Dementia volunteer roles
Join the Board of a high-performing, ambitious and award-winning charity, that is financially sound, and innovatively changing social care throughout the UK to make a difference in others’ lives.
Location: The Exchange, Barnard Street, Darlington Co Durham, DL3 7DR
Applications close on Monday 10th November.
Who we are
We are a growing charity with a range of housing and support services across England and Scotland.
We are ambitious for the people we support, and at at our core we are a charity built upon our key value of hospitality. Every day we say, “Come in. You are most welcome. How can I help?”
We have a history of innovation, 140 years old and counting, and in recent years we’ve built on our long history of providing support to disabled people, autistic people and providing specialist dementia services to support people with experience of homelessness and has become a leading provider of safe houses for people subject to modern-day slavery.
We are primarily funded through contracts with over 90 local authorities, Integrated Care Boards and UK government departments, though we are starting to invest in fundraising. We have worked hard to build our financial strength that in recent years has resulted in opening 27 new services, creating over 200 new jobs within the charity, resulting in 630 colleagues adding new stories to the legacy of the charity every day.
The quality is good too, with all of our regulated services rated as good or outstanding across all areas by the Care Quality Commission, and most importantly a focus on the quality of life of the people we are here to support.
We’re at the point of renewing our strategy and are looking for new Trustees who can bring skills and experience to a strong Board, particularly people with expertise in finance, governance, and fundraising with a focus on trusts, grants and foundations.
Who we are looking for
We want our Trustees to reflect the people and communities we are active in, and are always looking to increase the diversity of the Board; and to embed lived experience within our decision-making.
Our Board and colleagues are people from all religions and none, but they share our values. We are underpinned by catholic social teaching and would welcome applications from people who can help us strengthen the Board’s understanding in this area.
Successful candidates will be strategic, curious, ambitious and want to be part of our next period of growth, as we look to continue to innovate services for high-quality impact in the communities we support.
- Time Commitment
The Board meets four times a year for c.3 hours in Darlington; however, we are open to exploring new venues for in-person meetings. One of these meetings is our full-day strategy away day. Trustees all sit on a subcommittee, of which there are four: Quality, Finance, Audit & Risk, Governance, and the newly created Fundraising Committee. Committee Meetings are 4 times a year and tend to be held virtually.
We expect that with reading, calls, informal conversations and other ad hoc activities, the time commitment will be up to 1 day a month.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.
Applications close on Monday 10th November.
Recruitment Agency
21 - 50
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
What is the Meet and Greet team?
If you love chatting with people and you’re looking for a relaxed role then this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
We’re looking for Meet & Greet volunteers to be on site during opening times to help visitors feel welcome, answer their questions, show them around if they wish and offer more information. The site can get busy but it isn’t always – during quiet times it’s a good opportunity to catch up on a book or potter in the community garden! Our lovely new, heated Welcome Cabin includes a sofa, computer, a tea/coffee station (and biscuits of course) and other amenities to ensure your comfort.
What can you expect from this role?
As a Meet and Greet volunteer you will:
- Be supported to use your people skills to ensure everyone feels welcome, helping to build a more caring community.
- Build your communication and customer service skills.
- Learn about the day to day workings of a varied community project.
- Signpost visitors around the physical site and also onto suitable local events and activities.
- Help visitors get involved – everything from signing up new volunteers to taking room booking enquiries or accepting donations.
- Help with some simple ‘pottering’ jobs that keep the site safe and beautiful – such as watering or litter picking.
- Be part of a friendly, welcoming team.
- Get a snazzy Railway Gardens T-shirt!
Are there opportunities to learn more, or take on more responsibility?
Absolutely! If you are able and interested, then there will be optional opportunities to broaden your responsibilities into the following (all training provided):
- Giving hire tours & inductions, helping to bring in income for the project
- Help with computer based admin such as social media, research, designing posters, or answering emails.
- Take part in a range of training in transferable skills, from Health and Safety and Fire Marshall training to safeguarding, dementia awareness, and more.
Once you have completed an agreed number of sessions with us, and completed your induction and any training required, we’ll also be happy to provide a reference to help with job applications.
What skills do you need for this role?
We’re looking for people who:
- Enjoy chatting to people and feel able to offer a friendly welcome
- Have a conversational level of English – you do not need perfect language skills!
- Would enjoy helping visitors find the information that they need.
- Are happy working with other volunteers in pairs or threes.
- Can commit to a two hour slot, ideally weekly but at least once per month.
Optional skills. We also welcome you getting in touch if…
- You speak an additional language
- You feel comfortable carrying out simple computer based admin tasks
- You have experience with buddying, befriending, or supporting others to thrive in their role.
You do not need a DBS/ Criminal Record check for this role.
Non Charity Employer
11 - 20
Supporting you to create a future you feel good about, for the people, places, and planet you love.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Role: Reception and Meet & Greet
We were set up to transform the former Edward Hain hospital, in St Ives, Cornwall, into a community centre for health and wellbeing. The hospital was founded in 1920, with funds from the Cornish Hain Steamship Company. When it closed n 2021, our community, led by the hospital’s League of Friends, came together to save the building for the town. Now it brings together much needed health and wellbeing services, along with social, community and welfare support, all under one roof.
About the role
Can you commit to between 2 and 4 hours a week to help us run the Reception area at The Edward Hain Centre?
We are looking for volunteers to spend a short time each week helping in our Reception area. This role would particularly be of advantage to College leavers or those between employment positions looking to gain some experience and references for their CV and we welcome anyone with spare time who wants to give back to their community and make connections with new people.
What’s involved?
As the Edward Hain Centre grows we are getting busier! We need volunteers who can spend a short time each week supporting our Community Hub Officer (CHO) by manning our Reception desk. The people who use our Centre can expect a warm welcome and directions to the different areas of the building. We need help with small admin tasks like printing and folding leaflets and there will be opportunity (with training if needed) to create posters in Canva. We also need to gather feedback from our Users in the form of surveys or testimonials and answering our phone and taking messages is vital! Join us in creating a friendly and supportive space for everyone! Specific tasks include:
· Greet and assist Centre Users with warmth and respect and directing them around the building.
· Maintain a tidy and organised front desk
· Answer the phone and take messages
· Ensure visitors sign in (where applicable)
· Gather feedback from service users
· Some administration tasks
The role will suit you if you:
· Have a friendly and positive attitude.
· Have strong communication skills.
· Are reliable and willing to help others.
· Have good communication and enjoy being part of a team
Why Volunteer with Us?
· Gain valuable experience for your CV.
· Meet new people and build connections.
· Contribute to meaningful community initiatives.
· Training opportunities available.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS ROLE PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMUNITY HUB OFFICER CLAIRE JEFFERIES:
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Our mission is to provide affordable and accessible health, well-being and community services for St. Ives and surrounding areas, across all ages.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Trustees play a vital role in making a positive impact on the lives of the people we support. We do this through personalised, affordable care, sharing a home and family life, and supporting involvement in the local community.
What will you be doing?
About Shared Lives South WestShared Lives South West recruits, trains and supports individuals and families (Shared Lives Carers) who can offer accommodation and care for adults with care and support needs in their home, enabling the person to share in family life and maintain their independence. This is known as Shared Lives.If I join Shared Lives South West as a trustee what can I expect? You will be joining an enthusiastic and committed team of trustees. Induction and training for the role will be provided. The appointment will run for three years and be subject to an annual review with the Chair of the Board.
Two further terms of three years may be agreed. You will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement, declare any relevant business interests and complete an insolvency check as well as a charity related parties register prior to your first Board meeting. You will be required to declare, on an ongoing basis, any further relevant business interests and/or conflicts of interest that may arise.
You will help enrich the lives of people we support by becoming a part of this friendly charity known for providing high quality support to people as recognised by our current 'Outstanding' CQC award. You stand to also enrich your own life through the empowering and satisfying sector of volunteering as well as having access to training and development opportunities through SLSW.This is a voluntary post and would be offered subject to satisfactory references and DBS check.Trustees will be asked to commit to:• Endeavouring to be available for up to 7 meetings per year with a requirement to attend at least 50%• Endeavouring to be available for the annual Board Away Day• Be able to respond via email to discussion and potential issues between board meetings• Supporting SLSW staff by being able to be involved on an ad hoc basis in an identified area of interest• Being involved in one task and finish group/sub-group per annum if/as required• Complete an induction programme as required during the first six months of their appointment, including a visit to a SLSW household• Complete a programme of mandatory training, proportionate to the role, renewed every three years• Attend an annual review with the Chair
What are we looking for?
Trustees use skills and personal experience to:• Ensure SLSW complies with its governing document and all charity and other appropriate laws• Ensure compliance with the values, ethos and ethics of SLSW• Approve policies and plans to achieve strategic objectives, especially those with significant financial risk or risk management implications• Contribute to the development of SLSW strategy and business planning processes.• Scrutinise and sign off each year’s financial accounts prior to publication and acceptance and agree each year’s annual budget• Play your part in ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks• Help ensure the Board sets challenging goals and targets for the organisation and monitors these effectively• Participate in the recruitment of Leadership Team and other staff members as requiredWe are looking for new trustees who will complement our existing board. Previous board-level experience is welcome but not essential.We value fresh perspectives and provide the training and support needed to succeed. If you can commit time, bring curiosity and are willing to contribute your skills, we would love to hear from you.We welcome applications from adults of all backgrounds and identities and are striving to ensure our board reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
What difference will you make?
Trustees have independent control and legal responsibility for the charity’s management and administration. They support the strategic development and success of SLSW through ensuring good strategic planning, effective governance and the monitoring of the performance of the organisation.As a trustee, you will work alongside the chair, vice chair and other trustees to bring good governance and strategic oversight. You will share responsibility with other trustees and the Leadership Team for the success of the organisation.Our service supports adults over 18 years of age and occasionally young people in transition into adult services from the age of 16 upwards. We currently support around 300 people on a long-term basis in around 270 shared lives homes and have up to a further 140 people using our short break services.We provide support to people with learning disabilities, people who have a diagnosis of dementia, a physical or sensory disability, mental ill health and parents who have a learning disability with their child.We currently have five contracts from local authorities across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to support our work and a range of project funding totalling around £1.8 million per annum.
Before you apply
Please apply through Reach in the first instance. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our additional short application form.
