Digital Helpline Volunteer Roles in Lancaster, Lancashire

At Teenage Helpline, we are a tight-knit community of people who are passionate about make a difference in the lives of young people across the UK �� 

Teenage Helpline is an online peer-to-peer mentoring service for young people. We can act as the first stepping-stone for young people who do not feel comfortable seeking support for themselves, or who need a listening ear to help them cope with personal issues. 

All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers. We have great systems in place to allow our employees and volunteers to get to know each other, work effectively together and do great work! 

We are a flexible organisation that values the contributions of everyone. We will never ask more from our volunteers and employees than they can give, but we are sure to celebrate and recognise their efforts. 

About the role

The Digital Innovations Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the delivery of value for Teenage Helpline through research of emerging technologies, development of proof of concepts and the delivery of new solutions through technology identified. The role involves communication with other Teenage Helpline team leads; managing team workload; creating an opportunities-based technology plan for the charity; researching technology opportunities; overseeing communication and awareness of technology; liaising with departments to develop use cases and developing solutions.

You’ll be at the forefront of our digital transformation journey. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and implement innovative solutions that enhance user experiences, streamline processes, introduce new workflows and ultimately drive charity growth.

Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with IT Project Managers to ensure digital innovations projects are assigned, worked on and project requirements are understood.
• Exploring new opportunities with low/no code products such as those in the Microsoft portfolio, making the most of opportunities to provide more value for the charity. 
• Forecasting work through research and creation of development plans.
• Promote best practices such as adhering to the project's software development lifecycle requirements.
• Planning initiatives and tracking associated timelines.
• Management of Digital Innovations Team, ensuring work is allocated, managed and tracked effectively.
• Reporting key updates and results to the CIO.
• Identify opportunities for new solutions and improvements in Teenage Helpline’s IT infrastructure and operations.
• Willingness to advise on the direction of development through clear reasoning and justification.
• Explore emerging trends, tools, and frameworks to drive continuous improvement. 
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute fresh ideas to solve complex challenges. 
• Ensure code quality, scalability, and security across all projects.

Skills 

• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn about Teenage Helpline’s IT systems and processes.
• Passion for research and development and how it can create value for Teenage Helpline’s operations.
• Excited about the possibilities of implementing new technology.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Organisational skills and the ability to ensure set tasks are delivered on time.
• Ability to plan and manage time effectively.
• Experience working with others and leading a team.
• Understanding of relevant software engineering and security by design principles such as the Software Development Lifecycle and OWASP.
• Strong familiarity with and use of Microsoft 365 and Azure products.

Our mission is to make Teenage Helpline the best charity in the UK. To build inclusive processes, we need to build an inclusive team. Please know that this list is indicative and that we would still love to hear from you even if you feel you only are a 75% match. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot. We promote a diverse and inclusive culture at TeenageHelpline.

The Process

Our hiring process typically has three stages 

1. Video or Written Application (when applicable) 
2. Interview with the Talent Team
3. Interview with the Hiring Manager 

Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.

Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.

We are seeking to appoint a new Trustee to provide strategic oversight and leadership for the organisation, particularly in the area of IT, Digital, and Technology.

The purpose of your role is to work alongside the other trustees to ensure that the Association is working towards its charitable purposes, is complying with all applicable rules and laws, and is making best use of its resources to achieve its aims. We are specifically looking for someone to provide us with the expertise to oversee our exciting digital transformation, product development and overall cybersecurity. 

Being a charity trustee with the Association is a rewarding experience and gives a unique opportunity to support and shape a national mental health charity at the highest level. Now is an exciting time to join us as we have recently begun the transition from a volunteer-led organisation to a staff-led model, which is opening up new opportunities. 

Trustees have legal responsibility for the Association’s management and administration. They are ultimately responsible for the Association’s work and are accountable to both the Association’s legal members and its regulators such as the Charity Commission for the good governance of the Association.

Trustees take considered and informed decisions in the best interests of the Association. Trustees are not expected to be experts on all areas of their work but are expected to seek guidance and support where necessary and to bring their own knowledge and experience to contribute to discussions.

You can find out more about being a Charity Trustee from the Charity Commission, the Scottish Charity Regulator and the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• Eligible to be a Company Director & Charity Trustee

Experience

• Professional experience in an IT/Digital/Technology Field, such as (but not limited to):
  • Software development
  • Cybersecurity
  • Technical programme/product management. 
  • Engineering management. 
  • Managing/overseeing technology-related projects, including financial components.

Competencies

• Excellent communicator, verbal and written – approachable, clear and professional
• Strategic and creative approach – not being afraid to change the way we do things to improve outcomes
• A strong team-player – a contributor of opinion and thoughts, whilst having the ability to collaborate and be accepting of others views
• Logical approach to decision making – ensuring difficult decisions are taken calmly on the best available information, and with the beneficiaries of the charity in mind

Knowledge

• Familiar with public Cloud technologies. 
• Familiar with modern software development principles (SDLC, DevOps)

Values

• Commitment to the vision and aims of Nightline Association
• Commitment to equality and diversity – seeking to ensure that Nightline best reflects the population it serves at all levels
• Professional integrity – leading a culture of honesty, openness, fairness and trust
• Willingness to give the minimum time commitment

Desirable Criteria

Experience

• Strategy / business management with the ability to plan and develop the charity
• Previous experience with a telephone helpline or mental health charity (or similar)
• Managing and engaging volunteers and/or young people
• Previous experience as a company director and/or charity trustee

Knowledge

• Understanding of the Nightline movement and/or the wider student mental health sector