Operations volunteer roles

BABY BASICS NORTHAMPTON

Trustee Recruitment 

Volunteer role 

An exciting opportunity to volunteer your skills to support a much-needed local charity working across Northamptonshire. 

Baby Basics Northampton is a registered charity that provides moses basket starter packs to parents with new babies in Northamptonshire, via referrals from healthcare professionals and local agencies. 

The charity is in its 12th year, and ready to grow in line with community demand for our vital service.  We are recruiting new Trustees, to join the Board to ensure this much-loved local charity thrives as it increases both its reach and impact.

If you believe you could make a difference, we’d really like to hear from you.

Areas of special interest to us include experience of: 

Health/NHS Sector

Fundraising

Marketing & Communications

Charity board experience is desirable but not as important as a desire to make a positive contribution to the wider community.

Trustees are expected to attend monthly meetings, preferably in person, and a full induction will be provided.  In addition to board meetings, we encourage Trustees to visit and occasionally support the small staff team at the Baby Basics Northamptonshire office.

Please send your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant skills, experience and interest in joining the Board of Trustees.

If you are interested in applying but would like to have an informal conversation to find out a little more, we are very happy to facilitate that. 

Thank you for your interest. 

Join Elleray Community Association as Chair and lead an exciting new chapter as we move into a new purpose-built centre in Teddington. Help shape strategy, support staff and volunteers, and expand our valued services for older adults and the wider community. We are seeking an inclusive leader with strategic vision, governance experience, and a passion for local impact.

Chair Role Description

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that ECA achieves its mission.

• Work in partnership with the Centre Manager and team to achieve ECA’s mission.

• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.

• Optimise the relationship between the board and ECA’s staff and volunteers.

• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.

• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for ECA.  

What we are looking for  

• Ideally previous experience of being a trustee. 

• A keen sense of strategic purpose.

• Governance and committee experience in a charity or business setting.

• Strong in execution and managing transformation projects, including leading the charity in the new ECA building setting. 

• Experience in stakeholder engagement and ability to constructively negotiate and collaborate with various institutions, entities, and personnel.

• Affinity with and commitment to the local SW London and Teddington area.

• Business experience and awareness across finance, risk, IT, and people management, would be desirable.

• An inclusive leadership style, able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing. 

• The ability to listen and engage effectively, comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment. 

• In advocation, be able and willing to champion ECA’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

• Be available, responsive and flexible to advise, support or give consent to, as needed.   

Terms of office  

• Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.  

Time commitment 

• Attending [6] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are generally held in person at the ECA building.

• Periodic meetings with the Centre Manager and management team, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad-hoc issues.

• Other meetings, including on potential strategy and other charity-related issues. 

The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) is about making everyday things in life more affordable for people in low income households. We do this through a membership scheme that offers regular provisions such as food and toiletries.

People apply for membership through our community hubs. Hubs are projects that are already doing great work in the community throughout the Northeast. TBBT requires volunteers at our warehouse in Chilton to collect food from our suppliers.

We get food from industry surpluses that might otherwise become waste and we use it to put food in the homes of people in need. Every day we collect food or have it delivered into our warehouse at Chilton.

What we do really makes a difference to thousands of families, but we couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers. 

If you are keen to work with great people whose common goal is to help support local communities, then we would love to welcome you into our team of volunteers.

You’d need to be over 25 with a full, clean UK driving licence, with various shifts Monday to Friday starting from 7am.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Chilton, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

About Us:

The Orpheus Centre is a specialist further education college and charity working to support young disabled adults, who are passionate about the arts, to achieve their potential and lead independent lives.

Set up by musician and songwriter Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus offers learning, supported housing and personal care on the same site in Godstone, Surrey.

Volunteer Role:

Collection Box Coordinator – 2 hours a week

Why volunteer:

Through volunteering with us you will gain a greater sense of purpose and help with fundraising for Orpheus. You will coordinate the regular collection and replacement of Orpheus donation boxes within the local area and liaise with other volunteers to inform them which boxes need collecting. You will also need to maintain our database, inputting current and new locations, reporting stolen or broken boxes, researching new locations to distribute boxes and inform the Community Fundraiser.

This role would suite someone who is self-motivated, have a confident manner and experience of dealing with the public face-to-face. Experience using excel spreadsheets or databases would be beneficial, however we can provide training if necessary. You’ll need to be reliable, an excellent communicator, have a friendly and enthusiastic personality and committed to helping. Being a car driver will help you within this role.

You will have a mentor who will help and guide you when you first start volunteering at Orpheus.

Training:

Role relevant training, including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Safeguarding will be given prior to start date. There is also the opportunity to attend our Learning Support training.

On-going support will be available throughout your time at Orpheus.

Benefits/What you’ll get:

• Experience of volunteering in an education setting.
• Working within a team as well as independently.
• The opportunity to meet new people and having fun.
• Develop confidence, empathy, listening and communication skills through working with our students.
• Gain experience in the charity sector.
• Opportunities to volunteer at other fundraising or on site events at Orpheus.
• Free on-site parking and expenses claimed back.
• Discounted lunches.
• Volunteer social events, like our Volunteer Tea Party.

Safeguarding:

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all service users. We are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities.

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  It is therefore subject to an Enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).

Equality & Diversity:

• To enforce the zero tolerance policy of all forms of victimisation, discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
• To be tolerant of differences and use respectful language.
• Ensure professional standards and boundaries are clear.
• To treat everyone respectfully.

Application Process:

Once your application has been received it will be reviewed, you may then be invited in for an informal interview.

Your references will be checked and you will need to complete the online DBS application before bringing the relevant documents in to be checked.

You will then need to attend all of our training. This can all take 3-4 weeks to be completed before you start volunteering with us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We are currently looking for volunteers to help us in our Trafford warehouse. The warehouse is where the food arrives, and is sorted before it arrives at the hub. It is a busy environment, and you’d be working alongside the TBBT team. To volunteer for the warehouse, you would need to be 18 years old or older.

Volunteering at the warehouse would include:

• Packing bags for the hubs.
• Organising stock, and ensuring food is stored correctly and at the right temperature.
• Keeping the warehouse tidy, and helping with recycling.
• Helping to load the vans.

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. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

The Children's Book Project is a national charity on a mission to tackle book poverty. We passionately believe that every child should have the opportunity to own a book and have, in the last year, celebrated gifting our 1 millionth book! We are looking for some wonderful volunteers to help us in managing book sorting and packing with a range of amazing corporate volunteers at our three HQs in Birmingham, Leeds and London.

We gift beautiful pre-loved and new books to schools and we gift within prison settings in order to reach children who may not otherwise have access to book ownership.

We are looking for volunteers in Birmingham, Leeds and London able to help us in the running of our book sorting days at each of our three HQs.  Ideally you will be able to commit to 2-3 days per half term.  (We work term-times only).  Our hours are 10am - 2:30pm.

We work with a range of amazing corporate volunteer teams who come to organise, sort and then pack our books in preparation for delivery. These corporate days are always full of energy and fun and we are looking for energetic and passionate people to support these events as Volunteer Coordinators - helping to make sure that there is a warm welcome, a clear plan for the day and that our one-off visitors can contribute productively.

What is required:

• On average, a commitment to 2 days per half term 
• Flexibility to travel to your local HQ for sorting and corporate volunteering days
• A can-do attitude and enjoyment of working as part of a team.

In return, you’ll get to be part of an extraordinary family of volunteers as we make a real and lasting difference to young lives – there is almost an immeasurable benefit to empowering a child to read for pleasure and we believe that no child should be denied access to a book through poverty. We would love your support!

Thackray Museum of Medicine is the UK’s largest independent medical museum. We inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare of the past, present and future. Through play, creativity and experiences we celebrate our health heroes and inspire the next generation of big thinkers.

Thackray Museum of Medicine is looking for a new Board Chair to lead our dedicated and skilled Board of Trustees. Alongside the typical qualities expected for the role, the following areas of expertise are sought in particular: charity governance and experience leading a Board. 

The new Chair will:

• Ensure the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration and  approval of the strategy proposed by the CEO in support of Thackray Museum of Medicine’s mission and values.
• Ensure, with Trustees, Thackray Museum of Medicine operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil  its objectives.
• Ensure high standards of governance and risk management.

Job title: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Term of office: 3 years minimum, up to a maximum of 6.

Remuneration: Unremunerated. Out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of  duties may be claimed.

Time commitment: 3-4 days per month.

Location: Within travelling distance of Leeds 

How to apply:

If you would like to receive an Information Pack on how to apply, please send a CV in confidence to Nick Shanks via the apply now button. 

Closing date for applications: Sunday 10th August 2025

Both Thackray Museum of Medicine and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) is about making everyday things in life more affordable for people in low income households. We do this through a membership scheme that offers regular provisions such as food and toiletries.

People apply for membership through our community hubs. Hubs are projects that are already doing great work in the community throughout Stoke and the midlands. TBBT requires volunteers at our warehouse in Stoke to collect food from our suppliers.

We get food from industry surpluses that might otherwise become waste and we use it to put food in the homes of people in need. Every day we collect food or have it delivered into our warehouse at Stoke.

What we do really makes a difference to thousands of families, but we couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers. 

If you are keen to work with great people whose common goal is to help support local communities, then we would love to welcome you into our team of volunteers.

You’d need to be over 25 with a full, clean UK driving licence, with various shifts Monday to Friday starting from 7am.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Stoke, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Enriching lives and creating bright futures for all, Derby College Group is looking for a Chair of Finance & Resources and a new Governor with audit expertise to help push forward this critical agenda.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 1st September 2025

Location: Derby

Time commitment: 5 board meetings per year

About Derby College Group

Derby College Group (DCG) is the 18th largest college in the country, supporting 54% of learners in Derby City and its surrounding area. The vision of Derby College Group (DCG) is to create world-class, accessible education opportunities that enrich lives and make bright futures a reality for all. DCG is committed to providing educational excellence, championing social mobility and driving economic prosperity.

DCG delivers high-quality academic, vocational and technical education that empowers people to achieve their ambitions while providing employers across the Midlands and beyond with the talented workforce of tomorrow.

Through a dynamic and responsive curriculum, it predicts and serves the needs of its business and civic communities. Students of all ages and backgrounds are prepared for positive destinations in the next stage of their lives, whether that be further study, the world of work, entrepreneurship or independent living. They leave DCG ready to contribute to society as responsible citizens.

The Group’s portfolio of educational programmes and skills solutions is underpinned by thriving partnerships with employers, shaped by comprehensive market intelligence and informed by liaison with key stakeholders such as the East Midlands Combined Authority.

A truly diverse organisation, the Group comprises four Colleges – the Roundhouse, the Joseph Wright Centre, Broomfield Hall, and the Community College, Ilkeston. Every year it caters for thousands of learners spanning post-16 students pursuing academic and technical pathways, apprentices at all levels, higher education students, and adults seeking career progression, upskilling and reskilling.

About the roles

Being a Governor in the FE sector is like no other voluntary role.  At Derby College Group, you will be a member of the Board of Corporation led by our Chair, Andrew Cochrane, contributing to the overall responsibilities of the Board, which include:

• The preservation and development of the educational character and mission of the Group and oversight of its activities:
• Setting and communicating the Group’s strategy and goals.
• Exercising effective control to ensure that funds and assets are protected, the organisation remains solvent and legal obligations are met.
• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance and quality of the college and for the performance of staff.

The DCG Corporation structure consists of five Board meetings per year with all Governors attending and a number of specific committees, including Curriculum Performance, Audit, Finance & Resources and Strategy & Curriculum Planning, feeding into the main Board.

Who we are looking for

Chair of Finance & Resources Committee

We welcome applications from qualified financial leaders, someone who understands technical accounting, and has the ability to monitor financial performance to ensure financial stability. Candidates may have gained their professional experience from a range of settings, including education, the public sector, charities, and other corporate entities.

Given the committee leadership nature of this role, we anticipate that candidates will have previous experience sitting on or reporting to a Board, which will provide them with the skills and understanding of the expectations, processes, and procedures that come with leading a committee.

You will attend all board meetings and lead the Finance & Resources Committee that meets five times over the academic year, along with building a trusted professional relationship with our Chief Financial Officer, Jo Clifford.

Governor – Audit

As a member of the Corporation and Audit Committee, you will attend all Board meetings as well as the Audit Committee meetings.

For this role, we are seeking someone ideally with a regulatory background, an active interest in further education, and someone with strategic awareness experience and understanding, as well as critical reasoning skills and the ability to engage in board-level discussions and decision-making.

Most importantly, you will be passionate about the power of education at all stages in life and will have an understanding of the area, both the City of Derby and the wider East Midlands.

You will also be a team player and a critical thinker, using these skills to work closely with other Governors to continue to drive forward the success of the College for students and the City of Derby.

Peridot Partners and Derby College Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ 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. Monday 1st September 2025.

About the Role

As an Ecommerce Cleaner Volunteer, you’ll play a key part in helping us maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for our team. Your contribution will help ensure our ecommerce operations run smoothly and our donated goods are processed in a hygienic and organised space.

Duties and Responsibilities

Your typical tasks may include:

• Dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping floors and surfaces
• Cleaning windows and mirrors
• Wiping down counters, shelves, and loose furniture
• Scrubbing and sanitising toilets, sinks, and kitchen areas
• Emptying bins and disposing of rubbish appropriately
• Keeping supply cupboards clean and tidy
• Following health and safety guidelines and Scope’s internal policies

You’ll be supported by our friendly team and given all the tools and guidance you need to succeed in the role.

What We’re Looking For

• A friendly and reliable attitude
• An eye for detail and cleanliness
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Willingness to follow hygiene and safety procedures

No previous experience is required—just your time, enthusiasm, and a commitment to helping Scope make a difference.

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Be part of a positive and welcoming team
• Gain valuable experience and transferable skills
• Help raise funds to support disabled people and their families
• Flexible shifts to fit around your availability

Welcome to Unlock YOUR Potential, a bold new start-up charity on a mission to transform lives and empower individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. As we prepare for our official charity registration, we are laying the groundwork for a movement that will redefine opportunity, inclusion, and personal growth.

About Us

We are a not-for-profit organisation committed to delivering holistic programmes that foster employment, education, life skills, mentoring, and personal development. With the new government's emphasis on getting people back into work and training, this is a pivotal moment to launch a charity that can truly make a difference.

Our Vision

A world where every individual—regardless of background—can unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Our Mission

To empower, inspire, and support those facing barriers through tailored programmes that build skills, confidence, and networks for success.

Our Values

• Passion: Deep care for the communities we serve.

• Results: Driven by the tangible achievements of our beneficiaries.

• Innovation: Always seeking new ways to enhance impact.

• Collaboration: Inclusive partnerships that amplify change.

• Integrity: Professional, ethical, and transparent operations.

The Role: Chief Executive Officer - VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are seeking a visionary, strategic, and purpose-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead Unlock YOUR Potential through its foundational phase and into a future of transformative impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and drive the charity’s vision, mission, and long-term strategy.

• Operational Oversight: Establish core systems, governance structures, and operational frameworks.

• Team Building: Recruit, inspire, and lead a passionate team of volunteers and future staff.

• Partnership Development: Forge relationships with funders, community leaders, and stakeholders.

• Programme Design: Oversee the development of impactful programmes aligned with our values.

• Fundraising & Sustainability: Lead fundraising efforts, grant applications, and income generation strategies.

• Public Representation: Act as the face of the charity, championing our cause across media, events, and networks.

• Charity Registration & Compliance: Guide the organisation through its registration and ensure ongoing legal and ethical compliance.

Ideal Candidate

• Proven leadership experience ideally in the charity, social enterprise, or start-up sector but not essential.

• Strategic thinker with a passion for social mobility and systemic change.

• Skilled communicator and relationship builder.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a commitment to innovation and impact.

• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building from the ground up.

Why Volunteer as CEO?

This is a rare opportunity to shape a charity from its inception, embedding your vision and values into its DNA. You’ll gain unparalleled experience in charity leadership, governance, and social innovation—while making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Join Us

If you believe in breaking barriers and unlocking potential, we invite you to lead this movement.

Together, we can build a future where opportunity is not a privilege, but a right.

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Trustees -  Development or Commercial Expertise

Location: Hampshire (Winchester and Eastleigh) - Board meetings held onsite, Committee meetings held remotely
Role: Voluntary (travel expenses paid)
Reports to: Chair of Board of Trustees

Wonderseekers is currently recruiting two new trustees to join our Board - one with expertise in development and strategic growth, and another with a strong commercial background. These new positions have been created in response to the charity’s growth and the evolving needs of our governance structure, ensuring we have the right skills and perspectives to deliver our ambitious strategy and deepen our impact for children and the planet.

About Wonderseekers

Wonderseekers exists to create a more equitable world where all children can treasure science and are equipped and empowered to improve lives and protect and heal our planet. Our strategy, For People and Planet 2030, sets out a clear vision for the outcomes we aim to influence for children and nature.

We value diversity on our Board of Trustees and the unique contributions each trustee brings through their lived, loved, laboured and learned experiences. We aim to reflect the communities we serve across all levels of the organisation.

The Role of a Trustee

As a trustee, you will help shape our strategic direction, oversee the financial sustainability of our charity, influence future projects, and support good risk management. You will work closely with fellow trustees and the Executive Team to ensure Wonderseekers delivers on its mission, always aligned with Our Promise to Children and our regulatory obligations.

General Responsibilities (All Trustees)

• Engage effectively and constructively in Board and Committee discussions
• Develop strong working relationships with fellow trustees and the executive team
• Understand the voluntary sector and the legal responsibilities of a trustee
• Think creatively and innovatively
• Commit time to meetings, preparation, and informal engagement
• Analyse proposals and assess their impact on our mission
• Be passionate about using science to inspire children to live healthier, more sustainable lives

Role 1: Trustee – Development and Strategic Growth

We are seeking a trustee with experience in strategic development, income generation, and fundraising - ideally within the charity sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic oversight of Wonderseekers' forward plans, major initiatives, and campaigns
• Guide the Board on building external relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders
• Support the Development Team in evolving fundraising strategies (individual giving, grants, trusts, corporate partnerships)
• Shape strategies for income generation, sponsorship, and donor stewardship
• Contribute to public relations, communications, and marketing
• Champion Wonderseekers’ mission and connect new supporters with our vision
• Serve and Chair the Fundraising Committee

Role 2: Trustee - Commercial Strategy

We are also seeking a trustee with a strong commercial background, particularly in the visitor experience sector, with financial acumen and senior experience in either a commercial or charitable setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain strategic oversight of Wonderseekers' commercial performance, especially at our visitor centre in Winchester
• Advise the Board on commercial matters and support the COO in long-term growth planning
• Lead or support on commercial risk management
• Serve as a director and Chair of our trading subsidiary, Sparking Curiosity Limited

Trustee Requirements (All Roles)

• Commitment to the charity’s purpose, values, and objectives
• Constructive and respectful collaboration
• Responsible and reasonable conduct
• Confidentiality on sensitive matters
• Preparedness and presence at meetings
• Analytical thinking and constructive challenge
• Support for collective decisions

Trustee Arrangements

• Board size: Up to 12 trustees
• Term: Up to three terms of three years each
• Meetings: Quarterly Board meetings (in person), up to four committee meetings per year (online)
• Strategy Day: Annual planning day in September
• Time commitment: Board/committee meetings, preparation, informal engagement, and key events
• Support: Induction, ongoing training, and reasonable expenses covered

Board Diversity

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the children and communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who bring lived experience and perspectives currently underrepresented on our Board.

Vice-Chair Opportunity (Optional)

We are also looking to appoint a Vice-Chair (or two Co-Vice Chairs). If you are interested in this additional role, please indicate this in your application. A full Vice-Chair role profile is available upon request.

How to Apply

For a full role profile for each role, please visit www.wonderseekers.charity/vacancies

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to Meika Young, Executive Assistant, (see website for email address). We are operating a rolling deadline - please apply as soon as possible.

Role Overview:

The Chair will ensure that the board functions effectively, maintains high standards of governance, and that the charity's mission and goals are achieved.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Board Leadership:

   • Lead the board in setting and implementing the charity’s culture, direction, and strategy.

   • Ensure the board operates inclusively and effectively.

   • Chair board meetings, ensuring decisions are made and actions are followed up.

2. Strategic Direction:

   • Guide the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plan.

   • Ensure the charity’s activities align with its mission and goals.

3. Oversight and Accountability:

   • Monitor the charity’s activities and ensure high standards of governance.

   • Hold staff members accountable and support their professional development.

   • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (this includes Charity Commission and companies House requirements).

4. Close Supervision:

   • Ensure that all members of staff have adequate line management and supervision (not necessarily by the Chair as this may be allocated to another trustee).

   • Act as the primary point of communication between the board and the staff.

5. Direct Involvement:

   • Take a hands-on approach to day-to-day operations, as necessary.

   • Assist in tasks typically handled by additional staff due to the charity’s limited resources.

6. Enhanced Communication:

   • Ensure clear and consistent messaging between the board and the staff member.

7. Financial Oversight:

   • Oversee the charity’s finances, possibly taking on some treasurer responsibilities (currently the board has an appointed treasurer and an honorary accountant).

   • Ensure the charity operates within its financial means.

8. Volunteer Coordination:

   • Recruit and manage volunteers to support the charity’s activities as and when appropriate..

9. Policy Development:

   • Ensure the development, implementation and review of policies to ensure effective and legal operation of the charity.

10. Annual Review:

    • Lead the board in reviewing its structure, effectiveness, delegations, and key policies annually.

Person Specification:

• Leadership Skills: Proven experience in leadership roles, preferably within the charity sector.

• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and guide the charity’s direction.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial management and oversight.

• Commitment: Dedication to the charity’s mission and values.

• IT competency: Able to use cloud-based systems (currently Google Drive)

RSPCA London South East Branch

We need volunteers who have expertise in retail operations and income generation to help us maximise the revenue generated in our charity shops. You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help more animals.

Overview of the Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in retail operations and income generation, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our Branch and support us in maximising the revenue generated from our charity shops.

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 monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

The RSPCA London South East Branch

The London South East Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation

• Assist in maximising the profitability of the Branch’s two charity shops.
• Work with the Branch to explore any potential for expanding the retail operation, this could be through e-commerce via online sales platforms such as eBay.
• Work with other trustees, the Branch health and safety provider and the Branch to ensure the charity shops meet health and safety standards.
• Explore other ways to generate income for the Branch and work closely with the Branch to put these ideas into action.

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 strategy 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.
• 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:

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.

Alongside retail operations and income generation experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and 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.

No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation

• 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 regional 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.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you view the Government Charity Trustee Guidance.

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.