Evening Club Volunteer Roles

After18 works with local artists and arts organisations to provide a broad range of experiences for young refugees. Our weekly art and photography club provides young people with a safe space to express themselves and have their views heard. Young people tell us that having a regular opportunity to participate in arts groups distracts them from their worries and bad experiences and helps to keep them busy.

We are looking for a volunteer to the club and interact with the young people as they work on their projects each week. This would be a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about creative arts and supporting the wellbeing of young people.

The volunteer must be available on a Monday evening (5:30-7pm) in Leicester city centre.

The volunteer may be involved in:

- Supporting the activity lead to set up the art materials

- Helping to demonstrate skills and techniques

- Talking with the young people one-to-one about their work

Volunteer specifications:

- Passion for the creative arts

- Spoken and written fluency in English

- Compassion and sensitivity to asylum-seeking young people

- Ability to work within After18’s policies and procedures

- Able to commit for at least six months

- Commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children and young people they come into contact with

About CARAS:  

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.  

About Youth Club:  

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games.

Youth club takes place at Tooting Hub- Beechcroft Road, Tooting, SW17 7BU. 

About Sports Programme: 

We work in partnership with Fulham Kicks to run a football session every Monday. We provide 1:1 sports advice to help build confidence and remove barriers by supporting young people to plan their journeys and accompanying them to join their first sessions. We find new sessions for young people at youth clubs, gyms and other sports providers. We arrange frequent trips to offer new sports to our young people including: boxing, yoga, trampolining and hopefully to go-karting.

We will also deliver a research project to sports providers, local authorities, support networks and other young people.  The project will detail: (1) the accessibility barriers to sports faced by young people, (2) methods of best practice on including young refugees and asylum seekers, (3) funding and support options available from local authorities, and (4) what participatory 1:1 support looks like for young people. 

About the role:  

As a sports program volunteer, you would be helping young people to travel safely around London, to feel welcome in the city, to join in with sports activities where possible and to inspire young people to take part in sports. You will need to go on group trips to external sports providers and to attend our youth club occasionally. We welcome volunteers with any level of sporting ability, the only thing necessary is to be willing to give some sports a go when it is possible. Please note, some sessions you attend will be only for under 18’s, and so you will not always be allowed to take part, and then your role will only be to accompany. We are very happy to be flexible regarding which sessions you attend according to your interests.

We ask for a commitment of at least 1-2 sports sessions or youth club evenings every month. Our youth club runs every Wednesday from 6.00-8.00pm, the external sports trips will usually be weekday evenings. We are able to be flexible according to your schedule.

Tasks and responsibilities:  

• To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur after each session/trip. 
• Providing feedback of your experience to contribute to the research project.
• To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people. 
• To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential. 
• To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements. 
• To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner. 
• To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 
• To occasionally research local sports providers to find sessions for our young people.

Requirements: 

Essential: 

To be 18 years or older;  

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds; 
• To be reliable and punctual; 
• Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English; 
• To be passionate about sports and helping young people to access sports.
• Current resident of the UK; 
• Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; 
• Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role 

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm – 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon – 2pm once every 3 months.  

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.  

Desirable:  

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will:  

• Meet new members of your local community; 
• Learn about different cultures; 
• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum and their ability to access sports in London; 
• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 
• Develop your skills and competencies; 
• Be able to access relevant training; 

Trustee Vacancies

Showroom Work Station

(Sheffield Media and Exhibition Centre)

Showroom Work Station is a registered charity and a cultural hub for South Yorkshire and the North of England. 

Located in a converted 1930’s art deco building, the venue is home to a four-screen cinema, creative industries business centre, event space, and café bar, in the heart of Sheffield city centre. 

We are looking to recruit new Trustees to join our board.  We are particularly keen to hear from anyone with knowledge and understanding of major capital projects, fundraising or the hospitality sector.  However, if you don’t have expertise in any of these areas, but still feel that you have something to offer, please still get in touch.  This is a unique opportunity to join a creative and passionate team and help shape the future of the organisation.

As a trustee you will oversee the operation of a major cultural cinema exhibiting a diverse film programme with first run and retrospectives of curated work, including archive, documentaries, and many unique one-off programmes with regular visiting filmmakers.  We are home to some very successful film festivals and host many unique events each month.

Through our trading subsidiary, we also manage the Work Station creative industries business centre, operate a successful bar/café, and conferencing facilities.

Our Trustees work closely with the Chair, Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to provide clear strategic direction to the organisation, helping to agree policy, define goals, set targets, and evaluate performance.

As with all our Trustees, we are looking for candidates who can demonstrate excellent communication skills and have a good understanding of local, regional, and cultural agendas.

Trustees are required to attend approximately 5 Board meetings per year (usually held on the last Monday of the month, 6 pm – 8 pm) and to offer relevant support and specialist knowledge to enable us to meet the objectives of our business. 

The post is not paid but all Trustees receive invitations to special events and have a weekly allocation of free cinema tickets (subject to availability).

Application process:

Please download our full application pack and equal opportunities form from the vacancies page of the Showroom Workstation, Sheffield website.

To apply please provide the following:

• A comprehensive CV or biography (a statement outlining your roles, responsibilities, and achievements in the organisations in which you currently and previously worked). Please include details of any service as a Board Trustee or any other voluntary/community work.
• Our completed equal opportunities monitoring form.  This information will be treated as confidential and used for statistical purposes only.
• Daytime and evening contact telephone numbers that will be used with discretion.

Closing date: Please submit your application by midday on Wednesday 8th May 2024 to Julie Simpson

For an informal conversation about the role prior to submitting your application please contact Ian Wild, Chief Executive.

Showroom Work Station, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX

Sheffield Media and Exhibition Centre Limited is a registered charity, number 100 2020

About Us: RollaDome All Skate is a charity that champions the power of roller sports to foster engagement, educate, and empower children, young people, and marginalized communities. Our dynamic team is expanding, and we are on the lookout for passionate individuals to fill the role of Volunteer Assistant Roller Sports Coach. This is your chance to make a significant impact, promoting an active, healthy lifestyle while developing personal and community well-being through sports.

The Role: As a Volunteer Assistant Coach, you will work closely with our Head Coaches to deliver top-notch roller sports training. Your involvement will help shape the experiences of diverse groups, fostering their skills in roller and inline skating across various London locations during weekends, evenings, and school holidays.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in planning and executing roller sports sessions.

• Support the ongoing development of participants by maintaining a supportive and motivational training environment.

• Implement safety protocols to ensure participant well-being.

• Participate in and possibly lead activities during traditional lessons, community projects, clubs, discos, and events.

• Continually monitor and evaluate coaching sessions to maximize effectiveness.

What You’ll Gain:

• Training and Development: Access specialized training in roller sports coaching techniques and gain hands-on experience.

• Networking and Mentorship: Connect with experienced coaches and enhance your professional network within the sports coaching community.

• Personal Fulfillment: Play an essential role in the positive development of young individuals and their families, contributing to a healthier, more active society.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Individuals with some experience in wheeled sports, particularly roller-skating or inline skating.

• Those who enjoy working with children and young people and are available during evenings, weekends, and school holidays.

• Excellent communicators with strong organizational skills who are motivated to learn and grow in a dynamic team environment.

Commitment: This volunteer role offers flexible scheduling to fit your availability, with travel and lunch allowances provided. RollaDome All Skate is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and adherence to our policies is essential.

Apply Now: Ready to make a difference? Visit our website for more information and apply today at RollaDome All Skate - Volunteer Application. Join us and be a part of an inspiring journey that shapes lives through the joy of roller sports!

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic well-being of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study groups, youth clubs, sports trips and football.

Volunteering With CARAS – Our Community of Welcome

CARAS has a proud history of volunteers helping us deliver our charitable aims. Volunteers are an essential part of the CARAS community, bringing skills, insights, experience, different languages, and enthusiasm to the roles.

Community members tell us that welcome by volunteers is so important in an often hostile world. It helps them feel safe and wanted. Community is at the heart of all we do, and we could not deliver the projects we do without the enormous contribution volunteers bring. Thank you for taking the time to consider volunteering with us.

About Sports Programme:

We work in partnership with Fulham Kicks to run a football session every Monday evening. We provide 1:1 sports advice to help build confidence and remove barriers by supporting young people to plan their journeys and accompanying them to join their first sessions. We find new activities and memberships for young people at youth clubs, gyms and other sports providers. We arrange frequent trips to offer sports to our young people including boxing, yoga, trampolining and hopefully go-karting.

To advance and continue this work we have an exciting new element to the project. The research project will detail: (1) the accessibility barriers faced by young people, (2) methods of best practice for including young refugees and asylum seekers, (3) funding and support options available from local authorities, and (4) what participatory 1:1 support looks like for young people.

About the role: 

As a Sports research volunteer, you will work with four young people hired as peer researchers to co-design and deliver a research project to sports providers, local authorities, support networks and other young people. The aim here is to help to remove barriers that young refugees and asylum seekers face in accessing the sports they enjoy. You can do this remotely, researching sports providers and finding sessions for our young people to attend. You will also take part in in-person workshops looking at young refugees and asylum seekers’ experiences in accessing sports in London. You will work with the young people to design questionnaires and deliver the results to local authorities and sports providers. You may need to help young people to travel safely around London and to feel welcome in the city. We would love you to join in with activities where possible and if you would like to.

We ask for a commitment of at least 2-3 hours per month in your own time, and to attend workshops over the Summer for the research project.

Tasks and responsibilities: 

· To attend research workshops and assist staff in facilitating them.

· To support young people in their co-design of the project

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To participate in research in an independent, open-minded and fair way.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young people’s negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality Policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements: 

To be 18 years or older;

· To have access to your own IT device and to be comfortable using Google Search and Microsoft Office.

· To be able to work both from home and at CARAS

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of the role:

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6 pm – 8 pm. we offer the same training on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12 noon – 2 pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite for being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable: 

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

· Some experience in designing/ using questionnaires and surveys to inform services or activities

· To be confident in advocating for young people and explaining their life experiences to local authorities and sports providers.

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

RollaDome All Skate is a charity that champions the power of roller sports to foster engagement, educate, and empower children, young people, and marginalised communities. Our dynamic team is expanding, and we are on the lookout for passionate individuals to fill the role of Volunteer Assistant Roller Sports Coach. This is your chance to make a significant impact, promoting an active, healthy lifestyle while developing personal and community well-being through sports.

The Role: As a Volunteer Assistant Coach, you will work closely with our Head Coaches to deliver top-notch roller sports training. Your involvement will help shape the experiences of diverse groups, fostering their skills in roller and inline skating across various London locations during weekends, evenings, and school holidays.

Key Responsibilities:

· Assist in planning and executing roller sports sessions.

· Support the ongoing development of participants by maintaining a supportive and motivational training environment.

· Implement safety protocols to ensure participant well-being.

· Participate in and possibly lead activities during traditional lessons, community projects, clubs, discos, and events.

· Continually monitor and evaluate coaching sessions to maximise effectiveness.

What You’ll Gain:

· Training and Development: Access specialised training in roller sports coaching techniques and gain hands-on experience.

· Networking and Mentorship: Connect with experienced coaches and enhance your professional network within the sports coaching community.

· Personal Fulfillment: Play an essential role in the positive development of young individuals and their families, contributing to a healthier, more active society.

Who We Are Looking For:

· Individuals with some experience in wheeled sports, particularly roller-skating or inline skating.

· Those who enjoy working with children and young people and are available during evenings, weekends, and school holidays.

· Excellent communicators with strong organisational skills who are motivated to learn and grow in a dynamic team environment.

Commitment: This volunteer role offers flexible scheduling to fit your availability, with travel and lunch allowances provided. RollaDome All Skate is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and adherence to our policies is essential.

Community Cycling Development Role

• Vounteer or Paid Posts Available

• Part -time: this role is offered as a part time equivalent (e.g. 2-4 days). 

Flexibility in working hours to meet both your needs and the needs of the organisation, including occasional weekend work, is expected. This will be scheduled with your involvement and we aim for this to be a suitable part time role for somebody with caring responsibilities or other commitments.  Some home working is also possible. 

There is a three month probationary period. 

To apply, please send a cover letter explaining why you think you’re suitable for the role and a CV.

The deadline for applications is the 21st of April.

If you have any questions or would like to have an informal chat about the role, please ring or e-mail using the contact details on our website.

Background to the Role

Capital of Cycling administrates a successful programme of adult focussed cycling lessons for the Bradford District, which are funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.  These are largely managed by Liz, our cycling lessons co-ordinator, supported by other staff and sessional workers and delivered in 5-6 settings.

We are looking for additional support for this provision and want to expand our delivery to be more responsive to the needs of the community groups we’re working with. These groups are asking for activities for young people and families that fall outside the remit of the existing adult-focussed programme.

We are therefore looking for a person who can deliver cycling related activities in community settings and work with community groups and partners to create opportunities to engage with cycling in a variety of ways, including children’s activities, family and community rides, either on or off-road.

National Standards cycle instructor and ride-leader certification with experience delivering cycling activities would be a significant advantage; however there is the opportunity for training to be received within the role.

Main Duties

• Delivery of and development of cycling activities for children, young people and families

• Working to encourage progression to active travel in individuals and communities

• Community based cycling related activities, co-delivered with partner organisations

• Delivery of adult cycling lessons at a range of levels

• Support for the administration of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority adult cycling lessons programme 

• Booking sessions and liaising with freelance cycling trainers

• Providing cover and support for other instructors and team members

• Building community and volunteer-led rides

• Marketing and promoting activities

• Reporting on delivery including collecting data for monitoring and evaluation of the impact of our delivery

Our organisation is focussed on building a culture of cycling in Bradford and is underpinned by our values. You would be expected to work to support existing and new projects and staff within the context of this larger picture.  You need to be willing to contribute to, and actively be involved in our ongoing development plans. Therefore, you should consider the next section to be more than just general background information - it is the basis of how we work together.

Statement of Intent

We aim to encourage more people to cycle, more often for utility and leisure. We develop the capacity of deprived communities to engage with cycling activities. We believe the environmental, social, mental and physical health, community and economic benefits of cycling are huge and collaborating with and supporting cycling related campaigns, clubs and community groups helps us to realise these.

Aims

• A happier, healthier city 

• Zero carbon and just transition* 

• Community led social change for equity

Values 

• Community Led

Our activities and plans are responsive to the communities in which we work (i.e. ‘with’ people rather than ‘to’ people)

• Sustainable

By making cycling affordable and accessible we help reduce carbon emissions and advocate for a greener city

• Participatory

We take a ‘do it together’ approach, recognising the importance of individuals’ contribution to the activities we run

• Cooperative

We all work together to achieve shared aims and take shared responsibility for the development of projects and the organisation.

• Inclusive

We strive to include under-represented groups in our activities and empower people to overcome barriers

Objectives

1. Work with more people and groups that are invested or could become invested in the benefits of cycling and maintenance activity 

2. Grow opportunities (social, health, economic & environmental) via cycling. These are  direct and indirect, with an emphasis on just transition* 

3. Increase reach and impact through campaigns, media and cultural activity such as developing a project for Bradford 2025

* Just transition means a set of principles, processes and practices that aim to ensure that no people, workers, places, sectors, countries or regions are left behind in the transition from a high-carbon to a low-carbon economy.

Required and Desirable Skills

Required:

• Experience delivering cycling or active travel related activities

• Experience of working with community groups or in community settings

• Good communication and teamwork skills

• Ability to work under own initiative

• National Standards or equivalent cycling training qualification

• Good administration and IT skills

Desirable:

• Ride-leader training

• Experience of working within a cycling related job

• Experience of monitoring and evaluation for projects

• 1st Aid trained

• Some knowledge of bike mechanics

• Promotion skills, campaigns work or PR

• Experience of collaborative project design 

• Links to or knowledge of specific Bradford communities or projects including Asian and minority groups

• Experience of working with young people

• Experience of working with people who have had or continue to face personal life challenges

Capital of Cycling is a flexible and accommodating employer. If you require more time off or wish to alter your working arrangements, you will be free to speak to us about this and we will do our best to meet your needs. 

The working times are flexible and some working from home is an option should it suit the task.  Occasional evening and weekend work is expected although you will have input into how this is scheduled.  You will be provided with office and workshop facilities at Rawson Road, Bradford and you will undertake delivery of activities at partner venues such as community centres.

The Senior Coach at RollaDome All Skate is a pivotal figure in our mission to provide exceptional roller skating and sports programs to participants of all ages and abilities. This role requires a dynamic, knowledgeable, and passionate individual capable of leading our coaching team, developing innovative training programs, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and instruction. The Senior Coach will play a key role in shaping the future of our participants, fostering a positive, inclusive, and motivating environment.

Key Responsibilities

· Coaching Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of coaches, providing guidance, professional development, and feedback to ensure the delivery of high-quality coaching.

· Program Development: Design and implement comprehensive training programs tailored to various skill levels, ensuring progression, engagement, and achievement of participants’ goals.

· Safety and Compliance: Ensure all coaching activities comply with health and safety standards, including risk assessments and participant welfare.

· Performance Monitoring: Evaluate the effectiveness of coaching programs, incorporating feedback and making adjustments to meet the evolving needs of participants and the organization.

· Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with parents, schools, and community organizations to promote the benefits of roller sports, expanding participation and support for RollaDome programs.

· Community and Culture: Cultivate a positive, inclusive culture within the coaching team and among participants, promoting the values of teamwork, respect, and personal development.

Requirements

· A passion for roller sports and an enthusiasm for coaching, with experience in a leadership role or as a senior member of a sports team.

· While formal qualifications in roller sports are not a requirement, a background in sports coaching or education would be beneficial.

· Demonstrated ability to lead with dynamism and to foster talent and growth in both coaches and participants.

· Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, with the talent to connect with and unite diverse groups.

· Familiarity with health and safety considerations in a sports context, with a readiness to learn and apply best practices in coaching.

· A dedication to creating an inclusive atmosphere where every participant feels valued and supported.

· A knack for organizing, planning, and bringing sports training programs and events to life.

· Willingness to engage in flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the diverse needs of our training sessions, events, and competitions.

Join our team and enjoy the following perks:

· Fair remuneration reflective of your role and contribution.

· A chance for professional growth in the field of roller sports, with support for skill enhancement and possible certification pathways.

· The opportunity to make a meaningful impact by being part of an organization that's making real waves in the community.

· Access to training facilities and high-quality equipment to foster the best possible learning and coaching environment.

· Work within a collaborative and diverse team culture that values every member and the unique skills they bring.

Darius Jemmott-Brown [Recipient Address]

Dear Darius,

I am pleased to extend to you the offer to join the RollaDome All Skate team in the capacity of Senior Coach effective from 1st May 2024. This position will be on a Pay As You Earn (PAYE) basis, subject to the terms and conditions of our standard zero-hour contract. We are u

While the nature of a zero-hour contract means that work hours can vary, I want to assure you that given the breadth of clubs and programs we currently run, we foresee being able to offer you consistent engagement. We are confident that there will be sufficient work to provide you with at least 10 hours of work per week, inclusive of preparation time.

As you are aware, RollaDome All Skate's operations are reliant on funding, membership fees, and the dynamic landscape of our projects and programs. We are continually adding new initiatives and expanding our reach, which presents ongoing opportunities for additional hours and involvement in a variety of capacities. We believe your skills and dedication will be instrumental in the success of these ventures.

Key Terms of Employment:

· Position: Senior Coach

· Start Date: 1st May 2024

· Compensation: .

· Contract Type: PAYE basis.

· Location: Various locations as per program requirements.

Your role will be pivotal in supporting the delivery of high-quality roller sports programs and contributing to the growth and development of our participants. Further details regarding your specific duties, reporting lines, and operational guidelines will be provided upon commencement.

Please note that this offer is contingent upon the completion of all relevant background checks and verifications deemed necessary for your role.

We are excited about the potential to have you on board and look forward to your positive impact on our team and community. Please confirm your acceptance of this offer by 19th April 2024, by signing and returning a copy of this letter.

Should you have any questions or require further clarification on any aspects of this offer, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Thank you for considering this opportunity with RollaDome All Skate. We hope to welcome you to our team and embark on a fruitful journey together.

Yours sincerely,

Anne-Marie Waugh

CEO

Role: Referral volunteer (laptops)

Team: Casework

Supervised by: Adult caseworker

Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5pm) for period of training/induction. Remote or in person once induction is complete.

Time commitment: 3 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months

About CARAS :

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work:

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do

About the Role:

CARAS offers advocacy casework integrated into all of its projects, ensuring that people who attend our groups can access support to address issues in a friendly and timely manner. A key part of the casework service is to help connect people to resources and activities that they need.

A key areas of need is digital access, either by smart phone or laptop.

People living in asylum accommodation receive £9/week making saving for items impossible.

Whilst many activities have returned to face-to-face delivery many have stayed online, not having a laptop impedes people’s ability to join English classes and social activities. People attending college face difficulties in completing college work without access to computers in the evenings, access to a laptop means people are able to take greater control over their independent learning. Smart phones make a huge difference in people’s ability to have contact with family and community across the world.

To meet this need we have built a partnership with a grant giving organisation, Acts435, to support people to get personal laptops.

We are able to refer 5 people at a time for grants to buy new laptops/phones. Once the grant money is received we purchase the devices for community members to collect.

We are looking for a volunteer to do these referrals each month and support people to purchase and receive their laptops and phones. This is an extremely rewarding role, interacting with lots of the CARAS community members and making a very tangible positive impact on people’s lives.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

- contacting community members who are on our waiting lists by phone to explain the scheme to them

- complete grant applications with community members

- monitoring the grant platform to see when grants have been made

- purchasing laptops online and liaising with community members to arrange collection

- completing monitoring forms with community members once grants are recieved and uploading to grant platform

- recording all referrals and work done on our case management system (lamplight)

Person specification:

Essential

· Confidence in using IT (online forms, online shopping, google maps, email, DocuSign)

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection

· Thorough with good attention to detail

· Reliable

· A high level of spoken and written English

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

· Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way

· A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach

· Enjoyment in speaking to new people

· A commitment to working in an empowering way

· Able to maintain boundaries

· Able to work autonomously

· Currently resident in the UK

Desirable

· Experience working with refugees and asylum seekers

· Fluent in one or more of: Pashtu, Farsi, Tigrinya, Somali, Arabic or Dari, Russian, Ukrainian, Albanian, Amharic, Kurdish Sorani, Spanish, French

· Experience of working with interpreters

Benefits to Volunteering:

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.

All volunteers must complete a DBS check and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.

To Apply:

To Apply To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP.

Thank you for wanting to find out more about becoming a member of Age UK Lambeth’s Board. 

Our Board members are unpaid volunteers called trustees. They fill an essential role in ensuring our charity improves the lives of older and vulnerable people around the borough of Lambeth. We hope that this pack lets you know more about the charity, the role of a trustee and how to apply to become one. 

We currently have seven Board members with space for up to five more. We want to find people who have a desire to direct services that enable lives to be changed for the better.   We want to increase the diversity of the Board bringing different life experiences which match the Lambeth community, broad and diverse as it is. Ideally we want people that bring new skills and experience or enhance those already in place, but this is not essential. It’s not necessary to have previous Board experience.

Please check the Recruitment Pack attached.

We look forward to hearing from you!

How to apply? Whilst we want the application process to be simple, it is for us, a small local charity, a big decision. We need to make sure we have the right people on our Board, which means the process is not necessarily the quickest, but we hope at every point it helps ensure you are doing the right thing for you and us, by becoming one of our Board members. To get the process started, please send us your CV with a covering letter explaining why you think you would make a good Board member for Age UK Lambeth. Be clear about how you think your skills and/or experience will contribute to the effective governance of the charity. We are running a rolling recruitment programme, but if you can get us your application by 17th May you will be in time for our first tranche of interviews with shortlisted candidates, w/c 27th May. Following a successful interview you will be invited to attend a Board meeting as an observer. This gives you a chance to get a proper feel for whether being on our Board is for you. If both parties are happy after that, then you can be appointed as one of our new Trustees.

Role Summary

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who will offer strategic and supportive leadership to our highly effective, collaborative and committed Board.  The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity's vision and mission.  The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the Board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive.  The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.

Chair role & responsibilities 

Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that Glass Door achieves its mission with the interests of Glass Door's guests at its centre.

Work collaboratively with the CEO, staff and volunteers to achieve our mission and optimise the relationship between the Board and Glass Doors's staff and volunteers.

Provide leadership within the Board, ensuring that it fulfills its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation and promoting governance among fellow Trustees, providing clarity around boundaries between governance, management and operations.

Plan and chair the bi-monthly board meetings and the AGM, with colleagues as appropriate and liaise with the CEO, Company Secretary and Governance Trustee with regard to setting up meetings, agenda items and annual report content.

Facilitate meetings ensuring all have equal involvement in discussions, clarifying any uncertainties, confirming decisions made and actions to be taken and ensuring effective time management of meetings whilst providing appropriate periods of discussion and reflection.

Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Glass Door when required.

Support Glass Door functions and events eg attendance at supporter events.

Support the Head of Fundraising & Major Donors with the cultivation of high-level donors, occassionally attending meetings where value can be added.

Represent the Board at staff Town Hall meetings.

Support the team liaising with partner churches and statutory authorities as required and be the public face of Glass Door in the local community.

Liaise with the CEO and he Board to keep an overview of the charity's affairs.

Provide supervision and support to the CEO as necessary in addition to planned monthly/bi-monthly 'catch up' meetings and, with the People Trustee, lead the CEO's annual performance review.

To act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.

What we are looking for

Experience of being a Trustee, ideally in the third sector, and an understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a Trustee/Director.

A keen sense of strategic purpose.

Strong leadership skills, able to foster and promote a collaborative team environment and an inclusive and collaborative leadership style; able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.

An ability to facilitate, mediate, influence and respect the confidences of colleagues.  The ability to listen and engage effectively.  You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.

Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Advocate and ambassador - possess gravitas to lead the organisation and be able and willing to champion Glass Door.

Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to Glass Door's guests and ensure that the interests of our guests drive the decisions of the Board.

A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

A willingness to devote necessary time and effort to your duties as Chair and be available and responsive (e.g. when things sometimes 'come up' that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to).

What's in it for the new Chair?

Our vision is a world where no one has to sleep on the streets of London and we're working every day to achieve this.  Your role as Chair will offer you an incredibly reqarding experience to use your skills and collaborate with the rest of the Board and staff members for the benefit of people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.

For more information please see the full role description and Glass Door information pack attached,