Community volunteer volunteer roles in blackrock, county dublin

Branch Trustee - HR and Employee Relations

RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch

This is an exciting opportunity to pass on your human resources and employee relations expertise whilst helping the RSPCA; promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things.

There are currently 4 trustees, and we'd like to expand this to 7 trustee's. We meet monthly and we would expect you to be active every week within your role as a trustee. You would be responsible for a recruiting and looking after your team of volunteers and offer strategic direction in your specific area.

As a HR & Employee Relations expert you would be supporting the branch by helping them maintain and develop staff throughout the organisation. You would play a key role in advising Trustees on the long-term and strategic direction of human resources and contributing towards policy setting.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

• Advise Trustees on the long-term vision and strategic direction for investment in human resources.

• Support the Branch grow, maintain, and develop staff throughout the organisation.

• Contribute to HR policy setting, strategic direction, goal and target setting, and evaluate performance  against targets, budgets, plans and charitable objectives.

• Ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to the RSPCA Isle of Wight Branches charitable objectives and complement the company culture.

• Advise on and help improve management of HR.

• Ensure the Board of Trustees properly remunerates staff, reviewing and rewarding performance and development opportunities.

• To work with the Branch Manager to review current HR management arrangements and provide guidance on HR strategy and short and long-term direction.

• Receive progress reports on HR and any recurring staffing issues.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside Human Resources experience, including a CIPD membership, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything  you need to carry out the role.

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

• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.

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

• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Job Description

A contracted Ministry of Justice Approved Premises and Housing Charity working with released offenders on prison licenses and ex-offenders, to break the revolving door of re-offending, homelessness, and prison. Trustees will use their knowledge, experience, and skills in an environment they may not have previously encountered.

What will you be doing?

Trustees meet every two months with the Senior Management Team (SMT) at the Charity offices to monitor activities, finances, and development of the organisation, giving advice to the SMT and making such decisions as required to ensure the organisation is acting appropriately to meet the requirements of our stakeholders; Ministry of Justice, National Probation Service, Leeds Local Authority and within Charity Commission regulations. 

The Organisation has grown rapidly, and it is essential that the Board of Trustees develops to meet the broad needs of this Charity. 

New Trustees will contribute to the stability and support, advice, and opportunity that the Charity provides to enable vulnerable ex-offenders to do things differently and by offering their experience and specialist knowledge in the areas identified will add depth and breadth to the existing Board of Trustees.

Additional time and specialist advice given as and when required, will enable the SMT to respond effectively to new challenges and external changes as they occur whilst the SMT concentrate on the day-to-day work of the Charity and its staff.

New Trustees must want to make a difference to individual lives and wider society by supporting the SMT and staff to help those vulnerable ex-offenders with very specific and high-risk offending histories, who are being released from long or repeated prison sentences, to believe that they can live positive fulfilling lifestyles.  It is essential that Trustees can view our service users with an open mind.

What are we looking for?

New Trustees are being sought with experience of Accounting and Auditing, Housing and Private Letting Legislation, accessing Funding opportunities, Police or Probation work, Mental Health, or Substance misuse fields.

It is vital that new Trustees have an affinity with the aims of the Charity and appreciate the value of giving individuals a chance to change their future and leave their offending lifestyle behind and the important role that stable accommodation plays in enabling individuals to turn their goals into reality. 

Not all skills need to be specialist and an understanding of the barriers to prison release re-settlement, housing, employment, and stable relationships that many disadvantaged or vulnerable people in society face on a day-to-day basis is helpful.   

Being able to work within a small team of Trustees and provide good interpersonal, supportive, and positive contributions is important.

If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute and would like a new challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

What difference will you make?

The development and success of the organisation needs to be supported by maintaining the number of trustees and the range of expertise available to provide effective and sustainable governance going forward.  In an environment where government policies and funding strategies are susceptible to change, a robust Board of Trustees will help to maintain the Charity's ability to provide and sustain an effective service. 

This will thereby continue to increase the availability of stable accommodation with support; service user's ability to secure and maintain stable employment; build new relationships and increase access to healthcare and wellbeing support.  As a result, this can lead to reduced reoffending, reduced prison population and cost to the taxpayer and therefore has potential to actively achieve public protection, reduce the impact of offending on victims, families and children of both victims and perpetrators and local communities.

Before you apply

Previous experience of Charity Governance would be useful but not necessary.  Please contact us via Reach with any questions you may have, and we will be pleased to discuss the opportunity on offer.

As a Trustee at Yarm Wellness, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity. You'll work alongside our Board of Trustees, Volunteers, and staff to ensure that our services are effective, inclusive, and sustainable. Your insights and expertise will help guide our strategic decisions and ensure we remain true to our mission.​

About Yarm Wellness

Yarm Wellness is a vibrant, community-led charity dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of residents in Yarm and the surrounding areas. We offer a warm, welcoming space where individuals can engage in creative, educational, fitness, and wellness activities.

Our mission: We connect our community to improve wellbeing and alleviate isolation.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Contribute to the development and implementation of the charity's strategic plans, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
• Governance: Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including Charity Commission guidelines.
• Financial Stewardship: Oversee financial management, including budgeting, fundraising, and ensuring the charity's financial health.
• Fundraising: Support fundraising efforts to secure the resources needed to sustain and grow our services.
• Community Engagement: Represent Yarm Wellness in the community, building relationships with local organisations and stakeholders.
• Policy Development: Contribute to the development of policies and procedures that promote best practices and safeguard the charity's reputation.​

What We’re Looking For

We welcome Trustees from all backgrounds and experiences. Ideal candidates will:​

• Have a passion for community wellbeing and a commitment to reducing isolation.
• Bring diverse skills and perspectives to the board.
• Possess experience in governance, finance, fundraising, or community development (desirable but not essential).
• Be proactive, collaborative, and eager to make a positive impact.​

Time Commitment

• Trustee Meetings: Quarterly (approximately 2 hours per meeting).
• Preparation: Reviewing materials and contributing to discussions outside of meetings. Submission of financial reports to the Trustee Meetings​.
• Year-End Responsibilities: Additional time will be required at the end of the financial year to support preparation of the next year’s budget, the annual accounts, the Trustees’ Report, and other necessary filings or reviews.
• Additional Involvement: Attendance at events, meetings or sessions as needed.

Why Join Us?

By becoming a Trustee at Yarm Wellness, you'll be part of a dynamic team working to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals in our community. You'll have the opportunity to develop new skills, expand your network, and contribute to a cause that truly matters. Together, we can create a stronger, more connected Yarm.​

Across the UK, our 220 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 - Social Media Specialist for the Leamington Spa, Warwick and Kenilworth Group. As our Social Media Specialist 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. We would like you to get involved in brainstorming new ideas for social media content. You will regularly create, schedule and post compelling content for social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). We would also appreciate the creation and maintenance of a our social media content calendar.

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.

Join us in making a difference to the lives of soldiers and their families - become an AFF Trustee!

We are currently seeking dedicated volunteer Trustees to join our Board and help steer AFF towards achieving its objectives.

AFF is independent of the Army and offers confidential advice to serving personnel and their families either online, by email or by phone. We may respond to enquiries with direct advice or by signposting to help identify the right route for further advice or support. We also provide useful information for Army families through our extensive website and magazine, Army&You. 

At a strategic level we work with senior command and our Chief Executive works with the most senior Army commanders, the Ministry of Defence, and the UK and devolved nations legislative and executive bodies. AFF is often pivotal in achieving improvements for serving soldiers and their families such as changes to Government and military policy and changes to how things are provided for families.

Key Responsibilities: 

AFF Trustees provide oversight, governance, and support to ensure AFF remains effective in its work and responsive to the needs of the Army community.  They help shape the strategic direction of the Army Families Federation, by providing Board-level guidance to the team supporting soldiers and their families, wherever they are in the world, so they are able to live well throughout their Army life. 

Who We Are Looking For: 

We are looking for individuals who are committed to the welfare of Army families and who bring professional experience in the following areas: 

• Commercial/ fundraising: experience of commercial income generation, fundraising and development strategies.

• ​Legal: Expertise in legal matters, including governance, compliance, and contract law. 

Additionally, applications are welcome from individuals with a connection to the Service community, particularly those from Foreign and Commonwealth backgrounds. We believe that diversity strengthens our ability to represent the full breadth of the Army family.

Essential Skills & Attributes: 

• A passion for understanding the needs of Army families and supporting them as they live their lives today 
• Strong professional experience and expertise in your field. 
• Commitment to good governance and the values of transparency and accountability. 
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach. 
• Ability to offer strategic insight and challenge where necessary. 
• Serving personnel are very welcome to apply, particularly if currently overseas.

Interested? Find out more: 

Our process in appointing Trustees begins with you reading through our Trustee Recruitment Pack. You can find this by hitting 'apply now' and downloading a copy. Or you can visit the jobs page of our AFF website. This will give you more specific information about AFF and the role our Trustees fulfil.

If you feel that you would like to apply to be an AFF Trustee, then you can make contact with us by sending your CV along with a covering letter, outlining your skills and motivations in being an AFF Trustee. If you have any questions, please reach out through the Charity Job application process to our HR Lead, Rachel BIshop. We will need to hear from you by 30 June 2025. 

We will get in contact with you to arrange initial conversations with a member of the team or an existing Trustee. We will be interviewing prospective candidates in July and August in Central London, and appointments will be made from late August. 

Why not volunteer with Acorns Childrens Hospice at the Worcester Show in Hanbury and support Acorns Children's Hospice? 

The 78ᵗʰ annual Hanbury Show, which takes place on Saturday 5th July in 2025, is loved by families from across the region. There really is something to entice and occupy all ages - exciting displays, action-packed arena programmes, have-a-go activities, local food and drink, and quality shopping. 

 At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, and our fundraising is vital to enable us to continue providing care and support to the children: it costs around £13 million a year to run our care services. 

Join our amazing fundraising team for an exciting day of giving back on Saturday 5th July at Hanbury, we need enthusiastic volunteers to:

• Collect donations to support a great cause.
• Manning the awareness stand.
• A volunteer to dress up as Alex the Acorns!

This is a great opportunity to make a real difference, connect with the community, and support an important cause. Join us and be part of something special!

How much time will it take?

The event runs from  8am-1pm and 1pm-5pm; you can join for a few hours, or the full day—whatever suits you!

We’ll provide bottled water and snacks, parking should be available, and you’ll get free entry to the show!

Am I right for the role?

We’re looking for volunteers who are

• Approachable and happy to raise awareness about Acorns
• Confident and happy to be a collection volunteer which will take place outdoors 

Why volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Learn new skills to boost your CV
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online training courses
• Retail discounts
• Participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

We can only accept volunteers who are 18 years of age or older. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also apply as they need to accompany you for the duration of your volunteer activities.

Become our Trustee Tresurer and chair our Finance Committee.We need a Trustees with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to help accelerate our influcence on wildlife and nature recovery issues in the country and beyond.

With a refreshed 3-year strategy (23-26), “A Wilder Herefordshire, More Nature Everywhere” we’re working hard to recover nature at scale through deeper collaborations, working with local community organisations and networks to develop a clear plan for nature’s recovery. We are also working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, river partnerships and national partners such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, and Duchy of Cornwall.

So, with lots happening, it’s an exciting if challenging time for the Trust.  Urgent action is needed to address the decline of wildlife in our beautiful county – and we need to muster all the resources and skills we can to succeed.

We are a welcoming board who support and challenge each other to do better for wildlife.

We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us.

At this time, we wish to recruit someone to take on the role of Treasurer, and chair our Finance Committee. You would need the following skills and qualities:

· A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust;

· Demonstrable experience of financial management;

· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences;

· A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards;

· The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy

If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Alison McLean OBE, Chair, March 2025

The Together Project

Established in 2018, the Together Project is a community outreach project delivered by a team of volunteer vets and non-clinical volunteers to provide non-judgmental veterinary advice, treatment and care to the pets of vulnerably housed and homeless people in Bath. Working in partnership with local homeless charities Julian House and Genesis Trust, the team understands the strong bond between an owner and a pet, and that for many, a pet can be a lifeline, so they aim to do whatever they can to keep these beloved pets together with their owners.

We are seeking kind, empathetic and understanding volunteers to join our award-winning Together Project team and would love to hear from vets and vet nurses (RVN) interested in joining the project. 

About the Role

Currently the Together Project team run two clinics per month, one at Genesis on the Canal in Widcombe on a Friday morning, and the second on a Saturday afternoon, where they take to the streets to seek out service users who may not have made it to the Friday clinic, as well as raise awareness of the project. During a clinic, the volunteers will:

• Earn trust from people in marginalised communities by demonstrating true care for their pets
• Register new service users and encourage their attendance at monthly clinics, promoting responsible pet ownership regardless of living situation
• Catch up with service users and their pets, building relationships and ensuring consistency of treatment where possible
• Provide preventative treatment such as vaccinations and parasite treatment
• Provide treatment for illness and injury, as well as emergency intervention when necessary
• Act as ambassadors for the project and Bath Cats & Dogs Home

About You

We would love to hear from vets and vet nurses who can give 2 hours per month to support the Together Project. You will need to be outgoing, approachable and have an understanding nature as trust from Together Project service users is hard-won and not guaranteed.

This is an exciting opportunity for vets and vet nurses interested in applying their knowledge and experience to an outreach programme aiming to improve the lives of marginalised people and empowering them to best care for their beloved pets. Taking your clinical knowledge out of the practice and into the community, you will be reaching out to people who love their pets wholeheartedly but may not feel able to ask for help.

Why not volunteer with Acorns Childrens Hospice at the Worcester Show in Hanbury and support Acorns Children's Hospice? 

The 78ᵗʰ annual Hanbury Show, which takes place on Saturday 5th July in 2025, is loved by families from across the region. There really is something to entice and occupy all ages - exciting displays, action-packed arena programmes, have-a-go activities, local food and drink, and quality shopping. 

 At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, and our fundraising is vital to enable us to continue providing care and support to the children: it costs around £13 million a year to run our care services. 

Join our amazing fundraising team for an exciting day of giving back on Saturday 5th July at Hanbury, we need enthusiastic volunteers to:

• Collect donations to support a great cause.
• Manning the awareness stand.
• A volunteer to dress up as Alex the Acorns!

This is a great opportunity to make a real difference, connect with the community, and support an important cause. Join us and be part of something special!

How much time will it take?

The event runs from  8am-1pm and 1pm-5pm; you can join for a few hours, or the full day—whatever suits you!

We’ll provide bottled water and snacks, parking should be available, and you’ll get free entry to the show!

Am I right for the role?

We’re looking for volunteers who are

• Approachable and happy to raise awareness about Acorns
• Confident and happy to be a collection volunteer which will take place outdoors 

Why volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Learn new skills to boost your CV
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online training courses
• Retail discounts
• Participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

We can only accept volunteers who are 18 years of age or older. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also apply as they need to accompany you for the duration of your volunteer activities.

Link Age Southwark is a vibrant local charity providing support to over 800 older people in Southwark who are feeling lonely or isolated. Our vision is for friendly local communities where older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia can thrive in their later years.

All our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

Befriending is at the very heart of Link Age Southwark's services. Lots of the older people we work with are feeling lonely and in need of a little extra social company. Our fantastic volunteer befrienders visit an older person once a week, sharing a cup of tea and a chat together.

Demand for our befriending service continues to grow and we are looking for new people to join our existing team of volunteers so that we can support as many older people as possible. 

This role requires:

• volunteering for approximately 1 hour a week to visit an older person
• a commitment to volunteer for a minimum of 6 months
• a cheerful and friendly personality
• good communication/listening skills
• attendance at a volunteer induction and other relevant training opportunities
• completion of a full Disclosure Barring Service and character reference check
• a commitment to working within the policies of Link Age Southwark, in particular health & safety, confidentiality, safeguarding and equality and diversity

Becoming a volunteer with Link Age Southwark is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and get to know more about your local community.

We cover all reasonable expenses and we are happy to provide references for volunteers who have completed 6 months of volunteering with us.

Please note that all our volunteering opportunities are within the London Borough of Southwark, predominantly south of the borough - Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Dulwich and around. 

Role purpose:
To contribute to the board’s role by...

• Acting in the best interest of Hospiscare and its beneficiaries
• Acting as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Providing strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining desired outcomes, setting targets, and evaluating performance against targets
• Working closely with the Executive Team, whilst retaining independent oversight of activities
• Holding the Executive Team to account
• Ensuring that Hospiscare complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that Hospiscare pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
• Ensuring that resources are used exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, charitable purposes, long-term financial viability, and the safeguarding of assets.

Role details:

Time commitment/location:
Trustees will be expected to attend four board meetings, circa four
committee meetings and one to two away days a year and be fully
prepared for these meetings. These meetings start at 4pm on a
Tuesday and are held at Searle House in Exeter. We also have sub-
committees and trustees are encouraged to join where their
skills/experience will had specific value.
Trustees are expected to travel within the area served by
Hospiscare and occasionally out of area.
Term:
Trustees are appointed for a three-year term and may serve a
maximum of three terms.
 

Nomad Health Initiative

Nomad Health Initiative is an early-stage venture building data-driven access to Healthcare for last-mile Pastoral Communities in Northern Kenya.

Nomad Health Initiative addresses the interconnected social and environmental challenges that affect the health and survival of nomadic and pastoralist communities in Northern Kenya, particularly in regions like Moyale and North Horr. These challenges include:

1. Limited Access to Healthcare • Challenge: Nomadic families live in remote, scattered Manyattas, often over 50 km from the nearest health facility. • Impact: Women miss antenatal care, babies remain unimmunized, and preventable illnesses go untreated, leading to high infant and maternal mortality rates.

2. Marginalization of Nomadic Communities • Challenge: Pastoralist populations are often excluded from national health planning due to their mobility and lack of infrastructure. • Impact: They are underserved in health budgets, data collection, and public health outreach, widening the health equity gap.

3. Malnutrition and Child Mortality • Challenge: Chronic drought, food insecurity, and displacement have led to rising malnutrition rates among children under 5. • Impact: Increased cases of stunting, wasting, and preventable deaths — often undetected until critical.

4. Climate Change and Displacement • Challenge: Recurring droughts and resource-based conflicts displace families and limit access to water and food. • Impact: Health services become harder to deliver; mothers and children are more exposed to disease and mental stress.

5. Stigma and Invisibility of Disability • Challenge: Children with disabilities in pastoralist communities are often hidden or neglected due to stigma and lack of support. • Impact: They miss out on early intervention, education, and basic health services.

Nomad Health Initiative delivers last-mile, culturally sensitive healthcare to nomadic and pastoralist communities in Northern Kenya who are often left out of the formal health system. We professionalize frontline health workers and digitizing the healthcare access, on a path to reach more and more pastoral women and children.

Board Directors

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

To help shape the next phase of our growth, we are seeking dynamic, mission-driven individuals to join our Board of Directors. We’re looking for individuals who can fill these volunteer roles:

1. Fundraising, Partnerships & Strategy

2. Mental Health & Youth Wellness

3. Policy, Governance, and Government Partnerships

4. Digital Innovation and Blockchain

5. Child and Maternal Health

The target persons should be able to work at the intersection of Climate Change, Technology, and Healthcare for last mile pastoral children, youth and women. Young people, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

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.

We are looking to appoint a new Trustee to the Board to support CHEER’s mission of providing advice, friendship and support to Elmbridge’s older community.

We’re particularly seeking someone with experience of marketing and communications to complement the skills and backgrounds of existing Trustees.  The role will oversee the formulation and implementation of CHEER’s marketing and communication strategy, providing guidance and support to the Board and team to ensure successful execution.

If you have an interest in the issues surrounding the elderly living in the UK, a desire to give those who need it, a helping hand and support along with a background in marketing and communications – with digital marketing a particular advantage - we’d love to hear from you.

(We’d also warmly welcome contact from anyone interested in alternative trustee opportunities with experience in fundraising, business management, human resources and/or older people and social care). 

CHEER: 

Is a registered charity serving the local community of Elmbridge for over 60 years. Our mission is to provide advice, friendship, and support to help older community in Elmbridge lead full, dignified and independent lives.  We do so through delivery of 5 core services (befriending, benefits, events, signposting and CHEER’s Parkinson’s group) designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation and alleviate financial hardship.  

We consistently achieve remarkable things with minimal resources and are often told we have changed people's lives relying on a dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers to deliver these essential and beneficial services.  

Trustee role: 

Our trustees are all volunteers, most of whom live or work in the local community, and all of whom use their skills, knowledge and experience to guide and govern our service, shape strategy, and give direction to the charity.  We are a small and friendly team, collectively responsible for CHEER and each enjoying the chance to contribute to our community.  

The main responsibilities of a trustee are: 

• Formulating and reviewing CHEER’s vision, values, and strategic direction 

• Establishing and monitoring policies to provide guidance for staff 

• Ensuring compliance with the Charity’s governing document and the law 

• Ensuring accountability to such bodies as the Charities Commission, donors, staff and volunteers 

• Managing the Charity’s resources responsibly 

• Contributing to the discharge of the Board’s duties and effective Board performance 

• Promoting the charity and protecting its excellent reputation 

• Appointing staff, giving them guidance and support 

• Monitoring the Charity’s performance

• All trustees are expected to adopt Nolan’s seven principles of public life:  selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Generally, a minimum of 4-6 hours a month, occasionally more. This includes: 4x Board meetings a year, plus the annual AGM dates of which are flexible.  Helping staff with advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis and/or additional support such as working with other trustees or members of staff on key projects.

The role is predominantly home-based, and board meetings normally take place in a venue in Elmbridge.

Desirable qualities: 

Empathy and a passion for improving the lives of older people; effective communication, good strategic vision and creative thinking, the ability to exercise good, independent judgement.