Prison Volunteer Roles in Birmingham, West Midlands
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Trailblazers has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998 with ultimate aim to to reduce re-offending. We provide support to men between the age of 18 - 35 that have 6 months left of their prison sentence and through gate into their own community for a maximum of 12 months. Services are delivered in Wolverhampton in HMPYOI Brinsford, HMP Featherstone. In London HMP Brixton and HMPYOI Isis. We are looking for volunteer mentors in all priosn porjects that can spare half a day per week to support men to change their life through inspirational role models and goal setting. Mentoring sessions usually last 1 hour per week, to allow enough time for travel and liasing with Trailblazers staff this will take about half of your day. We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, under represented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men.Out of pocket expenses are covered as well as training to equip you for your role. Email us for an application form.
• To provide a positive role model for people in prison and in their own community, to be empathic and to have a desire and commitment to support people to fulfil their potential.
• To attend and participate fully in the initial and ongoing mentor training.
• To attend group support/supervision meetings and review performance within mentoring relationships.
• To complete mentoring session notes relevant to the mentoring service for monitoring purposes.
• To take part in introductory meetings with mentees and set ground rules and boundaries.
• To report safeguarding concerns immediately
• To follow relevant policies and procedures
• To perform your role in line with the aims of the organisation
• To meet with and actively develop a supportive relationship with mentees
• Be prepared to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions
• To make the necessary practical arrangements to meet the mentee on a weekly or fortnightly basis
• Assist the mentee to celebrate their achievements
• Support the mentee to meet identified goals
• Develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor
• Be committed to the project for a minimum of 18 months
• Regular communication with Trailblazers staff in support of your mentee
Skills/behaviours/knowledge required
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and challenges faced by mentees (Desirable) full training will be given
• Awareness of own professional boundaries and the ability to report any concerns within the mentoring relationship that could be pertinent to risk to the mentee, or to others
• To be an advocate for a mentee and to actively seek opportunities for mentees for resettlement back into their own community in conjunction with Trailblazers staff
• To be non-judgmental, focus on the person rather than the offense
• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills
• Awareness of adversity and how to overcome barriers to build a supportive network around the mentee
• Basic IT skills
• Be able to take advice and guidance from Trailblazers staff
Criteria
• Over 21
• We encourage applications from those with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System but you must be off licence for a minimum of 12 months, and not in crisis yourself
• You cannot apply to a project if you have been a resident in the same prison yourself
• A good level of fitness to able to move around a prison at fast past that does include stairs
• Due to security checks at the prison you must be a British citizen
• Not committed an offense where you are barred from working with vulnerable adults or children
• Live within a 30 mile radius from the prison you would like to volunteer at
Email for an application form
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Jail Time Records is a non profit record label producing the music of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated artists from prisons in Cameroon and Burkina Faso. We built the first recording studio inside an African prison in the Central Prison of Douala-Cameroon. Jail Time Records believes that art and creativity can be used as powerful instruments for change, integration and rehabilitation. Incarcerated populations are amongst the most marginalised communities worldwide, and particularly in Africa. The punitive justice system in place does little to help those incarcerated reintegrate into society, and society sees incarceration as a sign of stigma and taboo. In Cameroon's prisons rehabilitation programs are almost inexistent.
We bring cultural activities and programs to one of the most marginalised communities in Cameroon and Burkina Faso, the incarcerated population. Through music and visual arts we stimulate inmates and former inmates to engage positively, find ways to express themselves non violently, and find hope and trust in new ways of being. Through the work of the prisoners that we publish and promote, we help transform the way society sees incarceration.
GRANT WRITER
- Help identify and apply for grants and funds that will help Jail Time Records' sustainability. There is potential for this role to become a full-time paid position in the future.
- Volunteer 2-3 hours per week for 3-5 months
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Jail Time Records is a non profit record label producing the music of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated artists from prisons in Cameroon and Burkina Faso. We built the first recording studio inside an African prison in the Central Prison of Douala-Cameroon. Jail Time Records believes that art and creativity can be used as powerful instruments for change, integration and rehabilitation. Incarcerated populations are amongst the most marginalised communities worldwide, and particularly in Africa. The punitive justice system in place does little to help those incarcerated reintegrate into society, and society sees incarceration as a sign of stigma and taboo. In Cameroon's prisons rehabilitation programs are almost inexistent.
We bring cultural activities and programs to one of the most marginalised communities in Cameroon and Burkina Faso, the incarcerated population. Through music and visual arts we stimulate inmates and former inmates to engage positively, find ways to express themselves non violently, and find hope and trust in new ways of being. Through the work of the prisoners that we publish and promote, we help transform the way society sees incarceration.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
- Create visually appealing infographics, website banners and social media graphics in line with the strong visual language and identity of Jail Time Records and work on the layout of our new website.
- Volunteer 2-3 hours per week for 3-5 months.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have a new volunteer opportunity based at Coventry Probation Office supporting the Change Grow Live Dependency & Recovery team. You will be making a real difference to the lives of others and gaining experience of working with the Dependency & Recovery service and the Prison and Probation service.
We are looking for motivated people who have an understanding of the issues faced by the people we support. You'll be passionate about supporting people to change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.
As a Criminal Justice Dependency & Recovery Volunteer, you will work closely with Dependency and Recovery Coordinators to deliver a range of tailored activities to adult males who are on probation.
You will support in delivering psychosocial interventions to help the person on probation to achieve their goals around their substance misuse and offending behaviour.
As a Change Grow Live volunteer you will be part of a supportive team, you will have a dedicated member of staff to support and supervise you. All our volunteers receive comprehensive training and guidance to develop within the role.
Please note before applying
- The volunteer role is based at Coventry Probation office on either Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur (office hrs are 9 - 5pm)
- Some of the training for this role is elearning and so access to a laptop in order to complete this will be helpful
- This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level and vetting enhanced level 1 by HMPPS
- Please remember to complete the Personal Statement part of the application as this forms part of the shortlisting process
To find out more about this exciting opportunity please read the attached role description.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Alternatives to Violence Project Britain
The Alternatives to Violence Project is a network of skilled volunteers who run workshops for anyone who wants to find ways of resolving conflict without resorting to violence. We work in the community and in prisons.
What difference will you make?
The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) serves people who want to handle conflict well without using or suffering violence, whether physical or psychological. Our trained volunteer facilitators deliver intensive, low-cost, conflict-resolution skills workshops in the community, in prisons and in other settings. We reach diverse communities, attracting people from across a wide spectrum of ages, ethnic backgrounds, and socio-economic backgrounds.
What will you be doing?
The overall role of the chair is to lead the Board as it sets strategic direction and oversees the good governance of the charity. You will be responsible for ensuring that the organisation is following correct governance and meeting its charitable obligations.
This is an active role, where time will need to be invested regularly outside of meetings to support this small charity.
In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the Chair include the following:
• Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings
• Giving direction to board policy-making
• Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making
• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting
• Organise & run board and other general meetings
• Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
• Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive to achieve this
• Working closely with paid stuff to ensure charity stays on track vs it's objectives
What are we looking for?
We are looking for an individual who will be committed to AVPB cause and has the following skills:
• Leadership skills
• Experience of committee work
• Tact and diplomacy
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Impartiality, fairness and ability to resolve differences
It would be a significant advantage if you have experience of chairing a trustee board or comparable body. (e.g Chair of School Governors, Parish or Town Council Chair etc). Also advantageous would be a background in health or social care.
Where you will be working
London, N1 6HT
Mainly at home, or remote opportunity.
All our board meetings are currently held online. We can occasionally gather for an annual event.
Time
Mostly outside office hours
Estimate of time needed:
1-3 hours / week
Term
Our trustees’ roles have initial term of three years, with the possibility of renewal for further 3 years.
Remuneration
The role of the Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.
Before you apply
Please submit your CV along with a short covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills would add value to the board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Alternatives to Violence Project is a network of skilled volunteers who run workshops for anyone who wants to find ways of resolving conflict without resorting to violence. We work in the community and in prisons.
What will you be doing?
We are currently seeking an individual who will have commitment to AVPB organisation and its objectives to join us as Company Secretary.
What the Company secretary role entails:
- The company secretary’s role is generally to make sure the charity follows company law.
- Company secretary may also produce legal documents for the charity as authorised by the board.
- Company secretary will take on a number of administrative duties to support the board – one of the most important being to take minutes of board meetings. Another one is to ensure that company records with Charity Commission and Companies House are up to date and accurate.
What are we looking for?
Experience and expertise required:
· Senior leadership.
· Trustee experience or the ability to gain an understanding of the relevant charity and company regulations.
· An understanding of the charitable and voluntary sector and its governance will be an advantage.
Skills we are looking for:
· An understanding and acceptance of legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a Trustee.
· Strategic vision.
· Organised and methodical.
· An ability to think creatively with good, independent judgement.
· An ability to work effectively as a member of a team yet be willing to speak your mind.
· A commitment to abide by the code of conduct.
What difference will you make?
The Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for directing the affairs of AVP Britain, and ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and meeting the needs for which it has been set up. The Board is also responsible for the organisation’s governance, values, and overall strategy, and for meeting the organisation’s statutory obligations. The Terms of Reference of the Board of Trustees sets out its responsibilities in more detail. The trustees delegate responsibility for managing and developing the work programme, in accordance with the trustees strategy, to other national and regional committees and staff.
The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) serves people who want to handle conflict well without using or suffering violence, whether physical or psychological. Our trained volunteer facilitators deliver intensive, low-cost, conflict-resolution skills workshops in the community, in prisons and in other settings. We reach diverse communities, attracting people from across a wide spectrum of ages, ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic backgrounds.
Before you apply
Please submit your CV along with a short cover letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills would add value to the board.
Please note, whilst the role has been advertised as a Trustee position, there is also the option to join as an Officer. Please state in your covering letter if this would be of interest to you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Irish Chaplaincy is a leading social action charity, rooted in faith, providing high quality services and support to excluded, vulnerable and isolated Irish people in England and Wales. As we reach out, we hope we're contributing to a fairer, more just society, one person at a time. The Irish Chaplaincy is the oldest Irish Catholic welfare charity in Britain and our aim remains to galvanise the whole Irish community to work together to improve the lives of those most vulnerable of Irish emigrants and ensure that no member of our community is forgotten.
There are three main strands to the work we do:
Prisoners: A prison visiting, information and advocacy service for Irish prisoners in Britain and their families.
Travellers: Research, advocacy and education to improve the situation of Travellers within the criminal justice system.
Seniors: Pastoral outreach and befriending to alleviate the social exclusion and loneliness of older Irish people, and to offer a knowledgeable, compassionate and comforting presence for end-of-life issues and funeral arrangements.
To help us navigate the next stage of our charity's development, we are seeking to recruit two new trustees. We welcome applications from those with experience in our sector and beyond. In particular it would be beneficial if applicants have particular expertise in fundraising or with strong connections in the Irish community in the UK.
Please send your CV and covering letter to our Chair of Trustees by Friday 31st May 2024.
Please send your CV and covering letter for attention of Chair of Trustees, Clare Coffey by Friday 31st May 2024.
The Irish Chaplaincy is a leading social action charity, rooted in faith, providing high quality services and support to excluded Irish emigrants.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Good Vibrations is an award-winning, national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.
Our work currently involves a range of projects across the UK, including long-standing weekly music sessions at Bethlem and Lambeth hospitals, projects in around 12 prisons a year in England, and our Resonate programmes in Glasgow, Sheffield and Nottingham, which focus on those with disabilities and mental health issues in the community.
The Board of Trustees upholds the best interests of Good Vibrations, ensuring that we achieve our charitable aims whilst abiding by charity law and other relevant regulations.
Good Vibrations wishes to appoint a new Chair to our Board of Trustees who is experienced in organisational leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The Chair supports and empowers the Board and CEO to lead the charity so that we achieve our vision, mission and aims, whilst remaining sustainable and ethical.
The Board of Trustees
Good Vibrations is a registered charity in both England & Wales (1126493) and Scotland (SC048860). The charity is governed by the Board of Trustees, which currently numbers five following the standing down of some long-term members.
The Board is vital in Good Vibrations’ governance and is responsible for setting directions in strategy and maintaining oversight over all activity. Trustees also play an ambassadorial role in raising awareness of our work.
The current board includes expertise in arts and culture, legal and charitable affairs, finance and academia, helping to ensure that we extend our knowledge of the issues and challenges we face.
Good Vibrations is regularly in receipt of funding from Arts Council England and Creative Scotland, as well as from the National Lottery and several other Trusts and Foundations. The Board is currently involved in creating the organisation’s next 5-year Business Plan. You can see our most recent Annual Report and Accounts here.
What are we looking for?
The position has become available following the standing down of the current Chair Nick Jolliffe, who has been with the organisation since 2018. The organisation has recently appointed a new CEO, and this is an exciting time of development for the organisation.
As our new Chair, you will help shape the next exciting phase of our future development as we commence our new strategic plan, and embed our newest Trustees within our established Board. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.
The role of the Chair is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two hours a week, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Strong leadership skills that engage, inspire and motivate the Board, staff, freelance team and other external stakeholders.
- Genuine interest and commitment to social justice issues and improving outcomes and opportunities for marginalised people in our society.
- A proven track record in developing strategic initiatives and steering an organisation toward success
- Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity, or operating at a senior strategic leadership level in previous roles
- Knowledge about UK charity governance and commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and risk management in all areas including finance.
- Excellent communication skills and networking capabilities, and able to act as an ambassador for the charity and cause.
- Ability to commit time, interest and effort to conduct the role well.
How our Board works
Trustees meet quarterly at Board Meetings, either in person in London or online from 5.00pm – 7.30pm. There is also an annual Strategy day in London.
In addition, a Finance sub-committee meets quarterly, looking in-depth at finance and other matters, before putting recommendations forward to the Board.
Trustees do not receive remuneration or other benefits, but all expenses can be claimed including those required to cover access needs such as sign language, interpretation, captioning or travel expenses. The full legal framework for Trustees is laid out in the Articles of Association, which were recently revised in 2022.
Trustees serve for an initial term of three years and will have the opportunity to be re-appointed for a second and final term (maximum of nine years).
What Responsibilities will you have?
Trustees ensure the good governance and smooth running of the charity, supporting the Chief Executive Director, the wider staff team, and our team of freelance facilitators.
ow there are lots of ways that someone can gain experience and insight, not just through professional experience. Having trustees with lived experience of the settings in which we work is essential to our work.
All Board members can have access to training and charity networks to benefit not only the charity, but individual’s personal development.
All Good Vibrations’ Trustees have responsibility for the:
- governance of the organisation in line with legal and financial requirements of the Charity Commission, OSCR, other regulatory bodies, and funders;
- appointment, including the approval of job descriptions and pay levels of members of staff; agreeing terms & conditions and employment procedures;
- recruitment of new Trustees;
- approval of Good Vibrations’ strategy, its business, and artistic plans, and use of resources;
- approval of budgets, annual accounts and financial strategies;
- approval of all policies ensuring that they are updated in line with law and best practice.
The Chair, as the leader of the Board of Trustees, has some additional responsibilities including:
- working with and line managing the CEO to develop the direction and strategy of the charity;
- conducting annual performance reviews for each trustee and the CEO;
- ensuring high standards of governance, risk management and strategic direction
- ensuring that all Trustees have the information available to carry out this task and monitor progress;
- leading and developing the Board of Trustees and CEO including induction, training and succession planning;
- support of the CEO in their role, including developing external relations with key agencies;
- working with other members of the Board to organise and populate sub-committees and short-term working groups;
- planning the cycle of Board Meetings and working with the CEO to set agendas and plan meetings;
- chairing and facilitating Board meetings effectively, encouraging discussion, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made fairly;
- acting as a principal ambassador for the organisation at Board level and developing external relationships for the benefit of Good Vibrations
Before you apply
Good Vibrations is committed to becoming an organisation that reflects society and promotes diversity of thought and experience and inclusion of those who are historically underrepresented in leadership roles. We would particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the contexts in which we work, including from people with a previous conviction.
For an informal conversation about the role prior to application, please contact us through details on our website.
Please note this post will require a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS) and references.
How to Apply
We welcome all applications but particularly those from individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, disability, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, mental ill health, and autistic and neurodivergent people. We also encourage applications from those protected under the 2010 Equalities Act due to age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
We are interested to hear from those who may not consider a position like this due to social or financial disadvantage. Those with caring responsibilities and on low incomes are encouraged to apply, and we will work to make provision where possible.
To apply for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing your interest through Charity Job. We will also accept applications in any preferred format (including audio or video).
The closing date for this position is 14th May 2024 with interviews to be held on the week of 20th May. Any access requirements will be met.
Please complete the attached equality and diversity form when completing your application, many thanks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have a passion to make a difference to the lives of children and families? Spurgeons Family Charity is seeking three or four new trustees to join our current Board in bringing prayerful wisdom and strategic guidance over the coming years.
Spurgeons is one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families for 150 years. Inspired by Christian faith and our founder Charles Spurgeon, we’re here for all families. Together, we create Family Hubs in communities where we’re needed most, with counselling, early years and family support. We partner with local councils and churches to care for every family, putting children and young people first in everything we do. Our services also include helping young carers, providing parenting advice and working with families affected by domestic abuse, and imprisonment.
These services are needed more than ever, particularly as local authorities with tight budgets make difficult choices on where to spend their limited resources. As we prepare for the launch of our new five-year plan in 2025, we are ambitious and hopeful about how we can use our strong financial position and robust level of assets to make a significant impact on many more children’s lives in the future.
To support Board succession planning, we are seeking to appoint new trustees with experience and skills such as:
· Lived experience: we are particularly looking to hear the voice of young people on our Board and especially those with lived experience of children and young people’s support services. We will provide the necessary training, mentoring and support to fulfil the role.
· Fundraising/marketing: this trustee will bring a clear understanding of best practice in fundraising and/or marketing.
· Children’s services: we are looking for someone with senior management or leadership experience in the children’s services sector e.g. within social services/ the care sector, health, education, local authorities or charitable contexts.
· Counselling: this trustee will have understanding and/or experience in counselling, bringing wisdom and insight at a governance level.
· Digital: we seek a leader with experience of digital transformations and entrepreneurship, to provide a strategic view of how Spurgeons can thrive in a digital, audience-focused context.
Given an occupational requirement for these roles to be filled by Christians, we are seeking candidates with a personal and active Christian faith who are comfortable and aligned with the statement of faith outlined on our website.
Spurgeons values diversity, promotes inclusion, and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those with lived experience of children’s support services. We recognise the need to increase the diversity of the Board, for example in terms of age, ethnicity, disability, gender and LGBTQ+ representation. Our goal, and a key priority in this recruitment process, is for the Board to become more closely representative of our service user community.
The time commitment required of a trustee is likely to equate to approximately 12 days per year.
This is a hybrid role: at present, Board meetings take place in London and committee meetings take place virtually via Teams.
For further information, including full details of how to apply, please see our Appointment Details Pack which can be downloaded in the Application Resources section of this advert.
Application is by submission of CV and cover letter to Laura Bagley at Macaulay Search by the closing date of Friday 24th May 2024. Please contact Laura if you have any questions about this opportunity (please see appointment details pack for contact details).