Food Bank Volunteer Roles in Home Based
Background
Established in August 2012, Cirencester Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust’s UK network of over 1,200 foodbanks, which provide food to people in crisis in their local areas. The foodbank covers an area of approximately 210 square miles of the South Cotswolds.
The foodbank is a charitable incorporated organisation, and as such is regulated by the Charity Commission. As at March 2023, the foodbank is governed by a board of six trustees and has one full time and six part time staff and over 100 active volunteers. The board of trustees meets quarterly and also operates through five subcommittees (finance, governance, communications and marketing, strategy and personnel). Trustees also act as Treasurer, Secretary and Safeguarding Lead.
As a trustee you are responsible for the governance of the foodbank and setting the strategic objectives. You will ensure that the charity’s activities further its purpose of relieving hardship in Cirencester and the surrounding area.
Key tasks
- To manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.
- To ensure the board regularly reviews its structures, roles, relationship to staff and implementing changes if and when necessary.
- To develop a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.
- To work alongside the Treasurer and the board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
- To ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
- To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
- To help promote the organisation to a wide audience of potential funders and beneficiaries and community stakeholders.
- To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
- To act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
- To prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
- To provide ad hoc support to the staff team and volunteers from time to time.
- To act at all times in accordance with the foodbank’s trustee code of conduct.
Please apply via CharityJobs in the first instance. You will then be sent a link to our application pack.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Market Drayton Foodbank is committed to helping those facing food poverty, whilst also seeking to help our clients address some of its underlying causes. The Board of Trustees are looking for someone with accounting experience to join the Board as a Trustee, who will be able to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations and help us build a sound financial strategy as we move forward.
Key Tasks:
All Trustees
- To work alongside the Trustee board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
- Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
- To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
- To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
- To ensure the Foodbank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
- Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to the role.
- To serve as an additional promoter of the Foodbank in the community.
- To work with and support the Foodbank Manager as required
Finance Lead
- This role involves leading on the financial affairs of the Foodbank and ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting and good practice conventions.
- It is also the responsibility of the Financial Lead to work in partnership with the Chairperson, Foodbank Manager, Treasurer and other Trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.
- Ensure the Trustee board fulfils its financial responsibilities.
- Ensure that the Foodbank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting.
- Work alongside the Market Drayton Foodbank Treasurer to inform the Trustee board members of the finances of the Foodbank by written report, at least on a quarterly basis ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the Foodbank.
- Ensure that financial reports:
- Are comprehensible and properly discussed at Trustee board meetings.
- Are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales, Charity Commission of Northern Island or OSCR etc).
- Have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners (on income over £25k).
- Are reported on an annual basis at annual general meetings (AGMs).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are Knottingley Foodbank, providing emergency food and compassionate, practical support to people in crisis. Since 2013 we have operated in the Knottingley area and are currently based at Ropewalk Methodist Church, providing 1,714 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis last year. Our foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area.
As a Trustee you will play a vital role by ensuring that we are meeting the demand for our services, providing help and support to people in crisis in the local community, as well as providing strategic direction for the charity.
Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the organisation and for all decisions made by the Board. They set the strategic direction for the organisation, ensuring alignment to our values, and are responsible for setting organisational policy, defining goals, agreeing the financial plan, evaluating performance, and ensuring that strong relationships are maintained between the Trustees and the Senior Leadership Group.
About you:
Knottingley Foodbank are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. We are seeking to recruit Trustees with an interest in helping others, who are willing to uphold the food bank’s values, and who can bring life experience to the board of trustees.Our ideal candidates would demonstrate a:
- Knowledge of and commitment to the work of Knottingley Foodbank.
- Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
- Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
- Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
- Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop.
The food bank would particularly welcome applications from those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas:
- Administration/Secretarial skills
- Finance
- Governance
- Human Resources
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to help end food poverty and tackle climate change and CO2 emissions in Greater Manchester, whilst at the same time gaining valuable CV-enhancing experience and skills?
What we offer you
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Induction, training and support from the staff of FareShare and its parent charity, EMERGE 3Rs.
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Practical experience and transferable skills in warehousing and food redistribution.
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Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses – up to £5.80 for travel and up to £3 for lunch, upon completion of a 4 hour shift. (We can also provide you with lunch if you don't bring your own).
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A reference after 2 months with us.
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An understanding of warehousing and logistics, and the importance of food surplus and recycling initiatives to both the community and the environment.
As a sustainability charity, we take surplus food that's donated to us by manufacturers and retailers and redistribute it to people in need across the city region. The front line initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities who, in turn, help people who are disadvantaged by poverty.
Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents perfectly good food going to landfill, where it would otherwise contribute to climate warming.
We need helping hands in our busy warehouse to receive and catalogue supplies, to load and unload vans, and to prepare orders for delivery. In return we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience to boost your CV if you are seeking work. If you're not aiming for employment, volunteering with is is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make new friends, keep physically active and
This role is vital to the work of FareShare, ensuring that the food delivered to our warehouse is correctly sorted, labelled and organised into orders placed by our charities and community groups, (who we call Community Food Members).
It is perfect for someone who is:
a) Looking for a practical activity.
b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing and customer service.
c) Wanting to help their community and/or help tackle global warming.
d) Wanting to make new friends.
e) Wanting to keep busy and/or physically fit.
Our volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am - 12:30pm and 12:30 - 4:30pm. Volunteers are typically involved for one day a week.
What will I be doing?
Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient surplus food in a warehouse, and preparing orders for delivery. You’ll also assist customers when they come to pick up their orders.
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Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.
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Sorting and unpacking deliveries, categorising and recording food.
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Assembling food orders placed by charities and community groups.
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Assisting our Community Food Members with their food order collections.
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Maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards.
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Helping with cleaning and other tasks as identified by warehouse staff.
Person Specification
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Must be physically fit to carry out tasks including lifting and loading.
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Have a good command of English in order to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules.
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Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record quantities and types of food donated.
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Able to work in a manner that respects Health and Safety standards.
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Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.
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Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food poverty.
Must be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.
We are located in our brand new depot at Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WJ.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
VOLUNTEER MAN/WOMAN WITH A VAN
Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, family circumstances, mental health issues, substance misuse, care leavers, learning disability, age, and physical disabilities.
Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.
Can you be the link between us and our clients, dropping of food and furniture where it’s needed?
- Do you have 1-2 hours a week to give to vulnerable clients needing food, help with a move or furniture picked up, loaded, and dropped off?
- Can we rely and depend on you to commit to a period of up to 12 weeks?
- Can you create and maintain positive, professional, and trusting relationships with a non-judgmental approach?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
- Drivers will need be able to take apart large items of furniture for packing and removal, loading them into your vehicle, securing them safely and driving to a new location to unload them
- Collecting food from food banks and dropping to clients’ homes
- Collecting furniture for clients and dropping to their accommodation
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Manchester Central Foodbank are a small but rapidly-growing charity at a pivotal moment in our evolution, and we are looking for an exceptional person to take on the role of Treasurer / Trustee.
We have recently established a finance committee, to ensure effective financial controls within our organisation. You will chair this committee of volunteers to support the foodbank in achieving its financial objectives. The finance committee and trustee board both meet every 4-6 weeks. Most of these meetings are online, with an occasional hybrid meeting.
About Manchester Central Foodbank
Manchester Central Foodbank (MCFB) is a Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with a centre in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led foodbank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding into Harpurhey and Openshaw, but our goal to end the need for food banks in Manchester has never changed.
We are one of 6 Trussell Trust-affiliated food banks in Manchester, and one of 19 in Greater Manchester. We work closely with our colleagues across the city, to develop and work towards a strong network of support for people locked in poverty. We know that the problem of poverty cannot be solved by giving out food alone, so we work hard to give wrap-around support to our clients, and to campaign for real change in our community.
Role responsibilities
General financial oversight:
- Liaise with MCF Managers, external accountants and auditors about financial matters.
- Oversee and present budgets, accounts and financial statements to the Board.
- Ensure that robust and effective systems, policies and controls are in place for finance and investment.
- Ensure an effective system of delegation for finance is in place.
- Ensure that record-keeping and accounts meet the conditions of funders and statutory bodies
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
- Ensure suitable financial roles are in place to fulfil our finance function.
Financial performance, reporting, planning & budgeting:
- Advise on the financial implications of strategic and operational plans.
- Oversee regular reports on the organisation’s financial position
- Ensure effective monitoring and reporting.
- Liaise with designated staff for accounts preparation and audit, as required.
- Present accounts at the AGM.
- Advise on MCFs reserves policy and our investment policy.
Banking, book-keeping, record-keeping and payroll:
- Oversee bank account management and that appropriate systems for bookkeeping, payments, lodgements & petty cash are in place.
- Ensure everyone handling money keeps proper records and documentation
- Payment and recording of all supplier invoices
- Recording all income received
- Preparation of monthly payroll and payment of staff
- Payment of tax and NI to the Inland Revenue
- Cash-flow management
Reconciliation of bank accounts on a monthly basis:
- Control of fixed assets
- Ensure proper records are kept.
- Ensure required insurances are in place.
Our ideal candidate
You will have a background in finance, strategy, governance and risk management.
Essential
- Knowledge and experience of financial management.
- Good financial analysis skills to examine financial consequences of proposals and plans.
- Ability to think creatively.
- Ability to communicate clearly.
- Business planning and Strategy.
- All aspects of financial management, management accounts, cashflow, budgeting, payroll related activities and financial decisions.
- Presenting complex financial information to support decisionmaking.
- A commitment to support the future success of the work of the Foodbank, our aims and values
Desirable
- Either full or part finance qualified (e.g. CIMA/CIPFA/ACCA/CA AAT or finance degree).
- Knowledge of the charity sector and current fundraising and finance practice.
- Experience with accounting software Xero
- Financial experience at a senior level.
- Previous experience of working in the voluntary sector environment.
- Experience of charity finance.
- Previous experience of being a treasurer.
Why join us?
As the need for food banks has grown, Manchester Central Foodbank has committed to addressing the causes of food poverty, while continuing to deliver emergency food parcels. As part of this, Manchester Central Foodbank is involved in several projects, with various funding sources. This includes the Trussell Trust’s national Pathfinder programme, with foodbanks involved developing and delivering their own plan for reducing the need for their services locally. You will play a pivotal role in achieving our vision for the central Manchester area.
You will get to know our enthusiastic and dedicated staff, trustees and other volunteers. As treasurer and a trustee board member, you will build on your governance, leadership and strategic skills. You will also be an essential part of shaping the future strategy of the foodbank and will be able to see the positive impact on the people of Manchester.
Manchester Central Foodbank supports equality and diversity, and we actively encourage expressions of interest from people with diverse backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
VOLUNTEER MAN/WOMAN WITH A VAN
Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, family circumstances, mental health issues, substance misuse, care leavers, learning disability, age, and physical disabilities.
Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.
Can you be the link between us and our clients, dropping of food and furniture where it’s needed?
- Do you have 1-2 hours a week to give to vulnerable clients needing food, help with a move or furniture picked up, loaded, and dropped off?
- Can we rely and depend on you to commit to a period of up to 12 weeks?
- Can you create and maintain positive, professional, and trusting relationships with a non-judgmental approach?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
- Drivers will need be able to take apart large items of furniture for packing and removal, loading them into your vehicle, securing them safely and driving to a new location to unload them
- Collecting food from food banks and dropping to clients’ homes
- Collecting furniture for clients and dropping to their accommodation
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have some time to spare during the week? We are looking for a volunteer Baby Bank Assistant who will work as part of our friendly baby bank team to provide local families with the essential items they need for their babies, such as clothing, nappies, baby food and toiletries.
Principal Responsibilities:
To receive donations, sort through items, register and store them safely.
To contribute to a non-judgmental, safe space and support the family’s emotional well-being where needed.
To listen to the needs of families and help them find items they require
To introduce families to new opportunities and activities through signposting to our other services or other local services.
To champion a co-production approach with families, other volunteers and staff
To ensure you have an understanding (appropriate to your role) of, and comply with WFRC’s procedures for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Time commitment required:
6 or more hours weekly (flexible)
Attend bi-monthly supervisions for one hour
Attend occasional training and team meetings
Skills and Attributes:
Friendly, empathetic and non-judgmental attitude
An understanding of working with vulnerable families
Effective communication skills, confident speaking to a diverse range of people and an active listener
Able to work in a confidential environment
A strong team player
Organised and proactive
Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer
Salary: £0.00 per year
Job Type: Volunteer
Salary: £0.00 per year
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Fundraising Trustee
Non renumerated roles
Remote – with occasional presence at the Prout Bridge Project in Beaminster
The Prout Bridge Charity is a small but mighty charity based in West Dorset and we are seeking to expand the expertise within our team on a voluntary basis. We are a local cornerstone charity, nurturing the physical, mental and emotional well-being of children, young people and adults.
Our services include:
Safe and supportive youth clubs where our young people can thrive, in sports, music, art, outdoor and other activities. Physical activities on offer include football, hockey, basketball, rounders, badminton, tennis, table tennis, scooters, skateboarding, running and games. We also have a youth band - the Phoenix.
Experienced youth worker mental health support in schools and one-to-one sessions for young people who are struggling + outreach in the town, skatepark and surrounding villages
A free adult counselling service for anyone over 16 that people can turn to in crisis and time of need
A community hub, bringing people together in local social, sports and craft groups + a baby and parent group, providing a safe warm space, and giving easy access to the Food Bank, Citizens Advice, Read Easy adult literacy and the Bridport Clothing Bank.
We are looking to expand the skillset on our Board of Trustees and would welcome contact from individuals who evidence experience of working in the charity or not for profit sector.
Experience we are looking for would be around corporate, community and/or major donor fundraising however if you have exposure to a particular area of fundraising and are compelled by our cause we would love to hear from you. Relationship development is pivotal to our success therefore understanding what motivates an individual or organisation to support us will be key.
As a charity we can offer you the experience of working with a hands-on Board of Trustees and exposure to understanding the workings of a small but impactful charity, across all levels. We also have a great volunteer network who work brilliantly as a team which you will be part of. If you are looking for an opportunity to be hands on and learn with us as we sustain our future, we would love to hear from you. Previous experience as a volunteer/trustee is not essential however fundraising knowledge is key.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Overall responsibility:
- Leading on the financial affairs of the Foodbank; ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting and good practice conventions;
- To work in partnership with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the Foodbank..
Key tasks are to ensure that the Trustees:
- Fulfil their financial responsibilities
- Have proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurances, and reporting;
- Are informed by written report, at least on a quarterly basis; ensuring they have a clear picture of the financial health of the food bank;
- Develop a long-term strategy for the Foodbank with clear objectives, monitored and flexible
- Have reports in proper format, comprehensible and discussed properly at Trustee meetings including the AGM;
- Provide Annual Reports as required by the Charity Commission after proper independent examination
Other responsibilities - include working with Trustees to support appropriate:
- Financial plans for future budget allocations; looking after contractual agreements with external partners awarding money for core costs;
- Procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding, GDPR compliance/data protection;
- Promotion of the Foodbank to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries; promote the Foodbank within the wider community;
- To act with reasonable care and skill, giving time, thought and energy to your role.
Welcome Personal Skills and Attributes:
- To have a knowledge and understanding of the work of the Foodbank;
- To be respectful of the values the Foodbank was founded upon;
- To be enthusiastic about and involved with the operation;
- Previous experience and/or demonstrated ability in financial accounting and reporting procedures; communicating financial information to those who may have little financial background; and keeping all financial records up to date.
By leading on the financial matters for the Foodbank, you are part of providing an important support responsibility in your local community; ensuring a dignified experience to our clients and all who come into contact with Rochdale Foodbank.
In volunteering you will be using your existing skills to make a difference; you will meet people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community and you will make a real difference to the running of the Foodbank.
A full Trustee induction is in place to support a prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary Trustee training through Action Together or the Trussell Trust.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking a reliable individual (or individuals to share the role) to assist us in supporting our teams of volunteers who work across our three projects: FareShare Greater Manchester, EMERGE Recycling and Touch Wood, as well as our parent charity, EMERGE 3Rs.
With your organisational skills, you’ll assist the Volunteer Management Team in the administration of our volunteer programmes and help us with the day-to-day operation of the office.
This position presents an excellent opportunity to gain valuable transferable skills that can be deployed across a wide range of working roles in future.
This role is shared between several volunteers; each covering different shifts, so we have flexibility in accommodating what hours you are able to offer us.
ABOUT EMERGE
We operate three initiatives:
* FareShare Great Manchester - the regional hub of national charity FareShare UK, which redistributes overstocked food to community initiatives and food banks, diverting it from polluting landfill
* Touch Wood - our reclaimed wood workshop, which takes wood destined for landfill or incinerators and prepares it for resale or upcycles it into crafted items
* EMERGE Recycling - a pioneering recycling social enterprise
The volunteer administration support role is one of the broadest ranging opportunities we have on offer; being a blend of many working practices, from general administration to assisting with recruitment. You will be working with a diverse range of individuals, from many different types of backgrounds and circumstances, so a friendly attitude and an interest in helping people are advantageous traits for applicants.
Typical tasks include:
* Answering and redirecting phone calls and greeting visitors
* Data entry
* Assisting with monitoring information
* Assisting with preparation of induction sessions
* Undertaking routine tasks, e.g. photocopying, laminating
* Preparing information packs
* Maintaining supplies of flyers and forms used for volunteer recruitment
REQUIREMENTS:
Organised and reliable
Comfortable speaking in person and on the phone in a polite, clear and friendly manner
Strong computer skills; particularly familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
Accuracy and attention to detail
Good standard of personal presentation
BENEFITS:
A friendly, inclusive and supportive environment
Attainment / development of a wide range of CV-enhancing transferrable work skills, from admin procedures to interpersonal skills
The opportunity to support a great cause and give something back to your community
Reimbursement of lunch costs and local travel expenses
Work reference available after 3 months in the role
You will be required to complete introductory sessions before you are confirmed in the role.
GETTING TO US
We are just a 15 minute bus ride from Manchester Piccadilly, with our brand new base, Maynard House, located on new Smithfield Market, which is only a few yards off a main arterial route into the city, Ashton Old Road.
Public Transport
The market site can be easily reached by a number of bus services, with the 219 being the most frequent.
If travelling to us by car, please be aware that many satnav systems wrongly direct drivers to the rear of the market site. Instead, please enter by the main gate on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). There is plenty of free parking on site.
There is a bus stop immediately opposite the main entrance to the market.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Glasgwegians unite for pets in need and their families! Do you have a background in animal welfare or human services? Do you have lived experience as a pet guardian or someone who has sought adoption in the past? Glasgow's pet families need you!
The vision for Glasgow Pet Collective is to create a social justice oriented animal welfare organisation to support Glaswegians and their pets. Our approach will be community informed and will develope innovative programs based on community need. I plan to launch the organisation, with a co-founder or two, so we can help with re-homing pets ASAP because it is a service that is in urgent need.
The role:
Glasgow Pet Collective is seeking one to four co-founders to formulate best practices, policies and innovative programs on which to build the charity. Co-founders will also help to secure charity status, apply for funding, connect with pet parents who need to rehome their dog, cat or other small animal, market pets for adoption, screen adopters and recruit and train volunteers. The scope of the founder's role will be based on their experience, expertise and interest. I anticipate 5 hours of work weekly in the intial phases of set up and would hope that at some point in the not too distant future, we can receive funding to pay for part or (hopefully) full-time staff. As a note, I am a professional grant writer so I am hopeful we can get funding sooner than later!
The problem:
Pet relinquishment requests to animal rescue / shelter organisations have increased up to 60% in 2023. Organisations like Dog's Trust, SSPCA, Cats Protection and Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home are full to the brink and are simply not able to accommodate the deluge of requests for help.
In the mean time, cats and dogs live in homes that are not conducive to either their or their human guardians' wellbeing. Cats are living in homes with co-occupants that cause them great stress, and potentially exhibiting destructive behaviours due to their distress. Dogs with separation anxiety are living in homes who cannot spend enough time with them. And humans are struggling to feed their families and their pets at the same time.
In most cases, human support services that allow the human/animal family to remain intact are the ideal response to these issues. Keeping families together highly advantageous to the wellbeing of all family members - two and four-legged. AND financial assistance, accessiblity of services and/or modifications to the home environment can solve the issues that often lead pet parents to seek rehoming services.
Pet food banks are critical to ensuring dedicated families keep their pets fed without jeopardising the needs of their human families. Training and behaviour professionals can help dogs cope with separation. Accessible veterinary care can allow families with financial constraints to keep their pets instead of relinquishing for hope of the animal getting the help they need.
About me:
My name is Caitlin Mendoza-Price. I am an animal welfare professional from Los Angeles. I spent the last 10 years working in feline lifesaving programs, fundraising and grant writing. Admittedly, the landscape and needs of animals in Scotland is largely different than the one I have built most of my expertise within.
However, after two years in Scotland, and lessons learnt from conferences and conversations with professionals, pet parents and prospective adopters, I've come to understand that the Scotland is in great need of increased rehoming and human animal support services.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Background to the RJ4All Internships
RJ4All was originally set up by volunteers, and it would not exist without their involvement and continued support. Therefore, RJ4All recognises their significant contribution. The vast majority of our interns are young people most of whom are faced with challenges let those be social, financial, migration or refugee status etc.
The RJ4All internships are not paid, but offered on a volunteering basis. This is because we believe that volunteering is an important way to make a positive contribution to our communities and is of particular benefit to young people who are often forgotten or marginalised. Nevertheless, volunteering with RJ4All does not mean standing outside of tube stations wearing bunny suits to raise funds! It involves high quality project activity, engaging with social project and policy issues, and making a real difference where it matters. It also means doing youth-led work, organising events and running user-led training workshops. All out of pocket expenses are paid (see Volunteer Policy for more detail).
Our principles
We are established upon the FREDA underlying values of restorative justice. These stand for Freedom, Respect, Equality, Dignity and Autonomy. Our interns are expected to subscribe to these values as well as that of power sharing.
RJ4ALL has the Quality Mark of the European Commission’s European Solidarity Corps and has adopted European Solidarity Corps Charter. All principles underlying this Volunteer and Intern Policy are fully aligned with the Mission and Principles of the European Solidarity Corps. Previously, RJ4All was using the EVS principles (European Voluntary Service).
The role
This is a supporting role working under the line management of the Community Centre Manager. It is an office-based position at our RJ4All Community Centre in Rotherhithe working across projects and RJ4All services. The post holder will support the organisation to ensure the effective administration of the RJ4All Centre and the delivery of RJ4All programmes through a combination of excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
Initiative and innovation are attributes that are highly valued at RJ4All. Furthermore, the post holder will be involved in delivering project-related tasks as well as promoting projects, participate and create workshops.
Volunteering hours under this role are between 9:30am-5:30pm and the placements are usually offered on a minimum of a 3-month engagement.
Role description
We want to offer a rounded experience to all our interns and therefore they are engaged in five different areas of work:
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Community Project Delivery on one or multiple of our community centre projects (incl. Youth Clubs, Food Bank, Community Fridge, Charity Shop, Sports classes for young people/for people with disabilities, Digital Inclusion workshops), art workshops, Mediation, wellbeing support, etc.).
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Research and policy support on our Restorative Justice postcode project.
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Administrative work such as managing our organisation email account or project monitoring and evaluation
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Social media such as leading on our Facebook page
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Writing a blog for our members and our FRED campaign.
Other tasks may include:
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Engagement with Service Users,
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Youth work,
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Event planning, outreach, and management,
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Report writing and proofreading,
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Compiling, formatting, analysing qualitative and quantitative data,
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Conducting stakeholder mapping
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Writing for the website, blogs and other newsletters,
Helping with funding applications.
What support will I be given?
Interns will be given a full induction and will be supported through one-to-one meetings and daily support. The candidate will benefit from a range of training initiatives.
What benefits can I expect to gain from the experience?
The position offers a rich and high-quality experience that will enhance future job prospects within the area of community engagement and project delivery within the charity sector as well as social policy and research. We also offer Youth Pass and CPD accreditation where relevant.
What skills or experience do I need?
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An interest in community engagement and project delivery within the charitable sector and/or social policy and research
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Excellent written and oral communication skills,
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Excellent organisational skills
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Ability to work as a member of a team and on your own initiative,
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A keen eye for spotting errors,
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Organised and self-managing,
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Commitment to the values of dialogue, transparency, non-adversarial methods of conflict resolution and restorative justice,
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Sympathise with the aims, ethos and organisational culture of RJ4All including its vision, mission and values.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.
You will be volunteering with a small, but passionate and fun team made up of two admin staff, five retail and online sales staff, and a dedicated trustee board of five, from a range of backgrounds.
We are a highly proactive, progressive and approachable branch, with a clear vision for the future - aiming for charitable excellence, a strong community focus, and a passion to support, signpost and advocate for our pet-owning community.
Among our animal welfare activities are schemes such as assisted neutering and microchipping, welfare events such as free microchipping and clinic sessions, provision of a local pet food bank, family fun day events in aid of animal welfare, and the delivery of educational materials - created by the branch team, for our younger audiences.
We support RSPCA frontline teams within our local area, and we are always keen to take on new challenges and innovative ways to fundraise and work alongside those in our community who need our support.
The insights and skills of our trustees are the key to the future direction of the branch.
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 or not the trustee takes on additional duties.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee
- Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
- Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
- Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Support Specialist write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
- Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
- Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
What we are looking for in a volunteer
We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:
- Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
- Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
- Local community and supporter relationships;
- Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
- Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.
Alongside the relevant experience, 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.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee
- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
- Ongoing support is also provided by local 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.
Ideally we would want a Trustee within the Sunderland, Hartlepool, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead or Durham area. However, the position can be done mostly via remote means - and so, you can be located anywhere in the country.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We are looking for a new Chair of the Board at our community charity Friends of Windmill Gardens. You will have proven leadership skills working at a senior level (paid or voluntary), experience of chairing and facilitating meetings, and the ability to be both strategic and “hands on” in the role.
The Chair has the responsibility for governing the organisation through collective decision-making and leadership. Specifically they are required to:
- Lead the board and the organisation to enable it to fulfil its purpose
- Lead the long-term strategy and direction of the organisation
- Ensure an effective relationship between:
- the Board and the staff/volunteers
- the Board and the external stakeholders/community
- Act as a spokesperson and figurehead as appropriate.
- Plan and prepare the Board meetings and AGMs with others as appropriate.
- Chair Board meetings ensuring:
- A balance is struck between time-keeping and space for discussions.
- Business is dealt with and decisions made.
- Decisions, actions and deliberations are adequately recorded
- The implementation of decisions is clearly assigned and monitored.
- Ensure adequate support and supervision arrangements are made for FoWG employees (currently two part-time staff members) and any other staff/volunteers that are directly managed or report into the Board.
- Support long-term succession planning for the Board
- Fulfil all statutory requirements related to the role of Chair.