Fundraising Group Treasurer Volunteer Roles

Job Description:

The Photographic Collections Network (PCN) is seeking an interim Treasurer with expertise in accountancy and/or charity finance and reporting to join our board of Trustees. 

We are on the journey to becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), and this will bring great opportunities for us to expand our reach and provide support for the UKs photographic collections and heritage. We are looking for people to help us to build this potential so we can better deliver on our aims. Are you the person that can help lead this change? 

You will oversee the financial matters of the Photographic Collections Network in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements, and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The interim Treasurer will ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, and are appropriate for the charity.
PCN welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and would love to hear from applicants who belong to groups underrepresented in the charitable sector.

Job requirements:

Our ideal candidate for the interim Treasurer would have accountancy qualification or an equivalent level of experience and expertise in accountancy and charity finance and reporting. A person working in Finance, Governance, Legal, with Charity experience either through an executive or previous Trustee role would be suitable. The candidate Ideally would have professional experience with organisational Governance and Financial management. A background in the photography or understanding of collections sector is not necessary but an enthusiasm and interest in the charitable sector is. If you have any of the skills listed above, we would love to hear from you.

Job responsibilities:

You will oversee the financial matters of the Photographic Collections Network in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements, and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

The interim Treasurer will work with the Board to ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, as we progress in our journey to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

Please follow the link to download the Job Description

NEON is recruiting for new board members and co-chairs. Shape and support NEON’s work with social movements by joining our board. 

NEON supports over 1600 organisers and campaigners across the UK working on social, economic and climate justice. This could be anything from anti-racism, to environment and housing activism, and grassroots community organising. We work together to accelerate social movements through training, relationship-building and infrastructure support. We’ve helped a wide range of organisations, campaigns and organising groups win change through building their mobilising, communications reach and messaging.

NEON is looking for two new co-chairs and an additional two board members to join our board as we build and implement our new strategy.

Our board members  should be excited and motivated by NEON’s vision and approach, as well as offering  the time, experience and energy to help NEON thrive. 

About Smart Works 

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed. After visiting Smart Works, 69% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.

Smart Works Leeds, operating as a licensee of Smart Works Charity, is led by a Board of passionate and dedicated trustees, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the Smart Works service across Yorkshire.

More information about who we are can be found on our website.

About the opportunity  

The Smart Works Leeds Board of Trustees consists of: Chair, Treasurer, People, Wardrobe & Property, Corporate Fundraising & Partnerships, Events, and Communications & Media Trustees. 

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Leeds Board of Trustees. The newly created Ambassador & Volunteer Trustee will lead on two fundamental activities at the Centre: 

• Ambassadors: Smart Works Leeds currently has one Ambassador. The Board is looking to grow our ambassador community. The position will help identify, onboard and work with the team of Smart Works Leeds Ambassadors to raise the profile of the Charity across the Yorkshire region.
• Volunteers: Smart Works is powered by a community of skilled volunteers who use their time, talents and kindness to help our clients. The position will oversee volunteer management and engagement for Smart Works Leeds and will work closely with the staff team to keep the volunteer community motivated and engaged in the charity’s mission. 

If you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.

General Duties of a Smart Works Trustee 

• Work with the Chair of the Board of Trustees to ensure the centre is well-run and governed effectively. 
• Provide support to determine the strategic direction of the Centre. 
• Advocate for the Centre, raising its profile and the awareness of the Smart Works service in the geographic area. 
• Build strong working relationships with the Chair, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters. 
• Work in a small team and tailor strong interpersonal and communication skills to all levels of seniority.

Personal Specification 

The successful Ambassador and Volunteer Lead Trustee will have excellent interpersonal skills and stakeholder management experience. 

They will use their skills and experience to attract, utilise and maximise the Ambassadors for Smart Works Leeds and they will nurture, coordinate and motivate the Smart Works Leeds volunteer community. 

As this is a voluntary, unpaid role it requires a self-starting and proactive approach with the capacity and time to challenge, engage and contribute to the work of the Board in a positive manner. 

It is essential that all applicants believe in the mission of Smart Works and align with our core values, share a commitment to fairness and to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, acting at all times with honesty and integrity. 

If you possess the relevant experience and are seeking to give something back to the community in Yorkshire, then we would love to hear from you. Please note, you do not need to have previous experience of sitting on a board to join us although it would be an advantage.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled candidates, and candidates with lived experience of unemployment, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at Smart Works.

How to Apply  

Please visit our website or click "Apply Now" to find out more information - we can't wait to hear from you.

General Secretary of ICOMOS-UK (executive position)

Minimum:  2 days per week

The current Secretary is stepping down after twenty years of service to ICOMOS-UK. We are looking for someone to fill the position starting in July 2024. This is currently a part-time un-paid executive (equivalent to a CEO) role with reasonable expenses for out of the office work.  It is an ideal opportunity for anyone who wishes to work as part of an international organisation and bring international heritage conservation ideas and knowledge and practice to the UK. It could suit someone who has part-time availability or has recently retired and wishes to retain an active involvement in the heritage sector within an international dimension. Experience of working in sectors relating to the historic/built environment and/or culture and heritage would be desirable. Experience in managing the development and delivery of governance, policy and operations for a small or medium sized organisation or as part of a larger organisation would be essential. We envisage that an increase in membership which ICOMOS-UK is working towards may generate funding to make the role paid in the future.

The Secretary reports to the President and manages a member of staff (part-time paid staff member) and volunteers who undertake work intermittently. 

We are expecting to fill this post by the beginning of July 2024 and would be happy to arrange an informal chat with ICOMOS-UK’s President about the role, on request.

Application process: closing date for the application is 17th May 2024. Candidates should send a CV, no longer than 2/3 pages, setting out why they wish to apply for the post and all relevant skills, knowledge and experience that support the application. Interviews are scheduled during first week in June 2024. The successful candidate will be notified soon after the interview date. 

Job Description

The role of the General Secretary 

The role of the General Secretary of ICOMOS-UK (equivalent to a CEO of a small organisation) is to take responsibility for the day-to-day function of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), to manage the secretariat (including the Operations Manager and volunteer staff), to support the work of the President and Executive Committee, and to oversee the national and international activities of ICOMOS-UK. The General Secretary will report to the President. 

The organisation has been through a review and has been implementing its revised vision to increase ICOMOS-UK’s membership, (which currently stands at 470-500), and raise the organisation’s profile. We are a broad church and our members come from a variety of background and includes architects, archaeologists, geographers, engineers, project managers, curators, planners, carpenters, specialists in intangible cultural customs and traditions etc.  Unlike many heritage organisations which were forced to close down during the pandemic, we were fortunate to retain our members throughout the lockdown and since which demonstrates the loyalty and support we already garner from our members. The General Secretary would work with the membership committee in sustaining this trend and identify new ideas to retain existing members and recruit new ones.

Main Duties / Key Responsibilities

1. To support the President and Executive Committee in the delivery of the work of ICOMOS-UK.
2. To develop, co-ordinate and present policy, as agreed with the Executive Committee.
3. To co-ordinate and manage the secretariat function of ICOMOS-UK including the Office Manager. To oversee the governance arrangements for ICOMOS-UK.
4. To work with the Treasurer on the budget, income generation and expenditure for ICOMOS-UK, including support for fund-raising activities and applications.
5. To help drive the recruitment and support of members of ICOMOS-UK.
6. To help coordinate and promote events supporting and disseminating the work of ICOMOS-UK.
7. To coordinate, promote and report on the activities of ICOMOS-UK committees to the membership, stakeholders and potential interest groups; to work with the committees on the implementation of their recommendations.
8. The post holder will be the secretary of the International Monuments Trust (IMT), convene meetings, take minutes and organise the transfer of payments.

Person Specification

You will have or develop:

•       strong drive and initiative
•       strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in all tasks
•       experience in using your own judgement
•       familiarity in reporting to and taking direction from the President and Executive Committee.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Required knowledge, skills and experience for the suitable candidate can be found on the attached Job Description.

Competency Framework

The competency Framework for the role can be found on the attached Job Description.

Dimensions

• Understanding of the work of ICOMOS, using knowledge and experience to proactively engage with Executive Committee and stakeholders.
• Supporting and undertaking work and providing reports to President and Executive Committee.
• Acting as a champion for ICOMOS’s work.

Background

What is ICOMOS?

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) was set up in 1965 and is a non-governmental international organisation dedicated to the conservation of the world’s monuments and sites. With around 11,000 individual members active in over 150 countries and a network of 130 National committees (similar to the one in the UK) spread across the world, ICOMOS is one of the most highly regarded conservation organisations in the world. Its 31 International Scientific Committees made up of heritage conservation specialists from across the globe are responsible for developing charters, principles and guidelines on conservation and management of cultural sites. It is one the three advisers to the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee on cultural World Heritage properties (the other two being IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property)).

What is ICOMOS-UK?

ICOMOS-UK is one of the 130 national committees of ICOMOS. It is an independent charity, set up in 1965. We have an active membership of individuals and institutions who come from a wide range of backgrounds in the UK and worldwide. As a national committee based in the UK, ICOMOS-UK promotes appreciation and understanding of our built environment and landscape associated with it and UK’s diverse intangible cultural heritage.  It mirrors the structure of the international body. We have a UK board, a small Secretariat comprising an Operations Manager (OM) and a General Secretary. There are eight scientific committees which report to the Board. Our focus is on providing advice on good practice through the dissemination of ICOMOS’s international Charters, Principles and Guidelines and regular national and international events (conferences, lectures, panel discussions etc). We are also the only independent adviser on the implementation of 1972 World Heritage Convention and its Operational Guidelines to the UK Government and the 33 World Heritage sites situated across the UK. The Board and the eight scientific committees collaborate with the heritage, arts and education sectors in the UK and internationally in developing new thinking and making ICOMOS’s international standards relevant to the national context. 

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.

Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1998 and the aim of the Foundation is to support people with mental health needs in the London Borough of Sutton, helping to keep them well and active and helping them to have a voice in mental health care in the Borough.  Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to anxiety and distress.  The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.We provide nonclinical support, and we are part of the Voluntary Sector. 

The Foundation is seeking to add to the expertise of our experienced, professional Board of Trustees, who are all volunteers.  All our Trustees need excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, strategic vision and good, independent judgement.  Although not limited to, we would particularly value the experience and skills in the following areas : 

• Company Secretary/Legal Experience 
• Fundraising in the following areas – Grant, Corporate and Public 
• Marketing 

Lived or shared experience of mental health – desirable. 

Inclusion is one of our values and we are looking for diversity in the makeup of our Board and that we particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities.

The Board of Trustees meets every six weeks, in the evening at 7 p.m. for approximately 1 ½ hours in Sutton.  Sometimes our Board meetings are on-line.

Background

Thyroid UK is a charitable company working primarily within the United Kingdom. Formed in 1998, we became a company limited by guarantee in 2007 and in 2008 we became a registered charity.

The provision of quality information for people with both diagnosed and undiagnosed thyroid disorders is the primary concern of Thyroid UK, and we work effectively in this field through dialogue with NHS departments, networking with other voluntary organisations, and providing services directly to patients.

We are a small charity, with just three permanent employees, plus contract staff, but we have a wide influence, and provide a great deal of support to our beneficiaries, within the UK and abroad.  The charity’s annual income in 2023 was £96,900.54 , with the majority of that income being spent on both running the charity and conducting campaigns and activities to support our beneficiaries. 

The Thyroid UK Board of Trustees is a diverse group of 7 individuals, including the CEO, a Chairperson, Deputy Chair and Treasurer.  Our board members have a collective responsibility. This means that our trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Thyroid UK achieves its objectives. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Thyroid UK has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support the executive team to enable Thyroid UK to grow, thrive and achieve its mission.

Role

We are looking for a trustee who will support and provide advice on Thyroid UK’s purpose, vision, goals and activities. Their duties include:

· Approve operational strategies & policies and monitor/evaluate their implementation.

· Review/approve Thyroid UK’s financial plans, statements and budgets, and evaluate progress. 

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Support Thyroid UK’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

· Hold the chief executive to account for the effective management and delivery of the organisation’s strategic aims and objectives, where appropriate

· Keep abreast of changes in Thyroid UK’s operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of Thyroid UK’s own governance. Attend board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Thyroid UK’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

· Contribute to the broader promotion of Thyroid UK’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Time requirement

The role will require a time commitment of an average of 1 to 2 days per month, with more time required in some months than others. This includes three planned board meetings of approximately 3 hours (two held online and one held in London with the option to join remotely, if needed) and the Thyroid UK AGM.

Term of office

The term of a thyroid UK trustee is two years, following which the Trustees may re-elect the position for a further one or two term(s).

Remuneration

Thyroid UK is a charitable, not-for-profit organisation.  Trustee roles are not remunerated.  However, reasonable expenses for travel can be paid for those not living in London. 

Key Responsibilities 

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. 

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

· Willingness to lead according to our values.

 Apply by sending us your CV and application form with a short covering letter

About The Outrunners

The Outrunners support young people to get outdoors, get moving, and build the futures they want - all through the power of running, movement and the community. Our vision is a London where everyone is included and no one is left behind. 

The young people we work with have incredible talent, creativity and energy but don’t get the opportunities they need because of deep structural disadvantages - racism, sexism and financial inequality.

We harness the collective energy of the running world to change that: helping young people access fun, accessible movement and running, access opportunities that help them build the futures they want, and work to change how their local area supports them. 

Driven by young people themselves, we are building a community that moves together: removing barriers to participation in running and movement; building connections in London’s diverse neighbourhoods; creating pathways to help young people achieve their ambitions; and driving change to tackle disadvantage and make running truly inclusive. Last year, we supported over 350 young people across our programmes. 

In the 5 years that The Outrunners has existed, we have rapidly caught the attention of the running world and have grown quickly, thanks to the impactful support of major brands, races, the wider running world and the philanthropic and community sectors. We now have significant partnerships with Nike and The London Marathon that are taking us to the next level.

We have an experienced team, a growing basis of dedicated supporters, connections in the running and sports world and a strong income pipeline for 2024/25.

Why do we need new Trustees?

We are at the next stage of our development and want to bring on board the expertise and skills that can support and guide our growth. With our strong partnership, increasing influence, and growing network of supporters, we have a major opportunity to grow our impact in the coming years. 

We want to ensure that The Outrunners are equipped to maximise this opportunity to support more young people and drive real structural change in the running world and beyond. 

What we need from our Trustees?

Trustees must be people with independent judgement, an ability to speak their mind and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience, and networks to support The Outrunners.

Although not essential, we are particularly interested in trustees with either of the following skills and experience: 

1. Experience navigating periods of rapid growth and scaling, including continuing to secure the resources that are required to do this sustainably and managing the risks this entails. We envisage candidates with this experience might have experience in finance, tech, or running or investing in start-ups; or

2. Experience influencing and driving positive change in sports, (particularly change that supports under-represented groups) to access better support and greater opportunities. We envisage candidates who have experience within the running world (or similar sports) with the brands, races, events or media.

Beyond this, the things we need from our Trustees are:

• A passion for shaping a different future for young people and having a positive impact in local communities

• An understanding of the challenges facing young people in Hackney, and an insight into how The Outrunners Charity can best add value to supporting the future generations around us. 

• The ability to support and guide our organisation’s learning and impact upon the community around us and to think strategically and creatively about the challenges and opportunities ahead

• An appreciation of charity finance that would contribute to our Finance Committee’s robust scrutiny and strengths in navigating our finances, operating environment and fundraising targets

• An understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures that will ensure the organisation is rigorous in its processes, ensuring the safety of the communities it engages with.

• You will have good listening skills and be able to respect the opinions of others

• You will understand the responsibilities required of a Trustee 

• You will be willing to undertake any necessary training which we require of you

We are not expecting applicants to have all of these qualities; and expect that the best candidates will come with some others. But we hope that our trustees between them will be able to cover all of these key attributes and more.

Above all you need to have genuine enthusiasm and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for the young people we work with by supporting and guiding our Chief Executive and The Outrunners’ passionate and committed staff and volunteers in their mission to better the lives of marginalised young people in Hackney.

Role Description/Responsibilities:

• Desirable - Someone with experience overseeing raising funds in either the charitable or corporate sectors. 

• Desirable - someone who has previous Trustee experience.

• Work with the existing board of Trustees and comply with the 6 main duties of being a Trustee which are:

1. Ensure your charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

2. Comply with your charity’s governing document and the law

3. Act in your charity’s best interests

4. Manage your charity’s resources responsibly 

5. Act with reasonable care and skill

6. Ensure your charity is accountable

What will you get from us?

The Board is committed to tackling the varied challenges of The Outrunners Charity. 

In return, you will be rewarded by:

• Contributing to making a real difference to the lives of young people in Hackney and beyond;

• Being part of a team of staff and volunteers made up of interesting, skilled experts and working closely with The Outrunners Charity's visionary Chief Executive;

• Receiving an in-depth induction and opportunities to attend a wide selection of events, with a focus on networking, sharing learning and celebrating community and organisational successes;

• Obtaining high-quality safeguarding training as well as a bespoke training programme aimed at understanding the needs of the young people that The Outrunners support; and

• Becoming part of the founding vision of a young and ambitious charity, which has multiple and well-respected local community links, and a chance to influence the direction in which this charity will be heading to.

Time Commitment Expectations:

Board members are expected to attend the four quarterly meetings and AGM, whilst also being flexible and responsive to unexpected changes. Our Board members are active ambassadors for The Outrunners Charity. This means attending and supporting events and taking opportunities to promote and develop the work of The Outrunners Charity through networks and contacts. We therefore ask that Board members commit about 2 days per year to The Outrunners Charity, on top of the four evening Board Meetings a year and an AGM.

The four essential board meetings are 3 hours long. Meetings are held at a date and time which is convenient for all, which is usually a weekday evening, and are held online until it is safe to do so face to face.

Minimum tenure for a Trustee is 2 years.

Valuing Inclusion:

We currently have a very diverse leadership team and we welcome applications from people who are LGBTQ+ and non-binary, people with disabilities, people with mental and physical health conditions and people from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

Next steps and what to expect:

If you would like to put yourself forward as a potential Trustee please apply with your CV.

Or, if you prefer, you could send us your expression of interest in any other creative way that gets across your background, interest and what you would bring. 

We don’t expect you to cover all the points about The Outrunners, or respond line by line to this job pack – but we do want to hear how you will make a difference to our organisation and to the people we work with, if you become a Trustee.

We will be accepting applications until Sunday 7th April 2024.

ACEVO is the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, and we exist to help civil society leaders to make the biggest possible difference. For nearly 40 years we’ve been there to inspire and support our members by fostering connections, refining skills and building influence. ACEVO's network of over 1,700 individuals includes the leaders of every shape and size of civil society organisation and at every stage of the leadership journey.

More than a membership organisation, we are a strong, supportive community, and are often our members’ first port of call for help and advice from their peers.

Civil society is under greater pressure than ever before, from a range of sources, and we are proud that our response has been characterised by imagination and ambition. Our outgoing chair, Rosie Ferguson, has played a crucial role in strengthening and consolidating our position over the past few years, and as her term of office concludes she leaves a very strong legacy for her successor. But we also know that there’s no room for complacency, and we are looking for a new chair to take up the challenge of leading us into the next phase with energy, commitment and rigour.

Candidates will share our passionate commitment to the power of civil society, and our vision for extending and deepening our reach within the sector. A skilled governance practitioner, able to work effectively with an engaged and expert board and a high-performing executive team, you’ll have a nuanced understanding of our business model and of how we can build on the progress of recent years. You must be eligible for membership of ACEVO, and experience of leading within our sector is essential.

With a significant amount of external change likely to take place in the early stages of the next chair’s tenure, we will look for a track record of working with agility and strategic creativity. You’ll need to balance your professional expertise with personal humility and curiosity, and current, practical knowledge of our sector across England and Wales would be a significant asset. An exceptional communicator, and passionate about the benefits of membership, you’ll ensure ACEVO remains the go-to organisation for leaders, aspiring leaders and stakeholders alike.

We are Wales' most influential think tank. We are looking for up to four new people to join our team as several long-standing trustees stand down.

Trustees are responsible for all aspects of the Bevan Foundation’s business, although much of the day to day running is delegated to staff. You’d be doing everything from deciding our priorities, making sure we have the right resources and use them effectively, ensuring we meet our legal obligations, and spreading the word about our work.

You’re expected to attend four board meetings a year, our AGM in November, and to contribute between meetings. 

We are not looking for specific qualifications or experiences, as we will give you training and support especially if this is your first board role.  We welcome applications from people from all walks of life but we’d especially like to hear from you if you are younger, in a front-line role, or of Black, Asian or minority ethnic heritage. 

The role is unpaid but we will reimburse reasonable expenses to enable you to participate.

For more information and to find out how to apply please download the info pack on our website.

Progress towards equality for autistic children and young people has been made and we’re proud of our role in this as a movement for change. But there is still more progress to be made. This is an opportunity to lead the board of a charity that is ensuring we live in a world where autistic children and young people can be themselves and realise their ambitions.

Location: London across several sites.

Applications close on Friday 31st May.

Who we are.

Ambitious about Autism is the national charity for autistic children and young people. We were established in 1997 by a group of families of autistic children who were concerned about the lack of appropriate provision for their children. Following a major capital fundraising campaign and a series of temporary locations and premises, Treehouse School and our charity moved into purpose-built accommodation in 2008, together creating the Pears National Centre for Autism Education. Since then, we have grown our education services opening Ambitious College, The Rise School and Spring School, and merging with St John’s College in September 2023, alongside extending our national influencing and enabling activities.

We run specialist education services and an award-winning employment programme, wherein children and young people are at the heart of our charity’s decision-making, policy work and campaigning. We also use our expertise to deliver training and consultancy to a wide range of organisations to improve awareness and understanding of autism. We want to help even more autistic children and young people to improve their quality of life and secure a fulfilling and rewarding future.

Even during the pandemic, we lived up to our name as we achieved so many goals and plans. We developed our Right from the Start toolkit, launched our Employ Autism campaign, and have grown and evolved.

We are experiencing an exciting period of growth. We were chosen to open a new school – Spring School which supports up to 90 pupils at capacity from ages 4-19 and we announced our merger with St John’s College. Although this is exciting, we have a battle on our hands as we call on the government to follow their solutions in the SEND Green Paper. We’re concerned that some of the proposals will make it even harder for autistic children to access education support and so we are asking for a public commitment from the government to fund support for children with SEND. There are more than twice as many children with SEND in schools and colleges now than there were in 2010, but the government has not set out what funding will be available to pay for the additional support they need.

We know there is an increasing need for mental health support across all schools. Everyone should be able to feel OK at school. But we know this isn’t the case for many autistic pupils. That’s why we created the Autistic and OK programme to empower autistic pupils to take control of their mental health and wellbeing, understand themselves and feel OK at school. Our guide is free for every single secondary school. But there is more for us to do, to continue to build and empower our communities to ensure autistic young people feel understood and accepted.

We recognise that there is still more to be done to grow and develop our important work, first outlined in our Time for Ambition 2021-2024 strategy and so we are extending this strategy for a further two years. Our aims continue to include ensuring autistic children and young people have an excellent and inclusive education, alongside striving for every autistic young person to have good careers education at school and in further and higher education, including experience of work. Autistic people need services that support good mental health by reducing isolation and so we want to ensure early intervention through signposting to specialist support. We aim to ensure peer networks are available alongside uplifting but realistic information tailored to autistic young people and their families. We also want to further develop our Ambitious Youth Network and continue to expand nationally to empower young people to connect with one another and to influence societal change.

Given we run schools, following a governance review in December 2019, we created our own Multi-Academy Trust – Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust (AaAST) which currently has two schools. We implemented several new changes to our governance including Joint Trustees and a joint committee structure wherein there are five trustees each of the Charity and Trust Boards and three Trustees who are Trustees of both Boards who serve as the joint Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer of the Charity and Trust. All Trustees of the Charity and Trust are members of a Joint Group Board Committee to ensure oversight of the Charity and Trust. How this works in practice is everyone meets together with a short meeting afterwards to discuss Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust.

Our new Chair.

Our current Chair, Neil Goulden, is approaching the end of his term in December 2024, and we are in search of our next Chair to lead our Board. We need a Chair who has extensive experience in modern board leadership, ensuring robust governance, and promoting collective strategic decision-making. We are looking for someone who is commercially astute, as we strive to drive our organisation’s continued growth, ambition, and development. We value a Chair who embodies credibility and adeptness in navigating complexity. The ability to work with others and build trusting relationships with a variety of stakeholders are key.

Our new Chair must be committed to making a meaningful impact and leading an organisation that empowers young autistic people during a pivotal period of change in our communities. We need a Chair who is an inclusive leader, fostering engagement, strategic thinking, and openness who will lead the board as an

exemplar of inclusivity. They must be supportive and challenging, creating opportunities for growth and positive impact.

It is vital that our new Chair works with the board to ensure that all voices are heard and will have an affinity for our mission to stand with autistic children and young people, champion their rights, and create opportunities.

The new Chair will work with an established board and ambitious executive team that is ensuring our organisation is sustainable, evolving, innovative and impactful, and leads change whilst providing outstanding education to young autistic people.

The Board meets once a term and has an annual strategy away day. We expect the time commitment for the Chair to vary, and we would expect the equivalent on average of circa two days a month across various activities such as preparation for board meetings, reading board papers, regular conversation with the Chief Executive, ad hoc discussions with board members and the executive team, and attending events throughout the year.

Our board is diverse in many ways, including autistic people, who are part of our board, alongside a balance of gender, ethnicity, and age. We want to continue ensuring our Board represents our society and the people we work with every day.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Friday 31st May. 

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chair?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.

What would you be doing?

• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. 
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
• Good written and spoken English.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chair?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.

What would you be doing?

• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. 
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
• Good written and spoken English.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Could you coordinate local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background, just basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with people and good written and spoken English. If so, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Secretary?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a secretary to organise day-to-day activities. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people. As the first point of contact for SSAFA in the area you will play a crucial part in promoting SSAFA locally, organising local events and ensuring the smooth running of SSAFA across the divisions in your branch.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

In recognition of our clients’ service to the Nation we aim to provide financial, practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can match clients to volunteers and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about coordination and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular time commitment each week. You would also need to organise and attend a number of regular meetings each year.

What would you be doing?

• Managing the branch office (if applicable) and providing support to all volunteers, especially new ones
• Work with the branch Chairperson, treasurer, and others to ensure smooth running of the branch.
• Accepting referrals and coordinating SSAFA caseworkers, visitors, and helpers accordingly
• Oversee all SSAFA casework across the branch ensuring clients get support that is effective and timely.
• Monitor volunteer numbers against the demand for support and recruit new volunteers as needed
• Working with the local training officer to ensure all volunteers are kept up to date with the training and information they need.
• Build relationships with regional and central office staff to ensure an effective flow of information.
• Maintaining accurate records of volunteers and cases, submit accurate data to Central Office
• Providing administration for an annual programme of meetings including an AGM, recording, and implementing decisions
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers, volunteer management – case management and quality. This training would take approx. 4 days.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your training up to date.
• Support from the Chair of the branch
• Access to the Welfare Team and Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to coordinate a team of people volunteering.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to reporting any safety concerns etc
• Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.
•  

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No