Community volunteer roles in chorley, lancashire

Role title: 

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

Where: 

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

When: 

Immediately, minimum commitment of 3 months. 

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

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

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

About Nova:  

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

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

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

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

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

Purpose of role: 

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

Role Description: 

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

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

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

• Facilitate the zoom classroom as required 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with Maths/ English 

• Experience of working with young people 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

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

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

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

Main point of contact/supervisor: 

Matthew Barnett 

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

Do you want to gain professional writing skills and have your named work viewed by thousands? Do you have a passion for great literature or fine art or classical or contemporary music or history or archaeology or something else in the humanities? Do you love to learn about other cultures, their cuisine, customs and language? Do you want to join a vibrant community of writers? Then write for us!

The Cultural Me is a platform for arts and culture with a focus on discovering practical solutions for mental wellbeing, leisure and travel.

We are looking for writers to research and write micro-articles (roughly 750 words), on selected subjects, for example, a piece on Tolstoy, or Early Renaissance to Contemporary Art, or Latin American magic realism to Postcolonial Literature, or Sri Lankan culture, or Beethoven, or Film... You will also be involved in editing contributions from other writers.

If you have never written professionally before, then don't worry: all we ask for is a Bachelor’s Degree in the Arts and Humanities. We are also happy to consider you if you have alternative qualifications — provided you can demonstrate specialist subject matter knowledge in one or more areas in the arts and culture (and you love reading). The articles we produce (unlike popular media) are to the best academic standards. The ideal person, therefore, should enjoy writing articles that are well-researched yet written in an accessible format suitable for the public at large.

Here is what you can expect from us in return for your voluntary work:

• Detailed and friendly, one-to-one editorial feedback on almost every line you write.
• How to write for a busy mainstream reader: developing a story.
• A language and style guide reflecting modern trends in mainstream media.
• The chance to develop a deeper understanding of the arts, history, philosophy...
• Publication of your work to a global audience on a fast-growing platform.
• A link to your writing portfolio to include in your CV.
• A chance to join our diverse community of writers in our active chat space with the option to contribute to our growing social feed on the Cultural Me website.

In addition, if you provide The Cultural Me as a reference for a potential job, we will provide a personalised reference based on your portfolio. Our writers have secured jobs with organisations such as the Red Cross, Kobalt Music, Oxford University Museums, amongst others.

This is a brilliant opportunity for someone with a passion for the arts and culture to join a community on a worthy mission. If you love the idea, then please email Emma by clicking on ‘Apply’ and writing a short cover letter explaining what you like about the role.

COMMENTS FROM OUR WRITERS

Claire Woods — MA Creative Writing, Open University

‘The editors have a keen eye for detail, and I’m learning so much already!’

Florence Gildea — MPhil Sociology, University of Cambridge

‘The level of support, the attention to detail and the encouragement I experienced while writing for The Cultural Me was absolutely unprecedented in all my years of writing. Editing is an underappreciated skill these days, as people are keen to publish content as quickly as possible. It is a testament to the commitment of the Editors at The Cultural Me for producing resources of the highest quality that they put so much time and effort into working with writers like me. I felt both stretched and valued.’

Zoe Willis — BA French and German, University of Bristol

‘Working on The Cultural Me micro-articles really made me interrogate what I was writing, making sure the subject was absolutely clear for those reading it. At university, you are never told to examine each sentence as to how it fits in with your argument.’

Elise Czyzowska — BA English Literature & Language, University of Oxford

‘Writing for The Cultural Me has allowed me to continue practising my analytical reading from university, and given me the opportunity to share my thoughts on the literature I know and love.’

Nicholas Benton — BA English Literature, University of Sheffield

‘The Cultural Me provided me with a detailed commendatory reference that helped me secure a place on a master’s degree at the University of Birmingham.’

Tom Mackinnon — BA History of Art, University of Cambridge

‘Since starting to write for The Cultural Me, I’ve actually learned a lot about writing for mainstream readers. At the same time, I really enjoy being able to keep in touch with the topics I love. I do recommend this experience to anyone wanting to pursue a career in writing, curation or education.’

SAMPLE MICRO-ARTICLES

Please see the attachment.

SAMPLE WRITER PROFILES

Deepa — https://thecultural.me/people/Deepa-Srivastava-109829

Elizabeth — https://thecultural.me/people/Elizabeth-Hopkins-109782

Rami — https://thecultural.me/people/Rami-Barhoumi-109470

Gemma —  https://thecultural.me/people/Gemma-Unyereno-109538

Belinda —  https://thecultural.me/people/Belinda-Robinson-109600

Josef — https://thecultural.me/people/Josef-Steen-109610

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Lay Advisory Group member (Patient and Public Engagement)
Average of one to two days per month

Are you interested in healthcare? Pathologists are either doctors or scientists who are experts in diagnosing illness and disease together with supporting the treatment of patients throughout their life.  At the Royal College of Pathologists, we have members from 17 diverse pathology specialities working mainly in hospitals and universities across the UK. We regard lay input as essential to our work in setting standards for training and high-quality practice of pathology.

Nominations are invited for one post of the Lay Advisory Group. The successful candidate will be in post for a period of three years in the first instance, within the College’s Lay Advisory Group of volunteer members.

The Lay Advisory Group member is responsible for contributing a lay perspective on matters of importance to the College by working with committees or working groups assigned to oversee or manage specific areas of interest.

Lay members contribute the perspectives of patients, people who use services, experts in related fields of interest, or communities to a committee's work. This means they tend to offer a different point of view from other members on a committee. Lay members usually have a strong understanding of what matters most for people using health services.

AVAILABLE ROLES

We consider lay input as essential to our work, ensuring that we always see our professional activities through the prism of the patient and the public. We are recruiting to fill specific lay roles within the College according to applicants’ background and expertise. We also wish to be able to call on our Lay Advisory Group to advise on ad hoc issues as needed, and to review certain guideline documents.

Public Engagement (1 post)

The focus of this new post will be working with the Corporate and Public Engagement Manager in promoting awareness of College function and its 17 pathology specialties to our target audiences. They will support the development and delivery of public engagement events and activities. There will be opportunities to assist in the review and development of planned resources and materials to support public engagement.

The post-holder will also provide, with other lay members, input to College guidance for the profession.

This post would suit an applicant with a background in public engagement (in health or otherwise), or with experience in the health sector. Experience in patient involvement and engagement would be an advantage as this is an area that the College is looking to develop and expand on over the next few years.

WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT?

• Become familiar with the College, its high-level processes, and the detailed work of specific group(s) or committee(s). This may include occasional attendance at College Council as an observer.
• Through membership of one or more College committees, advise the College Council and provide a lay perspective on College matters, acting as a ‘critical friend’.
• Keep up-to-date with the College’s activities through access to Presidents’ newsletters, The Bulletin and website.
• As needed and by negotiation, provide lay input to ad hoc work as required e.g. to develop a College policy position on specific topics of public concern.
• Horizon scan for issues of possible interest to the College.
• Reporting within the Lay Advisory Group and to the Clinical Director on the lay input to committees with which they are working with and attend 3 annual Lay Advisory Group meetings at the College or online.
• Contribute to an annual report to Council that is submitted in writing by the relevant committee(s) on which they sit.

The closing date for applications is Monday 5th May 2025.

Selection will be by application and interview, and full induction will be given on appointment.

Applications will be considered by a panel comprising a Lay Trustee, Clinical Director of Publishing and Engagement and a relevant subject specialist. An interview (either in person or via tele/video conference) will be arranged to confirm interest, suitability and the role itself.

The panel will make a final decision on appointment to the role.

Lay Member posts are not remunerated, but all expenses are covered. 

We are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion within our organisation, as well as using our voice and platform to help make pathology as a profession more inclusive. This means reflecting critically on issues of diversity and inclusion within all that we do, identifying and taking appropriate actions to reduce inequality, and welcoming challenge.

We welcome applications from anyone regardless of their disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion or socio-economic background.

Are you a chatty person who can spare a couple of hours a week?

Our Befriending Volunteers help brighten the day of Unpaid Carers across Cardiff through making weekly phone calls, meeting for a cuppa and a chat, and occasionally helping with daily tasks to help Unpaid Carers carry out the vital role they play in people’s lives.

“It’s amazing how much can change in half an hour - from feeling overwhelmed to being able to unwind” – Carer with Caring Friends

Benefits of volunteering with us:

- Access to Cardiff Council's training;

- Travel expenses paid;

- Awarded Tempo Time Credits which can be spent on tickets to tourist attractions, events, leisure facilities and much more;

- Support of a Volunteer Mentor;

- A reference after 10 hours of volunteering

Ydych chi'n berson siaradus sy'n gallu sbario cwpl o oriau'r wythnos?

Mae ein Gwirfoddolwyr Cyfeillio yn helpu i fywiogi diwrnod Gofalwyr Di-dâl ledled Caerdydd trwy wneud galwadau ffôn wythnosol, cyfarfod am baned a sgwrs, ac o bryd i'w gilydd helpu gyda thasgau dyddiol i helpu Gofalwyr Di-dâl i gyflawni'r rôl hanfodol y maent yn ei chwarae ym mywydau pobl.

“Mae'n anhygoel faint all newid mewn hanner awr - o deimlo wedi'ch llethu i allu ymlacio” – Gofalwr gyda Ffrindiau Gofalgar

Manteision gwirfoddoli gyda ni:

- Mynediad i hyfforddiant Cyngor Caerdydd;

- Costau teithio a dalwyd;

- Credydau Amser Tempo Dyfarnedig y gellir eu gwario ar docynnau i atyniadau twristaidd, digwyddiadau, cyfleusterau hamdden a llawer mwy;

- Cefnogaeth Mentor Gwirfoddol;

- Geirda ar ôl 10 awr o wirfoddoli

Join Us in Shaping the Future as Treasurer of Vision Care for Homeless People!

Are you passionate about ensuring everyone has access to essential eye care services, regardless of their circumstances?

Are you a finance professional eager to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness?

If so, we invite you to consider becoming Treasurer of VCHP, where we're dedicated to providing vital eye care to those in need.

About Us:

At VCHP, we believe that everyone deserves the right to clear vision and eye health. Since 2003, we've been on a mission to provide comprehensive eye care services to individuals experiencing homelessness across the UK. From eye exams to prescription glasses, we're committed to ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to their vision. Now, as we look to the future, we're seeking a finance professional to join our board and help to ensure the charity’s financial viability.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, who is skilled at bringing financial information alive to non-finance specialists.

We're particularly interested in candidates who are willing to play an active role and who possess one or more of the following skills and experiences:

• Essential: Charity finance or sound commercial experience: To ensure we operate under sound financial principles.
• Strategic thinker: Able to balance risk and opportunity.
• Clear communicator: Able to bring financial information alive to non-finance specialists
• Hands on: Willingness to play an active role in forecasting, setting budgets and liaising with auditors
• Lived Experience of Homelessness or Experience as a Service User: To offer first-hand insights into the needs and challenges of our service users.
• Charity Law and Compliance: To ensure that we operate in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Policy Development: To develop robust policies and be prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the board.
• Digital Skills: Able to adopt and adapt to new IT and finance software.

By adding a new treasurer with these specific skills to our board, we aim to enhance our capacity to fulfil our mission and  serve our community more effectively. Have a look at the full role description, which outlines essential skills and responsibilities.

Why Join Us?

• Make an Impact: As Treasurer and a Trustee, you'll make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve and contribute to positive change in our community.
• Professional Development: Joining our board offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, including leadership development, networking, and learning from experienced colleagues.
• Be Part of Something Meaningful: Join a dedicated team of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference and creating a brighter future for VCHP and those we support.

If you're ready to embark on this rewarding journey and help shape the future of VCHP, we'd love to hear from you!

How to Apply

To apply, kindly detail your alignment with the desired skills and experiences and articulate your motivation for seeking the role of trustee at VCHP within a concise response of no more than 2 pages. Please accompany this with your CV, if you have one, sending both documents to Anna Campbell.

If you want to learn more or have questions before applying, please contact Anna, who will be happy to assist you.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload, or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact Anna who will be happy to advise on this.

Closing date for applications: 7th May 2025.

Interview dates: June/July 2024.

While this role can be carried out remotely, please note that there will be one annual face-to-face meeting

Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.

What is a Branch Fundraiser?

As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events etc.

Why do we need you?

SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.

What would you be doing?

Examples of tasks would include:

• Being part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
• Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g. handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
• Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
• Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others
• Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What about training and support?

• Fundraising workshops
• Training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance and marketing materials
• Local Fundraising Coordinator
• Fundraising Manager (per region)
• Access to the Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people
• Confident people who feel happy to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face
• Reliable attitude, staying connected the Fundraising Coordinator about your availability
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely
• Access to public transport or a car to get to events

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 16

Please note: If you are under 18 you are not allowed by law to volunteer at a street collection, raffle or an event serving alcohol. If you are under 16, please contact us, you will need to volunteer with a parent or adult responsible for your safety.

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Background:

Established in 2011, Kaleidoscope Trust is a UK-based charity fighting to bring about positive legislative, policy and social change for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and gender diverse (LGBTI+) people across the Commonwealth and beyond. We fund, fight for, and empower those upholding the human rights of LGBTI+ people by working with governments, changemakers, and civil society organisations to effect meaningful and lasting change in the lives of LGBTI+ people.
 

At this exciting time for Kaleidoscope Trust, we are looking to find a candidate who can take on the role as Chair of the Board of Trustees to build on the charity’s momentum, while handling the evolving opportunities and challenges of the organisation. The Chair provides strategic leadership of Kaleidoscope Trust in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer.
 

Overall purpose:

To provide Leadership of the Board as a team, to facilitate and drive the governance and strategic direction of Kaleidoscope Trust and to communicate its values, mission, aims, and objectives.
 

Key Responsibilities:

- Working in Partnership with the Chief Executive Officer

- Fundraising & Acting as an Ambassador

- Governance & Strategic Direction

- Communication and Culture

- Board Meetings
 

The post holder will seek to remain both well-informed about the opportunities, challenges, and risks facing the association’s services and will aim to contribute specialist knowledge/expertise to debate and decisionmaking.
 

The Chair of the Board is responsible for ensuring that the Board is effective in setting and implementing the strategic direction of the organisation and can act as a leading ambassador for Kaleidoscope Trust.

We know that diverse boards are the most effective, they can think creatively and hold each other to account, therefore we are particularly looking for applications from trans people, women, People of the Global Majority, people without a degree, working class people and people of faith.
 

Please refer to the Job Description attached for more information on the role.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Warrington Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

We are looking for a Director of Events & Operations to join YAF’s leadership team for the next two years starting in June 2025. We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to manage our programme of events and oversee our operational management.

What you’ll gain:

• Valuable leadership experience in a respected arts organisation 

• Expanded professional network across the cultural sector

• Opportunity to design our strategy and shape YAF’s future

• Skills in events management, leadership, and strategy planning

• Chance to make a significant impact on the future of arts fundraising

• Experience working with a passionate team dedicated to improving acccessibility in arts fundraising

A strong interest in arts fundraising and the aspiration to develop your career within the cultural sector are essential. It is not essential that you currently work within the arts. 

Could you volunteer in your local PDSA charity shop and help us raise vital funds to treat pets in need?

PDSA is a charity with 48 pet hospitals that supports pets and people in need. All of our charity shops need an amazing team of volunteers to make them a success and we need you now more than ever.

By becoming a charity shop volunteer with PDSA you will:

• Gain retail experience
• Develop new skills and boost your CV
• Meet new people
• Support your local community
• Donate your current skills and knowledge
• Have fun
• Be part of a friendly team

Charity Shop Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each shop and even a few hours a week will make a difference.

On the shop floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing

We provide training, so you don’t need experience – and we reimburse travel expenses so you won’t be out of pocket. 

We’re looking for people who are 18 years of age or over that enjoy working as part of a team and making a difference.

Get in touch today to talk to us about volunteering in one of our shops or to apply for this role please visit Volunteering with PDSA - PDSA

PDSA positively encourages volunteer applications regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect. 

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous and all appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks. 

The purpose of the Institute of Osteopathy Appointments Committee is to ensure high standards of competence and performance on the main governing body, the Council of the Institute of Osteopathy (iO), with a focus on recruitment.

We are seeking two new non-executives to join our committee to aid this important work.

You should have broad experience and a practical attitude with a proven track record, and ideally have experience in the following areas:

· Human Resources

· Executive development and performance management

· Knowledge of employment law

· Board/committee experience

Osteopathic or medical experience is not a prerequisite for this role, but interest in health and patient care is welcome.  

The Committee meets quarterly online/in person to advise on such matters as promotional strategy, review candidate profiles against council member role specification, appraise the performance of the non-executive members of council and ensure that governance-related processes around appointments and term renewals are fit for purpose and working effectively.

Please see the attached role specification for full details of the responsibilities.

If you are interested in this opportunity to shape the development of UK Osteopathy, please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how you meet the role specification by close of business on Monday 26 May. Interviews will take place in mid-June.

About the iO

The iO, as the lead body in the profession, has a clear and mandated mission to improve patient care by supporting and developing the education and practice of osteopathy, and universal access to osteopathic care. 

Our mission is to support, unite, develop and promote the profession for the improvement of public health and patient care. We are committed to realising our vision to see osteopathy become a growing and thriving profession, recognised and accessible to all.

At POhWER, we help people who are most vulnerable due to disability, illness, social exclusion, abuse, discrimination, and numerous other challenges, to express their views, uphold their rights or to get the support they need.

Our mission is to empower people to have a voice and make a real difference to their lives. We do this by speaking for them when they cannot and supporting them to speak for themselves when they can.

What will you be doing?

We are seeking to appoint two new Trustees to join the Board at this exciting phase. You will be part of a committed and forward-thinking Board, acting as a “critical friend” to the Executive Team and offering clear governance oversight to the charity. You will have the exciting opportunity to help support the planning and implementation of our Strategy from 2025 onwards, and to help develop and shape our long-term business plans.

POhWER is particularly interested in candidates who can offer expertise in one of the following areas:

• Involvement in the social care/advocacy sector and with experience of the local authority and commissioning environment;
• Experience of HR, typically at executive or board level.

Time commitment: Approximately one day per month and no requirement to attend offices. Board and Committee meetings are generally held on a Thursday early morning.

What are we looking for?

POhWER is seeking particular knowledge, expertise and experience in the following areas:

1. Involvement in the social care or advocacy sector and with experience of local authorities and commissioning environment;
2. Experience of HR, typically at executive or board level.

You will bring an inspiring leadership approach, together with a dedicated knowledge in one of the areas as sought, to complement the skills of the existing Board.  

You will uphold high standards of integrity and probity, both personally and in ensuring POhWER aspires to the highest standards in all its dealings, internally and externally; 

You will be able to give enough time and thought to the role of trustee, eg preparing for, attending and actively participating in all meetings of the Trustees;

You will ensure that POhWER uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives.

What difference will you make?

This is a particularly exciting phase as we are developing our Strategy beyond 2025.  This will take into account the continued economic uncertainty, but ensuring that we continue to achieve positive outcomes for the people who seek our services.

You will add value to our existing Board by bringing dynamism and challenge to the way that POhWER is seen externally. 

You will bring an inspiring leadership approach, together with a dedicated knowledge in one of the areas as sought, to complement the skills of the existing Board.  

We encourage candidates who can contribute greater diversity and who are fully aligned to our vision and values.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance with CV and covering letter indicating you interest in POhWER.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
• Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
• Are a good listener
• Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
• Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

Requirements of a Befriender include:

• Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
• Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
• Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
• Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

Benefits of this role may include:

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
• Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Support and training provided:

• Omega Chatterbox induction program
• Safeguarding training
• Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
• Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
• Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

Location of the role:

• Home-based

When are you needed:

• Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.