Human Resources Director Volunteer Roles in Manchester

Join us for an exciting opportunity to make a difference... As a Trustee with a Human Resources background

1st Place is a Family Hub & provider of Early Years Education in the London Borough of Southwark. 

What will you be doing?

The Boards current priorities in relation HR is that we ensure 1st Place is the best place to work, with a focus on wellbeing and opportunities for training, development and progression for all staff. We want to retain good levels of staff retention and recruit staff who are able to provide the best experiences for all those who use our services. 

We seek at a Chair for our Human Resources sub-committee. You will have HR management experience, and knowledge of the charitable sector would be an advantage.

What are we looking for?

A substantial background as a senior HR professional, with proven track record of success at an operational and strategic level.

A thorough understanding of HR policy and practice

Experience of performance management, HR/employment law issues and implementing them contextually

What difference will you make?

As Chair of our Human Resources sub-committee you will support the Senior Management team and wider Board to develop the 1st Place HR strategy for the next three years. You will Chair the sub-committee meetings, and report back to the wider Board on key areas of focus. 

About Us

Since the Paris Agreement, global banks have poured a staggering $6.9t into the fossil fuel industry. At Bank.Green, our mission is to lower this vast carbon footprint via technology and consumer action. We empower bank customers with the tools and insights they need to influence their banks towards sustainable lending, or switch to greener alternatives. To date, our bank-checking tool has been used over 400,000 times by bank customers worldwide, while we have shifted a at least £30m towards bank who are financing a greener future. Through transparency, engagement, and innovation, we aim to redefine the role of banks in the fight against climate change.

Role Overview

As our Director of People Team your role will be vital in sculpting the workforce that will carry our mission forward. You will help us grow by hiring passionate volunteers who are eager to contribute to our cause. Your work will ensure that our remote team members are well-integrated into our organisational culture and are kept abreast with all necessary processes and tools to make a tangible impact in our advocacy efforts.

Commitment

This role is currently volunteer-based and we are seeking a commitment of 8-10 hours per week. We are looking for somebody to come on long-term, but are open to shorter-term applicants.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the hiring of volunteers, from job posting to working with Directors on candidate selection, to conducting interviews.
• Continue refining our existing processes to align with our remote work environment.
• Working with People Coordinator to ensuring a smooth transition for volunteers beginning and ending their tenure.
• Foster a positive organisational culture that supports our mission and values, even in a fully remote setting.
• Design occasional virtual team-building activities to promote engagement and a sense of community among volunteers.
• Provide ongoing support to volunteers to familiarise them with organisational processes and digital tools.

Desired Skills

• Experience in Human Resources, particularly in hiring, onboarding, and culture-building.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with a diverse, remote team.
• Organisational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
• Knowledge of remote work tools and best practices to effectively onboard and train volunteers.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and creating a supportive work environment.
• An advocate for environmental sustainability, passionate about making a difference in the financial sector.

Volunteer Benefits

As a still volunteer-driven organisation, we are very focused on making all of our opportunities as valuable as possible for our volunteers. In this spirit, we will offer you:

• Opportunities to gain insights into sustainable banking practices and advancements in environmental advocacy through continuous learning.
• The chance to network with other sustainability professionals and advocates, enhancing your professional connections.
• Valuable experience in a critical climate-focused role, which will enhance your resume and skill set.
• Recognition for positive performance with supportive references and recommendations for your future career growth.
• A significant role in driving impactful changes in the banking sector to accelerate a sustainable future.

PFP is a UK-based charity working in Africa and Asia since 2004, and this year we are celebrating our 20th anniversary. Our Mission is to work together with local people and filmmakers to produce, distribute and show local language educational films that give help and hope to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Our latest activities have primarily focused on Malawi, Sierra Leone and Kenya. 

Every PFP film seeks to bring about positive change by engaging audiences with themes, characters and subjects that address important challenges facing themselves and their communities.

-  We commission, fund and manage film productions

-  We train and mentor local film makers

-  We partner with other organisations to produce media for their charitable objectives

-  We organise film distribution and viewings and promote digital engagement

-  We facilitate audience conversations to encourage deeper exploration of issues

-  We measure the impact of our films to ensure continued improvement

We produce a range of media from short documentaries and music videos to full-length feature dramas. Our work covers a wide range of subjects, including: health, disability and rights; social prejudice and stigma; agriculture; and environment and conservation.

See our Annual Reports on our website for more information on our work and recent activities.

Primary responsibilities

- Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings and informal catch-ups.

- Work with the Trustees and Directors in developing and advancing PFP’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.

- Contribute to the effective governance of PFP, including: ensuring PFP is accountable and carrying out its purpose for public benefit; ensuring compliance with the governing document and applicable law; and challenging the management of resources and ensuring financial stability.

- Support executive management and partners on the design and delivery of programmes across all stages, including partner engagement, filmmaking and distribution, and monitoring and evaluation processes.

- Proactively seek fundraising opportunities.

- Act as an ambassador and public representative for PFP.  

- Opportunity to further contribute to the activities of the charity as much as desired.

Terms and conditions: Voluntary roles, expenses paid

Closing date: This advert will close on 7th October 2024

SEED Madagascar is looking for two new Trustees to work on its Board of Trustees and with the Managing Director and his team.  One role is to be the Vice Chair to support our Chair across her role, and the second role is to bring fundraising expertise to support SEED in its vital work in Madagascar.

SEED is growing and rising to the challenges that the country and its people are facing, and these Trustees will play an important role in SEED’s development.

SEED delivers impactful projects with communities in the southeast of Madagascar in the fields of community health, sustainable livelihoods, conservation and school infrastructure.  More recently SEED has responded to the famine affecting many families in the areas it works with emergency food distribution. 

The new Trustees will bring experience of working at a senior level in the not-for-profit sector. The Vice Chair will bring governance experience, and the fundraising trustee will have experience of fundraising in organsiations of a similar size. We are looking for a passion for, and understanding of, international development, along with strong people skills and a good grasp of strategic planning.

Please see our Candidate Pack for full details of the role and the recruitment process. 

Terms and conditions: Voluntary roles, expenses paid

Closing date: This advert will close on 7th October 2024

SEED Madagascar is looking for two new Trustees to work on its Board of Trustees and with the Managing Director and his team.  One role is to be the Vice Chair to support our Chair across her role, and the second role is to bring fundraising expertise to support SEED in its vital work in Madagascar.

SEED is growing and rising to the challenges that the country and its people are facing, and these Trustees will play an important role in SEED’s development.

SEED delivers impactful projects with communities in the southeast of Madagascar in the fields of community health, sustainable livelihoods, conservation and school infrastructure.  More recently SEED has responded to the famine affecting many families in the areas it works with emergency food distribution. 

The new Trustees will bring experience of working at a senior level in the not-for-profit sector. The Vice Chair will bring governance experience, and the fundraising trustee will have experience of fundraising in organsiations of a similar size. We are looking for a passion for, and understanding of, international development, along with strong people skills and a good grasp of strategic planning.

Please see our Candidate Pack for full details of the role and the recruitment process. 

The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA) is looking for a Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership for the charity, working in partnership with our Operations Manager and supported by a committed team of Trustees.

Who we are

Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) is a long-term side-effect (‘late effect’) of pelvic radiotherapy treatment affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the UK.  People affected by PRD often have a complex set of symptoms affecting the bowel, bladder, sexual function or other functions for many years after radiotherapy, sometimes only appearing several years after radiotherapy treatment

PRDA is a small UK charity whose objectives are to see that the effects of PRD are minimised, that people affected by PRD are given the best possible care and treatment, and that PRD is accepted as a serious problem and given the attention it deserves.

Duties of the Chair

In addition to the duties of a Trustee, the Chair will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that PRDA achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the Operations Manager and team to achieve our mission.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and PRDA’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for PRDA. 

What PRDA is looking for

Each trustee must have:

• a commitment to the vision and aims of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
• willingness to meet the minimum time requirement 
• integrity 
• strategic vision 
• good, independent judgement 
• an ability to think creatively 
• a willingness to speak their mind 
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of PRDA.

Ideally, trustees should also have one or more of the following: 

• Understanding of the impact of Pelvic Radiation Disease on people’s lives either through personal or professional connections, or be willing to learn about this; 
• Prior experience of committee/trustee work; 
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by PRDA (helpline, support groups, online support, health professional engagement, awareness-raising) and/or fundraising for a small charity, and
• Leadership skills.

Please see the full job description for more detail. 

For an informal discussion about the role please contact David Jillings, PRDA Treasurer & Vice-chair.

Finance Trustee

Are you interested in becoming a voluntary Finance Trustee? We are looking for an experienced and committed individual to play an essential role in the governance and development of a hospice charity dedicated to supporting people with terminal and life limiting illnesses.

Position: Finance Trustee (voluntary)

Location: Remote, with travel to Swindon

Time commitment: Trustees are asked to participate in quarterly Board meetings, preferably in person. Plus Trustees are asked to participate in and/or Chair, preferably in person, at least one Sub-committee. Meetings of these sub-Committees are held once every quarter. Trustee are also asked to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Hospice.

Remuneration: The position is unpaid, though reasonable expenses (such as travel to meetings) are reimbursed.

The Role

It is the duty of the Board of Trustees to act in the interests of the Charity’s beneficiaries. It should ensure that the Charity as a clear strategic direction and purpose, and a sense of urgency to get on with the work it was established to do. It should set clear objectives, establish priorities, safeguard the assets (money, property, equipment, human resources) and use them effectively and exclusively to benefit those Charity exists to help.

Some of the main key responsibilities include:

· To ensure that the charity complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, Charity law, Company law and any other relevant legislation.

· To ensure the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.

· To contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving firm strategic direction to the charity.

· To ensure the financial stability of the charity.

· To appoint the Chief Executive and monitor their performance.

· To assist in the recruitment and selection of potential new Trustees.

· To contribute as a member/chair of a committee reporting to the Board

About You

You need not have been a charity trustee before, although experience of charity governance and working as part of a committee would be highly beneficial. You will need to have great inter-personal/people skills and the time to perform the role effectively.

We are also seeking the following essential skills and experience for this role:

· A qualified Accountant with extensive professional experience within a finance based role

· Experience of contributing to senior/executive level board discussions

· Experience in development and delivery of business plans in line with strategic planning

· Experience of chairing meetings and/or events

· An understanding or developing partnerships and building relationships with other organisations

This is a fantastic opportunity, so if you feel you have the necessary skill apply today and start making a valuable contribution to the essential work of the Hospice! Trustees are volunteers who give their time, skills and expertise for no financial gain. As a member of the Board, Trustees you will develop a range of skills and experience which are applicable beyond the charity sector.

Other roles may include; Qualified Accountant, Finance Director, Head of Finance, CFO, Chief Financial Officer, Accountant, Head of Accountancy, CEO, Charity CEO, Finance Trustee, Treasurer, Senior Finance Manager, Senior Accountant, etc.

Quilombo UK is seeking to welcome a qualified and experienced professional to join us as a Legal Support Specialist to join our Directors' Support Team in a volunteer capacity. The Legal Support Specialist will play a crucial role in closely supporting the Quilombo UK Directorship by conducting legal research, reviewing documents, and effectively communicating findings to the directors.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of taking briefings, translating them into actionable outcomes, and contributing to the overall success of the organisation.

Main Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Directors’ Support Team to provide legal guidance on a wide range of issues related to Quilombo UK’s operation.
• Analyse legal documents, contracts, and agreements, ensuring accuracy and identifying potential risks or opportunities. Collaborate with the Directors to provide informed recommendations.
• Conduct thorough legal research on relevant topics, providing comprehensive and well-documented summaries to aid decision-making processes.
• Assist in managing and organising legal briefings, ensuring all relevant information is captured and disseminated appropriately to facilitate informed decision-making
• Effectively communicate legal findings, updates, and recommendations to the Quilombo UK Directors. Clearly articulate complex legal concepts in a manner accessible to non-legal stakeholders.
• Participate in meetings and discussions to provide timely legal insights.
• Work closely with other team members to ensure legal considerations are integrated into organisational initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the Directors' Support Team to translate legal actions into tangible outcomes. Monitor progress and provide regular updates on legal initiatives.
• Provide written reports as and when required. To undertake additional duties as required for the role.

Essential:

• A qualified legal professional with a recognized legal qualification and relevant experience.
• Proven experience in legal roles, with a strong background in research, document review, and communication of legal matters.
• Demonstrated commitment to volunteer work and contributing time and expertise to support the goals of Quilombo UK.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively within a team, fostering a positive and inclusive working environment.
• Ability to comprehend and act upon briefings, translating them into actionable outcomes that align with the organisation's objectives.
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.
• Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Desirable:

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.
• Can work without much supervision

What do we offer:

• Online placement
• Opportunity for professional growth and development in Legal
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and innovation.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: No less than 12 per week

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• Do you have access to a personal laptop or PC?
• Are you sure you can commit to this job as being a non-paid job?
• Do you think you will be able to commit yourself to the PDP programme, implicitly 12 hours per week, for 16 weeks?

Work Location: Remote

Could you be a Trustee?

Are you based in the West or East Midlands and looking for an opportunity to create positive social change, meet new people and learn new things?

Music Therapy Works is looking for three-to-four committed, motivated people to join the Board as Trustees, enabling even more people to benefit from music therapy.

We are looking, in particular, for one or more of the following skills/experience to complement our existing Trustees:

• Fundraising
• Marketing and communications
• Digital
• ICT strategy management skills
• Safeguarding
• Project or operational management
• Performance management
• Strategic planning

We also want our Board to reflect the diverse community that MTW supports. We would particularly like to hear from you if you:

• have a background in social care and/or safeguarding
• have a background in music therapy or a related field
• reflect MTW’s beneficiaries. For example: are you a disabled person? Do you have mental health needs? Are you a parent or teacher of a young disabled person, or a young person with mental health needs? Are you part of an adoptive family or do you work with children in care? Are you a carer for a person with dementia?

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take up your first position at board level, we really want to hear from you! It is not necessary for you to have previous experience as a Trustee - training will be provided. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, but you must be over 18 years old.

What do you get out of being an MTW Trustee?

We recognise that volunteering with us is a two-way process and are keen to ensure you get the most out of your time with us:

• Being a Trustee is a great way to ‘give something back’ while developing your skills in leadership, influencing, debating, negotiating, strategic and organisational planning. You will have the opportunity to meet, network and learn from people who may have very different professional backgrounds and life experiences to your own
• We provide an induction pack for new Trustees to help you quickly feel settled in
• We provide opportunities for training and development
• Every new trustee is assigned a Board buddy to help them to feel part of the team
• We offer reasonable expenses

Interested? What to do next:

1. For full details about being an MTW trustee, including a role description, please download and read the Candidate Pack
2. To register an initial expression of interest, please email us. We will be happy to discuss any queries you may have about the role or the recruitment process generally
3. If you want to apply, please complete the application form on our website and attach a copy of your CV. Alternatively, you can download a copy of the form as a Microsoft Word document from MTW's website and send it with a copy of your CV 
4. If you require any materials in an alternative format, please do not hesitate to ask
5. The closing date for applications is Sunday 11th August 2024
6. Interviews will be held in person in Worcester on 5th and 6th September 2024, with an online option if absolutely necessary

We really look forward to hearing from you! Check out MTW's website - musictherapyworks. co. uk/jobs for a full candidate pack and application form.

2024 is a great time to join the Board of Dementia Concern. Experience of Charity Boards is not needed to become a Trustee. If you have both Trustee and leadership experience, you may be our next Chair! Either way, we’d love to meet you, just send in your CV.

Who we are

At Dementia Concern, our primary goal is to empower those living with dementia, here in their local community. With fifty staff and a turnover of £1.1 million, we are exclusively for the people of Ealing, from Southall over to Acton. Their rich diversity is reflected in our staff and clients.

Established in 1982, almost forty years on we are still committed to our central strategic goal to provide amazing person-centred care and support for people living with dementia.

The role

We’re looking to recruit:

Up to 3x Trustees from diverse backgrounds with experience or skills in: Safeguarding, Quality of Healthcare, Law, Health & Safety, Fundraising, Cybersecurity, HR and EDI.

and

1x Chair of the Board

(Trustees do not need to live in London, once they are able to attend two board meetings in person per year, usually held on Wednesdays at 6pm)

Over the last five years of our forty year history, Dementia Concern has been on a mission to reach every person in Ealing living with dementia. We are over halfway there. This Board recruitment campaign is a chance for new Trustees to help us drive forward the charity’s strategy 2024-27 and help us deepen our impact.

A couple of our Trustees will be coming to the end of their second (three year) term on the Board, so we’re seeking to recruit additional trustees and our next chair; our former Chair served from 2020 to 2024 leading the charity skillfully, including through the uncertainties of community healthcare in a pandemic.

To read more about Dementia Concern’s mission, our vision for our Board. and to view our role descriptions and person specifications… download our Join the Dementia Concern Board pack below.

To express interest in these volunteer positions on the Board, we are not asking candidates for a formal application in the first instance. We are keenly aware that many good Trustee candidates are very busy people, so we are keeping it simple.

If you would like to have an informal conversation over the phone about these Board vacancies, please email Clare Brooks, the Clerk to the Board who can arrange this for you at a day and time of your convenience:

Please note we will be longlisting throughout the campaign, so get in touch soon.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a further stage in the recruitment, which will include a formal application. This will include some due diligence checks, and an initial phone call with one of the interview panel, to tell us about themselves and find out more about the role(s) of Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Then, for those invited to the final stage, and wishing to progress, there will be in person meetings at our building: 223 Windmill Road, Ealing, London W5 4DJ which are scheduled for Thursday 24th and Friday 25th October.

New Trustees will be invited to the in-person Board on 13th November at 6pm in Ealing, with some social time included in order to meet Trustees and the Exec.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence

As a Trustee you must:

• Always act in the best interests of GMWSA exercising the same duty of care that a prudent person of business would in looking after the affairs of someone for whom they have responsibility.
• Act as a group and not as an individual

Duties of a Trustee Board Member:

• Ensure that GMWSA complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensure that GMWSA pursues its objectives as defined in the Strategy and Business plans
• Ensure that GMWSA applies its resources wisely and applies ‘best value’ principles
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the CEO in setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Contribute actively to Board Meetings and other appropriate events and activities
• Safeguard the reputation and values of GMWSA
• Ensure the financial stability of GMWSA
• Ensure that the accounts are audited in the manner prescribed by Charity Commission regulations, and any recommendations of the auditors implemented
• Ensure that GMWSA has an appropriate reserves policy
• Be assured that the financial resources of GMWSA meet its present and future needs

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising board papers, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, evaluation or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Person Specification-
Each Trustee must:

• Have commitment to the mission and values of GMWSA
• Show willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Act with integrity and have a willingness to speak their mind
• Employ a strategic vision
• Have an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
• Have the ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of GMWSA.

Minimum time commitment:

• Trustees are expected to attend an induction meeting with the Chair of the Board and the CEO prior to attendance at their first Board meeting.
• Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings, which are 6 time per year, online and in person.

To take an active role in the charity activities.  Responsible for governance, safeguarding and strategic direction of the charity with other board members.  To work in partnership and to support contractors and volunteers helping them to achieve the aims of the organisation.

• Ensure the charity is run in accordance with the governing document, charity law, company law and that the decisions of the board and any other appropriate legislation or regulations are upheld.
• Ensure the charity pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Work within SDAC’s Safeguarding Children and Adults policies at all times.
• Assisting with the development of strategic plans and ensuring the charity operates efficiently.
• Assisting in setting organisational aims and objectives and setting priorities.
• Supporting other trustees in their roles.
• Assisting with reports and being responsible for own secretarial work.
• Attending and actively participating in monthly Zoom board meetings on a Tuesday from 6.30 to 8.30pm and yearly AGM.
• Seek out new opportunities to work with vulnerable residents in Surrey to promote the success of SDAC Ltd.

· Take delegated roles/tasks for the Board as discussed and agreed with the

Chair and report back to the Board.

· Ensure the charity’s confidentiality and safeguarding policies are adhered to with regards to the management of the charity.

· Attending in person meetings with volunteers in Guildford.

We believe all dance professionals should be able to lead a fulfilling life in dance safe from hardship.  We are looking for new Trustees to help us achieve our aim. 

Who are Dance Professionals Fund? 

Dance Professionals Fund is an award-winning registered charity providing financial and wellbeing support to dancers, dance teachers and choreographers. Our dedicated services bring together a range of effective ways of supporting dance professionals, including financial grants, signposting to support services, rehabilitation, career upskilling support and access to professional counselling. Dance professionals will receive unbiased support from us whatever their situation. 

Role Description 

We are seeking several trustees to join us from mid-January 2025 for an initial term of three years.  We are looking for a range of skills and experience, including: 

• Knowledge and/or experience of dance or of dance teaching 

• Background in a finance/accounting role within a charity 

• Experience of benevolent funds and how they work

• Background in a legal role, knowledge of charity governance 

• Experience of charity marketing, digital advancements

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 

We welcome applications from anyone who is passionate about helping the Dance Professionals Fund achieve its objectives. Full trustee training will be provided.  

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and especially those from global majority groups. We are keen to add more voices with lived disability experience to the Board – helping us evolve our aims with all disabilities in mind.  

Salary 
All Trustee roles are voluntary. We will cover the travel costs of attending in-person meetings, and other costs such as childcare when required. 

Location 
Dance Professionals Fund is based at The Dance Space, 2 Market Square, Circus Street, Brighton BN2 9AS.

Board meetings are held four times a year in central London in accessible locations. Committee meetings dates are in line with each Committee’s remit and are held in person or online. 

Family Thing Dance is a small but growing charity that provides inclusive dance classes for people with learning differences and diverse abilities. We are looking for Trustees to join our Board to offer governance and support to grow the charity. 

The dance base is commercial dance and hip-hop. Family Thing's mission is to provide opportunities for empowerment, support and a sense of belonging using dance as a vehicle to reach these aims. 

Family Thing is passionate about providing these dance opportunities for everyone.  There are many reasons why. Mencap lists the main benefits of taking part in leisure activities as improving physical and mental health, personal social skills, self-worth and confidence, and social attitudes (Mencap, 2019). Yet despite these widely understood benefits, only 16.8% of people with a learning disability take part in a sport or physical activities at least once a week, compared with 39.9% of the general population (Sport England, 2018). Additionally, there is a great deal of evidence that inactivity is a major contributing factor of ill health in people with learning disabilities. Only 9% of participants in a 2016 review met the minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity (Dairo et al, 2016).

We know that organisations like Family Thing play a role in the well-being of people with learning disabilities by providing activities that promote good physical health as well as positive psychological and social stimulation, and offers a way to overcome situations such as loneliness and anxiety. We know that a positive impact of Family Thing is the increase in social engagement and improvements in physical and mental well-being for those who participate in our classes.

Activities: Family Thing offers free or subsidised, supportive, fun and creative dance classes to diverse groups of children, young people and adults. During each session, dancers are invited to create their own ‘dance hero persona’, and have opportunities to express themselves as individuals with the support of the group. There is a focus on strengthening their sense of community through the concept of “supporting your crew”. As defined by those who attend the groups, the overall aim is to create a “big family” that’ll dance altogether basically!

What are we looking for?

At this particular time we are keen to find people with a financial services background and someone who may be willing to take on the role of Treasurer in due course and/or someone with marketing skills, including digital marketing.

Experience

• Experience of the dance community (desirable but not essential)
• An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and a desire to support those with learning differences and diverse abilities
• Leadership experience (desirable but not essential)
• Experience of delivering strategic organisational change (desirable but not essential)

It is not necessary to have previous board experience as training and support can be given

Skills

• A commitment to the Family Thing
• A willingness to devote half a day a month to this work and be able to attend the bi-monthly board meetings
• Good, independent judgement
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak your mind and communicate well
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• An understanding of safeguarding practices
• Some experience of charity finance and fundraising is desirable, but not essential (and candidates do not need prior experience as a charity trustee)
• Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising activities relevant to voluntary and community organisations (desirable but not essential)  

Attitude

• Honest, open and trustworthy with an understanding of the duty of candour
• Respectful of confidentiality procedures

Special Conditions

The post requires the ability to attend online meetings and occasional face to face events.  All expenses will be reimbursed.

What difference will you make?

We are interested in potential Trustees who can bring experience across of range of areas. At this particular time we are keen to find people with a financial services background and someone who may be willing to take on the role of Treasurer in due course and/or someone with marketing skills, including digital marketing.

We are also keen to hear from people who can bring experience in any of these areas:

• working with charitable organisations
• developing strategy;
• project management;
• fundraising and grants management;

Bringing skills in any of these areas will make a huge difference to the work Family Thing is able to provide.