Challenge Event Volunteer Volunteer Roles

How you can make a difference 

Sense International is the only international non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting people with deafblindness and their families around the world. Sense International’s work began in 1994 with the aim of sharing the knowledge and expertise of our parent organisation, Sense UK. Since this time, we have set up locally registered organisations in India, Kenya, Peru, Romania, Tanzania and Uganda. We have also established programmes of work in partnership with national organisations in Bangladesh and Nepal.

The fundraising team consists of seven members, and you will work alongside the team, getting involved in different projects and support with tasks as they arise. 

Key Duties

• Support the Sense International team to deliver administrative tasks for a wide range of fundraising activities. 
• Provide project support to the team in relation to donor stewardship, fundraising appeals, and approaches for major gifts to individuals, companies and charitable trusts and foundations. 
• Conduct research to find donors for major gifts, corporate and charitable trust, and foundations. Assuring alignment to Sense Internationals charity mission. 
• Draft donors thank you letters and communications.
• Help with fundraising materials such as reports, social media, and proposals. 
• Support with administration of fundraising campaigns and events. For example, writing letters for auction and raffle prizes.
• Keeping mailing lists and donor contact details up to date on the internal database.
• Option to attend events, when required, for example London Marathon cheering post and annual Gala Ball.
• Maintain a confidential, sensitive, and discrete approach to personal, sensitive, and organisational information.

What your role will involve

• Helping the fundraising team raise funds to support deafblindness in 8 overseas countries.
• Representing the organisation in a positive professional manner, supporting the vision that no one is left out of life.

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Experienced in working in an office environment. 
• Able to demonstrate excellent written, and verbal communication skills with good attention to detail. 
• Are confident using a PC, familiar with MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel and using e-mail/internet.
• Able to build good relationships and build rapport easily with a wide range of people. 
• Confident to work on own initiative and dealing effectively with a variety of tasks.
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense International and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training and support throughout your volunteering with Sense International.
• An opportunity to build your CV skills.
• A great opportunity to share your skills and experience.
• A chance to deepen your understanding of the great work we do at Sense International.
• A fulfilling flexible experience that can fit around your schedule, including remote working

Sense International's parent charity is Sense UK

About Sense UK

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. 

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. 

Sense values

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate. 

About Sense Touchbase Pears 

Sense TouchBase Pears is a welcoming, accessible environment where everyone can feel connected, included and part of the community. We combine health and social care services with arts, sports and wellbeing activities. And support disabled people to access employment, education, volunteering, and training opportunities.

 As an activity volunteer, you will be helping to set up, supervise and interact in some fun activities at the centre from ‘Messy Play’ and ‘Stay and Play’ to craft sessions and supporting with events. This exciting and fast-paced role is a rewarding way to give back to your local community, by helping us to provide affordable and inclusive activities in the area. Please note that at this time we are looking for volunteers aged 18+ due to the busy nature of the role.

Key Duties

As an activity volunteer, you will be an ambassador for TouchBase Pears, and for Sense, as well as being a vital part of the Facilities Team. You will help provide a warm welcome to everyone who comes into the building and help us with our fun and engaging activities.  

• Supporting the TouchBase Pears team, working work together to deliver an outstanding experience for every person’s visit. 
• Setting up and clearing away activities, including ‘messy play’ and ‘stay and play’
• Supporting with the supervision of activities 
• Encouraging participation by interacting with the public
• Helping keep our visitors safe when taking part in the activities 
• Adhering to our Health & Safety procedures
• You will be always supported on site during volunteering and a facilities coordinator will be available if you need any support or have any questions. For the weekly role which will be for our Stay and Play, you will eventually be leading the activity without supervision within the room, but a facilities coordinator will always be on site if you need them.

A standard / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role, which we will support you with.

Skills & Qualities

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Enthusiastic about Sense and passionate about the work we do
• A cheerful and  positive attitude
• Flexible and willing to get involved with a wide variety of tasks 
• Reliable & trustworthy
• Able to work well as part of a team. 
• Good with people and enjoy interacting with the public.
• Able to communicate well with a wide range of people with different skills, abilities, and backgrounds. 
• Are interested in developing your skills to to best support people who are deafblind, have sensory impairments or complex needs effectively.  This could include people who use TouchBase Pears regularly, visitors or co-volunteers.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Respectful of others and their diversity.
• Interested in supporting your local community.

What Sense offers

• A full induction with ongoing support and guidance from the Sense TouchBase Pears Team. 
• The ’feel-good’ factor – knowing that you are making a difference to supporting your local community. 
• We’ll provide you with training on Hearing Impairment Awareness and Visual Impairment Awareness training. We also have additional optional training to further develop your skills relating to supporting people with disabilities. 
• An opportunity to develop new skills and experiences along with adding to your career and/or personal development. 
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and join a passionate team passionate about making a difference in the lives of the people we support. 

Our values

Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work as we pursue our vision of a world where no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.

• We include
• We collaborate
• We find a way
• We challenge
• We celebrate

Quilombo UK is looking for a Researcher to join their national volunteering team working from home. QuilomboUK is a not for profit social enterprise that challenges people to think differently and bridge gaps between communities, with the aim of building a culturally rich society, where differences are accepted and celebrated. As chosen among 160 other organizations to work in collaboration with the Home Office on the “Building a Stronger Britain together” project, you will be joining a team, which not only supports the community but also stands up to extremism in all of its forms.

By joining QuilomboUK you will be supported and guided by experienced staff and volunteers,who are willing to share their skill set and will provide you with great opportunities for development in many different areas.

* All applicants are required to fill out the complete contact details when applying for this position.

Main Responsibilities

• Since its creation, Quilombo UK has collected a great amount of information, evidence and items through projects, fundraisers, events etc.

• We are looking for a volunteer to find published materials related to Quilombo’s key objectives, especially cultural and racial diversity, and stereotypes in UK communities. The materials include all types of evidence, articles, journals, newspaper columns, local and global news stories. 

• The researcher will help to collect information that can be used as an evidence base to help inform future activities, and also in exhibitions, workshops, and community events. 

• We are looking for a self-starter who can source, collect, and share relevant materials independently. You will also be working closely with our volunteers in relevant areas such as Marketing and PR.

• Provide written reports as and when required. To undertake additional duties as required for the role.

General tasks 

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

• You will need to have good written skills and be able to explain concepts and projects concisely and accurately; 

• You will be self-starting and willing to research the various projects that we have carried out and catalogue all the evidence collected

• You will need to have good communication and team-working skills as you will be working closely with Marketing & PR and other volunteers

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate

• Be computer literate - a good understanding of Microsoft Word is essential and Excel skills are beneficial although support from other volunteers will be provided if necessary

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments 

• Be a strong team player

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

• Can work without much supervision

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

TRUSTEES REQUIRED!

At TOP UK we know how distressing and overwhelming OCD and phobias can be. Nearly 40 years of experience tells us that both conditions have a hugely negative impact on people’s lives. Fear and anxiety are incredibly unpleasant emotions and to frequently experience these emotions on a large scale is traumatic and debilitating. No one deserves that.

At TOP UK we also know that OCD and phobias are poorly understood, under-funded and stigmatised despite affecting millions of people. OCD and phobia sufferers often tell us how misunderstanding of their conditions leaves them feeling isolated, alone and afraid to seek help. At TOP UK, we believe no one should feel alone in facing their fears 

It is an exciting but testing time at TOP UK and we have just launched an ambitious three-year strategy. While we are eager to embark on this new stage of development for our organisation it comes with an acknowledgment that we are working in particularly uncertain and stressful times and there is a greater need to grow our service than ever before. Demand for our service is at an all-time high and continues to grow, currently dramatically outstripping our capacity. Mental health services are at breaking point leaving those with OCD and Phobias often finding it impossible to find help and dealing with debilitating conditions alone.

Meeting this demand will be a challenge, but it is a challenge we are ready and willing to push for but in order to grow and build our organisation we are keen to evolve, enhance and diversify our Board of Trustees

The role is open to those from the public, private and voluntary sectors. You should be someone with a genuine interest in mental health and we are ideally looking for individuals with any of the following experience: Charity Governance; IT & Digital;Marketing, Communications and Brand; Fundraising: Diversity and Inclusion. 

TOP UK also particularly welcomes applications from black and minority ethnic candidates and candidates from the LGBTQ+ community as they are currently under represented in our organisation.

 All board meetings are virtual and take place every other month.

For further details please click on the attached Trustee Application pack below. Application is by letter and CV, please click on the apply button to submit these.

Ref: V227 | Community Connector | Carmarthenshire, Wales.

We’re looking for multiple Community Connectors over the age of 18 years old, based across various locations across Carmarthenshire. 

You’ll be volunteering : Dates and times to be agreed with volunteer.

The volunteers could be:

· Providing a valuable support to our teams based within the region.

· Build relationships with people, and organisations to raise awareness of stroke and the Stroke Association.

· Engaging with your local community to represent the Stroke Association, this could include the delivery of presentations or talks either face to face or digitally.

· Sharing your knowledge and experience of stroke to others.

· Researching and gathering information relating to life after stroke services.

· Supporting the process of volunteer recruitment and training.

· Attending fundraising events, including donation collections.

*Whilst we would be delighted if you could perform all of these tasks, we will be happy to accept enquiries from you if you can provide suitable selective support.

What the role can offer you personally:

· Learning and developing new skills.

· Meeting new people, building a network and engaging with your local community.

· An opportunity to get together (either face to face/digitally) with other volunteers from the East of England.

· Invitations to join national volunteer events to network and share experiences.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role description for the Community Connector role.

If you are interested in this role please complete our application form and send it to us. 

We want to reduce barriers to inclusion. Help us understand who’s applying for and getting roles with us by completing our Equal Opportunities Form. This helps us continue to identify anything that’s getting in the way for people looking to join us. This information does not form part of your application.

About Us

Stroke Association. Rebuilding lives after stroke.

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.

We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there.

We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

We’re working to improve the diversity of our team.  Because we know that individuality leads to a richer experience for our people and better support for those affected by stroke. 

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And we’re particularly looking to increase the number of applications from those with lived experience of stroke and those from under-represented communities. 

Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives. Help us rebuild them and join our team.

In 2019, we developed a bold new corporate strategy so that we can rebuild more lives after stroke and make a bigger difference to people’s lives.  

To help us deliver our strategy and make a real difference, we are looking to recruit talented people to a number of new roles.

If you would like to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, we want to hear from you!

Role title: 

Volunteer Classroom Assistant (Online) – English, Maths, Science  

Where: 

Online (Zoom) / Nova New Opportunities, 2 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL

When: 

Immediately, minimum commitment of 3 months. 

Support 1-2 classes a week (45 minutes per class). 

English classes are currently held on Mondays and Wednesday between 16:30 and 19:15. 

Maths and Science classes are currently held on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 16:15 and 19:45.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by:  

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Purpose of role: 

Support the Nova Family Programme tutors in facilitating online home school sessions.

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering online English, maths and science classes (for young people at Key Stage 2 and 3). With the disruption of Covid-19, many families have been thrown into the unknown world of home schooling – made even more challenging when your own education isn’t up to scratch or English is your second language. We are delivering a free programme of online home school support to those who have been most negatively impacted by being out of school. Now that Schools have reopened, we will be continuing these sessions to ensure that learners do not fall behind as Schools focus on catching up on lost learning. The aim is to support children who may be falling behind with their studies and mitigating as far as possible the widening attainment gap. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with breakout groups of learners who need additional help 

• Facilitate the zoom classroom as required 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with Maths/ English 

• Experience of working with young people 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

Main point of contact/supervisor: 

Matthew Barnett 

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.

In our new Chair, we are looking for someone with leadership experience and board level credentials who can help us strengthen and deepen our reach with stakeholders, communities, and funders. Ideally you will have some professional experience within the third sector or a personal connection with what we do.

However, wherever you are now, you will recognise how significant our organisation is within our community and will share our desire to further strengthen our impact and ensure we continue to be a sustainable provider of services to people with complex needs.

You will be a confident and positive leader and an ambassador on our behalf with the strategic acumen and emotional intelligence to promote our work and vision, and support our Managing Director, and our leadership team

Role Description

Objective

The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for YSS’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support, and, where appropriate, challenge the Managing Director and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives. He or she will act as an ambassador and the public face of YSS in partnership with the Managing Director.

Principal responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Provide leadership to YSS and its Board, ensuring that the charity has maximum impact for its

service users.

• Support the Managing Director to lead and manage the organisation well, give regular feedback on performance and conduct an annual appraisal.

• Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of YSS.

• Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives and provides a clear strategic direction for YSS.

• Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.

• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of YSS (in combination with the lead finance Trustee), with systems in place to ensure.

Governance

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for YSS and that the Board regularly reviews major risks and associated opportunities.

• Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees.

• Encourage positive change, where appropriate address and resolve any conflicts within the Board.

• Ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed, reflects the wider population and service users of YSS and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead YSS effectively.

• Work within any agreed policies adopted by YSS.

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for YSS objectives and mission.

• Act as a spokesperson for YSS when appropriate.

• Represent YSS at external functions, meetings, and events (taking into account time commitments outside of the role).

Relationship with the Managing Director and the wider management team

• To work in partnership and support the Managing Director to ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission, and strategic direction.

• Support the Managing Director, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles, ensuring regular contact in an open and supportive way with opportunity for professional development and external professional support when agreed.

Person Specification

In addition to the qualities required of a Trustee of YSS, the Chair must also meet the following requirements:

Personal Qualities

• Personal gravitas and clear leadership style to lead an ambitious charity and communicate a

sincere commitment to the mission and vision of YSS

• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in a

leading role

• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of YSS (particularly in the sectors and services that YSS cover).

• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

Experience - all essential

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation

• Successful track record of achievement through their career

• Experience of or appreciation of charity governance (or wider governance) and Civil Society and current issues affecting it, and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees

• Experience of chairing meetings and events and representing organisations externally from public platforms and through effective stakeholder management

Knowledge and Skills - all essential

• Broad knowledge and understanding of the charity sector and current issues affecting it.

• Leadership skills, ability to bring people together.

• A level of financial management and charity finance understanding.

• Good understanding of governance issues (ideally in a charity setting).

Terms of Appointment

Remuneration

The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable out of

pocket expenses can be claimed.

Location

YSS operates across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Warwickshire. Our offices are in Blackpole, Worcester.

Time commitment

Between 2 and 3 days per month. The YSS Board currently meet 6 times a year and holds 2 Audit & Risk committee meetings and up to 2 strategy planning days per year. The Chair is also expected to have regular meetings with the Managing Director and may, subject to an individual’s time commitments, represent YSS at essential events. All board members are encouraged to attend YSS events, including visits from our charity Patron and are welcome to make occasional visits to projects to see first-hand the work of YSS, the people supported, staff and volunteers.

The charity’s Chair (and board members) will be elected for an initial term of one year, after which they may be eligible for re-appointment for additional three-year terms, for a maximum of 10-year term.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

YSS is committed to equality of opportunity, supports and encourages underrepresented groups,

and values diversity.

Applications

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Appointment is subject to eligibility in line with The Charity Commission criteria.

We have a new volunteer opportunity based at Coventry Probation Office supporting the Change Grow Live Dependency & Recovery team. You will be making a real difference to the lives of others and gaining experience of working with the Dependency & Recovery service and the Prison and Probation service.

We are looking for motivated people who have an understanding of the issues faced by the people we support. You'll be passionate about supporting people to change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.

As a Criminal Justice Dependency & Recovery Volunteer, you will work closely with Dependency and Recovery Coordinators to deliver a range of tailored activities to adult males who are on probation.

You will support in delivering psychosocial interventions to help the person on probation to achieve their goals around their substance misuse and offending behaviour.

As a Change Grow Live volunteer you will be part of a supportive team, you will have a dedicated member of staff to support and supervise you.  All our volunteers receive comprehensive training and guidance to develop within the role.

Please note before applying

• The volunteer role is based at Coventry Probation office on either Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur (office hrs are 9 - 5pm)
• Some of the training for this role is elearning and so access to a laptop in order to complete this will be helpful
• This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level and vetting enhanced level 1 by HMPPS 
• Please remember to complete the Personal Statement part of the application as this forms part of the shortlisting process

To find out more about this exciting opportunity please read the attached role description.

About BelEve UK

BelEve engages with girls and young women to support them in gaining skills, confidence, and self-belief to fulfil their potential, despite barriers in their lives that might suggest otherwise.

Through carefully crafted programmes, mentoring, events, and campaigns, bringing individuals and groups together helps to motivate them, reduce isolation, combat differences, and build strength across communities from the girls who are at the centre of these. Through the programmes, beneficiaries improve their social mobility, as well as their life and career prospects.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Chair who can lead our Board and support our Chief Executive to drive our charity’s long-term success, sustainability, and impactful growth.

Our new Chair will be an ambitious and visionary leader with a strong track record of governing complex organisations through change.

We are open to your professional background if you bring effective governance experience, strategic thinking and a good understanding of issues affecting the lives of girls and young women.

We are looking for a Chair with experience and expertise in the following areas:

• Experience of being a Chair
• Track record of relationship building, with stakeholders, partners, decision-makers, team, and Board
• Governance and organisational leadership experience
• Experience in creating strong partnerships with stakeholders and successfully influencing decision-makers
• Understanding of risk management and mitigation
• Ability to encourage positive change and innovation where appropriate.
• An understanding of the key challenges the organisation aims to tackle from issues impacting various communities of young women and girls
• Extrovert, Fun, Dynamic, and Engaging
• Values Led

For more information, please access the attached recruitment pack, our contact information can be located there.

How to Apply

If this role is of interest, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the link below.

Your statement should be up to 2 pages long (no more than 900 words), addressing the following statements:

• Please outline your demonstrable commitment to BelEve UK's mission and purpose and your motivation for applying.​
• Detail your previous experience and capabilities which you believe make you suitable for this Chair role.

Closing Date: Sunday 19th May 2024 at 23.59hrs

Our Commitment

BelEve is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people from all sections of the community. We would like to encourage applicants from black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Sense College East is a specialist Further Education (FE) college, supporting students between 16-25, who have a wide range of disabilities. We aim to prepare young people to be as independent as possible and help them to achieve their long term goals. We offer different pathways to help students gain the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence to achieve these goals.

Sense College East has 8 locations in the East of England, East Midlands and West Midlands:

• Aldeby, Suffolk
• Bedford, Bedfordshire
• Dereham, Norfolk
• Knapwell, Cambridgeshire
• Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
• Rothwell, Northamptonshire
• Touchbase Pears, Birmingham
• Streatley, Luton

Candidates interested in the role of Lay Governor at college must be able to demonstrate commitment to Safeguarding, Strategic leadership and a passion to Further Education particularly Specialist Education. A understanding of issues facing the post 16 specialist education sector would be desirable. If you feel you have the ability to make a positive contribution to meetings and provide constructive challenge to support senior managers at the college we would love to hear from you. We anticipate that the successful candidates will need to commit a minimum of 4 half days per term to the role in relation to meetings and preparation. The ability to attend other ad-hoc college events and visits would also be very welcomed. 

This is a primarily virtual role, with all meetings taking place remotely, and an expectation of travelling to college sites once a term. 

The role of members of the Governing Body is to provide strategic leadership, support and constructive challenge to the college senior management team to ensure that Sense College provides an excellent education experience for all students. The Governors will work with the college senior management to ensure the college offers a broad based curriculum to maximise the teaching and learning experiences of all its students, with demonstrable outcomes. Sense College East Lay Governors will attend 3 full committee meetings a year, plus 3 extra meetings for their chosen sub-committee. Meetings last from 90 minutes for sub-committees and 2 hours 30 minutes for the full committee, Lay Governors will come prepared and engaged, having done the reading the prior and ready to ask any questions they may have. Governors of Sense College have a varied role encompassing a range of duties. Much of this is undertaken through participation in the full Governing Body meetings and Sense College sub-committees according to a governor`s experience and skillset, and through college visits.

Some examples of governor duties are below, noting that these are not exclusive:

• Reviewing, approving and monitoring the implementation of the Sense College 2022-2025 Strategic Plan 
• Approving the final Sense College Annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR) 
• Reviewing and monitoring progress and outcomes from the Sense College Quality Improvement Plan (QuIP)
• Reviewing students’ progress and achievements through a range of products i.e. case studies, reports and visits to Sense College 
• Reviewing college data against Key Performance Indicators and dashboards.
• Participating in Ofsted inspection meetings on governance to support Sense College and the college senior management team 
• Monitoring implementation of safeguarding (SfG) procedures, keeping updated with current SfG legislation and governors Prevent responsibilities
• Monitoring college budget performance with the emphasis on new students  referrals funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency 
• Attending and participating in governor training events, student celebrations and college visits 

About us 

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

Sense values 

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

It’s an exciting time for the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse: momentum is growing, with heightened public awareness of domestic abuse following the pandemic, increased government focus, and employers increasingly recognising their crucial role in enabling employees to recognise the signs of, and seek support on, domestic abuse.

The Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (known as EIDA) is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our mission to empower employers to act effectively against domestic abuse. 

Our aim is to ensure that all team members, volunteers, trustees, job applicants and the people we come into contact with are given equal opportunity and that our organisation is representative of all sections of society.

We want our board to be representative of our society and membership and particularly welcome applications from people with lived experiences of domestic abuse, people based outside the southeast of England and in the nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and from people with experience as a people manager or employer, large or small.

Who we are

We are a free-to-join members' network of employers and a registered charity supporting over 1,500 large and small employers to take effective action on domestic abuse.  Our members collectively employ over 25% of the UK workforce.

Our mission is to equip employers to support their employees affected by domestic abuse and to share best practice with other employers.

We endeavour to bring about constructive change, leading to a society where survivors thrive, and where domestic abuse is not tolerated.

Our Trustees are volunteer board members who play a vital role in making sure that EIDA achieves its mission.  As a group, they:

• Oversee the overall management and administration of the charity.
• Ensure that EIDA has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.
• Provide support and challenge to the executive team, enabling EIDA to grow and thrive.

We are seeking up to four new Trustees to join the existing group of eight. 

EIDA has a UK-wide remit with a membership made up of employers, and we want to reflect that across our Trustees.

Trustee duties

Trustees are the people who lead our charity and decide how it is run.  We envisage the trustee duties broadly as:

• Support and provide advice on EIDA’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee EIDA’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve EIDA’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to EIDA’s CEO.
• Keep abreast of changes in EIDA’s operating environment.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect EIDA’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Participate in periodic appraisals of the performance of the Board of Trustees, collectively and individually.
• Represent EIDA at external functions, meetings and events.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will contribute to the diversity of thinking on our board.

Whether you are an experienced trustee or are looking to take your first step at board level, we would like to hear from you. We ask for:

• Commitment to tackling domestic abuse and EIDA’s mission.
• 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.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and EIDA’s core values of Collaboration, Empowerment, Versatility, Openness and Kindness.
• Time to commit to supporting the organisation, including attendance at Board meetings (2 hours, 5 times annually), virtual and in-person events (4-6 annually) and any sub committees.
• Ability to build and maintain a healthy network that promotes the aims of EIDA across the business community, to drive member growth, and to enhance EIDA fundraising activities.
• Some experience as an employer or people manager.

Terms of appointment

Position: Trustee

Location: This is a hybrid role, with occasional travel required to Board and network meetings held in central London

Terms: A maximum fixed term appointment of one three-year term followed by a further three-year term

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment: EIDA’s Board of Trustees meets 4-5 times a year within the working hours of 10-5pm.  Currently meetings are held in London and remotely (Zoom).

Closing date

9am, Monday 10 June 2024.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received, so early applications are appreciated.

Seeking Passionate Trustees to Drive Financial Equity

Are you ready to make a tangible impact in your community? Talking Money invites passionate individuals to join as Trustees, driving forward their mission to empower those facing financial hardship. As a Trustee, you’ll wield independent control and legal responsibility, shaping the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring alignment with their core purpose.

About Talking Money:

Talking Money is a Bristol-based charity dedicated to empowering individuals facing financial hardship. With a focus on inclusivity and equity, they provide essential support and guidance to those in need, regardless of background or circumstance. Their mission is to alleviate financial stress and promote long-term stability by offering tailored advice, practical assistance, and advocacy services.

Driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to financial education and support, Talking Money delivers a range of programmes and initiatives designed to address diverse needs within the community.

The role:
We are looking for people who care about supporting local people in financial hardship and reducing inequality, who are willing to bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking and perspective on the board. Whether you bring expertise in housing, disability, mental health, or fundraising, your unique perspective would be invaluable to the Talking Money board.

We particularly welcome applications from people with direct or indirect (for example though a family member or friend) lived experience of the kinds of issues our clients face (e.g., poverty, financial hardship, over-indebtedness, homelessness).

Personal skills and qualities:

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Creative thinking and strategic acumen to drive organisational growth.
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative spirit.
• A strong alignment with our vision and mission.

Responsibilities:

As a trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in:

• Overseeing organisational strategy and financial plans.
• Providing support and challenge to our executive team.
• Ensuring compliance with governing documents and legal obligations.
• Promoting and protecting the interests of Talking Money.

Time commitment and expenses:

• This is a voluntary position with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
• Minimum commitment of 17 hours per year, including board meetings and team events.
• Opportunities for professional development and training sessions

Terms of appointment:

• Initial 5-year term, with the possibility of renewal. Potential for progression to Chair of the Board.

Join our passionate and committed board and help us continue providing high quality, innovative services to blind, visually impaired and those with profound disabilities across the West Midlands.

What will you be doing?

As the specialist fundraising trustee, you will play a pivotal role on the board of trustees in advancing the mission and objectives of our organisation. Your expertise in developing, implementing, and overseeing fundraising strategies and your commitment to improving the lives of adults with care and support needs will be crucial in securing the necessary financial resources. 

Main Duties:

Fundraising Strategy: Provide expertise, advice and guidance in the development and implementation of our fundraising strategy.

Donor Engagement: Collaborate with the board and senior leadership team to develop and monitor the implementation of a comprehensive donor engagement plan that identifies and cultivates relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and partners who share our mission.

Grant Writing and Management: Provide expertise, advice, knowledge, and guidance regarding grant applications, work closely with the executive team to align grant proposals with organisational goals.

Fundraising Events: Contribute to the planning and execution of a community fundraising events program including mobilising volunteers and resources to ensure the success of these initiatives.

Major Gift Solicitation: Collaborate with the board and senior leadership to lead efforts to secure major gifts from high-net-worth individuals and corporate partners, leveraging your network and expertise in donor cultivation.

Online Fundraising: Provide oversight and guidance of our online fundraising campaigns, including crowdfunding, peer-to-peer fundraising and digital marketing initiatives. Monitor campaign performance and adapt strategies as needed.

Budget Oversight: Collaborate with the finance committee to develop and manage the fundraising budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial goals.

Compliance and Reporting: Ensure that Focus’s fundraising activities comply with legal requirements.

Advocacy and Public Relations: Act as an ambassador for Focus Birmingham advocating for the rights and needs of adults with disabilities. Assist in developing public relations strategies to raise awareness and support for the cause.

What are we looking for?

Strategic experience: Proven track record in fundraising at a senior level, with a deep understanding of various fundraising methods, including grants, major gifts, events, and online campaigns. 

Passion for the Cause: A strong commitment to improving the lives of people with care and support needs and a deep empathy for the challenges they face. 

Strong Networks in Birmingham: A skilled networker with strong networks in Birmingham and wider West Midlands area. 

Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to strategically assist with grant writing, donor communications, and public speaking engagements. 

Financial Acumen: Familiarity with budgeting and financial management related to fundraising activities. 

Legal and Ethical Awareness: Knowledge of fundraising regulations and ethical considerations in the non-profit sector. 

Team Player: Willingness to work collaboratively with other trustees and staff to achieve common goals. 

Time Commitment: Availability to prepare for and attend board meetings (4 per year), committee meetings (4 per year), and fundraising events and other meetings as required. 

We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse Board of Trustees and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

What difference will you make?

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people with care and support needs.
• Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and organisations.
• Professional development and experience in non-profit governance and fundraising.
• The satisfaction of contributing to a passionate organisation dedicated to making lives better.

If you are a dedicated fundraising professional with a passion for making lives better, we invite you to apply for this vital trustee role. Your expertise will be instrumental in securing the resources needed to enhance the quality of life and opportunities for people with care and support needs in our community.

Role Summary

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who will offer strategic and supportive leadership to our highly effective, collaborative and committed Board.  The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity's vision and mission.  The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the Board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive.  The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.

Chair role & responsibilities 

Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that Glass Door achieves its mission with the interests of Glass Door's guests at its centre.

Work collaboratively with the CEO, staff and volunteers to achieve our mission and optimise the relationship between the Board and Glass Doors's staff and volunteers.

Provide leadership within the Board, ensuring that it fulfills its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation and promoting governance among fellow Trustees, providing clarity around boundaries between governance, management and operations.

Plan and chair the bi-monthly board meetings and the AGM, with colleagues as appropriate and liaise with the CEO, Company Secretary and Governance Trustee with regard to setting up meetings, agenda items and annual report content.

Facilitate meetings ensuring all have equal involvement in discussions, clarifying any uncertainties, confirming decisions made and actions to be taken and ensuring effective time management of meetings whilst providing appropriate periods of discussion and reflection.

Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Glass Door when required.

Support Glass Door functions and events eg attendance at supporter events.

Support the Head of Fundraising & Major Donors with the cultivation of high-level donors, occassionally attending meetings where value can be added.

Represent the Board at staff Town Hall meetings.

Support the team liaising with partner churches and statutory authorities as required and be the public face of Glass Door in the local community.

Liaise with the CEO and he Board to keep an overview of the charity's affairs.

Provide supervision and support to the CEO as necessary in addition to planned monthly/bi-monthly 'catch up' meetings and, with the People Trustee, lead the CEO's annual performance review.

To act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.

What we are looking for

Experience of being a Trustee, ideally in the third sector, and an understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a Trustee/Director.

A keen sense of strategic purpose.

Strong leadership skills, able to foster and promote a collaborative team environment and an inclusive and collaborative leadership style; able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.

An ability to facilitate, mediate, influence and respect the confidences of colleagues.  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 board environment.

Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Advocate and ambassador - possess gravitas to lead the organisation and be able and willing to champion Glass Door.

Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to Glass Door's guests and ensure that the interests of our guests drive the decisions of the Board.

A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

A willingness to devote necessary time and effort to your duties as Chair and be available and responsive (e.g. when things sometimes 'come up' that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to).

What's in it for the new Chair?

Our vision is a world where no one has to sleep on the streets of London and we're working every day to achieve this.  Your role as Chair will offer you an incredibly reqarding experience to use your skills and collaborate with the rest of the Board and staff members for the benefit of people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.

For more information please see the full role description and Glass Door information pack attached,