Charity Office Manager Volunteer Roles
Demelza Charity is seeking high calibre individuals to join our team of Trustees.
Demelza is an inclusive organisation, and we are committed to building a representative workplace, ensuring that we reflect the diversity of the children, families, and communities we support.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for positions at Demelza and we celebrate the value of difference.
You do not need previous Trustee experience. We offer comprehensive training and we pay all out of pocket expenses. Time commitment is up to 2 days every 3 months, broken down into meetings of around 2 hours and reading papers beforehand. All dates are given one year in advance.
This year we have added targeting to our general trustee recruitment by looking for talented individuals with expertise in the following specific areas, to support our vital work in providing expert palliative and end of life care to babies, children and young people and support to their families.
• Do you have senior nursing expertise at board level or equivalent, with oversight for
clinical governance/quality. You will support delivery of the clinical strategy with the
highest quality and user experience. You will have excellent safeguarding expertise.
• Medical expertise to strengthen the clinical strategy delivery and support a multi
disciplinary approach. Your expertise might come from any relevant medical discipline –
eg paediatrician, critical care, any area of acute medicine.
• Are you a senior experienced retailer, familiar with all aspects of maximising profitability
and positive customer experience. You will help us to maximise the financial,
reputational and PR opportunities of our suite of retail outlets and optimise the model to
support growth.
• We seek professional fundraising expertise for an income stream in excess of several
£million. You will support the broad portfolio to strengthen and sustain the Charity for
the future.
• Communications expertise to help us deliver a concise message to all our stakeholders.
You will have previous senior level experience of delivering key messages and developing
a tone of voice that is inclusive and compelling to all involved with Demelza.
You may have other valuable skills.
Closing date 26th May 2024, interviews to follow.
We deliver extraordinary care to extraordinary children facing serious or life-limiting conditions, providing support for all the family.
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!
Volunteer Role Volunteer Driver
Receives Support from Volunteer Coordinator (Groups) / Volunteer Manager / Other Cam Sight staff
Location of volunteering Community venues across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
Taster Session Individual/ by arrangement
About Cam Sight
Cam Sight is a Cambridgeshire charity that supports local people of all ages living with low vision and blindness to live the lives they choose. We work to enhance independence, improve well-being, and improve inclusion. We work within our framework of 5 values, which are that we are person-centred, empowering, friendly, collaborative, and accountable.
About Volunteer Driving at Cam Sight
Our clients affected by sight loss are often reliant on friends and family, or community transport to help them get out and about. With Cambridgeshire being a rural county, and funding or service provision limited in both areas, some of our clients struggle still to get to their appointments, and to our peer support groups. We have received funding to support the development of our community transport scheme offering our clients greater access to services and social events. Our team of volunteer drivers, using their own or our eco-friendly vehicles, help get clients to where they need to be, thus reducing isolation and improving their social connections and wellbeing.
Purpose of role
Using your own vehicle, you would collect our client from their home and take them to their peer support group or other appointment. If driving a client to one of our monthly Peer Support Groups you could be taking several clients who live close together. You would be responsible for guiding them to and from the vehicle, settling them in comfortably (we will give you training on how to be a sighted guide) and completing vehicle checks before you start your collections that day. You are welcome to stay at the group (approx. 2 hours) while it takes place – some volunteers like to take on both roles and help at the group, but that is not expected.
Tasks:
If volunteering in this role, we’d ask you to;
- Liaise with Volunteer Coordinator (Groups) and/ or your regular clients before the meeting to confirm who you will be transporting.
- Be a sighted guide to ensure the clients you collect can safely and comfortably move to and from the vehicle. (Training will be provided at General Induction).
- Be good at timekeeping. You’ll ensure the clients you are transporting arrive on time and be there to take them home at the end of the meeting.
- Talk to/listen to your clients, making them feel comfortable in your company.
- Ensure that safety and basic maintenance checks of the vehicle are undertaken before the vehicle is taken out on the road.
- Be happy to report to us your volunteer hours and mileage driven so we can share this with our funders and track success of the project.
We are looking for:
- Someone happy to follow procedures around checking of the vehicle at the start of the volunteer duty (these are normally visual checks).
- You will have a current and legal driving license.
- You will have an approachable manner and ensure whomever you interact with at any time feels comfortable around you.
- Always maintain strict confidentiality.
- Ability to work with volunteers and others as a part of a team.
To consider:
- Clients may bring their Guide Dogs with them - something to consider if you have allergies or a fear of dogs, please talk to us about this, as we will look to match you with someone that doesn’t need a guide dog.
- Most groups are two hours in duration. You are welcome to stay for the group or come back to collect the clients that you are transporting.
- Groups are held monthly in the same venue and at the same time.
Recruitment and Induction Process:
Fill in an application form and we’ll call you for a chat on the phone. If the situation looks beneficial to us both, as is most often the case, we’ll look to invite you to the next meeting so you can see the building, meet the Volunteer Coordinator and the other volunteers. If mutually happy then we’ll continue to Cam Sight’s general induction process.
After this there will then be a role-specific induction for you, where we will go over the specific items that relate to your role (including Health and Safety).
Checks
Our volunteer roles are subject to a DBS check (the level of check depends on your volunteer role and is risk assessed). We also ask for two references before you get started with volunteering. For our volunteer drivers we will also look to conduct a check of your driver’s licence.
At general induction you can expect:
- More information about Cam Sight, who we are, what we do and the services we provide.
- Information about policies relating to volunteering such as volunteer expenses (you will also receive your volunteer handbook/ e-access).
- General GDPR and Safeguarding training.
- Information about Cam Sight’s on-going support and training for volunteers.
What you will gain:
- (We hope) a sense of satisfaction from helping others.
- Greater understanding of sight loss and how that effects people.
- Knowledge of a range of eye conditions.
- CV skills and after 6 months a reference should you choose to move on
- Friendship and entry into a community of supportive and friendly people, motivated by helping others.
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 hold new volunteer inductions throughout the year, so apply ASAP to be in time to join the next one.
Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment. We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.
Your duties will include:
- Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
- Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
- Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
- Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
- Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
- Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
- Supervising the children during break times;
- Supporting the children during class trips;
- Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
- Providing feedback and comments to the volunteer coordinator and Rainbow Club manager when required.
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!
Do you want to play your part making Norfolk a better place to live today and tomorrow? Would you like to learn and understand the issues facing our communities? Can you help us change and develop as we continue to be more innovative as a Community Foundation?
The continued growth and development of the Norfolk Community Foundation has resulted in the need to identify trustees with specific skills and experience in the areas: health / health research, agricultural partnerships, and strategic communications. As a Trustee, you’ll play an important role in helping us to achieve our ambitions of making local communities thrive and improving the lives of people who live there. Previous Board/Trustee experience is not necessary.
This is a perfect opportunity for someone who:
- Has a personal drive and ambition to want to make a difference.
- Has a desire for continuous improvement.
- Works constructively within a team.
- Is enthusiastic with an ability to inspire others.
- Is innovative, with an interest in piloting change.
- Is interested to learn and understand the issues facing our communities.
We feel passionate that our Board should be representative of Norfolk communities and so are especially keen to broaden the diversity of the Board and add more voices with lived experience.
Who are the Norfolk Community Foundation?
We are a local charity with a clear vision of strengthening communities from the bottom up to make Norfolk a vibrant and fairer place to live. Working in partnership with local charities and community groups by providing them with funding, leadership and guidance, we help to inspire local people and those with an interest in Norfolk to give funds, time and resources to support their communities.
To build stronger communities in Norfolk from the ground up.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
GSTTKPA is going through an exciting period of change. Therefore, we are seeking to recruit a new Company Secretary to support our ambitious and innovative change programme, so we can continue to achieve the aims and objectives of the charity.
The role of Company Secretary is a key and important Trustee position on the Board. The Company Secretary will support the Chair and Vice Chair by ensuring the board functions smoothly. The Company Secretary will also have the opportunity to assist with activities and initiatives that are funded by GSTTKPA.
Trustees play a vital role in making sure that GSTTKPA achieves its core purpose. They also ensure that the charity has a clear strategy andthat our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, all the Trustees have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always actas a group and not as individuals.
As a Trustee, we also require the successful applicant to have a commitment to equality; celebrate diversity and be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within GSTTKPA and the wider community. In return, the successful applicant will join a warm and friendly team that works collaboratively to support each other as well as our kidney patients.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Could you make a significant contribution to help people live later life well?
Are you a member of the Methodist Church in Britain seeking to use your skills, expertise and gifts in a new way?
We are seeking a Methodist Church nominee to join the board of Methodist Homes (MHA).
You will be working collaboratively with other MHA trustees to help shape MHA’s future strategy and ensure good governance across the charity.
As a Board Member you will have passion for the wellbeing of older people and will bring a wide-ranging skills and experience.
Expressions of interest are invited from both lay and ordained members of the Methodist Church in Britain. You're encouraged to apply if you feel that overall, your skills and experience meet the role requirements.
Reflecting the diverse communities that MHA are proud to serve, MHA is committed to widening the diversity of its leadership and board. Therefore, we actively and warmly encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.
If you would find it helpful to discuss the role before applying, please contac us to arrange a phone conversation with a member of the Nominations Committee.
Closing date: 28 May 2024
Short listing date: 30 May 2024
Interviews /exploratory conversations: 10 June 2024 (PM)
The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.
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!
About the Role
The Bridge Project is a well-established Bradford based charity with over 35 years’ experience delivering services and projects addressing a range of issues such as substance misuse, risk taking behaviours, relationships, housing, physical/mental health, and employment. We work with individuals, families, partners, and communities to improve people’s lives in a sustainable way, empowering people experiencing multiple barriers to achieve positive change.
We currently employ over 120 staff, 40% of whom are ‘experts by experience’ and have joined us through our volunteering programme. We are recognised as being innovative and recovery focused, and our services have been highlighted nationally as examples of best practice in the sector. Our portfolio of services and projects are constantly evolving in response to the changing needs of our service users and our local communities. Currently this includes recovery focussed drug treatment services, housing and resettlement support, access to education, training, and employment (ETE), volunteering programmes, support for people engaged with criminal justice services and befriending/mentoring services for people with significant barriers to recovery and community reengagement.
What will you be doing?
Our Trustees play a pivotal role in governing the Bridge Project. They are responsible for setting our strategic vision and priorities, ensuring our financial sustainability, and providing guidance and oversight to our operations. Our Board is committed to excellence, and we are looking for new individuals to bring fresh knowledge and experience to join us in this important work. We’re committed to creating a Board which is representative of the communities we support, bringing together those with a variety of skills and experiences, to help shape what we do and how we work. We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates from ethnically diverse backgrounds and from woman, however, we would be pleased to hear from you if you feel you can add value to our Board and would like to help us to make a positive contribution. This is a rewarding role and you do not need to have experience of been a Trustee before, as there will be a comprehensive induction.
As a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to bring commitment, energy and enthusiasm to the role with a passion for doing your best. You will work alongside other talented Trustees, engage with our staff and stakeholders, and contribute to our collective mission of empowering people experiencing multiple barriers to achieve positive change.
Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that the Bridge Project achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that the charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the senior leadership team to enable The Bridge Project to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.
Time Commitment
We ask that you are able to devote time to attend 4 Trustee Board meetings per year, 4 Sub-Committee meetings per year and 1 Planning meeting. These are a mixture of in-person meetings in Bradford and zoom meetings. Meetings are currently held in the evening. Trustees are also encouraged to visit our premises to meet with the staff team and meet the people we support.
What Difference will you make?
You will be joining a friendly, highly engaged, and passionate group of likeminded Trustees who are keen to deepen the impact of the Bridge Project in local communities. As a Trustee, you will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic direction of the charity and directly contribute to these objectives.
You will collectively be responsible for ensuring that the Chief Officer and his team not only grow our services to meet everyone that needs them, but that the service we provide is of the highest quality. Last year we provided treatment and support to 4,900 individuals.
You will also have an opportunity to expand your knowledge of the voluntary and community sector and give something back to the local community as well as developing new skills.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About We Are Family
We Are Family is an extraordinary peer support community for adopters and prospective adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption. We currently operate across Greater London and the Home Counties, with ambitions to scale nationally over the coming years.
The Role
We Are Family is seeking to appoint a committed and motivated Company Secretary who will work closely with the Board of Trustees and play an active part in the governance of the organisation.
This is a voluntary opportunity with associated Trustee expenses - such as travel / childcare - covered by We Are Family. The Company Secretary can be based anywhere in the UK.
Commitment
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We Are Family typically holds four Board meetings per year
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In addition to being involved in Board meetings, the Secretary should expect to spend 8-10 hours each month on work related to the governance of the charity.
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The normal term of appointment for a Secretary is three years, after which there is the opportunity to renew for a further three-year period.
Skills and Experience
In this role you will:
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Work directly with the Chair and Deputy Chair to organise and plan for regular Board meetings, producing agendas and a supporting pack of Board papers
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Ensure minutes are taken at the Trustee Board meetings and circulated in a timely manner
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Take an active role in the governance of the Charity, ensuring that the company complies with its governing document, Charity Law, Charity Commission, and other relevant legislation
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Arrange for filings to be submitted to the Charity Commission in accordance with statutory deadlines
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Liaise with Committee Chairs to collect and distribute Committee meeting notes to the Board of Trustees
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Maintain and update statutory records including annual returns, report, and accounts, and changes to the trustee membership.
This role would suit an individual with:
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Knowledge and experience of charity governance and management
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Experience in a compliance, risk or business management role
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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Organisation skills, with the ability to work to deadlines
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Good IT skills, to include Zoom and Google Suite or MS Office.
Although many of our current Board members are adopters themselves, we are also keen to recruit suitably qualified people who are not, but who can demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of We Are Family.
One of the great strengths of We Are Family is that we are volunteer and member driven, and we represent a diverse community of adoptive parents. We particularly welcome trustees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the board can benefit from this diversity of experience. We would also welcome single adopters to the board.
To Apply
If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, please send us a copy of your CV and we will contact you with our Recruitment Pack.
Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Council of Deans of Health is a dynamic and influential charity and membership organisation representing the interests of university faculties engaged in education and research for nursing, midwifery, and the allied health professions across the UK.
With a presence spanning England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and Gibraltar, we operate as a charity registered across the UK, advocating for the vital role our members play in health and social care. With over 100 member institutions from across the tertiary education system educating approximately 200,000 current and future health professionals and conducting research that directly impacts the health and wellbeing of our population we truly represent those responsible for healthcare education throughout the UK.
Trustee opportunities
We are currently seeking enthusiastic individuals who are willing to learn, collaborate effectively, demonstrate emotional intelligence, and engage fully with the aims and objectives of our organisation to join our Board. We are looking for people who can bring a variety of skills and experience, including the ability to work strategically, expertise in charity governance and compliance, and commercial acumen.
As we embark on shaping a new strategy for the Council to run from 2025 onwards, we are particularly keen to welcome Trustees who will bring diverse perspectives and ensure our Board is inclusive and representative.
As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in influencing policy, strengthening membership engagement, and shaping the future direction of our organisation. Our values of inclusivity, innovation, and impact underpin everything we do, and our strategic aims reflect our commitment to advancing healthcare education and research.
We are looking for people who share our vision and values. Previous board experience is not required.
How to apply
Eastside People is supporting the Council of Deans of Health in recruiting for these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and cover letter, which should cover the following:
- Why are you interested in a trustee role at the Council of Deans of Health?
- How you can contribute to the Council as a trustee? Please highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role set out in the candidate pack.
- Why do you think you would be a good fit for the Council?
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can make the application process work for you.
The closing date for applications is Friday 24 May with online shortlisting interviews taking place the week after. Face to face interviews with the recruitment panel at the Council will take place early to mid-June.
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!
Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.
About the Role:
CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face youth Digital ESOL classes in Tooting on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Study programme in English, Maths, Digital skills and Cooking: Monday 10am to 3pm
Study programme in English, Maths and Digital skills: Wednesday 10am to 6pm
You can apply to volunteer in one or more sessions. Each session lasts 2 hours.
Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:
Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;
Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;
Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;
Helping create “learner portraits” to understand their strengths and areas of interest;
Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.
Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;
Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;
Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;
Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;
Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;
Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;
Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential:
To be 18 years or older;
Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel expenses can be reimbursed);
An interest in education and English language teaching;
To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;
To be reliable and punctual;
Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of three months;
Implementing safety measures to keep classes COVID secure;
Currently resident in the UK;
Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;
Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role
Desirable:
Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish.
Through volunteering with us you will:
Gain experience of English language teaching;
Meet new members of your local community;
Learn about different cultures;
Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
Develop your skills and competencies;
Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London, helping them to play their full part in the community. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK.
To Apply:
To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
An exciting opportunity to join a much-respected arts education charity as it embarks on its new three-year plan to maximise children and young people's engagement with arts and culture.
Role Description
We are looking to appoint an Honorary Treasurer who will bring new energy, new ideas, new perspectives, and challenge to enhance our financial management and development as a charity.
The Treasurer will be a Trustee and Director (SPAEDA is a charity and a company limited by guarantee) with particular responsibility to the Board for:
- Fulfilling the same role as any Trustee and Director
- Working closely with the Chair on issues relating to regulation and good governance
- Monitoring the financial administration of the charity and advising fellow trustees on all matters financial
- Overseeing the charity's financial risk-management
- Acting as a counter signatory to SPAEDA's bank accounts and as necessary on applications to funders
- Liaising with our accountants, particularly in supporting the production of the annual accounts
Role Requirements
Essential
- Experience and qualifications appropriate to the role, although we welcome applicants for whom this would be a learning experience
- Able to commit sufficient time to the role (see below)
- Commitment to SPAEDA, its vision and values
- Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a charity and its trustees
- Commitment to maintaining highest standards of integrity
Desirable
- Experience of the arts and/or education sectors
- Strategic and business planning
- Knowledge of the local community
- Understanding of the issues facing arts education and development
Role Overview
We are a small charity and handle a moderate number of transactions each month using an online accounts package (Xero). We have an online bookings system handled through our website and online payments system (STRIPE). Book-keeping is managed in house by the Business Manager. Monthly payments approval would be required, supporting the preparation of quarterly management accounts. More input in March and April for preparation of the year end accounts and additional support in January - February would be welcomed to develop budgets, templates and invoice codes for the coming year.
Routinely, we look to our Treasurer for:
Monthly - Approval of online payments, review of management accounts and reserves, monitoring cash flow
Quarterly - Preparation of board reports (quarterly management accounts), review of reserves, preparation of latest estimate
Annually - Preparation of annual budget and draft accounts for independent review
On a Project Basis - Supporting our Director and Business Manager with financial aspects of bids and applications – project budgets, customised spreadsheets and assisting with reporting templates and coding of invoices (as new projects start)
Our financial year runs from 1st April – 31st March with the reporting deadline of 31st December.
- Job Title: Honorary Treasurer
- Salary: This is an unpaid position
- Hours: 1 to 2 days/month, much of which can be “working from home”
- Role: Finance
- Term of office: 3 years, renewable
- Location: Our office is in Taunton, and the ability to get to our base at Hestercombe on a quarterly basis would be desirable
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Role: Referral volunteer (laptops)
Team: Casework
Supervised by: Adult caseworker
Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5pm) for period of training/induction. Remote or in person once induction is complete.
Time commitment: 3 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months
About CARAS :
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do
About the Role:
CARAS offers advocacy casework integrated into all of its projects, ensuring that people who attend our groups can access support to address issues in a friendly and timely manner. A key part of the casework service is to help connect people to resources and activities that they need.
A key areas of need is digital access, either by smart phone or laptop.
People living in asylum accommodation receive £9/week making saving for items impossible.
Whilst many activities have returned to face-to-face delivery many have stayed online, not having a laptop impedes people’s ability to join English classes and social activities. People attending college face difficulties in completing college work without access to computers in the evenings, access to a laptop means people are able to take greater control over their independent learning. Smart phones make a huge difference in people’s ability to have contact with family and community across the world.
To meet this need we have built a partnership with a grant giving organisation, Acts435, to support people to get personal laptops.
We are able to refer 5 people at a time for grants to buy new laptops/phones. Once the grant money is received we purchase the devices for community members to collect.
We are looking for a volunteer to do these referrals each month and support people to purchase and receive their laptops and phones. This is an extremely rewarding role, interacting with lots of the CARAS community members and making a very tangible positive impact on people’s lives.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- contacting community members who are on our waiting lists by phone to explain the scheme to them
- complete grant applications with community members
- monitoring the grant platform to see when grants have been made
- purchasing laptops online and liaising with community members to arrange collection
- completing monitoring forms with community members once grants are recieved and uploading to grant platform
- recording all referrals and work done on our case management system (lamplight)
Person specification:
Essential
· Confidence in using IT (online forms, online shopping, google maps, email, DocuSign)
· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;
· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection
· Thorough with good attention to detail
· Reliable
· A high level of spoken and written English
· Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
· Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way
· A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach
· Enjoyment in speaking to new people
· A commitment to working in an empowering way
· Able to maintain boundaries
· Able to work autonomously
· Currently resident in the UK
Desirable
· Experience working with refugees and asylum seekers
· Fluent in one or more of: Pashtu, Farsi, Tigrinya, Somali, Arabic or Dari, Russian, Ukrainian, Albanian, Amharic, Kurdish Sorani, Spanish, French
· Experience of working with interpreters
Benefits to Volunteering:
Through volunteering with us you will:
· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
· Develop your skills and competencies;
· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
All volunteers must complete a DBS check and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.
To Apply:
To Apply To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP.
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!
About CARAS:
CARAS is a leading refugee charity in Southwest London, providing firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives.
We provide person-centred educational, social and casework support to over 600 young people and adults across South London each year, recognising the moment of arrival as one of opportunity. Our work provides individuals with essential support to build language and employability skills, develop social networks and friendships, and access essential services such as legal and mental health services. Our work has multi-generational impact, providing forced migrants with early interventions to support language and skill acquisition, tackling the root causes of socio-economic marginalisation by supporting social inclusion and future labour market access.
Volunteering with CARAS – our Community of Welcome:
CARAS has a proud history of volunteers helping us deliver our charitable aims. Volunteers are an essential part of the CARAS community, bringing skills, insights, experience, different languages, and enthusiasm to the roles. Community members tell us the welcome by volunteers is so important in an often hostile world. It helps them feel safe and wanted. Community is at the heart of all we do, and we could not deliver the projects we do without the enormous contribution that volunteers bring.
About CARAS Adult Programme:
Alongside educational and casework support, CARAS has a thriving social program of weekly activities, from women’s yoga, to creative coffee afternoons, sports sessions and workshops, designed and built in collaboration with our community, volunteers and local partners. Most people we work with in the adult team are waiting for a decision on their asylum claim, are accommodated in cramped and inadequate hotels contracted by the Home Office for up to – and sometimes more than – 2 years whilst they wait for a decision on their asylum claim. During this time, they are eligible for only £8.86 per week and are prohibited from working. This is an incredibly stressful and disempowering period for those seeking asylum. Against this backdrop, our social activities exist as spaces of welcome, for people to come and make meaningful connections, build confidence and importantly – have fun!
About the Trips and Holiday Activities Project:
Alongside our weekly timetable of term time activities, we run trips across London during the school holidays. These are always chosen and planned together with our community members, and so far have included trips to famous parks, museums, galleries, and the theatre. We know from our community members how important these trips are; they are a chance to explore parts of the city that would otherwise be inaccessible, and to feel more at home in the city. As one community member told us, ‘to discover new places…this makes us feel included’. They are an opportunity to learn something new with others, to meet new people, relax and have fun.
About the Role:
To support us with these trips and holiday activities, we are looking for friendly, welcoming, enthusiastic and proactive volunteers. You will support us practically to ensure the trips run smoothly and on time, but also will be an essential part of our community of welcome – to chat and get to know our community members, and make sure everyone feels included and is having a good time.
We intend to hold 2 trips in the Easter holidays, and up to 5 trips in the summer holidays. These will all be in locations across London, most likely during daytime hours. We will also run a combination of adult-only and child-friendly trips across the year – this is what our community have told us they want! We usually have a group of 10-20 community members and will always have at least one CARAS staff member present too.
Ideally, we are looking for volunteers who are flexible during school holidays and can attend at least 3 trips throughout the year, though we may consider those who might only be able to volunteer on a one-off basis.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
To attend CARAS trips as and when you are available to do so.
To support with the logistics of travelling to and from the trip location.
To keep an eye on the general health and wellbeing of our Community Members and report any concerns to the CARAS staff member present.
To encourage positive connections between people and the places we are visiting, opening up conversations to learn about each other.
On family-friendly trips, to assist where needed with the supervision of children present (alongside parents)
Requirements – Essential:
To be 18 years or older;
To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;
To be reliable and punctual;
To be welcoming, friendly part of the group, and to make sure our community members have the best and most fruitful time possible at the locations we visit.
Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;
Current resident of the UK;
Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;
Able to complete compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding via 2 self-paced induction training webinars prior to the start of role;
Requirements – Desirable:
Knowledge of community languages, such as Farsi, Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Somali and Spanish.
Through volunteering with us you will gain:
An opportunity to connect with and learn from a vibrant and diverse community of people who are new to the city;
A chance to share your knowledge of the city and places of interest with our community;
A deeper understanding of the experiences, challenges, and strengths of those seeking asylum here;
A deeper understanding of language-inclusive practices in multi-lingual groups;
Develop your skills and competencies;
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about supporting people who have experienced homlessness? Do you believe in giving people a second chance?If so, then this opportuity could be for you!
Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland, support people who have experienced or been at risk of homelessness, find a place where they can enjoy companionship and support.
We are about to embark on an exciting project to redevelop our Stockwell Head site based in Hinckely. If you enjoy a challagne and would like to be part of the new look Emmaus Leicestershire and Rutland - please get in touch.
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!
About us
A new and exciting opportunity has arisen within Pro Bono Economics (PBE), to volunteer in the Operations Team. PBE is an organisation that prides itself on its flexible working environment, culture of learning, focus on wellbeing and the strength of our relationships. PBE offers various opportunities for development and a team working at the top of their game.
PBE’s mission is to end low personal wellbeing in the UK. We do this by helping charities and social enterprises understand their economic and social impact, so they can improve their overall effectiveness. We enable professional economists from the private and public sectors as well as academia to volunteer their skills to tackle some of the most pressing issues in society. We have worked with over 500 charities since our inception in 2009.
Having successfully delivered a major programme of groundbreaking work on the condition of the charity sector in the form of the Law Family Commission on Civil Society at the start of 2023, PBE entered a new phase in its development. Building on its growing research and policy expertise and its strong association with the social sector, the organisation takes a bottom-up and top-down approach to exploring, understanding, and tackling the causes and consequences of low personal wellbeing in the UK that uses the insights and perspectives of charities and community groups as a unique jumping off point. PBE is focused on delivering high quality research that both translates into real policy and practice impacts for people with low wellbeing and supports a more effective social sector to help deliver that change.
About the role
Reporting directly to Pro Bono Economics’ Finance & HR Manager you will be offering much valued support to PBE’s Operations team with the day-to-day finance and operations processes. This is a varied and exciting role requiring a strong finance and office background, excellent organisation skills, a keen eye for detail and a great level of accuracy. It also offers a great opportunity to develop your existing skills and learn new ones in a high impact charity.
Post type: Volunteer - able to commit a minimum of 10hours per week
Benefits
- Flexible working hours
- Expenses can be paid for travel where needed
- Training in XERO accounting, Salesforce and Monday
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Finance
- To support the Finance & HR Manager with the monthly payment run
- Processing purchase invoices on our Xero account
- Perform weekly bank reconciliations.
- Raising sales invoices and dealing with outstanding payments
- To assist with quarterly VAT returns
- To assist the with general finance administration duties and managing the finance inbox
Operations & IT
- To support the Finance & HR Manager with recruitment
- To assist with maintaining office stationery and supplies
- To assist with reporting maintenance and repairs.
- To assist with reporting/logging IT issues with the external IT support team.
- Any other duties as deemed reasonable by the line manager.
About you
We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a strong finance and office background with a passion for the social sector and able to commit a minimum of 10 hours a week.
Ideal characteristics include:
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people
- A keen eye for detail and a great level of accuracy
- Good working knowledge of Excel
- Experience of using an accounting package preferably Xero
- Excellent organisational skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- The ability to work flexibly as part of a small team.
PBE is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from all parts of the community and we give all applicants and employees fair and equal treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. We also guarantee an invitation to interview for all applicants with disabilities who show evidence that they can meet the role's ideal criteria.
For details of our applicants's privacy policy, please visit PBEs website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.