities typically include:
· Acting as a first point of contact for enquiries: (email/calendar management and managing diaries
· Typing, compiling, and preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence.
· Miscellaneous tasks to support the Chair and CEO
· Forming a relationship with our clients as they are part of the community.
Essential skills for this role are:
· Organization skills: The ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and keep track of deadlines is crucial.
· Communication skills: should be able to communicate effectively in writing.
· Attention to detail: the ability to pick up on small details can prevent costly mistakes from occurring.
· Problem-solving skills: the ability to identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. The organisation has a warm and friendly atmosphere and will be extremely rewarding for the candidate.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Langham Arts Trust is an extraordinary charity, combining a passion for creative excellence with a gospel mission: to make Jesus’ name known and glorified through music and the arts.
The work of the charity today encompasses a range of exciting musical ventures, from witnessing to non-believers through music and worship, to serving the wider church with the gifts and resources of the All Souls Orchestra. The charity is looking to expand its work with young people, and grow the capacity of the orchestra in order to engage in more opportunities to point people to Christ through music.
The Trust is seeking to appoint a new Chair and Treasurer. These two appointments will be instrumental in managing change and supporting growth for the Trust. In particular, the Chair will lead a refreshment of the Board and be a skilled relationship builder.
This is an exciting moment to join the board of an organisation with a vital, yet under-represented, mission in the UK church music landscape, and an organisation that is changing and growing rapidly.
Carnelian Search have been appointed to lead this search on behalf of Langham Arts Trust.
This is an opportunity to lead the Board of a rapidly growing children’s mental health charity, significantly impacting the lives, mental health and well-being of our children and young people through the provision of award-winning mental health services. Play your part in leading Kids Inspire as they grow in scale and geography and further their impact.
Applications close on: Monday 10th June 2024.
Location: Essex and Suffolk (with meetings in Chelmsford)
Time commitment: c.2 days per month
About Kids Inspire
Kids Inspire was founded in 2007 by our Chief Executive, Sue Bell OBE, to fill gaps in mental health provision for children and young people. Today, Kids Inspire has a track record of success, providing specialist mental health services for children, young people and families.
We have a highly ambitious executive team and an engaged board of trustees. Together, we are determined and driven to make a sustainable difference in the lives of children, young people, and families by ensuring they get the support they need to recover from trauma and thrive.
We provide a range of therapeutic and community services which are suited to each child’s needs. Our holistic specialist services empower children, young people and their families affected by trauma or negative experiences to make positive choices and reclaim their lives.
Our services are informed by the latest developments in research and practice of neuroscience, trauma, and therapy. We believe the best outcomes are achieved when the adults around the child are included in the support, keeping the child at the centre.
Uniquely, therefore, since our inception we have provided ‘family inclusive’ specialist services to children and young people affected by negative experiences or trauma. This approach is one of the critical differentiators that enable us to make a positive impact in young people’s lives.
We are experiencing ever-increasing demands for mental health support. As a society, we are navigating post-pandemic challenges alongside the cost-of-living crisis and its effects.
The global uncertainty puts pressure on everyone, and we know children and young people are sensitive to the well-being and emotional capacity of their parents and/or adults who care for them.
Alongside this, we have seen an increase in the complexity of how our young people present and what concerns them. We need to ensure young people have access to support as we face an emerging and growing mental health crisis.
We know that children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have, on average, weaker social and emotional learning skills at all ages than their peers. This is linked to poor mental health, lower academic attainment, and poorer employment outcomes. However, evidence suggests that developing social and emotional skills can improve young people’s lives.
A recent partnership with Impetus who supports and funds ‘high potential charities,’ has enabled us to reflect on and refine our theory of change and create a rigorous and robust strategy for the next three years of growth. The partnership also gave us access to pro bono support from Bain and Company who pressure-tested our strategy and created a comprehensive implementation plan which is already underway.
We work across Essex and are rapidly growing into Thurrock and Suffolk, with ambitious plans to continue to grow sustainably and have a bigger impact on the lives of children and young people.
We are on the cusp of our next stage of development, from local charity to countrywide provider, and, as we embark on our new business plan, this is a great time to join and lead our board as Chair.
About the role
As our current Chair, Simon Carpenter, is due to step down later this year, we are looking for a new Chair to lead our board at this pivotal time of growth, scaling and development for our organisation.
Who we are looking for
Our new Chair will:
- Bring governance experience and strong commercial acumen, with entrepreneurial experience in scaling and growing organisations.
- Together with our Chief Executive, Sue Bell, help to develop and drive our strategy, creating a bigger impact.
- Have experience leading organisations through growth and change and bringing a business focus.
- Understand the distinctive culture of the charity sector.
- Challenge and support our board and executive team alongside a strategic, open, calm, diplomatic and inclusive approach.
- Join our ambitious and engaged board and collaborate with the executive team to ensure our organisation grows sustainably.
- Share our vision and values and have a passion for supporting children’s and young people’s mental health and well-being.
We want to ensure that all voices are heard across our organisation, and our Chair will work closely with our Chief Executive and team to ensure that young people are at the core of how we work.
Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close on Monday 10th June 2024.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Branch Chair?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per week. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.
What would you be doing?
- Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
- Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
- Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
- Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
- Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
- Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
- Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- 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!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
- Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
- Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
- Reliability
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
- Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
- Good written and spoken English.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you lead the SSAFA presence at your local military base? Ideally you will already have links to the base; you’ll have some experience of managing people and basic I.T skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!
What is a Service Committee Chair?
There are SSAFA committees on many military bases in the UK and overseas. Each one has a Chairperson to oversee all aspects of the committee. Reporting to the Regional Chair, you will ensure that the committee is running in line with SSAFA’s policies to keep clients and volunteers safe; that all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the committee is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA on site.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. In recognition of their service to the Nation we aim to provide financial, practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need volunteers who can represent SSAFA on the base and beyond, ensure that everyone knows about SSAFA services and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about leadership, networking, coordination, and administration. Many volunteers can carry out this role from home and from their place of work.
The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular time commitment. You would need to organise and attend a minimum of four meetings each year. The Chair is an Office Bearer and in addition to voting rights, holds the casting vote.
What would you be doing?
• Providing support to all SSAFA Service Committee volunteers
• Holding regular committee meetings, at least four per year
• Ensuring that all requests for grants are reviewed by the committee in line with the committee’s Terms of Reference
• Working with the Community Volunteer Coordinator to oversee all SSAFA community volunteering, ensuring beneficiaries get support that is effective and timely
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and recruiting new volunteers as needed
• Building positive relationships with the senior management team on the base and the local SSAFA branch working in the wider community
• Providing reports and information to the local SSAFA branch and to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing an annual plan and fundraising programme to meet the locally identified needs
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser
• Working with Central Office staff to ensure all volunteers complete all mandatory tasks in line with the training and vetting requirements of their role.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including adhering to our policies such as the volunteering policy and data protection policy
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
• Give back to your local military community
• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity on site
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA committee and the wider SSAFA community
• 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!
What about training and support?
• An induction to SSAFA specifically designed for Chairs and Chairmen within SSAFA’s Volunteer Network
• Online training modules on safeguarding and GDPR, so you are up to date on how to keep beneficiaries, their families and information safe
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your training up to date.
• Support from a Regional Operations Support Manager (per region)
• Support from SSAFA’s Welfare team, Volunteer Development team and Volunteer Experience team
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
What are we looking for?
• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people
• Good written and spoken English
• Ability to engage the senior managers on site representing SSAFA and the needs of clients
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies represented on base and SSAFA colleagues
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role
• Volunteer management skills
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role e.g. prompt reporting of safeguarding concerns in line with SSAFA policies
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required
• Ability to provide two referees: former employers or other people that know you well (other than relatives)
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives)
Is a criminal record check required? No
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.