Nursing Volunteer Roles

Marie Curie Companion is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Companion Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, eg family home, a care home or in the community.
• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. 

For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested 

(This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 
• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 
• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 
• Represent the Marie Curie Companion service positively to those using the service

About you

We are looking for people with or without board level experience, and we would welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds.

In order to continue to enhance the diversity of our board, we would particularly like to hear from people from ethnically marginalised groups, particularly Black African backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with physical disabilities, and other marginalised groups, and especially those with direct experience of services provided by our hospice.

On this occasion and following a recent skills audit of our current trustees, we are particularly looking for people with expertise in any of the following areas:

• Finance and accounting (with a view to succession planning for our current Treasurer)
• Co-production, community engagement and community development
• Property and estate management

Commitments from trustees and from the hospice

Trustees are expected to attend, in person or via tele-conferencing:

• Sessions agreed as part of each trustee’s personalised induction programme.

• Bi-monthly board meetings.

• Approximately two board away days per year, dedicated to strategic planning.

Where they are willing and able, trustees may be asked to join one of the board sub-committees.

Whilst this is an unpaid, voluntary role, out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. A personalised induction programme, training, support and mentorship will be provided.

Person specification

Each trustee must have:

• commitment to the vision of the hospice

• willingness to meet the minimum time commitment

• integrity

• strategic vision

• good, independent judgement

• the ability to think creatively

• willingness to speak their mind

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

• the ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good

of the hospice.

Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and the hospice welcomes applications from all ages and backgrounds.

Closing date for applications is Monday 7 October.

Make a difference. Join us as a Companion Volunteer today!

Marie Curie is piloting the Companions in the Community Service to support individuals in their final year of life in care and nursing homes. We aim to provide comprehensive support to those with life-limiting conditions, complementing the efforts of our Nursing Team and local community services.

Your Role:

• Visit care homes regularly to interact with residents.
• Facilitate meaningful conversations.
• Provide Companionship
• Assist with tasks like Advance Care Plans or ongoing needs.

Location: Nursing or care homes in Surrey.

This will be dependant on what is most suitable for you

Skills Needed:

• Willingness to support during death, dying, and bereavement.
• Residency in Surrey.
• Interest in face-to-face support in care homes.
• Basic IT skills.
• Patience, empathy, and excellent listening skills.
• Commitment, reliability, and inclusive values.
•  

What You Gain:

• Skill enhancement in a charitable environment.
• Induction, training, and ongoing support.
• Reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

Requirements:

• Provide two references (non-family).
• Adhere to charity policies and complete necessary training.

Marie Curie values diversity and is committed to safeguarding the welfare of patients and families. We treat all volunteers fairly and with respect, without discrimination. 

Royal Star & Garter was founded in 1916 to care for the severely injured young men returning from the battlegrounds of the First World War. Today, we provide an outstanding range of quality care and therapies to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.

We are a vibrant charity and regulated care provider. We operate three high quality Homes in Solihull, Surbiton & High Wycombe, where we deliver specialist nursing care and award-winning dementia care, together with a varied and engaging programme of activities, which enable residents to remain independent and enjoy life to the full. We have been at the vanguard of social care for more than a century. We are focused on meeting the needs of veterans today and of generations to come.

We are looking for a new Chair of Governors to replace our current Chair who is due to retire in winter 2025. Our Board of Governors (trustees) is critical to the overall operation of the charity providing oversight, governance and leadership in the pursuit of strategies to fulfil our charitable purposes.

The Board and Executive are all passionate about the charity and committed to creating a positive future. Our new Chair will lead the charity into the next phase as we expand and diversify our services. For the right person this is an immensely rewarding opportunity offering an intellectually stimulating, strategic voluntary role.

More information can be found on our website.

Royal Star & Garter is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity, and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person that they are.  We warmly encourage applications from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including those with lived experience of working in or around the armed forces.

Role - Trustee (unremunerated)

Location - Hexham, Northumberland

Closing Date - 9am Monday 30 September 2024

Are you passionate about making a difference in an organisation that supports people with life-limiting illnesses and people who are experiencing bereavement? If this sounds like you, then we would be very interested to hear from you.

Tynedale Hospice at Home is a Northumberland-based charity providing nursing care in the home, Hospital Transport and Family Support Services to people living in the areas of West Northumberland, Tynedale and Ponteland.  We serve a community of around 70,000 people across 800 square miles of rural Northumberland. We are looking for Trustees to support and enhance the skill set of our current Board of Trustees and help drive our strategy forward. 

We are inviting applications from those with a professional background but would also warmly welcome applications from those offering other skills and experience and for whom this would be their first board role.  We are keen to welcome applications from all ages who can offer us something different to maintain board diversity as well as having a strong belief in the mission and vision of Tynedale Hospice at Home.  

We are looking for people who are able to bring different lived experiences, knowledge and ideas, who can work constructively and enthusiastically to help us navigate the changing and challenging external environment we find ourselves operating in.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please see the information pack for details of the role and how to apply.

We are specifically looking for individuals with a specialism in animal welfare, for example, those with experience in, animal rescue, animal care, the veterinary industry, veterinary nursing, or as an animal behaviourist.

Using this expertise as well as other skills, as a Branch Trustee, you will influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a  committee meeting every other month lasting 2 hours either in person or virtually (can alternate). However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Animal Welfare Lead 

•  Act as branch specialist to compliance animal welfare across the branch. 
•  Act as lead of animal welfare for the branch dealing with enquiries mail/phone.
•  Creation and maintenance of any branch specific animal welfare standards.
•  Ensure branch trustees are kept informed of any events of note, including requests for extraordinary expenditure or decisions as and when they happen.
• Lead and organise animal welfare branch sub-committee.
•  Provide written animal welfare report for every branch meeting.
• Maintain control of all veterinary and other animal services provided to the branch.
•  Maintain control of animal welfare vouchering schemes.
•  Creation and contribution to the animal welfare promotional materials.
•  Act as second reviewer for adoptors and fosterers.
•  Act as main contact for RSPCA Inspectors, vets, boarding facilities.
•  Creation and contributor to branch communications.
•  Compliance with Data Protection Act 2018.
•  Submission of the RSPCA Reports as required.

 What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives, shares our passion for and knowledge of animal welfare, and who can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Animal Welfare Lead

•   We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
•  The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
•  A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Marie Curie Companion is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Companion Volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support. Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, eg family home, a care home or in the community.

• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. 

For example: offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. Allowing carers to have a short break. You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or during bereavement.  This may involve offering emotional support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out information as requested (This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 

• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 

• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support

• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 

• Represent the Marie Curie Companion service positively to those using the service

ABOUT US

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

An exciting opportunity to volunteer flexibly from home for Shout - a 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. We are looking for empathetic volunteers to join our amazing online community. 

You’ll benefit from:
∙ Vocational development: develop digital mental health skills and experience recognised by universities and colleges and relevant to many professions
∙ Personal development: learn communication, active listening, problem solving skills and crisis management skills
∙ Supporting people who are struggling to cope: help those who have no-one
else to talk to and who really need ‘in the moment’ support
∙ Being part of a pioneering global community: connect with both UK and New Zealand volunteers via a digital hub

Abbeyfield Ewell Society have provided housing for elderly people in Ewell for over 60 years.

We have a supported sheltered hous in West Ewell, the day to day operations are run by our dedicated team but we are looking to expand our team of Trustees and volunteers to ensure we can support our team and our residents.

If you would be interested in helping us move forward with please get in touch

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Marie Curie Companion Service is a professional service provided by trained volunteers who offer one-to-one companionship and support to people with a terminal illness and their families. The service would not be able to reach those most in need if it was not for the commitment and hard work of the volunteers delivering the service.

Companion volunteers provide companionship and emotional support, practical support, short breaks for carers and help with signposting for information and support.  These sessions can take place both in person and over the phone.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING.

Your role will include some of, but not be restricted to, the following tasks:

• Carry out weekly visits with the person(s) you’re supporting, as agreed with the Volunteer Co-ordinator. This could be in a variety of settings, e.g. family home, a care home or in the community.
• Provide one-to-one companionship and support. For example: 
• Offering a listening ear and spending time engaging in every-day conversation, activities or hobbies with the person you are supporting. 
• Driving clients to pre-arranged health or social care (e.g. to medical appointments) or taking short trips out. 
• Helping with small, daily tasks, e.g. making tea or accessing the internet. 
• Allowing carers to have a short break. 
• You may be supporting your client’s family or carers before or 

during bereavement.  This may involve offering emotional 

support, signposting to relevant local support services or finding out 

information as requested 

(This is only an outline as support will vary according to individual needs. Companion 

volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, or offer counselling or advice)

• Keep your manager informed of any changes to the situation, or any significant happenings in connection to the person you’re supporting and/or their family, either in person or by phone 
• Submit regular visit reports to your manager and update relevant computer systems as required 
• Be reliable and committed to regularly spending time with someone and offering support
• Attend individual sessions with your Volunteer Co-ordinator, training and group events as required 
• Represent the Marie Curie Helper service positively to those using the service

THE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED.

• Commitment and reliability - able to keep appointments and volunteer for about 3 hours a week 
• Patience, empathy and emotional stability 
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality 
• Respect for an individual’s privacy, dignity and independence
• Willing to be flexible to the needs of the individual
• Ability to operate within the boundaries of the role 
• A friendly and sensitive approach with strong skills around building rapport and empathy
• Excellent listening skills and an ability to build a rapport with others 
• Respect for individuals, regardless of their disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM THIS OPPORTUNITY.

• An excellent opportunity to build on your skills in a charity environment
• An induction, training, support and supervision in your role
• Agreed reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

WHAT WE ASK OF YOU.

• To provide two references from non-family members and other relevant documents related to the role
• To keep to all the charity’s policies and guidelines 
• To complete an induction and any training related to the role
• Complete mandatory training and role related renewals, as requested

Marie Curie is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of patients and their families and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Marie Curie will treat all volunteers fairly and with respect.  We will not discriminate on the basis of disability, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sex (i.e. gender), sexual orientation, religion or faith, or gender reassignment.  We will not discriminate on the basis of age, unless the responsibilities of a role require us to do so in order to safeguard our volunteers and/or service users.

ABOUT US

Every day of your life matters – from the first to the last. When you volunteer for Marie Curie, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of more than 4,400 staff and  6,500 volunteers, here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support, to help them get the most from the time they have left. 

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

Marie Curie is committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Introduction

Thank you so much for your interest in becoming a Non-Executive Director for Elizabeth Finn Homes. The company is at an incredibly exciting moment in our journey to become the UK’s most loved care homes – filling later life and care careers with joy, community and kindness. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise to a leading provider of high quality care for the elderly, while supporting a vital mission to combat poverty across the UK.

Elizabeth Finn Homes is not just a care provider that fills later life with joy, community and kindness. Our mission extends far beyond the grounds of our homes. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Turn2us, a national charity building financial security for some of the most vulnerable in the UK, Elizabeth Finn Homes plays a crucial role in this cause. The profits and rental income generated by our homes go straight to Turn2us so that it can offer direct financial support, high quality information and strengthen communities.

We are looking for two experienced and enterprising Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to join our Board of Directors who have a passion for elderly care and a commitment to social impact. You could bring your expertise in clinical excellence, strategic insight, financial strategy and performance and be instrumental in our growth, development and maximising our contribution to Turn2us. Our new NEDs will play a pivotal role in guiding the company's strategic direction, ensuring robust governance, and upholding the values and standards that are integral to our operations.

In particular, we are seeking a clinical candidate and a finance candidate who may each enhance our Board’s experience and expertise in order to support our clinical governance and dementia strategy, and our financial oversight and business growth. We are looking for people who would join our clinical governance subcommittee and chair our finance subcommittee of the board.

Equity, inclusion and diversity are critical to our ability to deliver excellence. We need our board to be diverse, inclusive and to reflect our communities of staff, residents and their families. If you’d like to be part of a team determined to do our very best for our residents, staff, and in the fight against poverty, we’d be thrilled to hear from you.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to join Elizabeth Finn Homes. Together we can build a brighter future for all of us.

Warm regards

Thomas Lawson, Chair

Company Overview:

Our Vision at Elizabeth Finn Homes is to be the UK’s most loved care homes, filling later life with joy, community and kindness. Our Purpose is to create loving homes where people in later life and those who care for them can flourish, working together for a fairer society. We are an optimistic, future facing company, excited about our next chapter where we can continue to build our services, lead innovation in the care sector and ensure our homes are inclusive places to live and work. We have recently finalised an ambitious new five-year strategy which sets out our plan to work even more closely with our charity owner Turn2us, and become a highly profitable values-led care home business with social purpose at its heart.

Our Homes

We run eight high-quality residential and nursing care homes across England – including homes in Devon, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Suffolk and Worcestershire. We are proud that 100% of our homes are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC, and our group holds a 9.8 average customer review rating on carehome. co . uk . With a commitment to excellence in care, we aim to provide a supportive, nurturing environment where residents can enjoy the highest standard of living. Our homes offer a range of services tailored to meet individual needs, delivered by dedicated and compassionate professionals.

Our People

Our c700 staff based across England are led by an experienced and talented senior leadership team and work within a company that has a reputation for excellence and great working conditions. Our regular staff surveys report high levels of employee satisfaction, as does our rising Glassdoor rating of 4.2/5.

Our Values

In early 2024 we launched our new values, co-produced with our staff and residents.

Bring love. We’re always here for each other, giving and receiving meaning through warmth, kindness and compassion, treating everybody with loving care and keeping everyone’s happiness close to heart.

Welcome all. We all have something valuable to offer, so we celebrate differences and encourage individuality, in a place of community, support and respect, where everyone feels they truly belong.

Inspire more. We’re motivated by an ambitious determination to achieve more every day, creating inclusive places to live and work, spurred on by an infectious energy to help everybody feel more joy and live better – You’re our inspiration.

Act with purpose.  We take responsibility and do exceptional work for the most important of reasons – enriching the wellbeing of everyone we care for and giving back to the society we all share – You matter.

Our Guiding Principles

Our guiding principles provide a lens through which we make our decisions and deliver our objectives. These echo and build on the guiding principles of our charity owner, Turn2us. They are:

· EDIB: we champion equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

· Human rights: we uphold human rights.

· Net Zero: we are environmentally conscious and ambition in our decisions.

· Celebrating Age: we celebrate age all ages and stages of life.

· Turn2us: we amplify and uphold the work and values of Turn2us.

Our unique charity ownership model

Elizabeth Finn Homes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Turn2us, a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially. Each year, we support the charity with 100% of our profits, as well as paying rent to deliver care in their beautiful properties.

The Turn2us story began in 1897, when Elizabeth Finn set out to help people struggling to make ends meet. 125 years later, the charity still works with and for people experiencing financial insecurity by offering high quality information and support, strengthening communities through place-based programmes and helping to build a fair economy through systems change.

Over the last ten years, Elizabeth Finn Homes has returned rent and annual profits totalling an average of £4million each year to the charity, underpinning its vital work supporting struggling families across the UK. We’re proud that although we are run on a commercial basis, at Elizabeth Finn Homes, business success translates directly into social good.

Job Description: Non-Executive Director (NED) - Elizabeth Finn Homes

Position: Non-Executive Director (NED)
Company: Elizabeth Finn Homes
Location: Hybrid: We hold meetings at our eight homes across London, at our Central London offices, and virtually
Type: Voluntary, part-time – approximately eight days per year.
Remuneration: This is an unremunerated voluntary role. All reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Provide independent oversight and contribute to the development of the company’s long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with its purpose, values, and business objectives.
• Governance: Uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, integrity and ethics, including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the highest standards of safeguarding practice and oversight, and effective risk management.
• Performance Monitoring: Oversee the performance of the executive management team, offering support and constructive challenge to ensure the company meets its strategic goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as an ambassador for Elizabeth Finn Homes and Turn2us, engaging with key stakeholders including residents, families, regulators, and partners to promote the organisation’s vision and reputation.
• Financial Stewardship: Contribute to financial oversight, ensuring that the company’s financial resources are managed effectively and sustainably.
• Quality Assurance: Champion high standards of care and ensure continuous improvement in the quality of services provided across all homes.
• Ethical Leadership: Uphold and promote the company’s commitment to our values and guiding principles alongside ethical practices, inclusivity, and resident-focused care.

Required Skills and Experience

• Board-Level Experience: Previous experience as a Non-Executive Director or similar senior leadership role, preferably within the commercial healthcare, social care, or not-for-profit sectors.
• Strategic Insight: Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development and implementation of organisational strategies.
• Governance Expertise: Strong understanding of corporate governance principles and practices, with experience in risk management, compliance, and financial oversight.
• Sector Knowledge: Deep understanding of the commercial health and social care sector, including current trends, challenges, and regulatory environment.
• Leadership: Proven ability to influence and provide constructive challenge and support to senior executives, combined with a collaborative approach to decision-making.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Commitment to Values: Alignment with the purpose, vision and values of Elizabeth Finn Homes, with a genuine passion for improving the quality of life for residents.
• Professional Expertise: Relevant clinical, care or financial qualifications or experience.

Key Competencies:

• Compassion and emotional intelligence
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Financial management
• Regulatory compliance
• Quality assurance and improvement
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building
• Professional and personal integrity and a deep commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Time Commitment

The role requires a commitment of 0.5-1 days per month, including attendance at board meetings, sub-committee meetings, and occasional visits to care homes.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining Elizabeth Finn Homes as a Non-Executive Director.

Deadline for applications: 4pm on the 17th September 2024

First interview dates (virtual): 25th September, 30th September, 2nd October

Second interview date (in person, London): 7th October

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role and responsibilities of a Non-Executive Director at Elizabeth Finn Homes. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change as the company continues to evolve and grow.

One in two people will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. We have made it our mission to make a difference in the way that their treatment is delivered; giving the gift of time back to patients so they can spend it however they choose. Our mobile cancer care units help patients to fit their treatment into their lives, not the other way around.

We bring our fleet of mobile cancer care units into the heart of communities, and by working closely with NHS Trusts throughout the country, we work together to help as many people as possible.

As a Community Champion, you will be representing Hope for Tomorrow through a range of activities within your local community.  These activities could comprise of attending local events on our behalf or creating your own fundraising event for others.  You may also set up your own group of volunteers once you have had volunteer training. 

What does the role involve?

• Meeting and talking to new people, groups and businesses and public speaking
• Accepting cheques on our behalf and banking them
• Distributing posters/information
• Identifying, placing and emptying collection tubs, counting the funds and banking them
• Identifying new locations for our clothes banks
• Manning stands at community events in aid of Hope for Tomorrow and selling merchandise etc

What skills or experience are required?

• Energetic and proactive personality
• Willingness to talk to people about Hope for Tomorrow
• Good communication and organisational skills
• Team working when working with a local fundraising group or others

What will I get out of it?

• Support us to keep the wheels turning on our mobile cancer care units to allow patients to be treated closer to home
• An opportunity to build experience for your CV
• An opportunity to meet local people in your area and build new, lasting relationships
• The knowledge that you have helped others at a time when they need support. 

What support or training will I get?

• Briefing on Hope for Tomorrow, what we do and how we do it
• Regular and ongoing support from a designated volunteer coordinator
• On-going support and guidance throughout your time as a volunteer

We are open to developing the skills of our volunteers, so if there is a specific skill you’d like to learn or grow, please inform your designated volunteer coordinator.

BRANCH TRUSTEE – MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. 

With your expertise and support we will achieve so much! 

We need volunteers who have expertise in Marketing and Social Media to help us maximise our revenue and increase engagement.

You will get new skills and experience whilst enabling us to help more animals. 

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in marketing and social media, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our RSPCA Preston & District Branch and support us in boosting our campaigns online. 

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a bi-monthly committee meeting lasting around 2 to 3 hours (virtual meetings are an option). However, the commitment may vary depending on your availability,  and if  you decide to take on additional duties.

Trustee do not need to live within the branch boundaries but occasional travel to Branch sites may be required from time to time.

About the National RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local Branches which are run by staff and volunteers, supported by the RSPCA National Society.

Preston & District Branch has been affiliated with the National RSPCA for 150 years!

A separately registered charity looking after animals in the local area and engaging with the local community. 

Our mission is to seek out safe homes for abandoned, neglected or abused animals who are  nursed back to health, rehabilitated and found forever loving homes.

Preston & District Branch is part of a network of 140  branches, and 1 of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre. 

The rehoming centre is within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6). 

RSPCA Preston & District Branch is a well established Branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations and raises all its funds locally through supporters and other income streams.

To continue helping animals in need the Branch also operates 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham (within our specified branch area) which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open. 

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Marketing and Social Media

• Take the lead in assisting the Branch to generate and develop social media strategies to maximise the promotion of animal welfare, rehoming campaigns, fundraising opportunities, and engagement with local supporters.
• Support the Branch in using social media effectively and working within the social media strategy. 
• Support the Branch in ensuring any social media or marketing content is in line with RSPCA brand guidelines. 
• Responsible for feeding back key insights and performance markers to the rest of the committee at board meetings. 
• Support the Branch in promoting animal welfare campaigns and events using various digital media platforms.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA. 
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas- finance, legal, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation. These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.
• We are looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the board and to help put those ideas into action. 
• We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.
• Ultimately we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. 
• You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

The National Migraine Centre is the UK’s only charity providing diagnosis and treatment for
the one in seven people who are affected by migraine. Over more than four decades, our
world-class consultant neurologists and GP headache specialists have helped more than
67,000 people to access effective treatment. Our dedicated team also leads patient
education projects, including the award-winning Heads Up podcast, alongside professional
training for clinicians and research into new treatments.

Our trustees are volunteer board members, who guarantee good governance, set
strategy, provide advice and ensure our work continues to advance charitable objectives.

Perhaps you have lived experience, or maybe you just want to support a small charity with a big impact. 

We're not only looking for those with these particular skills, but we would love to hear from you if you can bring experience in one of the following areas...

Third sector leadership We're interested in those with leadership experience in the charity or social enterprise sectors. 

Clinical We're looking for practising clinicians, perhaps those working in primary care. We're also hoping to appoint headache specialists too. 

NHS leadership Someone with a strategic awareness of NHS plans, processes and structures.

Finance Those with relevant financial management experience.

Digital healthcare Since we now deliver services almost exclusively online, we'd love to hear from you if you could help us navigate developments in health tech.