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RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside & District Branch

We are looking for a Branch Trustee & Treasurer to help us manage the RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside and District Branch. As a Trustee you will be a full and equal member of our leadership team, making strategies, deciding what we focus on, how we raise and spend money, organising events, working as a team to improve animal welfare in our community. As Treasurer you will take the lead in ensuring compliance, control and sound financial management of the charity.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

Trustees manage the charity. Like any organisation we get involved in people, finance and legal topics, making strategies and assessing which projects to support, tracking progress on animal welfare programs, working with local vets to offer more support out of hours, or making sure our volunteers are well managed and motivated. More importantly, we focus on raising funds, managing volunteers and spending money where it is needed to support animals in our community - YOUR community. So, whatever your background or skills there is a role you can play.

As Treasurer you will take the lead on developing a sustainable financial strategy, managing financial reporting, bank accounts, investments and liaising with the RSPCA national finance team. In addition, you will oversee external processes such as payroll, audit and reporting to HMRC and Charities Commission.

You may be an experienced Trustee or new to the role (we can help with training). You will be an experienced finance professional (preferably a qualified accountant) who can provide expert financial leadership and translate complex topics for those without a finance background. You will bring the ability to lead people, motivate teams of volunteers, collaborate with partners and manage change. You will be able to understand complex topics, ask logical questions and be willing to hold an organisation accountable for fulfilling its responsibilities. You will be willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into the details, make decisions and speak up.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we undertake significant expansion and conversion to CIO. Your voice will be heard, and you can significantly influence the direction and focus of the charity. Together we can make a huge impact on animal welfare in our community.

Benefits to becoming a RSPCA Branch Trustee:

• Using your existing skills to do something useful and learning new ones.
• Delivering a real leadership experience.
• Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in our community.
• You’ll have access to the RSPCA Learning Hub and a wide range of training materials
• You’ll be a leader, not a follower - you’ll shape our future direction and make your mark.

Please note that Trustees must be at least 18 years of age. This is a volunteer role (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed).

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

The Chapter Secretary ensures smooth running of the local chapter by managing communication, meetings, and documentation. The Secretary is responsible for organising chapter meetings, prepare agendas, take structured minutes, and upload them to Onedrive, ensuring they are shared with all attendees. In addition the Secretary also help coordinate volunteer socials and support chapter activities.

The Chapter Secretary should have strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to coordinate meetings, manage calendars, and keep accurate records. Attention to detail, good communication skills and time management are essential in addition to being reliable, proactive and collaborative.. Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, OneDrive.

This Role Turns Digital Campaigns Into Real-World Impact. At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., online fundraising is more than clicks—it’s building a movement.
The Online Fundraising and Campaign Manager ensures that all digital campaigns—from social media drives to crowdfunding initiatives—are strategically designed, executed, and optimised for impact. You will lead online engagement, campaign planning, and donor acquisition strategies, connecting supporters to the CIC’s mission and converting attention into meaningful action. This is not a passive posting role—it is strategic, high-energy, and central to scaling the CIC’s digital impact.

This role exists to:

• Plan, launch, and manage online fundraising campaigns across multiple digital platforms
• Coordinate with Content and Donor Communication Specialists to ensure cohesive messaging
• Analyse campaign performance, adjusting strategies in real time for maximum engagement
• Support the Fundraising Director with digital strategy, reporting, and optimisation
• Ensure campaigns comply with safeguarding, ethical, and CIC standards
• Develop creative fundraising initiatives that engage online communities
• Track donor journeys from awareness to contribution, improving retention and growth

You are the digital architect of campaigns that mobilise supporters and funds.

Why This Role Matters

Online fundraising is critical for the CIC’s sustainability:

• It generates immediate and scalable revenue for programmes
• It grows awareness and community support beyond geographic boundaries
• It empowers supporters to engage meaningfully with the CIC’s mission

Without this role, online campaigns risk low engagement, wasted effort, or lost opportunities. With it, the CIC can reach thousands of supporters efficiently and ethically.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Experience using online fundraising platforms such as JustGiving, GoFundMe, Stripe, Patreon, or similar tools
• Experience in digital campaign planning, execution, and optimisation
• Strong understanding of social media marketing, including platform-specific strategies and analytics
• Experience with email marketing tools and CRM systems for supporter engagement and fundraising
• Ability to monitor, analyse, and interpret performance data to inform decisions
• Experience producing clear reports and insights for non-technical audiences and leadership
• Strong written communication skills, with an ability to craft compelling calls to action
• Creative mindset with the ability to generate and test innovative campaign ideas
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines
• Understanding of ethical fundraising, safeguarding, and data protection principles
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and volunteers
• Confidence working independently in a volunteer role, with proactive problem-solving skills
• Commitment to the organisation’s mission, values, and respectful supporter engagement

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Basic knowledge of digital design or content tools

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications not required; equivalent professional or voluntary experience is highly valued

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Design and deliver online fundraising campaigns: Plan, implement, and manage end-to-end digital fundraising initiatives across social media, crowdfunding platforms, email marketing, and web-based channels. Ensure campaigns are aligned with organisational goals, audiences, and key fundraising moments.
• Develop innovative engagement strategies: Create and test creative campaign ideas, challenges, peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, and digital engagement activities that motivate supporters to donate, share, and advocate. Continuously explore new trends and tools in online fundraising.
• Coordinate creative assets: Work collaboratively with Content, Communications, and Donor Engagement teams to develop compelling copy, visuals, videos, and calls to action. Ensure consistent messaging, tone, and branding across all digital channels.
• Campaign optimisation and performance monitoring: Track and analyse campaign metrics such as reach, engagement, conversion rates, donation values, and supporter growth. Use insights to adjust strategies in real time and improve campaign effectiveness.
• Data-driven decision making: Interpret analytics and audience behaviour to refine targeting, messaging, timing, and platform use. Support evidence-based recommendations for future fundraising activity.
• Compliance and ethical standards: Ensure all online fundraising activities comply with relevant regulations, platform terms, safeguarding policies, data protection requirements, and ethical fundraising standards. Promote transparency and donor trust at all stages.
• Reporting and accountability: Prepare clear and timely reports on campaign performance, outcomes, and learning for leadership and stakeholders. Highlight successes, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
• Volunteer collaboration: Engage and coordinate volunteer teams and digital ambassadors to amplify campaigns, encourage peer sharing, and extend reach within communities and networks. Provide guidance and motivation to support consistent messaging.
• Continuous improvement: Contribute to the development of best practices, templates, and processes for online fundraising. Share learning across teams to strengthen organisational digital fundraising capacity. 

Who This Role Is For

This role is suited to someone who:

• Understands online fundraising and digital campaign strategy
• Can plan, execute, and monitor campaigns independently and collaboratively
• Is creative, data-driven, and solution-oriented
• Can translate social media trends into actionable fundraising opportunities
• Values transparency, ethics, and mission-aligned digital engagement

You are a strategic digital leader and campaign innovator.

What You Gain

• Founding-level experience in online fundraising strategy and execution
• Strategic insight into digital engagement and campaign optimisation
• Leadership exposure in managing multi-channel campaigns
• Priority consideration for future paid roles
• Direct contribution to community empowerment and CIC sustainability

This role builds digital strategy, fundraising, and online community leadership skills.

What This Role Is Not For

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work
• Avoid digital tools, analytics, or campaign strategy
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Are uncomfortable managing ethical online engagement and fundraising

Important to Be Clear

• This is a volunteer role during the CIC’s build phase
• It carries real responsibility for digital campaign success and donor engagement
• Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about campaign strategy, performance, and collaboration

If you believe that digital campaigns can create meaningful impact, and that online engagement is a tool for real-world change, this role is for you.

A Final Word

Fundraising is about people, not just donations.

If you know that:

• Trust is built through transparency, consistency, and care
• Privacy and safeguarding are essential to ethical digital engagement
• Respectful communication strengthens supporter relationships and loyalty

 …then you already understand the heart of effective online fundraising and campaign management.

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

Join the Savio House Retreat Team 2026-27, and work with young people at our Youth Retreat Centre at Bollington, Cheshire.

Why Savio House? Well, wouldn't you love to …

• • Live in a Christian community that works for young people
  • Wake up each day in a fantastic location in the Pennine hills
  • Develop skills in working with young people
  • Develop team working skills alongside qualified leaders
  • Develop valuable planning and leadership skills
  • Learn to create totally new resources
  • Get free training in first aid, food hygiene, fire prevention training, health and safety etc.
  • Explore accreditation paths towards a future career working with young people
  • Search out the answers to some of your deeper life questions
  • Join a world-wide Salesian network of youth workers
  • Receive a weekly allowance
  • Have all food, accommodation and laundry provided
  • Enjoy national conferences/events and meet up with other volunteers
  • Have regular mentoring and support through the whole year- September- July

Job description - Main duties and responsibilities:

• Live in Roman Catholic religious community

• Share faith with hundreds of young people on retreat

• Assist to lead and organise Salesian retreats

• Work as a team to enhance the retreat experience for those who attend

Skills, qualifications and experience needed for the job:

Mandatory:

• Must be 18 or over

• Be able to communicate in English

• Must be willing to provide police check and 2 character references

Desirable:

• Experience of working with young people

• Experience of working within a Salesian or parish setting, or be willing to participate with one of our provinces outside of the UK

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

What is knus?

knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.

What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 2+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Do you like to learn?

We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is accredited.  20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.

If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.

Please note - all successful volunteers are required to donate the cost price of £22.60 for an Enhanced DBS check.  If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.

You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.

Donation Research Assistant (Volunteer)

International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) was founded in 2009 and aims to provide protection and improve the welfare of animals in need. Our first project is based in Borneo, where we provide a lifeline to thousands of dogs and cats every year in need of veterinary care and support. Our companion animal programmes have since developed in other countries, including Romania and Penang Island, as well as support programmes to help other species.

We are currently looking for Donation Research Volunteers to help support our Online Retail Team. This role will enable us to continue raising vital funds for our animals in need by helping to identify potential sources for donations of goods for our monthly online auctions and other fundraising platforms. 

Tasks will include:

• Researching suitable businesses to reach out to for potential donations.

• Develop relationships with donors, providing regular communication and support when needed. 

• Record and track donations received for our monthly online auctions.

• Collaborate with the team to identify best fundraising options. 

Ideally you will;

• Have experience or an interest in a research role, particularly within the charity sector.

• Be familiar with Google Workspace or willingness to learn.

• Have the ability to work independently and use your own initiative.

• Offer 1-3 hours per week (hours can be fully flexible)

What we can offer you;

• Full training and support from our Retail Manager.

• An opportunity to build your CV skills and develop your experience.

• A chance to help increase the awareness of the great work we do at IAPWA.

• A fully flexible role that can fit around your schedule via remote working.

If you would like further details about the role, please don't hesitate to reach out via the Apply button.

Volunteer Fundraiser (Remote)
Duration: Three months (potential extension)
Type: Volunteer (Flexible Hours, 10-20/week)

Join Our Mission to Save Animals in Cambodia – Gain Proven Fundraising Experience!

AOOW is the only vegan animal sanctuary in Cambodia working towards animal rights!
We need someone like you to grow our team and protect our rescued animals by growing our supporter base in order for us to expand our care and mission.

Are you a fundraising student or experienced fundraiser with a burning passion for animals and a drive to make a real difference? Animals of Our World Sanctuary, a vibrant animal rescue in Cambodia, is seeking enthusiastic Remote Volunteer Fundraisers to help us expand our impact. Work directly with our Head Fundraiser, Founder, and Social Media Team to supercharge online campaigns that save lives – from pigs and dogs to cows and chickens.

Operating our House of Strays Sanctuary in Cambodia presents unique hurdles that make your expertise vital. Challenges we face involve extreme weather, supply chain disruptions, and high veterinary costs for our rescues. Economic pressures mean every donation counts double, fueling emergency care, home and enrichment improvements, and expansion—your fundraising efforts will directly overcome these barriers to amplify our lifesaving work.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and execute innovative online fundraising tactics (e.g., email drives, social media appeals, crowdfunding boosts).
• Collaborate on content creation for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to engage global vegan and animal-loving communities.
• Analyse campaign results and brainstorm fresh ideas to grow donations and awareness.
• Track progress and report on the tangible difference your work makes for our sanctuary residents.

Who We’re Looking For:
• Current university students, recent graduates or experienced fundraisers (ideal for building your resume with proven nonprofit experience).
• Self-starters with initiative, basic fundraising knowledge (or eagerness to learn), and a genuine love for animals.
• Comfortable with digital tools (Google Workspace, Canva, social media analytics).
• Strong English communication skills; bonus for creative storytelling or graphic design.
• Available 10-20 hours/week on a flexible schedule – perfect around studies or other commitments.

Based in Cambodia but open to volunteers worldwide, this role lets you demonstrate your skills from anywhere. No prior professional experience required – just your passion and willingness to hustle for animals!

How to Apply:
 send your CV, a short cover letter explaining why you love animals and how you’d fundraise for us, and links to any relevant social media or projects.

Let’s amplify your voice for animals – apply today and be the change our sanctuary needs!

Animals of Our World is an equal opportunity sanctuary. We celebrate diversity in our global volunteer team.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our cat adoption team leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our cat adoption team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Acting as the main point of contact within the team for cat adoption enquiries via email/telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the volunteer committee, being part of the team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat welfare team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

Time expectation

The cat adoption team leader role is vital within our busy volunteer teams. Our current volunteers spend around 10 to 12 hours per week in this flexible role, which can be shared by more than one volunteer if required.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Beacon for Rare Diseases hosts The Resources Hub, a 100% free and accessible e-learning platform created to support the rare disease community, including:

• Patient groups, patients and families
• Researchers and life science professionals
• Rare disease advocates

The Resources Hub brings together over 100 free resources, including written courses, video guides, webinars and recordings from events and conferences. These resources are designed to support people at every stage of their rare disease journey, whether they are just getting started or are part of a well-established organisation.

We are incredibly proud of the breadth and quality of what’s available on the Hub. However, much of our long-standing content is under-promoted, meaning that people don’t always find the right resource at the right time.

“The Resources Hub provides invaluable resources to help patient group leaders navigate challenges such as caring responsibilities, health issues, and employment.”

“It breaks down topics relevant to the rare community in a way that's easy to digest and empowering to take action!”

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About the role

We are looking for a social media volunteer to help us shine a light on the wealth of content already available within the Resources Hub.

In this role, you will:

• Spend time exploring our existing Resources Hub content
• Write 1–3 social media posts per resource, tailored for different platforms
• Help us build a reusable library of social media posts that we can draw on to promote resources when they are most relevant

This role is about helping people discover support that already exists, making it easier for patient groups and advocates to find information that could make a real difference to their work.

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Who this role would suit

This is a specific, project-based placement and would suit someone who already has experience in communications, social media or content creation.

You’ll be someone who:

• Enjoys writing clear, engaging social media copy
• Understands how to adapt messaging across different platforms
• Is comfortable working independently and managing their own time
• Can take guidance on tone and branding and run with it

While we don’t have capacity to provide training, you won’t be left on your own. We will:

• Provide clear direction on priorities and approach
• Share brand guidance and examples
• Review initial work to make sure everything feels aligned
• Have routine check-ins, provide feedback, and an end-of-placement review

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Time commitment and flexibility

​This is a fully remote volunteering role, which we ideally hope can be completed within around three months. We anticipate a minimum commitment of approximately two hours per week, though a shorter, more intensive placement could also be arranged to suit the volunteer. We are open to having more than one volunteer on this project and do not expect a single person to work through the entire Hub.

Please note: we are looking for this placement to begin as soon as possible. 

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Why volunteer with Beacon?

By volunteering with Beacon, you will:

• Help improve access to free, high-quality resources for the rare disease community
• Support patient groups, patients and advocates to build confidence and capacity
• Gain experience working with a well-established national charity
• Take on a clearly defined project with flexible working

Gatwick Aviation Museum is seeking enthusiastic and flexible Volunteers to join their coffee shop team on a regular basis, either Friday, Saturday or Sunday each week. Job share would be considered.

Location: Gatwick Aviation Museum, Charlwood, Surrey, RH6 0BT

Salary: Unremunerated.

Minimum age is 16.

Gatwick Aviation Museum is a registered Charity and welcomes a wide variety of visitors each year, who are able to enjoy the varied collection of incredible aircraft and exhibits on display.

The Museum is currently open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 5pm, although we regularly welcome groups of all ages for tours and events during the week or in the evenings. We also host a number of different events throughout the year from car shows to cinema nights and open for extended periods during the School holidays. So additional cover in the coffee shop would be required to help out during those busy times.

We want every visit to our museum to be a very special one. As our visitor numbers increase, we need the support of additional volunteers to join our friendly team who go out of their way to ensure our customers have a memorable experience. Duties will include:-

• Welcoming customers with a friendly attitude;
• Serving hot and cold food and drinks to customers;
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in all areas, including equipment;
• Using till and processing payments, handling card and cash transactions;
• Ensuring stock on display is replenished, maintaining inventory levels reporting any shortages to the Manager;

You don't need prior experience as training will be provided (including Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety, First Aid, Fire Safety). Just bring your enthusiasm, be keen to learn and feel confident in a customer facing role. An enhanced DBS check will also be carried out.

Role description

The Open Spaces Society, Britain's oldest conservation body, needs additional trustees to broaden our reach.If you are keen to develop strategy and policy for creating, defending, and maintaining commons, greens, and paths, and to develop new approaches to make open spaces available to all, this role is for you. 

Trustees may be co-opted by the present board, but are expected to offer themselves for election by the membership at the first available opportunity.

Working collectively, trustees have three main responsibilities. These are to:

1 set a direction for the society,

2 ensure the society’s plans are carried out appropriately,

3 ensure the society meets its legal responsibilities.

The duties of a trustee are to:

4 ensure the society complies with its articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,

5 ensure that the society pursues its objects as defined in its articles of association,

6 ensure that the society directs its resources exclusively towards its objects,

7 in association with the general secretary, ensure that the organisation is adequately staffed, and that the staff and volunteers have appropriate support and resources to pursue organisational goals,

8 contribute actively to the board’s role of developing strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets,

9 safeguard the reputation and values of the society,

10 ensure effective and efficient administration and financial stability, 1

1 appoint the general secretary and monitor her performance,

12 act in the best interests of the society at all times.

Person specification

• Commitment to the society’s mission

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Strategic vision

• Objective and insightful judgement

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).

Our management committee has succession needs. We seek a trustee to chair it and build on our strong heritage and renew for the next generation, a people-person who can attract and develop a team of custodians with diverse skills to give management oversight and strategic direction.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for someone who will enjoy being part of our community and who has the drive to help renew and guide the work at our Dorset retreat centre.

Our Dorset centre has recently undergone very successful updating of some of the facilities. We have a loyal visitor base who respond generously to appeals for donations.  We are looking to recruit a Trustee who can join a team of people with varied expertise to make steady and sustained progress to ensure that this much loved centre, with 100 years of history is a treasured resource for the next generation.

Our vision is to be a place for both environmental awareness and inclusive Christian theology, experienced by the way we live, the programme of events that we hold and how we run and renew the buildings and land; practical hope in action.

The charity is well governed with Trustees taking responsibility for the finances, health & safety and safeguarding. We have good accountancy support and our financial reserves are adequate.

As Chair of the Centre Management Committee you have responsibility for the Burton Bradstock  centre but also as a Trustee of the whole charity with providing strategic direction of the whole charity.

The Centre Management Committee meets 2x in person at the centre each year and overnight accommodation is available.  The whole board of Trustees meet online quarterly (a weekday evening 1.5 hours) and have two residential weekend meetings per year, one at each centre (Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex and Burton Bradstock, Dorset). The charity covers all out-of-pocket expenses.

What are we looking for?

Most importantly the energy, time and enthusiasm to support the flourishing of the Retreat Centre; after that then one or more of the following would be helpful:

• Line management experience
• Working within Charity Commission guidelines
• Operational or facilities management experience
• Previous Trustee experience or similar (nice but not a requirement)

A fuller description of the role is provided in the accompanying PDF.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of the the Centre Management Committee you will support and shape the ongoing development of staff and operations of the retreat centre.

Our guests value the experience of inclusive community, spirituality, and practical creativity joining retreats, workshops, family holidays and a range of other events. We pursue a vision of openness and inclusion, for people of all faiths and none, affirming mutual respect and understanding.

People of all ages come to Othona to be themselves, valued for who they are. They find support through difficult times e.g. bereavement, family breakdown, ill health, find a new direction, feel restored. This experience of community, affirms people and contributes to social re-connection while at Othona and back home. People make friendships at Othona that last for years.

Before you apply

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Interested applicants please message us via REACH.  Application is by letter accompanied by a CV.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the Retreat Centre. Interview will be by 2 Trustees. References will be required, as will a basic level DBS check, a declaration that you have not been barred from becoming a Trustee or Director. A role description is attached.