Volunteer Management Jobs
Salary: £37,181 per annum pro rata
Location: Flexible working within the Leeds area with potential to work from First Direct Head Office
Contract: Fixed Term for 12 months
Hours: 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Closing date: 22nd May 2024 at 11:30pm
*Please note, this role is being advertised as a Corporate Volunteering Manager, however on appointment your title will be Corporate Volunteering Development Manager
Do you have proven experience of leading the development of volunteering programmes plus an excellent understanding of what makes a quality volunteer journey? Then join Shelter as Corporate Volunteering Manager and you could soon be playing a pivotal role at the heart of our Volunteering team.
About Shelter
A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.
We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
About the team
Part of our Equity, Inclusion & Culture Directorate, the Volunteering team is passionate about the positive impacts of volunteering for both individuals and organisations. Collaborative and supportive, we believe that volunteers are a vital part of our growing movement for change. We support the mobilisation of volunteers to deliver Shelter’s strategic priorities and provide the infrastructure and insight that enables that mobilisation.
We’re a fast-moving team, working to support corporate volunteering operations and develop innovative ways to involve corporate volunteers that allows us to tap into their skills, expertise and time.
Corporate Volunteering is key to helping us win and maintain high value partnerships. We have successfully developed and extended long-term, sector-leading partnerships with companies including HSBC UK, B&Q, M&S and Network Rail across England and Scotland. These partnerships are an essential part of Shelter’s income and we work closely with the Corporate Partnerships Team to do this.
About the role
This is an exciting role within the Volunteering Team. You’ll have responsibility for designing and piloting Shelter’s financial resilience volunteer programme in Leeds as well as supporting our nationwide volunteering programme. We’ll rely on you to use best practice volunteer management to design and pilot volunteering journeys from attraction, recruitment and training all the way through to ongoing support and exit. You’ll also be leading on evaluating the pilot and adapting our approaches based on learnings. The role involves collaborating with key stakeholders not only across Shelter but with our financial corporate partners to implement a volunteer programme that equips our volunteers to deliver their roles independently, whilst also having the biggest impact. Monitoring the contribution of volunteering activity, you’ll ensure our volunteers are recognised, celebrated, and feel valued for the part they play.
You will work closely with colleagues throughout our Volunteering Team to implement Shelter’s volunteering strategy and contribute to a consistent and quality experience for our Volunteer’s by developing new resources and processes that we can implement on a national scale. Working with the Corporate Volunteering Administrator, you’ll help utilise the volunteer database and report on data to evidence impact. And where relevant, you’ll seek to build co-production into ways of working so that people with lived experience of homelessness and bad housing are at the heart of what we do.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About you
With experience of leading the successful development of volunteering projects and solid volunteer management experience, you will be passionate about volunteering, with an excellent understanding of what makes a quality volunteer experience. You will have demonstrable experience of applying best practice principles to volunteering, to succeed, you’ll need experience of using innovative approaches to planning new volunteering activities and the processes that support them.
You’ll be capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, including identifying conflicting demands and establishing clear priorities to meet agreed objectives. Your great communication skills include an ability to influence and negotiate with a variety of stakeholders at all levels. What’s more, you’ll be confident creating and delivering high-quality presentations both online and in-person. You’ll be experienced in managing the specific approaches needed when involving corporate volunteers as opposed to non-corporate volunteers.
How to apply
Please click ‘Apply for Job’ below. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement should address and cover the ‘About You’ points in the job description. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour below throughout your responses:
- We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset
Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.
To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Closing date: 12/05/2024
Interview date: 21/05/2024
Whatever your experience of street homelessness and its impact on people’s lives – personal or professional – when you join the Thames Reach team as a Lead Worker, we’ll make the best use of all your understanding, compassion and commitment.
About us…
Thames Reach runs projects and services that help to end homelessness in London. We work directly with homeless people on the streets and in hostels. We work to prevent vulnerable people from becoming homeless. We help formerly homeless people get their lives back on track. We help people find work and access training and volunteering opportunities.
Is our mission easy? No, but we never give up on people. Last year we helped more than 10,000 people.
Is our work rewarding? Yes, in every sense. We’re listed as one of the top 100 Best Workplaces in the UK. There’s no better place to develop or transfer your skills and build a fulfilling career.
About this role…
Thames Reach’s Outreach teams operate across London and helps those who are rough sleeping to find routes away from the street. The teams respond rapidly and work flexibly to reach people. Individuals are assessed to identify their support needs and support plans are created, including work to obtain identification, access health services and refer to other specialist agencies, including those offering immigration support.
You will:
- Complete outreach shifts, providing a rapid response to referrals for people who are rough sleeping in the borough
- Take a lead role within the team, working closely with support workers and assistant support workers to identify the quickest and most appropriate route off the street for people found rough sleeping, and devise plans to achieve this
- Provide direct support to people who are found rough sleeping to enable them to move away from the streets and into accommodation
- Work alongside partner agencies to ensure that clients are accessing appropriate support to access and sustain accommodation
- Accurately record all work completed within given timeframes
To succeed as the Lead Worker, you will have:
- A strong commitment to providing a high standard of service
- Experience working with people who have rough slept or vulnerable adults and supporting them to access services
- Excellent organisation and time management skills in order to remain strongly outcome focused, with the ability to coordinate a high number of cases and complete tasks promptly and efficiently
- Good communication skills and confidence in public speaking when representing Thames Reach externally
- Experience in forming strong working relationships with partner agencies, being able to challenge them when required
- Strong IT skills with the ability to use Outlook, online recording systems, Excel, and Word, using a tablet and a smart phone
We are listed in the top 100 UK Best Workplaces 2023 in the UK. As part of a commitment to our employees we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance – 29 days per year plus 8 public holidays (pro rata).
- Pension – we contribute 6.5% to your pension when you contribute 1.5%.
- Excellent development opportunities – career progression, regular supervision and appraisals, and learning programmes to support your career with Thames Reach.
- Wellbeing support – our 24/7 employee assistance programme and opportunities for TOIL.
- Life assurance – four times your annual salary and critical illness cover.
- Other benefits including interest free season ticket and cycle to work loans.
Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief.
To apply visit our website via the apply button.
Thames Reach is committed to safeguarding. Applicants must be willing to undergo pre-employment screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Having a criminal record will not exclude you from applying but you will be asked to provide further details as most posts are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Location: Flexible locations across Lambeth & Southwark
Closing date: 12/05/2024
Interview date: 23/05/2024
Whatever your experience of street homelessness and its impact on people’s lives – personal or professional – when you join the Thames Reach team as a Lead Worker, we’ll make the best use of all your understanding, compassion and commitment.
About us…
Thames Reach runs projects and services that help to end homelessness in London. We work directly with homeless people on the streets and in hostels. We work to prevent vulnerable people from becoming homeless. We help formerly homeless people get their lives back on track. We help people find work and access training and volunteering opportunities.
Is our mission easy? No, but we never give up on people. Last year we helped more than 11,000 people.
Is our work rewarding? Yes, in every sense. We’re listed as one of the top 100 Best Workplaces in the UK. There’s no better place to develop or transfer your skills and build a fulfilling career.
About this role…
We are looking for a Lead Worker to join the Lambeth Temporary Accommodation Support Service. Our team are commissioned to work with, and support individuals placed in temporary accommodation by the London Borough of Lambeth.
You will:
- Assess the housing and other needs of people living in Temporary Accommodation in Lambeth
- Complete referrals for immediate and long-term housing options, and refer people to organisations that can help with other support needs
- Work creatively with the local authority, community-based services, staff and service users to ensure that support is personalised, effective and measurable
- Contribute to evaluation and measuring impact.
To succeed as the Lead Worker, you will be:
- Organised and efficient in your work
- Excellent at communicating, forming and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders
- Organised and able to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines, including administrative tasks
- Competent at using a computer and a range of software packages
- Responsive and flexible to the needs of the team and service users.
We are listed in the top 100 UK Best Workplaces 2023 in the UK. As part of a commitment to our employees we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance – 29 days per year plus 8 public holidays (pro rata).
- Pension – we contribute 6.5% to your pension when you contribute 1.5%.
- Excellent development opportunities – career progression, regular supervision and appraisals, and learning programmes to support your career with Thames Reach.
- Wellbeing support – our 24/7 employee assistance programme and opportunities for TOIL.
- Life assurance – four times your annual salary and critical illness cover.
- Other benefits including interest free season ticket and cycle to work loans.
Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief.
To apply visit our website via the apply button.
Thames Reach is committed to safeguarding. Applicants must be willing to undergo pre-employment screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Having a criminal record will not exclude you from applying but you will be asked to provide further details as most posts are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
About us
Crisis is the national charity for homeless people. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it.
We are now recruiting for a new role in the Resources Team within the Crisis at Christmas Team to support with coordinating the material donations needed to set up and run Crisis at Christmas centres and services. Every year, Crisis at Christmas opens its doors to people who need our support, offering warmth, accommodation, healthcare, food, and specialist advice. This Christmas we worked with over 6,600 people facing homelessness through our day centres and hotels in London, and Crisis Skylight centres across Britain.
Title: Project Coordinator – Resources
Salary: £35,969 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week. Core working hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday, but due to the nature of the project some weekend and evening work may be required.
Location: London - Canning Town Warehouse, 3 days a week
About the role
As a Project Coordinator – Resources your role will involve building relationships with current and new corporate donors to ensure we can resource all the required material donations we need to run the Crisis at Christmas centres in London. Gift in kind donations we require range from food and beverages to clothing, hairdressing equipment and minibuses. This is a varied role that involves researching donors, communicating with large corporate companies, managing volunteers, and running community donations.
About you
To be successful in this role you will have
- Experience of customer service and ability to deal with working with partner organisations and donors via phone and email in a professional and friendly manner.
- Strong organisational skills with an ability to manage multiple priorities
- Excellent IT skills with experience of using Microsoft Office software, in particular Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the adaptability to modify plans in response to unexpected complications.
- Good communicator who considers their audience and can work efficiently as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to process data accurately.
You may have experience running events or working on busy projects or have experience in a busy customer service or fundraising environment. You should have an interest in the charity or homelessness sector and a commitment to Crisis’ purpose and values.
We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities and backgrounds.
Working at Crisis
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
- 28 days’ annual leave
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
- Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
- And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.
When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How to apply
If this sound likes the opportunity for you, please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below.
Closing date: Sunday 5 May 2024 (at 23:59)
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 May 2024
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Work with us and help make a difference!
At Harrogate Homeless Project our vision is that nobody in the Harrogate District has to sleep rough. Each year we help hundreds of people experiencing homelessness to get the support they needto build confidence and move towards independent living.
Harrogate Homeless Project is seeking to recruit a Volunteer Coordinator to join the Fundraising and Marketing team.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the growth and development of Volunteering within the organisation. Working with the Fundraising and Marketing Manager, the position will look to develop opportunities for increasing income across fundraising and recruiting volunteers for all areas of HHP activities.
The post holder will be responsible for the recruitment, induction and training of all new volunteers to HHP, and providing ongoing support to staff on volunteer processes.
You will have a positive approach to volunteers and have an empathetic and friendly nature. If you enjoy working with volunteers and have a passion for making a difference to homelessness in Harrogate, then we would love to hear from you.
Reporting to: Fundraising and Marketing Manager
Hours: 24 hours per week, 9am-5pm
Closing Date: 19th May 2024
The Role
This role will work with HHP’s Management Team to develop opportunities for all areas within the Charity. Regular activities will include, developing recruitment campaigns to promote volunteering with HHP, ensuring all volunteers receive an induction and appropriate training, and identifying specific skills volunteers have developed and matching these to suitable volunteer opportunities to maximise the benefits for HHP and the volunteer.
There will be a particular focus on fundraising within this role, working closely with the Fundraising and Marketing Manager to actively build relationships with local businesses and organisations. Focusing in particular on promoting corporate volunteering and maximizing all support to help identify any potential fundraising opportunities for the Charity.
General responsibilities
Ø Liaise closely with all departmental heads to identify potential volunteer opportunities.
Ø Recruitment of all new volunteers to HHP through a variety of methods.
Ø Overseeing the training and induction to include all external volunteers have a current DBS check.
Ø Record supporter/volunteer details on the database.
Ø Ensure storage of personal information is complaint with current regulations.
Ø Provide a monthly report showing recruitment activities including induction, training and hours of volunteering.
Ø Obtain feedback from volunteers and/or employers on the volunteer experience and use the feedback to improve the volunteer/supporter journey.
Ø Build relationships with local corporate organisations to promote volunteering opportunities and recruit volunteers.
Ø Be responsible for all corporate volunteers through the entire volunteer cycle.
Ø Identify potential fundraising opportunities to be discussed with the Fundraising and Marketing Manager.
Ø Develop, maintain and update as required a ‘Volunteer Presentation’ which can be used to support volunteer recruitment activities in corporate organisations.
Ø Work with external organisations to identify volunteering/development opportunities.
Ø Match specific skills that volunteers have developed to suitable volunteer opportunities.
Ø Attend courses and conferences and seek to gain any necessary qualifications, which are relevant to the work and as, approved by the Fundraising and Marketing Manager.
The tasks and responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive and maybe amended according to the needs of the Charity. The Volunteer Coordinator is expected to work flexibly in responding to external and internal initiatives to support the needs of the Charity.
Person Specification:
Essential Charity Wide:
· DBS Cleared
· Safeguarding training
· Flexible attitude towards working arrangements
· Professional attitude and approach
Essential Job Role Specific:
· Ability to motivate staff and volunteers
· Ability to work across boundaries with an open and positive attitude
· Ability to represent HHP externally
· Ability to engage and build positive working relationships with local business organisations
· Flexible approach in responding to changing work demands
· Ability to communicate at all levels
· Good IT skills
· Professional and approachable personality
· Resilient and able to handle difficult situations
· Coaching skills
· Mentoring skills
Desirable:
· Experience of working with volunteers/or having been a volunteer would be an advantage
· Relevant professional qualification is an advantage
· Experience in working in the third sector is an advantage
· Commercial experience or an understanding of the commercial world would helpful
About Us:
Harrogate Homeless Project provides people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay and the support they need to build confidence and move towards independent living.
We offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 33 days (includes 8 public holidays) based on a full-time role at 37.5 hour week, an employer pension contribution of 3%, plus a Health Plan currently provided by Simply Health.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
To lead the volunteer team and maximize the potential of volunteering to support the service. The post holder will lead on the recruitment, retention and training of volunteers, working closely with the Head of Fundraising, Volunteering and Communications. They will organise volunteer recognition events, feedback opportunities and ensure that volunteers have the opportunity to participate in all staff events such as meetings, away days and training sessions.
The Volunteer Lead will hold responsibility for the corporate volunteering programme, facilitating teams to undertake volunteering. They will also work in collaboration with the Fundraising team to establish a homelessness training/education element as part of the corporate social responsibility experience.
Benefits: Progressive career development opportunities, 28 days holiday entitlement (pro rata), increasing to 31 based on length of service, time off in lieu for Bank Holidays worked, access to an ethical pension scheme, invitation to join the Employee Voice group, Wellbeing Wednesdays, central Digbeth location.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About us
Crisis is the national charity for homeless people. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it.
It is an exciting and important time to be joining us at Crisis. We work with thousands of people across England, Scotland, and Wales so they can leave homelessness behind for good.
Title: Reception Manager (internally known as Skylight Coordinator)
Salary: £34,844 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 per week
Location: Based in Crisis Skylight Oxford, Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, OX1 2AQ. This is an onsite role.
About the role
Crisis Skylight Oxford supports people experiencing homelessness. The service is based in the Old Fire Station alongside an Arts Centre open to the public. As the Reception Manager (Skylight Coordinator) you will ensure that the reception area runs efficiently and effectively and is a warm, supportive space to anyone needing our support. You will manage the reception team and volunteers, ensuring the provision of good advice, information, and guidance.
About you
To be successful in this role you will have experience of managing a busy reception where people have presented with a wide range of issues and challenges. You will have experience of working with disadvantaged or socially excluded groups or individuals, either as part of a paid role or in a voluntary capacity. This role includes line management responsibilities so you will need experience of managing staff and/or volunteers. You will have good admin skills, with strong oral skills including the ability to communicate key information clearly and precisely. This would be a great opportunity for someone who is already working within the sector or someone with voluntary experience who wants to use their Reception Manager experience to help end homelessness.
We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities and backgrounds.
Working at Crisis
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
- 28 days and option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
- Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
- And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.
When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How to apply
If this sound likes the opportunity for you, please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below.
Closing date: Sunday 5 May 2024 (at 23:59)
Interviews to be held on Thursday 16 May at Crisis Skylight Oxford, Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, OX1 2AQ
Closing Date: 06 May 2024
Ref 6633
We're looking for a Shop Manager to join our team. This is an exciting new opportunity to lead our brilliant volunteer team in our Allestree shop in Derby, as part of our ongoing plans to grow our Retail teams and deliver inspiring retail spaces across the UK!
We want to bring the wonders of charity shops back to our high-street and we need driven and passionate people to get us there!
About Us
Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.
About the Role
Located in Allestree, Derby, our shop is situated in a fantastic community shopping setting. As Shop Manager you'll be leading a small but active volunteer team of around 15, and will play a key role helping to unlock the shop's full potential, including continuing to grow the team and exploring new opportunities for community engagement and building income.
This is a new role working within a shop that is currently volunteer-led and an exciting opportunity to be part of our Retail growth plans as we recruit more Shop Managers to join our team!
About You
You will be someone with exceptional people skills, a leader who understands the importance of community and enjoys supporting people to exercise similar passions through volunteering.
You'll bring:
- Proven experience leading and inspiring teams
- A strong understanding of what good looks like in a busy and successful community-led shop, ideally with some experience within Retail or a clear passion for sustainable fashion and knowledge of products and trends
- A can-do attitude and ability to approach challenges in a positive way, knowing when to reach out for support and guidance where you need it.
Previous charity retail experience is not essential. If you have transferable leadership skills or experience managing volunteers in other settings and are looking for a new challenge, we'd love to hear from you!
Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.
Ways of Working: On-site – this role will be based in the Allestree shop in Derby. The shop is currently open 6 days per week, and we're looking for someone able to work full-time (5 days per week) including some weekend working.
Flexible Working - We are happy to discuss flexible working options at interview.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
Save the Children UK believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable where all children have the opportunity to change their world. We apply this to our workforce and we are committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation where all employees have a sense of belonging and feel that they can be "Free to Be Me". We are not looking for just one type of person - we want to recruit people who can add fresh perspectives, innovative ideas or challenge that disrupts the risk of group think.
We are especially interested in people whose childhood experiences - of life on a low income, of migration, of being in a racialised community, of the care system, of being LGBT+ or in an LGBT+ family or living with (or with someone with) a disability - help us to see things we might otherwise miss. Whatever your story is we want to hear it because we know that different voices, ideas, perspectives and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of children around the world. This is the reason why we are all here.