Community outreach volunteer volunteer roles in leer, unity

Could you use your social media, marketing and communications experience to raise the profile of a small charity? Help us to increase our social media presence and engagement, generate greatr content and help promote existing activities.

Our charity delivers a range of awareness campaigns and support services to patients, relatives, partners and carers who have been affected by a poorly understood pain condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). We are looking for 2 experienced social media and communications volunteers who are able to develop posts and campaigns from design to inception, create fresh and engaging content, increase engagement and to increase awareness of the charity and of the condition we represent.

Even though we are a small organisation we have big ideas and would like to draw on your experience in the communications world to help the charity deliver engaging content and communications to help us spread our aims and message to all our audience.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Engagement: Help increase engagement, improve the number of followers/likes, create & execute a content calendar
• Content Creation: Produce fresh, branded and engaging content for our social media channels 
• Graphics: Prepare graphics and text for sharing across channels 
• Engage with our followers and encourage interaction 
• Manage and maintain social media channels on a regular basis
• Support charity campaigns, marketing, events and fundraising activities by promoting them on our social media feeds
• Use your creative skills to support strategies to engage, grow, and widen our target audiences
• Develop publicity materials and communication techniques for social media to raise awareness of our chronic condition 

You will be with a small team of volunteers who will provide an overview of our existing social media content, our brand and how we have approached our social media content to date. 

Experience
We are looking for a volunteer who has experience in:

• Different types of marketing and communications media, including electronic and social media
• Writing and editing marketing content for social media platforms including Facebook, X, Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn (especially TikTok, Instagram Reels & posts and YouTube)
• Building strategies to increase social media following and /or build fundraising or awareness campaigns
• Developing a coherent brand voice for social media, from content creation to community interactions
• Using and setting up tools such as Buffer, Canva etc
• Creating and executing content calendars to help plan social media activity 

Skills Required

• Excellent written communication skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail 
• Creative writing and design abilities
• Good computer and digital skills
• Enthusiasm for communications and marketing and willingness to learn
• Ability to quickly understand the needs of our team / organisation / users
• Ability to transform small snippets of information into interesting and engaging stories suitable for X, Facebook, Instagram etc.
• Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these
• Open to feedback 
• An interest in helping Burning Nights CRPS Support achieve its aims
• Good organisational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to work as part of a team

What Difference You Will Make
You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in ensuring we can maintain our support services and become a sustainable charity to allow us to fulfil our aims.

Benefits

You would be a part of our small, friendly and forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people who may not have heard about the charity or about the condition. You would have a key role in developing a socoal media strategy for a small charity. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference to a rare condition.
You will further develop your communication skills, gain PR and marketing experience and develop your social media skills.

This is a remote volunteering role, volunteering from your own home.

Become a Trustee at Options for Life
Make a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Location: Sandwell, West Midlands
Commitment: Four Board meetings annually, plus the AGM, strategy day, and quarterly sub-committee meetings
Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed

Are you passionate about creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive? Options for Life is looking for committed, values-driven individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

We are a vibrant, Sandwell-based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to live fulfilling, independent lives. Our services include community hubs, outreach, drop-ins, and access to a wide range of community-based activities. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to choice, dignity, and empowerment.

The Role

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the strategic leadership and governance of the charity. Working closely with the Chair, CEO, and fellow trustees, you will help shape the future of our services, ensure we stay true to our mission, and uphold our responsibilities as a charitable organisation.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring:

• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• Experience in leadership, change management, HR, fundraising, safeguarding, health and social care, or community engagement
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to discussions and decisions

Previous trustee experience is not essential—we welcome first-time trustees and provide full induction and support.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to use your skills and experience for social impact
• Involvement in meaningful work that changes lives
• Personal and professional development through trustee training and networking
• A chance to work alongside passionate people and make a lasting contribution to your local community

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability, people from underrepresented backgrounds, and younger people seeking their first board experience.

Ready to get involved?
To express interest or learn more, contact our Chief Executive, Nicola Thomson.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

This is a fantastic role to get involved locally and be at the forefront of solutions to help save nature in the Exeter area.

Join us as the volunteer leader of the RSPB Exeter & District Local Group and lead a group of enthusiastic members who are passionate about supporting the RSPB and exploring local wildlife. The group runs a full programme of activities, from outdoor walks and indoor talks to fundraising events. As the group leader, you will primarily lead the group and oversee the programme. You will be part of a friendly and helpful committee that share the same vision of bringing members closer to nature. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to use your leadership skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of the RSPB.

If you want to have an informal chat about the role, please ask for Richard, the current group leader. We’d love to hear from you.

Job Description:

Youth Advantage UK is seeking a Volunteer HR Officer to provide administrative support to the HR department. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with HR-related tasks such as recruitment, policies, onboarding, and maintaining employee records. The ideal candidate should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

• Lead internal communications initiatives to ensure cultural consistency and alignment.

• Work with the Policy and wider HR team on refining our end to end volunteer lifecycle processes to ensure better engagement from our volunteers. 

• Partner with leadership to craft sharp, impactful messaging for various internal initiatives.

• Partner closely with the L&D team to ensure content aligns with the organisational values and culture.

Requirements:

• Excellent writing and speaking skills.

• IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

• Ability to work well independently and in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Interest in HR and the non-profit sector.

• Experience not required, but any previous experience in HR or administrative roles is a plus.

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in HR and the non-profit sector.

• Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.

• Develop professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and time management.

• Flexible working hours.

To Apply:

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest.

The Volunteer HR position with Youth Advantage UK offers a unique opportunity to be a part of a fantastic team that is working on exciting projects aimed at empowering young people across the UK. By joining our team, candidates will have the chance to gain valuable experience in the HR and non-profit sector while developing professional skills and making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Youth Advantage UK is committed to providing opportunities for young people to reach their full potential, and the successful candidate can be a part of making that happen. This is an incredibly rewarding experience for anyone looking to give back to their community and make a difference.

St John Ambulance Cymru has ambitious plans in place and a new strategy. We are seeking a new trustee with experience of Marketing and Communications to join our board.

We require someone with a strong background in marketing and/or communications at a senior level, who understands the challenges of marketing and communications in Wales. This knowledge will support our leadership team in developing and delivering an effective strategy to enhance our brand presence and audience engagement.  An understanding of marketing regulation and governance is key, alongside experience in public relations and digital outreach to ensure that the charity’s message and impact resonate with a wide audience.

In this role you will be helping, supporting and guiding us on our journey, willing to be a strong advocate for the charity and having the skills and expertise to steer the charity towards achieving our strategic priorities. You will also of course live our values of Compassion, Quality, Inclusion and Integrity.

St John - Worldwide

St John is an international charity with 900 years of history that in modern times provides first aid, health care and support services in over 40 countries around the world. Together the 44 Priories make up the Order of St John.

St John - in Wales

St John Ambulance Cymru (SJAC) is an independent Priory within the Order of St John. We are a working Order of Chivalry of the British Crown with His Majesty the King as its Sovereign Head, which is accredited to the United Nations.

We are Wales’ leading first aid charity. Our new 2025-2030 Strategy has the mission of “Wales as a Community of Lifesavers”.In order to do this we have 4 strategic objectives:

1. Experience: We want to be the best volunteering offer in Wales. We want our St John people to have the best experience, training, leadership, and equipment.

2. Maximising the potential of our Children and Young People.

3. Increasing our focus on Community Education.

4.  Making St John more inclusive and sustainable.

We work closely with NHS Wales and the Welsh Ambulance Service University Trust (WASUT), We provide on-site first aid and medical services at events across Wales from local events in your community to international sporting and cultural events.

In order to do this we have around 2000 St John People, a mixture of employees and volunteers as well as around 800 Children and Young People.

For more information and the Trustee Recruitment Pack please visit the St John Ambulance Cymru website.

Children of Voices is a hugely respected charitable organisation helping to improve the lives of young people and their families through genuine care, love, and support.  

We are currently seeking a volunteer Personal Assistant/Office Manager. This role is ideal for an individual with experience as a P.A./Manager looking to work within the charity sector. 

Responsibilities typically include: 

• Acting as a first point of contact for enquiries: (email/calendar management and phone calls, managing diaries 

• Typing, compiling, and preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence. 

• Miscellaneous tasks to support the CEO which will vary according to projects and tasks but could include fundraising, event planning, social media, community outreach, press & PR. 

• Managing databases and filing systems. 

• Implementing and maintaining procedures/policies & administrative systems 

• Forming a relationship with our clients as they are part of the community. 

Essential skills for this role are: 

• Organisation skills: The ability to prioritise tasks, manage time, and keep track of deadlines is crucial.  

• Communication skills: should be able to communicate effectively in writing. 

• Attention to detail: the ability to pick up on small details can prevent costly mistakes from occurring. 

• Problem-solving skills: the ability to identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.  

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. The organisation has a warm and friendly atmosphere and will be extremely rewarding for the candidate. 

East London Waterworks Park is looking for volunteers to lead social media and content creation for communications and campaigning for our community-owned park.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for social media and content creator leads to participate in our community-led working group who are promoting public awareness and support of the project. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects across communications, content creation, social media, PR, newsletters, film, podcasts or any other channels of interest, and facilitate the direction of the working group.

The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

You will be at the forefront of our digital strategy to create a huge new biodiverse park and natural swimming ponds. We’re looking for creative and strategic thinkers who can craft compelling narratives and visually stunning content. You should have a deep understanding of social media platforms and analytics tools to measure and optimize our campaigns. Your ability to build and engage with online communities is crucial, as is your skill in managing media relations. We value individuals who are passionate about our mission and can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the role. You will be comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your strategic content creation will be instrumental in fostering a strong connection between our community, the park, and its biodiversity. Your input will help us craft compelling narratives that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

We're looking for a Trustee – Treasurer
Bring your financial expertise and help us shape brighter futures.

At Options for Life, we believe everyone has the right to live a fulfilled and independent life. We are a Sandwell based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to build confidence, learn new skills, access their communities, and make informed choices about their lives.

With two purpose-built centres and over 65 staff, we provide a wide range of services, from outreach and hub-based activities to supported community access and drop-in sessions. Our work takes place in one of England’s most disadvantaged areas, where our services can make the greatest impact.

Join Our Board as Treasurer

As we plan to expand our reach and develop new services, we are seeking a Treasurer to help guide our financial strategy and governance.

We are looking for someone with a background in finance or accounting, who can:

• Oversee our financial health in collaboration with our Head of Finance and CEO
• Ensure effective financial controls, policies, and reporting are in place
• Play an active role in the Finance Committee and wider Board decision-making
• Present clear and insightful financial information to fellow Trustees

We welcome applicants from all walks of life, including those with lived experience of disability or who are new to governance roles. A strong commitment to inclusion, good judgment, and a collaborative spirit are essential.

Commitment:

• Four Board meetings per year
• AGM and annual strategy/away day
• Quarterly Finance Committee and possible ad hoc sub-committee involvement
• Training and induction provided
• Travel expenses reimbursed

Make a lasting difference.

To express interest or learn more, contact our Chief Executive, Nicola Thomson.

Help us give people more choice and control over their lives—because your skills can help change theirs.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

�� Date: 4th September
�� Location: Manchester City Centre
⏰ Flexible time slots available from 10am - 3pm

What’s Involved?

We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help us with a one-day bucket collection in Manchester. Your role will be to:

• Hold a collection bucket and engage the public with a smile
• Raise awareness about our cause
• Help us create a positive and respectful presence in a busy public space

�� What You’ll Need

• A friendly, approachable attitude
• Comfortable standing for a couple of hours 
• Aged 16 or over (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
• No experience necessary – full briefing will be provided

�� What You’ll Get

• Make a real impact in just a few hours
• Meet like-minded people
• Certificate of thanks (great for CVs!)

�� Ready to Help?

Sign up now to join our amazing volunteer team for the day!

Let’s make wishes come true – together! ��

�� Remote 

�� Flexible hours

�� Volunteer position/Unpaid

About InciSioN Moldova

InciSioN Moldova is the national branch of the International Student Surgical Network (InciSioN), working to raise awareness of global surgical disparities and empower students through education, outreach, and advocacy.

Role Overview

We’re looking for a creative and motivated PR Officer to help shape and grow our public image across multiple platforms. You’ll create engaging content, manage social media, and support our branding efforts.

Responsibilities

• Draft, schedule, and post content on:
• Instagram (posts, stories, reels)
• Facebook (posts, events, groups)
• LinkedIn (professional updates, articles)
• Twitter/X (quick updates, threads)
• TikTok (short awareness videos)
• Design graphics and visual content using Canva or similar tools
• Maintain consistent branding and messaging across all channels
• Collaborate with the team to promote events, campaigns, and news
• Monitor engagement and interact with followers to build community
• Assist with writing newsletters, press releases, or blog posts as needed

We’re Looking For

• Strong written and verbal communication skills (Romanian and English)
• Interest in public/global health, surgery, or advocacy
• Experience with social media platforms and basic analytics
• Familiarity with Canva or other design software (preferred)
• Creativity, initiative, and ability to work in a team

What You Gain

• Certificate of contribution and LinkedIn recommendation
• Experience managing multi-platform PR campaigns
• Opportunity to build a portfolio in public health communication
• Work with an international student network passionate about surgery and global health
• Flexible schedule and collaborative environment

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Trustees manage the affairs of our local RSPCA Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area. 

We are the Surrey East Branch of the RSPCA, and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. 

Main activities: 

• To be familiar with and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA. 

• To be familiar with our branch rules and follow them at all times. 

• To work with your fellow trustees and branch officers to jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of our branch and the RSPCA. 

• To ensure the branch meets all the minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS). Where they are not met, work with national RSPCA staff to meet the standard as soon as practicable. 

• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch support specialist (BSS), to write, adopt, monitor and review a branch development plan setting out the short and long-term aims of our branch. 

• To actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting, and regional conference. 

• To be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives. 

• To attend the trustee training course. 

• To actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers. 

• To welcome new trustees and volunteers to the branch. 

About the RSPCA

We’re proud to be the oldest welfare charity in existence

• We were the first to introduce a law to protect animals and we work hard to ensure that all animals can live a life free from pain and suffering. 

• Through our campaigns we raise standards of care and awareness of issues for the animals who have no voice. We push for laws to be changed, improving the welfare of animals on farms, in research labs, in the wild, in paddocks or in our homes. 

• Through investigations and prosecutions, we stand up to those who deliberately harm animals to send out a clear message - we will not tolerate animal abuse. 

• Our highly trained officers tackle neglect and cruelty at every level and are working hard to stamp out large-scale serious, organised and commercial animal cruelty. 

• We believe every animal has the right to be counted as an individual. Animals can rely on us to rescue them when they need us most. To rehabilitate them wherever possible, provide them with the very best veterinary care and to find them new homes, either through rehoming or release.

What are we looking for? 

• Most people aged 18 or over are eligible to become a trustee. You will need to become a member of the RSPCA. Good interpersonal skills are important. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense and the ability to be objective is vital. 

• Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, and awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential. 

• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and that they accept the post. 

• In addition to our standard declaration of willingness, trustees also need to complete a declaration from the Charity Commission and read their guidance for individuals on who can’t be a trustee or senior manager of a charity. 

What can we offer you? 

• It’s a great way to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. 

• You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals. 

• New RSPCA trustees are provided with a document “Trustees handbook” and asked to attend a training course which provides information and guidance about a trustee’s role and responsibilities. 

• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch. 

• Volunteer at the heart of the local community. 

Finance Trustee - Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!

At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Finance Trustee to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country. 

We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you. 

Who We're Looking For: 

We are looking to recruit a Finance Trustee who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve.

As a Finance Trustee, You Will: 

• Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation

• Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity. 

• Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose. 

• Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability. 

• Ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team

• Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts. 

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need. 

• Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks. 

• Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.

• Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us

Expectations: 

• Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role

• Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely. 

• Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work. 

• External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually.

• Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you! 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!

About Us

My Black Dog is a charity that offers anonymous, peer to peer mental health support through our web-chat service. We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health in the UK as we tackle an epidemic that millions of people face.

We were founded on the motto "talk to someone who gets it". We want to connect people who share lived experiences to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space where everybody understands how it feels to experience mental health struggles.

Position Overview

Our web-chat service is run by our Volunteer Pack, each of whom have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. In addition, each shift has a 'Leader' and a 'Mentor'. These are Volunteers who carry out specific roles during the shift and, together, ensure its success:

• Leaders - Managers of the shift. There to ensure the shift runs as it should. They support and guide Volunteers through chats and follow safeguarding processes when an alert is raised. They escalate safeguarding alerts to the shift’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (a trained professional). They also complete a 'Shift Handover' document once the shift is completed.
• Mentors - There to support and guide Volunteers through chats. Will take over from the Leader if there are safeguarding issues that need the Leader's attention and/or if the Leader needs a break.

As My Black Dog looks to expand our opening hours, we are looking to recruit additional Leaders who can run shifts and provide cover when necessary.

Leaders will be assigned a shift based on your availability and preference. The expectation is that Leaders and Mentors will form a ‘pair’ and, together, will do one shift at the same time each week. This is to provide stability, predictability and to encourage community-building between Volunteers. Shifts are usually 3 hours long. We may ask you to cover another shift when we are short, but you will never do more than 6 hours per week.

Training will be provided and you will be supported on shift by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will manage all safeguarding issues.

The work you will do as Leaders will ensure we provide the best possible service to our Guests. You will also be helping our Volunteer Pack to do what we do best: helping those in need by speaking to someone who 'gets it'.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for people who have experienced their own journey with mental health and are in a strong position to support others. We ask that our Leaders:

• Are strongly committed to helping others
• Have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to those seeking help
• Are collaborative and enjoy working with others
• Are encouraging and supportive
• Are organised and can monitor several things at once
• Can remain calm and focused during busy times and when safeguarding alerts are raised
• Are 18 years and over 
• Can commit the time to a regular weekly shift

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are available to run a shift on the following days/hours:

• Monday to Sunday, 5pm-7pm
• Thursday to Saturday, 7pm-10pm

Role Responsibilities

1. Supervise and support Volunteers whilst on shift with general enquiries, positive feedback and signposting.
2. Assist with general volunteering enquiries whilst on shift. Provide time for guidance, instruction and de-briefing for Volunteers if required.
3. Follow Leaders processes including unexpected absence reporting, Volunteer check-in and check-out, and completing Shift Handovers.
4. Monitor web-chat conversations and ensure all chats are tagged.
5. Maintain ability to listen, remain calm and provide intervention if necessary.
6. Be able to have difficult and often complex conversations about mental health, including Guests experiencing crisis and first-stage intervention support.
7. Work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when safeguarding risks are identified.
8. Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information, conveying sensitive information in a timely manner to necessary individuals.
9. Provide written follow up of shifts via handover, ensuring all necessary information is handed over at the end of the shift.
10. Adhere to all standards, policies and procedures of My Black Dog.

Please note: An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this role. If you do not have one, My Black Dog will arrange the DBS Check for you.

www.myblackdog.co

BoB Trustee Specification- June 2025 

Build on Belief is a charity dedicated to helping people who have, or have had issues with drugs and alcohol use, working to improve and sustain their health and wellbeing in order they can recover to lead fulfilling lives. Bring your experience and skills to become a voluntary trustee for a growing and innovative organisation and help make a difference across diverse communities in London and the South-East. If you’ve experience in the health care sector and perhaps even your own lived experience, then you could help us take the organisation forward.

What you will be doing 

Along with other members of the Board, you will be responsible for providing the strategic and practical governance of an enthusiastic and innovative organisation. As a Lived Experience Recovery Organisation for people with histories of drug and alcohol problems we are a pioneering and innovative charity. 

BoB helps build the “social capital’ of people who are on a journey of recovery from histories of alcohol, illicit or prescribed drugs. Many of our service users and volunteers across our ten London and South-East projects have associated mental and physical health problems, along with histories of homelessness and unemployment.

We largely operate a structure where we recruit volunteers from our service users, and our managers from our volunteer pool, once trained. Our CEO, most managers and some members of the Board have lived experience, and many have been through the drug and alcohol treatment system. This ‘unique’ structure, we believe, gives a high level of peer led understanding of needs and responses.  

In terms of key responsibilities, trustees are expected to: 

• Attend and contribute to Board (six evening meetings (2hrs) a year at Earls Court and/or online) and related meetings and share in decision making about all significant issues that impact on BoB. 

• Work with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team to practically support and develop the design and operation of new areas of service delivery as well as providing input and oversight to help everyday operations.

• Ensure that as a diverse Lived Experience Recovery Organisation, trustees continue to keep the interests and needs of those recovering from addiction at the forefront of governance. 

• Develop and regularly monitor the implementation of BoB’s strategy. 

• Oversee BoB’s work, ensuring accountability, strategically managing finances and risks, protecting charity assets, adopting and updating policies and procedures so they are fit for purpose and that the charities resources are used efficiently and effectively. 

• Act as custodian of BoB’s values and long-term future, ensuring that the organisation is complying with its constitution, and is managed prudently and lawfully. 

• Using contacts and networks to help BoB grow and develop and to be an active ambassador for the organisation. 

• Other duties required and expected of a Trustee/Company Director, including ad-hoc task groups and very occasional weekend visits to services across London and the South-East of England. 

What we are looking for 

Our Trustee Board comprises people who have good skills and experience in financial operations, corporate strategic marketing and communications, health care, HR, information technology and legal matters. However, we are at a stage of development where we wish to broaden and strengthen our governance with an additional trustee who has a background as an experienced health care practitioner, to join us on a voluntary basis to help take the organisation forward. 

If you’ve experience as a health care sector practitioner, then you could make a significant contribution to our development. 

We are open to a variety of professional health care backgrounds, including: 

• Experience in health care, clinical or public health, ideally in the fields of drug and alcohol addictions, primary care or mental health. 

• Experience as a registered doctor, nurse or psychologist. 

• Familiarity of services and interventions aimed at supporting people with complex needs. 

We are very open to bringing on board people who can support us becoming a more inclusive organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, women and other underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities and from LGBTQI communities. We are also very open to recruiting someone who may have their own lived experience of addictions and adversity to draw upon. What counts will be your enthusiasm, commitment, competence and interest in taking on a trustee and governance role. 

We seek a trustee who can collaborate at governance and staff level, and work effectively with others across our organisation, in person and, where appropriate, remotely. 

Qualities Required 

Trustees are expected to: 

• Share BoB’s values and aspirations along with having empathy with those seeking to rebuild their lives from histories of problem substance use.

• Have the expertise, skills, life experience and personal qualities to help form an effective and diverse Board. 

• Roll up their sleeves to provide practical support to the CEO and leadership team to achieve our strategy. 

• Demonstrate a willingness to adhere to the BoB Code of Conduct. 

• Be able to fully discharge the legal requirements of being a trustee and company director. 

What difference will you make? 

We are looking for a volunteer trustee to join us on our Board of Trustees/Directors that currently meets once every two months on the first Tuesday evening of the month between 6:00pm and 8pm, usually face-to-face meetings In Earls Court. 
The impact we look to you and other trustees to make includes: 

• better strategic development and governance oversight 

• taking on a lead oversight role for specific initiatives (eg: health and wellbeing of staff, volunteers & service users; organisational developments such as social prescribing, harm reduction efforts; safeguarding)) 

• helping forge new partnerships with others to support the implementation of our strategy 

• using your practical skills and experience to support our small central staff team 

• helping raise the profile of BoB with potential supporters and funders. We want to demonstrate the contribution that peer run social support can make to tackling the stigma that goes with drug and alcohol problems. 

• delivering on our commitment to having more diversity and voices from different cultures in our leadership 

What's in it for the volunteer? 

This role offers a good opportunity for someone interested in a grass-roots South-East based charity, getting Board experience, or for someone new to senior management or a new charity. With us you will be able to add real value and have a crucial input using your interest and skills to help the organisation flourish and develop and reach new ‘audiences’. 

Much is made of the idea of co-production but at BoB we take this one step further by enabling peer support. By joining our Board, you can bring your professional and/or personal experience to nurture and enthuse people recovering from drug and alcohol problems to reach out and support others, using their talents and interests. 

A few more details on application process  

Our deadline for applications is Monday 30 June. 

• Please submit a CV with a covering letter which must address three questions (see below). 

• We aim to be flexible with interview dates, to include early evenings but aim to hold them during the summer. 

• If you need any particular support if you are invited to an interview, then please make this clear in your supporting statement (see below). 

• We plan to have a three-month induction and familiarisation process before final confirmation as a trustee. Once appointed, Trustees are expected to serve a minimum three-year term of office. This is a voluntary and non-paid position.

• Your Supportive Statement or covering letter should address three questions: 

1. Why are you interested in becoming a trustee of BoB? 

1. What insights and experiences can you bring to our Board? 

1. Is there anything in your background that we should be aware of that might be relevant to you becoming a trustee/company director? 

About Build on Belief 

Objectives 

Build on Belief (BoB) is a Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO), registered as a charity that is changing the face of the drug and alcohol treatment and the recovery system in London and the Southeast. Our services are run by people who have had their own experiences of drug and alcohol addiction and understand not only what it’s like first-hand, but also the struggle people often have to reach and maintain recovery. After all, who is better placed to understand what someone with substance use issues is going through than someone who has been there themselves?

Socially focused activities 

As the addiction lifestyle can be all-consuming, it’s also important to find new interests that help to fill the void many people are faced with in early recovery. With this in mind BoB runs a range of sports, art and music workshops and clubs that provide the opportunity to try something new, meet new people, have fun and maybe even fulfil a lifelong ambition to play in a rock and roll band or try out yoga. We provide an open-minded and supportive atmosphere that gives people the confidence to try out new activities and find a sense of purpose and belonging. Often people who come along to our ten local social clubs across London, Sussex and now Buckinghamshire feel a sense of belonging they have not had for a long time, if ever. Some of us feel like we are part of a family. 

All of our drop-in services run at the weekend and some during the week. Where we can, we aim to give our service users access to opportunities such as: music workshops, sports clubs, arts, alternative therapies, food and drink, gardening and allotments and a strong sense of community. We also run a recovery café, CBT support group and sports clubs during the week and on-line offer LGBTQI support groups. With nearly 40% of our service users being people from diverse ethnic communities we are very keen to see that our volunteers, staff and trustees reflect the diversity where we work. 

To complement these local peer-led social activities we have also developed an on-line programme to support peoples’ recovery journey. Whether its Recovery Support sessions offered 6 days a week, quizzes and games, hands on creative groups (Art Together, Creative Writing, Play Reading) or other well-being focused groups (Yoga, Mindfulness, Tai-Chi and more).

Music workshops, sports clubs, arts, alternative therapies, food and drink, and a strong sense of community are just some of the things on offer to anyone who visits us.  

Our deadline for applications is Monday 30 June.