Live volunteer roles

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

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

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

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

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

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

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

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

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

Minimum Age: 18

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

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

Is a criminal record check required? No

Get Out There groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do. 

As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together. 

What your role will involve

• Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities.
• Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
• Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.

A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
• Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
• Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
• Reliable and punctual.
• Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
• We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
• Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
• The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
• To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
• To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
• If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information. 

About us

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. 

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. 

As a Trustee of Durham Action on Single Housing (DASH), you will work alongside other board members to provide strategic leadership and governance to the charity. Your primary role will be to ensure that DASH meets its charitable objectives and complies with legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are responsible for overseeing the direction of the charity, ensuring financial sustainability, and ensuring effective delivery of services to individuals in need of housing support.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:
   • Work with fellow trustees to set the strategic direction of DASH.
   • Ensure that the charity’s mission is being fulfilled and that its activities align with its objectives.
   • Provide guidance and support in decision-making, ensuring that the charity stays relevant to the needs of its service users.
2. Governance & Oversight:
   • Ensure that the charity is properly governed, complies with legal and regulatory requirements, and adheres to its constitution and policies.
   • Oversee the performance of the Director and senior leadership team, offering guidance and support as needed.
   • Monitor the charity’s financial health, ensuring appropriate financial controls, budgeting, and reporting mechanisms are in place.
3. Financial Management:
   • Approve the annual budget and ensure effective use of resources.
   • Monitor and manage financial risks and help ensure the charity remains financially viable.
   • Support fundraising efforts and ensure the charity meets its financial targets and fundraising goals.
4. Advocacy & Representation:
   • Act as an ambassador for DASH, promoting its work and advocating for the needs of single housing tenants.
   • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, other charities, funders, and the community.
   • Provide expertise in areas such as housing, legal, fundraising, or community services to assist in achieving the charity’s objectives.
5. Risk Management:
   • Identify and assess potential risks to the charity and help develop strategies to mitigate them.
   • Ensure the charity operates within a framework that balances risk and opportunity, ensuring the safety and well-being of service users.
6. Board Development:
   • Participate in board meetings and decision-making processes, providing insight, expertise, and constructive feedback.
   • Help recruit new trustees and contribute to the development of the board, ensuring its skills and diversity align with the charity’s needs.
7. Compliance & Reporting:
   • Ensure DASH meets all legal and regulatory obligations, including Charity Commission requirements.
   • Ensure that DASH’s work is transparent and that all reports (financial, impact, and governance) are accurate and timely.

Person Specification:

• Passion for housing issues and the work of DASH.
• Strong commitment to the values and mission of the charity.
• Previous experience in a governance or leadership role, preferably within the charity sector.
• Knowledge of housing, social justice, or related sectors is desirable but not essential.
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with other trustees, staff, and stakeholders.
• Experience in financial oversight and risk management would be an asset.

Time Commitment:

Trustees typically meet Bi monthly , with additional subcommittee meetings and ad-hoc responsibilities. Meetings may be in-person or virtual, depending on the needs of the organisation.

Benefits:

• The opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives of individuals in housing need.
• Gain valuable experience in governance, financial management, and leadership.
• Work with a dedicated and passionate group of individuals who share a common vision.

Could you befriend an asylum seeking or refugee young person? HIAS+JCORE is seeking volunteer befrienders for our transformative JUMP project! As a befriender, you'd meet fortnightly with your young person for at least 12 months, and receive full training and an enhanced DBS check. You'll also get ongoing support from our JUMP project staff.

The difference you'd make

The young people JUMP support might benefit from a befriender because they’ve left their families behind and often feel isolated, bewildered and lonely. Some have no one to talk to. Some want to improve their English. Some would like to get to know London better. The impact made by our befrienders is long-lasting and varies depending on both the befriender and young person's interests. 

What do volunteers get out of JUMP?

• A chance to help people in real need
• The opportunity to ‘give back’
• A new friend
• Increased understanding about asylum and refugee issues and policy 

Skills required

• Able to establish good relationships with young people.
• Able to use a non-judgemental, non-directive approach to working with young people.
• Empathy, sensitivity and patience.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Reliable in making and keeping commitments, including arrangements to meet up.
• Aware of the needs of young people.
• Sympathy for the difficulties that asylum seeking/refugee children and young people face.
• Willing to enhance own awareness of the issues facing asylum-seeking and refugee children/young people through training.
• Aware of safeguarding and child protection issues, and (i) willing to enhance this through JUMP training, and (ii) willing to follow HIAS+JCORE’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Willing to ask for help when uncertain when befriending and to discuss the experience of befriending through regular updates and supervision.

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers will be required to:

• Meet with an unaccompanied asylum seeking or refugee young person fortnightly for at least one year.
• Establish a warm, supportive friendship with the young person within JUMP befriending boundaries.
• Help to build up the young person’s self-esteem and confidence.
• A JUMP befriender will be someone the young person can talk to. They must be prepared to support the young person with a range of possible activities, such as: developing everyday life skills, getting around London, taking part in recreational or educational opportunities, applying for work experience or a job. They should be prepared to offer support with English, and where possible other types of academic work.
• They must make time to travel, if necessary, within London to meet with the young person. While we try to match people who live reasonably close by, this is not always possible, and young people can often have precarious housing situations and move neighbourhoods. It is important to consider the travel time, as well as contact time, potentially involved in befriending.
• A JUMP volunteer should be prepared to enjoy cultural/ sporting activities with the young person, and to take advantage of free entertainment and other opportunities in London.
• They should regularly communicate with the project coordinator after meeting the young person, providing feedback once a month about activities undertaken and to attend supervision face-to-face twice a year.
• They must submit monthly expenses incurred during the activities undertaken with the young person, and immediately alert the JUMP project coordinator or HIAS+JCORE Safeguarding Lead to any safeguarding (child and young person protection) issues.

What is the application process?

After submitting your application, you will be contacted to arrange an informal telephone interview. If all goes well at this stage, we would request two references and get you booked onto a day's training. The training will cover the role of the befriender and offer some more information about the experiences of unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee young people. Before being paired with a young person we would also request an enhanced DBS check.

Sense College Loughborough is a specialist Further Education (FE) college, supporting students between 16-25, who have a wide range of disabilities. We aim to prepare young people to be as independent as possible and help them to achieve their long term goals. We offer different pathways and work with Loughborough College, to help students gain the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence to achieve these goals. 

Candidates interested in the role of Lay Governor at college must be able to demonstrate commitment to Safeguarding, Strategic leadership and a passion to Further Education particularly Specialist Education. A understanding of issues facing the post 16 specialist education sector would be desirable. If you feel you have the ability to make a positive contribution to meetings and provide constructive challenge to support senior managers at the college we would love to hear from you. We anticipate that the successful candidates will need to commit a minimum of 4 half days per term to the role in relation to meetings and preparation. The ability to attend other ad-hoc college events and visits would also be very welcomed.

The role of members of the Governing Body is to provide strategic leadership, support and constructive challenge to the college senior management team to ensure that Sense College provides an excellent education experience for all students. The Governors will work with the college senior management to ensure the college offers a broad based curriculum to maximise the teaching and learning experiences of all its students, with demonstrable outcomes. Sense College Loughborough Lay Governors will attend 3 full committee meetings a year, plus 3 extra meetings for their chosen sub-committee. Meetings last from 90 minutes for sub-committees and 2 hours 30 minutes for the full committee, Lay Governors will come prepared and engaged, having done the reading the prior and ready to ask any questions they may have. Governors of Sense College have a varied role encompassing a range of duties. Much of this is undertaken through participation in the full Governing Body meetings and Sense College sub-committees according to a governor`s experience and skillset, and through college visits.

Some examples of governor duties are below, noting that these are not exclusive:

• Reviewing, approving and monitoring the implementation of the Sense College 2022-2025 Strategic Plan
• Approving the final Sense College Annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR)
• Reviewing and monitoring progress and outcomes from the Sense College Quality Improvement Plan (QuIP)
• Reviewing students’ progress and achievements through a range of products i.e. case studies, reports and visits to Sense College
• Reviewing college data against Key Performance Indicators and dashboards.
• Participating in Ofsted inspection meetings on governance to support Sense College and the college senior management team
• Monitoring implementation of safeguarding (SfG) procedures, keeping updated with current SfG legislation and governors Prevent responsibilities
• Monitoring college budget performance with the emphasis on new students  referrals funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency
• Attending and participating in governor training events, student celebrations and college visits 

About us 

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

Sense values 

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Would you like to help end food poverty and tackle climate change and CO2 emissions in Greater Manchester, whilst at the same time gaining valuable CV-enhancing experience and skills?

What we offer you

Induction, training and support from the staff of FareShare and its parent charity, EMERGE 3Rs.

Practical experience and transferable skills in warehousing and food redistribution.

Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses up to £5.80 for travel and up to £3 for lunch, upon completion of a 4 hour shift. (We can also provide you with lunch if you don't bring your own).

A reference after 2 months with us.

An understanding of warehousing and logistics, and the importance of food surplus and recycling initiatives.

As a sustainability charity, we take surplus food that's donated to us and redistribute it to people in need. The front line initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities who, in turn, help people who are disadvantaged by poverty.

Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents perfectly good food going to landfill, where it would otherwise contribute to climate warming. 

We need helping hands in our busy warehouse to receive and catalogue supplies, to load and unload vans, and to prepare orders for delivery. In return we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience to boost your CV if you are seeking work. If you're not looking for employment, volunteering with us is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make friends, keep physically active and support your community.

This role is vital to the work of FareShare, ensuring that the food in our warehouse is correctly sorted, labelled and organised into orders placed by our charities and community groups.

It is perfect for someone who is:

a) Looking for a practical activity.

b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing and customer service.

c) Wanting to help their community and/or help tackle global warming.

d) Wanting to make new friends.

e) Wanting to keep busy and/or physically fit.

Our volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am - 12:30pm and 12:30 - 4:30pm. Volunteers are typically involved for one day a week.

What will I be doing?

Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient surplus food in a warehouse, and preparing orders for delivery. You may also be assisting customers when they pick up their orders.

Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.

Sorting and unpacking deliveries, categorising and recording food.

Assembling food orders placed by charities and community groups.

Assisting our Community Food Members with their food order collections. 

Maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards. 

Helping with cleaning and other tasks identified by warehouse staff.

Person Specification: 

Must be reasonably physically fit to carry out tasks, including lifting and loading.

Have a good command of English in order to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules. 

Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record quantities and types of food donated.

Able to work in a manner that respects Health and Safety standards.

Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.

Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food poverty.

Must be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.

We are located in our brand new depot at Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WJ.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us.
This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles.
We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

A Trustee at Durham Action on Single Housing (DASH) plays a crucial role in supporting the organisation's mission, ensuring its financial health, and guiding its strategic direction.

Role Title: Trustee

Location: Durham (meetings and occasional site visits)

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Role Overview:

As a Trustee of Durham Action on Single Housing (DASH), you will work alongside other board members to provide strategic leadership and governance to the charity. Your primary role will be to ensure that DASH meets its charitable objectives and complies with legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are responsible for overseeing the direction of the charity, ensuring financial sustainability, and ensuring effective delivery of services to individuals in need of housing support.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:
   • Work with fellow trustees to set the strategic direction of DASH.
   • Ensure that the charity’s mission is being fulfilled and that its activities align with its objectives.
   • Provide guidance and support in decision-making, ensuring that the charity stays relevant to the needs of its service users.
2. Governance & Oversight:
   • Ensure that the charity is properly governed, complies with legal and regulatory requirements, and adheres to its constitution and policies.
   • Oversee the performance of the Director and senior leadership team, offering guidance and support as needed.
   • Monitor the charity’s financial health, ensuring appropriate financial controls, budgeting, and reporting mechanisms are in place.
3. Financial Management:
   • Approve the annual budget and ensure effective use of resources.
   • Monitor and manage financial risks and help ensure the charity remains financially viable.
   • Support fundraising efforts and ensure the charity meets its financial targets and fundraising goals.
4. Advocacy & Representation:
   • Act as an ambassador for DASH, promoting its work and advocating for the needs of single housing tenants.
   • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, other charities, funders, and the community.
   • Provide expertise in areas such as housing, legal, fundraising, or community services to assist in achieving the charity’s objectives.
5. Risk Management:
   • Identify and assess potential risks to the charity and help develop strategies to mitigate them.
   • Ensure the charity operates within a framework that balances risk and opportunity, ensuring the safety and well-being of service users.
6. Board Development:
   • Participate in board meetings and decision-making processes, providing insight, expertise, and constructive feedback.
   • Help recruit new trustees and contribute to the development of the board, ensuring its skills and diversity align with the charity’s needs.
7. Compliance & Reporting:
   • Ensure DASH meets all legal and regulatory obligations, including Charity Commission requirements.
   • Ensure that DASH’s work is transparent and that all reports (financial, impact, and governance) are accurate and timely.

Person Specification:

• Passion for housing issues and the work of DASH.
• Strong commitment to the values and mission of the charity.
• Previous experience in a governance or leadership role, preferably within the charity sector.
• Knowledge of housing, social justice, or related sectors is desirable but not essential.
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with other trustees, staff, and stakeholders.
• Experience in financial oversight and risk management would be an asset.

Time Commitment:

Trustees typically meet Bi monthly , with additional subcommittee meetings and ad-hoc responsibilities. Meetings may be in-person or virtual, depending on the needs of the organisation.

Benefits:

• The opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives of individuals in housing need.
• Gain valuable experience in governance, financial management, and leadership.
• Work with a dedicated and passionate group of individuals who share a common vision.

Service Introduction 

The Programmes & Services department keeps our organisation running. Our team work directly with volunteers by offering them support.  

Our Programmes & Services department is divided into four roles. Each of these roles reports to our Programmes & Services Manager. Our four roles are: 

• People Coordinator 

• Volunteer Engagement Coordinator 

• Referrals Coordinator 

• Training Coordinator 

Key tasks and responsibilities 

Recruitment & Selection 

• Assist in the preparation of comprehensive job descriptions, person specifications, and engaging job adverts to attract the best talent. 

• Manage the full recruitment process using our Applicant Tracking System (ATS), from candidate sourcing to selection. 

• Actively monitor and maintain various recruitment channels to ensure a continuous pipeline of candidates. 

• Screen resumes and applications, shortlist candidates, and conduct initial interviews. 

• Coordinate and schedule interviews and training sessions, liaising with applicants and interview panels to facilitate a smooth process. 

• Conduct reference checks and background verifications where required. 

Onboarding & Offboarding 

• Lead the onboarding process for new volunteers, ensuring they feel welcomed and fully supported as they integrate into the team. 

• Develop and implement continuous improvements to the onboarding process to enhance the overall volunteer experience. 

• Organise necessary documentation and compliance requirements to ensure all records are up-to-date. 

• Facilitate offboarding procedures when necessary, ensuring a respectful and professional exit process. 

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is seeking one Expert Layperson to sit on its Remuneration, People and Workplace Culture Committee to contribute their expertise to support the College.

We are specifically seeking candidates with senior expertise in People leadership experience to help us be a world class employer, so we attract and retain great talent across our varied staff roles.

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) was founded in 1505 by Royal Charter granted by King James IV. From the discoveries of Simpson and Lister to modern-day pioneers of medicine and dentistry who are developing simulation, VR, and robotics, we have been driving innovation in medicine for five centuries – making it better for patients across the globe.

As a charitable membership organisation, with just under 32,000 members worldwide, we pride ourselves in providing high-quality education, training, and professional standards assessment for our family of members.

We are headquartered in Edinburgh in our home at Surgeons’ Hall, the world-famous category A listed building designed by William Henry Playfair in 1832.  Our main Campus hosts a dedicated skills laboratory, the Surgeons' Hall Museums, the College Library and Archives, as well as function and meeting facilities.

The College employs around 200 staff who are mostly based in Edinburgh, although we also have offices in Birmingham and Kuala Lumpur.  We also have a commercial arm, Surgeons Quarter Ltd, which, amongst other things, runs the Ten Hill Place hotel.

You can find out more about the College here.

About the Remuneration, People and Workplace Culture Committee

The Remuneration, People and Workplace Culture Committee assists the Trustee Board in fulfilling its oversight and governance responsibilities in connection with its staff, remuneration, pensions and workplace culture activities.  It provides assurance to the Trustee Board on how the College meets required policies, standards, best practice and regulatory requirements in relation to its remit and duties.

The Committee is made up of clinician members of the College’s Trustee Board, with an external lay chair. It is supported by senior staff of the College, particularly the Head of HR and Learning.

The main functions of the Committee are to:

· Assist the Trustee Board in establishing and regularly reviewing the College values

· Provide assurance to the Trustee Board that the College is an inclusive employer of choice which provides a nurturing environment and ensures our staff feel valued and supported

· Monitor compliance with all legislation and charity guidance relevant to the remit of the Committee and provide assurance to Trustee Board on such matters

· Consider and recommend to the Trustee Board the College’s remuneration and benefits strategy, ensuring co-ordination with Surgeons Quarter

· Agree the College’s remuneration policy for all staff, ensuring co-ordination with Surgeons Quarter, and set the individual remuneration and employment packages of senior management staff of the College.

Join City Harvest and play an integral part in London's safe, sustainable solution to surplus food redistribution. City Harvest rescues food, people, and the planet.

Location: West London

Time commitment: 6 board meetings & 6 committee meetings / year

Closing date: 9 a.m. Thursday 5th June

We ensure no good food is wasted and that surplus reaches those who need it most, diverted from landfill, we also help companies achieve Sustainable Development Goals. We provide free food to organisations supporting the homeless, food banks, children and family groups providing food parcels, community and faith groups feeding those in need, women’s refuges, the elderly and mental health groups.

Who we are

City Harvest is London’s original surplus food redistribution charity, delivering free nutritious food to 350+ organisations. Due to the rising cost of living,  1 in 4 people face food poverty in London, with the use of foodbanks a ‘new normal’ for far too many.

City Harvest is a sustainable solution to food businesses and society, tackling food waste and food poverty. Rescuing Food, People and Planet. Every day, our fleet of vans rescues surplus food from retailers, manufacturers, markets and events, resulting in the reduction of food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. We currently deliver food for 15 million meals a year, that’s food for 41,000+ meals a day!

Ten years old, our roots are deep and far-reaching across London. First responders to Grenfell, emergency workers in the pandemic, City Harvest continues its mission to rescue to feed people in need across all London Boroughs.

We are the charity for charities supporting the homeless, food banks, children and family groups providing food parcels, community and faith groups feeding those in need, women’s refuges, the elderly and mental health groups. If people need food, we will do everything we can to help.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and qualified CFO or Finance Director to join City Harvest as our new Finance, Audit & Risk Trustee. This is a critical board role at the heart of our organisation, ensuring that City Harvest has a sustainable financial outlook, solid operational governance and sound controls around risk. As a key member of the Board, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and Head of Finance. Acting as a mentor to the Head of Finance, you will help ensure that Finance develops as a business partner to the various City Harvest teams and that KPIs are focused on the achievement of their strategic objectives.

You will bring strong financial and management accounting insight, ensuring sound financial planning and performance, operational excellence, and compliance with governance frameworks and regulations. You will also ensure an annual risk review is undertaken and will act as the Trustees’ liaison point with the Charity’s auditors and advise on any areas requiring improvement in the audit process.

This is an opportunity to apply your senior financial leadership experience to an organisation tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges.

Who we are looking for

An experienced and qualified CFO or Finance Director with a strong history in oversight of:

• Financial accounting
• Management accounting
• Systems & controls
• Audit
• Risk management

There are no sector specific requirements – though experience in an operational business (particularly logistics/supply chain) and/or experience in the charity or third sector would be desirable.

Personal skills and qualities

• Enthusiasm for the City Harvest mission “to reduce food poverty and protect the planet by diverting nutritious food from waste to those in need.”
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• An understanding and respect for the boundaries of the Non-Executive and Executive roles.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions.
• A strong personal commitment to people
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

Meetings

• The Board holds in-person meetings – normally six per year, held in person in Central London (17:00 – 19:30)
• Chairing the Finance & Risk Committee (normally six per year)
• Liaising with the Head of Finance, Chair and CEO as appropriate to fulfil responsibilities.
• We are committed to covering travel expenses for our trustees

Whilst this is a voluntary role, it offers the opportunity to make a real difference in food waste, food poverty, greenhouse gases and the company’s ESG outcomes.

If you share in our vision and have the financial and mentoring skills to help make it happen, we would love to hear from you.

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

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Thursday 5th June.

We’re looking for a new fundraising volunteer and/or director! Are you passionate about securing funds for grassroot organisations?

This opportunity involves overseeing Fuel Poverty Action’s fundraising plans and strategy, reaching out to donors and promoting our vital campaigns through grant bids to help end fuel poverty in the UK. 

This role would require an average of 16-20 hrs per month and can be done remotely. We are also open to you joining FPA’s board of directors, subject to capacity and experience. 

This offers a chance to directly contribute to tackling fuel poverty and ensuring access to affordable energy for all whilst strategizing and learning alongside great activists. If you're eager to contribute, we’d love to hear from you!

Tasks:

• Organise and manage our fundraising planning and pipeline

• Reach out to potential donors and help build relationships

• Lead on grant applications

• Work closely with the team to develop new fundraising strategies

• Contribute ideas and experience to FPA campaigns

Closing date for applications:  April 20th 2025

Bgen, the Botanic Gardens Education Network, is seeking a new Treasurer Trustee to join its Board. This unpaid voluntary role offers a unique opportunity to support a small, but passionate charity at a pivotal moment in its growth.

Bgen is a specialist support network for professional plant and natural world educators. We help our members to connect people and plants in innovative and engaging ways, through online events, face to face training and networking events and our Annual Conference.

We are looking for a Treasurer who will bring enthusiasm, commitment, fresh perspectives and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. The successful candidate will combine professional financial knowledge and experience with a deep commitment to supporting our mission in this vital non-executive role.

As our new Treasurer trustee, you will play an active role within the Bgen Board and provide leadership on its financial health, ensuring robust processes, accurate records and sound-decision making with transparency and accountability.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic Board and support our work to empower plant and environmental education and engagement professionals across the UK.

Availability and commitment

 As a Board member you will need to be able to attend up to six board meetings per year (held online) and the Annual General Meeting, organised in January – February each year. You will also spend around 2 -3 days per quarter in between meetings, to prepare the quarterly accounts, provide advice and coordinate payments, with support from the Bgen Coordinator and Bgen Bookkeeper. Days may vary throughout the year, depending on activity.

On October 7th, we are hosting a Bgen Board Strategy Away Day at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and your attendance would be extremely helpful.

This position would be for a period of three years minimum (term can be renewed after this time).

Background to the Role

We are currently creating a brand new three-year strategy, setting out an exciting vision to support, promote and defend the mental health, rights and social position of young people. This follows a period of organisational growth, where expanding services into the North Somerset region, and working in partnership with the local statutory mental health provider, has increased our staffing to over 100 employees.

Our new Chair will be an experienced Trustee or Board member who is skilled in effectively managing meetings for productive discussions. We are looking for someone with energy and drive and who will ensure robust governance, aligning strategy and operations. A number of our Trustees have been with us for less than a year and we also have a new CEO and a fairly new SLT, we are therefore looking for an experienced hand who is a skilled relationship manager and a decisive leader, capable of listening to all sides and finding compromise to make difficult decisions.

Main Responsibilities

• To be responsible for providing effective strategic leadership and management to the Board of Trustees, enabling them to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of OTR.
• To chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process.
• To plan the annual cycle of Board meetings.
• To set agendas for Board meetings and review minutes.
• To ensure the Scheme of Delegation to the CEO is reviewed and updated.
• To be knowledgeable about, and abide by, the Articles of Association and Charitable Purpose.
• To represent OTR at functions and meetings, and act as a spokesperson as appropriate.

Person Specification

• Strong leadership skills and a collaborative team member.
• Strategic vision.
• Able to display impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship from the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Excellent people management skills, and an ability to build trusting relationships with Trustees, senior staff, external partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to make measured and fair judgements and decisions.
• A regard for Nolan's 7 principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Diversity and inclusion 

At OTR, whatever your role or professional background, you will be expected to work in a way that is anti-oppressive and inclusive. A key focus for OTR is to develop an organisation that is inclusive for all. We do not claim to be experts in this, but we are committed to continuous learning and improvement in these areas and invite you to join us on this journey. 

OTR recognises the benefits to individual practice and organisational credibility of having a diverse community of staff and volunteers and to this end, is continually working towards building and maintaining an environment which values and pursues diversity accordingly. 

We recognise that tackling systemic inequality, prejudice, racism, and oppressive practice requires each of us to actively engage, self-examine and make changes where necessary in order to improve access and ensure an equitable experience for all in society and all of those who come through our doors at OTR. 

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Off the Record (Bristol) in the recruitment of this role. Please click here to apply by submitting a CV and a cover letter both in Word doc. format. Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why is OTR’s work important to you and how can you contribute as our Chair?
• Your experience of working at a strategic level and of effective governance.
• How would you go about ensuring that our many stakeholders are heard and represented at Board level

Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application. 

The closing date for applications is Friday, 16th May. Longlisting interviews with Eastside People will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with the panel at OTR during the week beginning 2nd June.

Do you enjoy networking and meeting new people? Are you passionate about volunteering? If so, we would love to hear from you. You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with people, and a good level of IT skills.

What is a Volunteering Coordinator?

Volunteering Coordinators are a key role within the team, leading on the local recruitment, induction, on-going support and celebration of volunteers. As the first point of contact for volunteering in the branch, they ensure volunteers are welcomed and supported.

Why do we need you?

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

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

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SSAFA. We have been involving volunteers in supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our beneficiaries come from all backgrounds and age groups. To continue providing help when it’s needed most, Volunteering Coordinators ensure that SSAFA has a diverse and committed network of volunteers who are skilled, supported and valued.

What would you be doing?

• Although every SSAFA Branch has different needs, below are the main activities of a Volunteering Coordinator.
• Keeping in touch: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date lists of branch volunteer details and checking in with people about their volunteer experience.
• Supporting volunteer recruitment: Working alongside the Branch Chair to monitor volunteer numbers and develop plans to recruit new volunteers as required, for example, using online volunteer recruitment platforms.
• Creating local links: Taking opportunities to advertise and promote volunteering opportunities locally, including linking with local volunteer centres and community groups.
• Welcoming and supporting: In partnership with SSAFA central office teams, supporting the recruitment and induction of new volunteers e.g., carrying out informal interviews and ensuring every volunteer has an identified volunteer manager.
• Celebrating and saying thank you: Seeking ways to celebrate volunteering and to say thank you to volunteers for their efforts.
• Being a volunteering champion: Working with the regional Volunteer Development Manager to promote volunteering best practice across the branch and ensure volunteers have the best possible experience with SSAFA.

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

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. This course lasts approx. 3 hours.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction and support, from other branch volunteers.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Support from Regional volunteering and operations staff.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out the role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across your local area.
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good written and verbal communication skills.
• Good IT skills e.g., ability to use email and Excel – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
• A belief in the impact of volunteering.
• Some experience of coordinating people is beneficial.
• This role would suit someone who would like to volunteer regularly, each week.

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

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA takes the utmost care at every step of volunteer recruitment to ensure that the people we involve are suitable and appropriate. All measures taken are to help make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

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

Is a criminal record check required? No