Challenge Events Volunteer Roles in Westminster, Greater London
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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,
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 looking for dedicated Outreach Volunteers in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Richmond and Wandsworth. We would particularly like to hear from you if you live in or near the above boroughs.
The Outreach teams encounter people on their first steps from homelessness to independence – providing pathways and support to assist people off the streets.
We work with people who are rough sleeping and we do shifts late at night, and early in the morning, to find these individuals. SPEAR then works with people on a housing pathway and assists them to link into various support services, tailored to the challenges an individual might face.
SPEAR is looking for self-motivated, outgoing, and empathic people who could volunteer to provide support to vulnerably housed, rough sleepers, or anyone using homelessness services in the London boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth and Kingston.
The volunteer will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone providing support and assistance to the Outreach Teams clients. The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)
It would be desirable if you had a driving license.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for dedicated, energetic and engaged people for the RE Museum’s first independent Board of Trustees.
We have vacancies for up to six Trustees who will join us at a truly groundbreaking time, as we transition into a Charity Incorporated Organisation.
We are building a Board of Trustees with a diversity of backgrounds, skills and experience; ensuring that we are best place to realise our ambitions, improve our public offer, our care for the heritage of the Corps of Royal Engineers and ultimately the positive impact we have on the lives of our growing audiences.
Further information is available to download in the Trustee Recruitment Pack. We hope that you are keen to apply for the role and thank you for your interest.
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!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation, which took place on 1st April 2023, will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we are now the only significant national funder with the efficiency,
capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss. We have a clear ambition – to save sight and to change lives.
We are now seeking up to four new trustees as we establish ourselves in our new form and under our new name (soon to be announced). This is an exciting inflection point for us, and our new trustees will be central in enabling us to achieve our ambition.
We have worked through our merger and have a clear focus and vision, as well as a strong Board and senior leadership team, all of whom are ambitious for the potential impact we can make. Our re-brand will also enable us to amplify our position as a leader within the sight loss sector. Our merger was a critical step in accelerating research which will create a positive impact on the lives of millions of people. We do not want this opportunity to pass us by and that’s what makes these such an important and exciting roles for the right people.
As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to steer the course of our charity and our sector, shaping our strategies, and advocating for meaningful change. You will be help us be a driving force behind world leading research into sight loss prevention, and transformative initiatives that enhance the quality of life for countless individuals.
We are particularly seeking individuals who have a medical or scientific research background, ideally in ophthalmology, and those who have experience in retail and fundraising. If you want to be part of something that will really make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
“I extend a heartfelt invitation to those who share our commitment to making a profound difference in the lives of individuals affected by sight loss. Our journey towards a future where eye diseases are prevented and the challenges faced by the visually impaired are overcome requires the collective effort of dedicated individuals. We are seeking trustees who are not only passionate advocates for our cause but also possess the vision, expertise, and dedication to guide and govern our organisation. Your unique perspectives and skills will play a pivotal role in shaping and defining our impact for years to come.”
Dr Heather Giles, Chair
“Our two organisations came together to form a new dynamic, ambitious, entrepreneurial, impact-driven organisation to save sight and change lives. We are searching for trustees that can join us, and be at the forefront of creating the culture, the outlook and the methods of working and the operations to truly make a difference in society.”
Keith Valentine, CEO
ABOUT US
We are a new organisation forged from two ambitious charities: Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation. Our single, unifying mission is to save sight and change lives.
It is a mission that reflects two urgent questions everyone faces when they receive a diagnosis of sight loss: ‘How do I stop this?’ and ‘How do I live my life?’
Answering these questions guides our strategy as we progress a five-year plan with solid and lofty aspirations.
THE MERGER
Fight for Sight funds breakthrough research and life-changing services to build a more equitable future for blind and partially sighted people by accelerating breakthroughs in multiple sight loss conditions.
Vision Foundation works to inform, include and empower the visually impaired community. Empowerment is at the heart of what we do; our work focuses on what people can do, rather than what they can’t.
The merger will help us to realise a joint ambition to tackle sight loss from both a clinical and social perspective. Our combined organisation is now grounded in data and insight into the science, as well as the lived experience of, sight loss. With this wealth of evidence we’re determined to:
- generate further investment into the sector,
- accelerate clinical progress,
- improve quality of life for people facing or living with sight loss
Crucially, coming together is about growing our influence and impact, not reducing or diluting what we do. So, as we evolve as a merged organisation, we are combining our teams, announcing our new name and fine-tuning our unified
mission and strategy – as well as continuing with the important work we’re already committed to – you can expect big things from us and it is an exciting time to join us as a trustee.
OUR FUTURE
Our principal role is as a grant-maker. We award grants to the scientific community that could lead to scientific breakthroughs and treatments to stop eye diseases from progressing. In the future, we believe research can prevent people from losing sight and reverse sight loss. We invest to advance treatments that will cure eye disease and protect and grow the community of world-class scientists, technologists, and data scientists who can deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Historically, Vision Foundation has funded innovations that directly impact people who are blind or partially sighted, from music classes for children to projects that take eye tests into at-risk communities. We invest in programmes, organisations and activities that deliver equity for and with blind and visually impaired people.
As a grant-maker, we are change-makers, accelerators and drivers of impact. We are bold, energetic, challenging, disruptive, tenacious, and determined.
We aren’t afraid to tackle the challenges facing the sight loss community, either. Recent campaigns include The Unseen, which unearthed the shocking scale and nature of domestic abuse among blind and partially sighted people, and See My Skills, which addressed high unemployment rates. The charity excels at working in partnership with others towards creating a more equitable society for the sight loss community.
As we progress, we’ll scale the impact of projects like these, look beyond the nation’s capital, and drive systemic change. We’ll need to secure the funds to invest in our trusted partners to achieve our ambitions. We’ll continue to fundraise by engaging with supporters and companies through legacies, events such as the London Marathon, and our network of charity shops.
The evidence we commission influences policy and decision-making to demand equality for all.
We’ll shortly have a new name that reflects our united ambitions, so it’s an exciting time for us and the people we serve.
OUR FINANCES
The charity is in a strong position financially, with a high level of reserves that we intend to draw down over the coming years as we focus on investing in sustainable growth and increasing our impact. Compared to many charities, we
have well diversified income streams, predictable costs, and are in the fortunate position to hold a sizable portfolio of investments. Our plans for the short and medium term are to invest in our income generation infrastructure, and to significantly increase the amounts of funding we can put to our charitable purpose.
OUR BOARD AND LEADERSHIP TEAM
Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation is the only organisation in the sight loss sector with an Executive Leadership Team that has over half of its members with lived experience of sight loss.
The Board currently numbers ten trustees, including our newly appointed Chair.
The Board meets four times a year, or more often as required.
Follow this link to find out more about our Board.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
As the most senior leaders in our charity, trustees play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the fulfilment of our mission to save sight and change lives. You will serve on the main board and will be invited also to get involved in one of our sub-committees. These are currently:
- Social Impact & Scientific Research Committee (SISR)
- Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources Committee (FARR)
- People Committee
- Retail Committee
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Provide leadership and strategic guidance to the charity, aligning efforts with the mission and values of the organisation.
- Collaborate with the board, executive team, and stakeholders to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance the charity’s impact and sustainability.
Governance
- Ensure effective governance, decision-making, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Work closely with board members, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration and open communication, harnessing different views and opinions.
Engagement
- Represent the charity at public events and networking opportunities to promote our mission and raise awareness about our cause.
- Develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, corporations, government agencies, and the visually impaired community.
Evaluation and Accountability
- Collaborate with the board to evaluate performance, ensuring alignment with the charity’s goals and objectives.
- Ensure the charity is accountable to donors and beneficiaries, that is financially robust and sustainable, and that is effective risk management in place.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
We are seeking dynamic and dedicated individuals to serve as trustees of our ambitious merged organisation. The ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to our cause, along with the following:
Specialist experience
At this time, we are particularly interested in candidates who have leadership experience in:
- Scientific and/or medical research
- Ophthalmic research and/or clinical practice
- Strategic oversight of substantial fundraising and/or retail operations
Despite these areas of interest, we welcome a diversity of skills and experience at our charity and on our Board, and want to find the right candidates regardless of their specific areas of expertise or experience. So if you are interested in this role and think you can contribute to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
General attributes
Knowledge & experience
- An understanding of governance, and experience on a committee or board.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including donors, corporations and government agencies.
Skills & abilities
- Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision to deliver impact.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Entrepreneurial instincts and a healthy understanding of risk balanced with ambition using sound judgement.
Styles & behaviours
- High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the charity’s values, as well as a passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with, or at risk of, sight loss.
- Collaborative, highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing difference perspectives.
- Solution-focused, with an ability to see the big picture and be pragmatic.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Remuneration
This role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Time commitment
While the exact time commitment may vary based on the charity’s needs and priorities, we anticipate the following general expectations:
- A minimum of four Board meetings per year
- Up to four subcommittee meetings per year (the specific committee depending on skills and experience)
- Preparation for meetings, review of materials, and other trustee engagement as appropriate.
- Annual Strategy Day with full Board and executive team.
- Meetings with members of the executive leadership team as appropriate.
- Representing the charity at high profile events, functions and public engagements to enhance its reputation and partnerships.
Location
At present Board meetings are held in central London. Subcommittee meetings are held remotely.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have a background in fundraising and a flair for persuasive writing? Are you looking for a purpose-driven role? Are you passionate about wildlife and nature?
Swan Lifeline is the oldest registered charity devoted entirely to the care of sick and injured swans in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas and has cared for over 30,000 sick and injured swans. We are based on the magical Island setting of Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton, Berkshire. Our board is currently facing the challenge of expanding our fundraising efforts to ensure we are able to continue to meet our mission and sustain our activities.
As Fundraising Manager (Volunteer), you will play a crucial role in securing funding that enables us to carry out our mission. You will gain valuable experience in the non -profit sector and contribute to the growth of a unique and valuable wildlife charity.
This is a volunteer position, we understand the importance of work-life balance and value your time. Your commitment can be tailored to fit your schedule. You’ll be working with a passionate and friendly group of trustees and while we all work hard, we learn lots and have fun doing it! This role involves engaging with donors, supporters, and the community to raise funds and increase awareness of our mission.
Please read the attachment for a person specification and Job description for more information.
Please send us A) a short cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and additionally B) a CV detailing your relevant experience.
Interviews are informal and in person or on Zoom.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
TBCCT West Central Florida assists in overcoming challenges faced by Black-owned businesses by providing crucial resources, including mentorship, networking events, and access to capital. These challenges include the access to capital, systemic discrimination, limited resources, market access and financial vulnerability.Through advocacy efforts, it works to address systemic barriers and promote policies that foster equitable opportunities. Additionally, the Chamber facilitates partnerships with larger corporations and government entities to create avenues for business growth and development. By promoting visibility and recognition of Black-owned businesses, it contributes to building a more inclusive and supportive economic environment in the Tampa Bay area, ultimately leading to greater success and prosperity for its members.
MARKETING AND OUTREACH VOLUNTEER
- Assisting with social media management, creating promotional materials, and spreading awareness about the organization's mission and programs.
- Volunteer2-3 hours per week remotely for 3-5 months
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!
TBCCT West Central Florida assists in overcoming challenges faced by Black-owned businesses by providing crucial resources, including mentorship, networking events, and access to capital. These challenges include the access to capital, systemic discrimination, limited resources, market access and financial vulnerability.Through advocacy efforts, it works to address systemic barriers and promote policies that foster equitable opportunities. Additionally, the Chamber facilitates partnerships with larger corporations and government entities to create avenues for business growth and development. By promoting visibility and recognition of Black-owned businesses, it contributes to building a more inclusive and supportive economic environment in the Tampa Bay area, ultimately leading to greater success and prosperity for its members.
PROGRAMME ASSISTANT
- Supporting the delivery of programs or services by assisting with logistics, facilitating workshops or activities, or providing direct assistance to content creators.
- Volunteer 2-3 hours per week remotely for 6 months.
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!
Every year, the private economy reaps $150 billion in illegal profit from human trafficking (Neithammer, 2020). An estimated 40 million individuals worldwide are lured into trafficking each year due to unemployment, debt, and desperation (Toney-Butler, Ladd, & Mittel, 2021). The majority of these individuals are women and girls (Toney-Butler, Ladd, & Mittel, 2021). Exploiters promise economic opportunities, job training, and financial assistance in exchange for labor, then they exploit workers through debt bondage and require free labor or even prostitution as a means of repayment (Polaris Project, 2015). Shyne is solely dedicated to career and professional development services for those who’ve experienced exploitation.
The organization tackles these challenges by providing survivors with opportunities for growth and self-sufficiency through career and business development initiatives. By equipping survivors with the skills and resources necessary to launch successful careers or businesses, Shyne not only provides immediate economic relief but also fosters long-term economic independence, thereby closing the wealth gap for survivors.
FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR
- Assist the CEO with coordinating fundraising events. These events can include tattoos against trafficking, yoga classes, donor events, social gatherings, and pitch events. Fundraising and organizing skills are invaluable in enhancing our organizational capacity, expanding our reach, and maximizing our impact in the community.
- 2-3 hours per week remotely for 6 months
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The role is for a Befriender in our Tenancy Sustainment Teams in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth and we’re now recruiting for volunteers. We would particularly like to hear from you if you live in or near the above boroughs.
The Tenancy Sustainment teams support people on their first steps from homelessness to independence – providing accommodation and support to assist people off the streets.
We work with people who are have experienced rough sleeping and, once accommodated, SPEAR then works with people on a housing pathway and assists them to link into various support services, tailored to the challenges an individual might face.
SPEAR is looking for self-motivated, outgoing, and empathic people who could volunteer to provide support to vulnerably housed, rough sleepers, or anyone using homelessness services in the London boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth, Sutton, and Kingston.
The volunteer will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone providing befriending support to the clients. The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)
It would be desirable if you had a driving license.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for the sound governance of the organisation.
Specifically its role is:
● To agree overall direction and strategic plans, and to monitor, at a summary level, progress
against these
● To oversee the finances - to ensure they are being well managed and we are in sound financial
health
● Specifically to take particular interest in our fundraising strategy and performance
● To oversee our compliance with all legislation, e.g. on Child Safeguarding or Health and Safety as
well as with Charity Commission regulations
● To monitor strategic risks and ensure we have suitable mitigations in place
The trustees meet formally for a Trustee meeting about once a quarter, usually for 2.5 hours after the
normal working day. Each trustee is expected to play their part as a member of the Board, providing
challenge and support to the executive team as required.
Specific responsibilities include:
● Preparing for and attending trustee meetings
● From time to time and as appropriate, attending other Grounded Sounds events (e.g. end of
project showcase events, House Band performances, advisory board meetings) in order to gain a
greater understanding of the workings of the charity
● Communication with the Exec or other trustees in between meetings, as needed, in relation to
music industry connections, fundraising or other issues requiring input.
Requirements
Essential
● Alignment of values and enthusiasm for Grounded Sounds’ mission
● Ability to work well with other trustees and the executive team
● In Trustee meetings, ability to form a strategic perspective and actively contribute to discussion,
bringing fresh perspective, relevant experience and constructive challenge
● Outside of Trustee meetings, desire and bandwidth to get involved, both showing up at key
events and actively supporting the Grounded Sounds team in activities where they would benefit
from insight, guidance and contacts
● Strong network of contacts within the music industry and willingness to connect contacts to the
team in order to further support the work.
Desirable
● Connections with communities in South London
● Experience of working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds
● Knowledge of education
● Strong network of contacts beyond the music industry
● Previous trustee experience
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? We are seeking a new chair to lead our board of trustees, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of volunteering and community projects in Kensington and Chelsea, one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
Established in 1969, we are the oldest Volunteer Centre in the country and are deeply rooted in the local community, empowering individuals to contribute positively through volunteering. Our programmes support diverse groups, including those living with disabilities and mental health challenges, ex-offenders, as well as marginalised residents seeking employment opportunities.
As chair, you will play a pivotal role in steering the Volunteer Centre towards its mission of fostering positive change in Kensington & Chelsea. Responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic leadership in partnership with the chief executive.
- Facilitating constructive decision-making within the board.
- Maintaining relationships with stakeholders and representing VCKC at various events.
- Supporting the development and cohesion of the board team.
By becoming chair of our board of trustees, you will have the opportunity to drive positive change and contribute to a vibrant community. If you are ready to make a difference, apply now and be part of something meaningful.
ACEVO is the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, and we exist to help civil society leaders to make the biggest possible difference. For nearly 40 years we’ve been there to inspire and support our members by fostering connections, refining skills and building influence. ACEVO's network of over 1,700 individuals includes the leaders of every shape and size of civil society organisation and at every stage of the leadership journey.
More than a membership organisation, we are a strong, supportive community, and are often our members’ first port of call for help and advice from their peers.
Civil society is under greater pressure than ever before, from a range of sources, and we are proud that our response has been characterised by imagination and ambition. Our outgoing chair, Rosie Ferguson, has played a crucial role in strengthening and consolidating our position over the past few years, and as her term of office concludes she leaves a very strong legacy for her successor. But we also know that there’s no room for complacency, and we are looking for a new chair to take up the challenge of leading us into the next phase with energy, commitment and rigour.
Candidates will share our passionate commitment to the power of civil society, and our vision for extending and deepening our reach within the sector. A skilled governance practitioner, able to work effectively with an engaged and expert board and a high-performing executive team, you’ll have a nuanced understanding of our business model and of how we can build on the progress of recent years. You must be eligible for membership of ACEVO, and experience of leading within our sector is essential.
With a significant amount of external change likely to take place in the early stages of the next chair’s tenure, we will look for a track record of working with agility and strategic creativity. You’ll need to balance your professional expertise with personal humility and curiosity, and current, practical knowledge of our sector across England and Wales would be a significant asset. An exceptional communicator, and passionate about the benefits of membership, you’ll ensure ACEVO remains the go-to organisation for leaders, aspiring leaders and stakeholders alike.
The Treasurer is a key role supporting Trustees and Committee Members by ensuring the finances of the KPA are properly managed in line with Charity Commission reporting, accounting and financial governance requirements.
GSTTKPA is going through an exciting period of change. As a result, we are seeking to recruit new Trustees to support our ambitious and innovative change programme, so we can continue to achieve the aims and objectives of the charity.
For this role, we are seeking a qualified accountant with charity experience to be both our Treasurer and a Trustee.
The role requires someone with commitment, enthusiasm and a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with being a kidney patient. You will have a commitment to equality; celebrate diversity and be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within society.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for individuals with professional or lived experience of working with children. Our volunteer playworkers are passionate about play and providing a welcoming and safe space for all children.
About the Role
As a volunteer play worker, you will work in partnership with the Specialist Family Support Worker in the planning and delivery of play sessions. Most children will be between the ages of 2-5 years.
Play sessions will be child-centered and age-appropriate, and will include arts and crafts, sensory play and free play with toys/resources in the refuge. Working with the Specialist Family Support Worker, you will be able to respond to the individual needs of the children and adapt sessions as needed. You will record your observations on each child at the end of the session and reflect on how the sessions went with Specialist Family Support Worker.
You will be supported by the Specialist Family Support Worker in monthly supervisions. This is a space to discuss your volunteering role, what is going well for you and areas of support you need.
We are looking for volunteers to support one session per week, either:
- Wednesday 10am – 1pm (Islington)
- Friday 12pm – 3pm (Enfield)
You will be expected to participate in setting up and in the evaluation of the session. You may also be asked your availability to attend additional sessions and trips to be held over school half terms.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking volunteers who have:
- Professional and/or lived experience of working with children
- Understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people
- A strengths-focused approach to working with challenging behaviour
- Knowledge of Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Procedures, or who are willing to learn
- Commitment to attend Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and Equality and Diversity training with Solace Women’s Aid
- Ability to communicate effectively with children aged 0-5, parents and staff
- Basic knowledge of child development
- Organisation and time management skills
Although not essential, we would welcome applications from volunteers who have a formal qualification in working with children, young people and families, or who have knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to working with children and young people.
What can you gain from this opportunity?
Volunteers will gain:
- Experience of facilitating play sessions for children in recovery from domestic abuse
- An insight into the experiences of children in recovery from domestic abuse.
- Experience in working in partnership with Specialist Family Support Workers in the planning, delivery and evaluation of play sessions in a refuge/community setting.
- Opportunity to attend training and social events with other Solace Women’s Aid volunteers.
- Trauma-Informed Practice training from the Specialist Family Support Worker team.
- Being part of a supportive team who aim to build on the strengths and skills of all our members.
We offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the level 3 Understanding Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About the Role
We are looking for a Volunteer to assist in the running of the daily programme of activities at Headway East London. The Day Service is a new opportunity for people living with brain injury in the East London area to join our community.
Volunteering with us, you’ll get involved in the fun and creative activities going on at our Day Service. Every week is different: you could help in our art studio, assist in the kitchen or take part in a music session. You’ll be supporting our members one-to-one and in groups. You don’t need any special skills or knowledge, we’ll give you the induction you need, and support is always on hand, with regular volunteer meetings, training sessions and supervision.
Main Duties
- To help Headway staff manage the activity programme for each member by offering one-to-one support or in small groups.
- To assist members with specific activities that prove challenging for them i.e., using computers, cooking, engaging in art activities.
- To initiate discussion, games or activities and encourage members to take part.
- To help floor staff around lunch time (food preps. setting up tables, dishing out and serving food).
- To assist with keeping the Headway centre safe, clean, and tidy all times by taking on tasks such as collecting and washing cups, tidying up resources' shelves, wiping tables before lunch etc…
- To inform floor staff about activities undertaken with members and any significant changes in mood or behaviour. To take members to social events and outings and being able to assist individuals needing to use a wheelchair.
- To undergo training as required and attend volunteer debriefs and supervision. To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
Person Specification
- Aged 18 or over.
- Experience working with people clear and sensitive communication.
- Ability to relate well to people on a one-to-one basis and be sympathetic to others’ situations.
- Willing to participate in a variety of activities appropriate for our members.
- Prepared to lead an activity with a small group of members.
- Committed to the values, vision, and objectives of Headway East London.
- Committed to equal opportunity and able to maintain confidentiality.
Commitment
The role requires a minimum commitment of at least 4 months,anyday from Monday to Friday between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Volunteers need to sign a volunteer agreement and confidentiality form.
Training/Support
Each volunteer is given an induction which includes information on health & safety, fire precautions, confidentiality, equal opportunities, and a brief outline of the long-term effects of head injury.
As part of this role, you will receive ongoing support and you will have the opportunity to gain experience in Health and Social Care.
- To fully support our volunteers in their role we provide: regular volunteer meetings.
- Training sessions delivered by our specialist staff a regular debrief session.
- One to one supervision starting after the first 4 months and yearly appraisal meetings.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.