Prison Volunteer Roles in Westminster, Greater London
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills.
Prison volunteers live near to their local prison so that they can visit about once a month during the working week to nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by offering advice, guidance, training and support to prison staff and prisoner mentors who help other prisoners to improve their skills 1 to 1.
We are looking for volunteers who are able to work alone, able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and able to deliver engaging training to groups of people in prisons. Due to the nature of the role, prison security vetting will be required.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and 4 training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
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!
Purpose: Supporting the facilitation of Kids Matter parenting programmes in prisons, encouraging dads to grow in confidence, competence, and community.
Location: Within the prison (either HMP Brixton or HMP Wormwood Scrubs)
Time commitment: Minimum of 1 year, 4-8 hours per week, depending on prison placement
Main responsibilities
- Support Prison Facilitator (staff member) in the delivery of Kids Matter's prison parenting workshops
- Attend a Kids Matter family visit
- Engage with supervisory support from Prison Facilitator (staff member)
About Kids Matter's prison workshops
Kids Matter's prison workshops run for five weeks* (4x sessions followed by 1x family visit day). There will be breaks between each programme, and our goal is to run 3x programmes per year in each prison.
* Programme schedules may vary based on the prison location.
Before the programme starts
- Familiarise self with programme content
- Meet with the team
- Attend Kids Matter training
- Minimum 4.5 hours of bespoke training (depending on level of prison experience, it may be expected to attend more training)
- Complete prison security checks and training (where required)
During the programme
- 4x weeks of 2-hour sessions, plus set-up and set-down (roughly 4 hours per week)
- 1x 3-hour Kids Matter family visit, if applicable
After programme
- Review and debrief with team
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Belong is an established, award-winning criminal justice charity with a vision of hope, rehabilitation and recovery for survivors and perpetrators of crime. We work with multiple stakeholder organisations to develop a more humane and effective criminal justice system. Through engaging with our mentoring, restorative justice, psychotherapy and training interventions, individuals and communities achieve positive, lasting change.
Belong wishes to appoint a new Chairperson to our Board of Trustees. We invite applications from individuals experienced in criminal justice and organisational leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
As the Chairperson of our Board you will be passionate about Belong’s vision and motivated to help drive Belong forward on its mission. An organised, energetic and reliable leader, you will support the Board of Trustees and CEO to realise the highest vision for Belong’s success. A fluent and persuasive communicator, you will represent the organisation publicly as well as internally and build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. You will be familiar with financial and risk management processes for medium to large organisations.
The role of Chairperson is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two days per month, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise.
Belong fosters an inclusive and welcoming culture where all aspects of diversity are key to the charity’s success. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, lived experience of the criminal justice system and from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
Belong’s Values
Inspiration - Genuinely believing that people can change, heal, and rehabilitate. Focusing on individual’s strengths and abilities. Role modelling evidence-based practice amongst other professionals.
Respect - Accepting people as they are. Being consistent, open and honest with people. Challenging harmful beliefs and behaviour.
Empowerment - Giving people the skills to move forward and take ownership of the future. Enabling people to talk about their experiences. Encouraging people to voice their needs and set goals.
Perseverance - Providing long term support when this is needed. Working through setbacks with people. Understanding that lasting change takes time.
Restoration - Restoring hope and self-worth Re-building relationships. Promoting a culture of hope within criminal justice systems.
Chairperson Role, Responsibilities and Attributes
The Chairperson leads the Board of Trustees and sets its agenda in consultation with the CEO. Their role is to enable Trustees to fulfil their responsibilities for overall governance, risk management and strategic direction. The Trustee Board is responsible for proactively engaging with and understanding Belong, its service users and the wider criminal justice landscape. Trustees must always uphold the best interests of Belong’s service users, ensuring that the charity achieves its charitable aims whilst abiding by charity law and other relevant regulations. The Chairperson supports and empowers the CEO to lead the organisation so that it achieves its vision, mission and aims, whilst remaining sustainable and ethical.
In supporting the trustee board and CEO, the Chairperson is responsible for:
- Acting as an ambassador and spokesperson for Belong when appropriate.
- Creating meaningful and productive working relationships with the CEO, senior leadership team and trustees.
- Providing empowering, supportive line management to the CEO.
- Chair and facilitate trustee board meetings effectively, ensuring that decisions are made fairly and in the best interests of Belong’s service users.
- Supporting the trustees to have a sound understanding and oversight of the organisations finances, including reviewing annual budgets and financial policies.
- Facilitating annual performance reviews for each trustee and for the CEO.
- Leading and developing the board of trustees and CEO including inductions, training and succession planning as appropriate.
- Supporting other trustees to arrange and effectively chair quarterly subcommittees on risk and resilience, finance and fundraising and communications.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact us via the details on our website. To apply for this role, please submit a CV and covering letter using the link below. Please note that we are not able to consider applications submitted without a CV or covering letter.
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!
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.
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.
Could you help someone change their life and avoid reoffending?
Belong’s vision is of hope, rehabilitation and recovery for victims and perpetrators of crime. We inspire change by providing long term, individualised responses to conflict and crime through restorative Justice, psychotherapy, mentoring, and training for criminal justice professionals.
We have exciting opportunities available for committed, compassionate people to volunteer as one to one mentors with us. Volunteers will work with children, young people and adults serving prison sentences at HMPYOI Feltham and HMP Isis or serving community sentences in London.
One to one mentors will build a professional working relationship with individuals as they serve their prison or community sentence and work towards a crime free future. Mentoring sessions will take place once per week or fortnight, for one to two hours per session. During the sessions volunteers will offer support to individuals to assist them to access education, training and employment; develop life skills; work through previous traumas and build positive relationships. Volunteers need to be able to commit to the role for at least one year. Mentoring sessions will take place during weekdays or weekends.
Interviews for the role will take place prior to the training dates and selection for the role confirmed after paticipation in the training.
Successful applicants will be invited to participate in an initial two day training course at either HMPYOI Feltham and HMP Isis from 9:30am-4pm on Saturday 11th and Saturday 18th May 2024. Please note: spaces on the training course are limited and we may close the recruitment before the closing date if spaces become full.
Prison security vetting and/or an enhanced DBS check are required for this role and all volunteers will be supported to undergo this. After vetting processes are complete, further training will be provided at the prison in which mentors are volunteering, with a range of dates available.
Full support and supervision will be provided to volunteers. We particularly encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
To apply, please send us your CV and covering letter as soon as possible, and by 28th April 2024 at 11.30pm. Interviews will be held remotely on zoom or via phone call. Applications will be screened and applicants interviewed on a first come first served basis, and we have a limited number of spaces available on our October training course. We reserve the right to close this recruitment process before the closing date if we receive a high number of suitable applications beforehand.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shannon Trust fulfils an unmet need around adult learning, supporting people who’ve fallen through the cracks in formal education.
We know a lot of people have had negative learning experiences in the past, so our programme is designed to be different, with no exams and no classrooms. Our unique, evidence-based Turning Pages reading manuals are used by thousands of learners in prisons and the community to improve reading skills.
Shannon Trust is working with community partners to enhance our support to learners as they leave prison. This will enable them to continue learning on release and also to reach others in the community in touch with probation services or at risk of offending.
By becoming a reading coach, you will enable people to learn basic reading skills in a flexible way, so that day-to-day tasks like filling in forms or reading a bus timetable become easier.
We provide training for the role via e-learning and training sessions which are a mix of live, online and group training.
For full role description and to apply please visit our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Orchestras Live seeks a new Chair to lead the Board of Trustees and help steer the organisation through its next phase of development.
Orchestras Live believes orchestras are for everyone. Our mission is to ensure everyone has access to and can enjoy the benefits of live orchestral music, regardless of their background. We work throughout England in places which have experienced historical underinvestment, including rural and coastal areas. Our projects can take place in schools, care homes, prisons, arts venues, museums, outdoors and online.
If you believe in and want to advocate for the power of culture to create social impact and positive change, this role could be of interest to you. It is not essential to have knowledge of orchestral music or the orchestral sector. However, it’s important that you recognise the unique role that orchestras can play in supporting a culturally vibrant and resilient society, and love music – orchestral or otherwise.
For further information and details on how to apply, please visit the Orchestras Live website.
We believe that orchestras are for everyone. We are a national producer creating inspiring orchestral experiences for communities across England.
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!
Role Description:
Nova Roots is a new out of hours community space for women 18+ leaving forensic mental health services, open 3 days a week; every Weds, Sat & Sun. We offer a safe, warm, non-judgemental social environment for women to build meaningful connections and have access to free activities and resources.
As a peer volunteer, your role will be to support individuals using a peer approach by co-facilitating peer-led workshops, offering emotional and social support. By doing this, it provides an opportunity for service users to develop and manage meaningful and purposeful choices in an independent and empowered way.
Please be aware that if you are invited to interview you will be asked to complete a self-declaration form covering your criminal record or any information that would make you unsuitable to work with the vulnerable parties associated with this role, i.e. vulnerable adults and/or children and young people.
It is not necessary to disclose anything at this time. Please do not include any such information when applying at this stage.
The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account.
Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.
We are looking for someone who
- Has lived experience of being in prison / mental health wards / rehab and recovery communities
- Are a non-judgemental and friendly individual
- To be able to provide a welcoming, authentic, and positive experience for all, being inclusive and embracing diversity
- To feel comfortable engaging with women with mental health challenges / difficult life experiences, by validating strengths and experiences and using empowering language to overcome negative self-talk
- Are empathic and understands the stigma / social bias's surrounding forensic leavers and their experiences
- Are willing to tap into their lived experiences and use their stories to inspire hope in others when appropriate
- Are comfortable with co-producing and co-facilitating peer led workshops
- To assist the Forensic Project Coordinator in the daily running of the Forensic Women’s hub
- Are able to take on any ad hoc admin/support responsibilities within the Forensic Women’s Hub
Time commitment and expenses:
- Flexible hours (shifts to be confirmed). Evening and Weekend availability is required. We are looking for someone to commit to a minimum of at least 1 day a week: Wed, Sat or Sun.
- We will provide volunteers with an induction, training, and ongoing mentoring to support them in the role
- Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering at Mind is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with a nationally recognised charity, and volunteering in Safe Space is an opportunity to experience and get involved in crisis support. We provide initial and ongoing training, as well as plenty of opportunities for progression within the organisation. You will also be a part of a supportive team with great awareness of wellbeing and the mental health sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Description
Volunteer monitoring work with the IMB gives you the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives. You will listen to prisoners and people in immigration detention, talk to staff and see for yourself what is actually happening behind the walls.
The IMB is recruiting for new members at numerous prisons and at immigration detention centres across England and Wales, and at short term holding facilities across the UK. We are looking for people who live within one hour of their closest establishment and can commit the time to make 2 to 3 visits per month, although this may be higher during the first year of training and this can be flexible depending on the needs of the Board and the individual. Please visit the IMB website for a full list of all locations we are recruiting to.
Who are the IMB?
We’re a group of ordinary members of the public, doing an extraordinary job. As a passionate, personable individual, you could join us in making a difference. In this unpaid role, you’ll volunteer your talent and time towards securing a decent day-to-day life for every prisoner and detainee. Under the guidance of dedicated mentors and an extensive training programme, you’ll commit to a flexible schedule of visits to a local establishment each month. Although this is an unpaid role, we pay travel and subsistence expenses, childcare or carer costs and, in certain circumstances, contributions towards loss of earnings. Your observations will have an impact as your Board reports its findings to Ministers in His Majesty’s Government.
About the role
With unrestricted access to these unique environments, you’ll gain a rare insight into all aspects of life in custody. Impartial and highly influential, you can decide what shape your visits should take. As an independent monitor, you may spend time in a specific part of the establishment and choose to have your conversations with prisoners or detainees out of sight or hearing of a member of staff. As well as keeping a close eye on daily operations, you’ll play a crucial role in dealing with problems that arise. This could be in response to a confidential request to see a member of the IMB, or to observe the management of the more serious incidents that occur.
Why join us?
More than anything else, this is a rewarding opportunity that makes a real and meaningful difference to the lives of prisoners, detainees and our wider society. Ministers are obliged to respond to the issues raised in your Board’s report. The environment may seem intimidating at first, but you will be fully supported through your training and accompanied during your visits until you feel ready to manage independently. This highly recognised and respected role could provide the experience that opens doors into other careers within the justice system.
Who are we looking for?
There is no one type of person who could be right for the IMB because it’s not about background or skillset. It’s about having the dedication and passion to ensure all people are being treated fairly. For that reason, we’re looking for individuals from all walks of life who will approach the role with no preconceptions. You will need to be willing to work within a challenging environment and have the confidence to report your findings to senior figures. Most importantly, you will be able to talk to people in a way that makes each prisoner or detainee feel respected and reassured.
Closing date for completed applications is 22 April 2024.
Visit our website for more information and to complete the online 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!
The Forward Trust
Probation D&R Peer Mentor Volunteer - South London (Onsite & Remote - Hybrid)
Role Overview
We are looking for Probation Dependency & Recovery Peer Mentor volunteers to join and be part of our new exciting team of Lived Experienced Peer Mentors. You will have specific lived experience (recovery / offending / prisoners on probation / homelessness), relevant to the mentoring service we are providing, who will act as a role model to prisoners on probation and support them to achieve positive outcomes.
As a volunteer peer mentor volunteer, you will be building motivation/confidence and empowerment to your assigned mentee, by sharing your lived experiences, empowering mentees to overcome their challenges of recovery, whilst giving advice on relapse prevention strategies, providing advocacy/advice on treatment interventions, signposting to community support/activities offering a ‘listening ear’ to your mentee from someone who understands. As a peer mentor your mentee will have the confidence in knowing they are being supported by someone who has gone through similar experiences and has faced similar challenges to the ones they face today. You will be supported by your Lived Experienced Co-ordinator who will guide and support you through the onboarding and training process and throughout your mentoring journey.
Your Co-ordinator will provide regular 1.1 / team meetings / activities that will enhance your mentoring skills, as well as development for future education/employment. Most importantly, you will feel that you are part of a dynamic team that will help to change lives and making a difference. You will be providing essential additional support, information and guidance to Forward Trust prisoners on probation, you have been allocated to. You will help your mentee/s to formulate their goals, support them, review their achievements and overcome their barriers, in a holistic/person centred manner.
You will work closely with Recovery Navigators & Co-ordinators, supporting mentee/s who will meet their Recovery Navigators on a regular basis. Recovery Navigators will develop an action plan designed for their specific needs, and will sign post them to additional services where necessary. You will offer additional support in conjunction with their Recovery Navigator in delivering their action plan, meeting once/twice a week, 1.1/group sessions/activities, that will help them in achieving their goals for recovery. You will also be involved in the meet & greet at the gate service where you will help/advise and promote the next stages of their probation and our Dependency and Recovery service.
To be successful in this role you will have excellent communication skills, a good understanding of the issues faced by the client group and a true commitment and passion to support vulnerable people to enable them to fulfil their full potential.
You will have successfully completed/graduated from your recovery program – discharged from treatment and will be stable, 6 months in recovery / since prison release.
Time Commitment
- A minimum commitment of 2 hours a week for 6 months is required for this role.
- Depending on your specific mentoring opportunity there may be additional time commitment requirements and/or flexibility, please refer to the specific opportunity for details on time commitment.
Checks required for this role
- Reference (this may be from a keyworker, volunteer supervisor, tutor or sponsor if you are not able to provide a work reference)
- Enhanced DBS Check
How to Apply
Please register an account with us first, login and then apply. You will not be able to apply unless you have registered and have logged in.
Please register on our volunteering site, log in and then apply. You will not be able to apply until you have registered.
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!
The Forward Trust
Probation D&R Peer Mentor Volunteer - North London (Onsite & Hybrid)
Role Overview
We are looking for Probation Dependency & Recovery Peer Mentor volunteers to join and be part of our new exciting team of Lived Experienced Peer Mentors. You will have specific lived experience (recovery / offending / prisoners on probation / homelessness), relevant to the mentoring service we are providing, who will act as a role model to prisoners on probation and support them to achieve positive outcomes.
As a volunteer peer mentor volunteer, you will be building motivation/confidence and empowerment to your assigned mentee, by sharing your lived experiences, empowering mentees to overcome their challenges of recovery, whilst giving advice on relapse prevention strategies, providing advocacy/advice on treatment interventions, signposting to community support/activities offering a ‘listening ear’ to your mentee from someone who understands. As a peer mentor your mentee will have the confidence in knowing they are being supported by someone who has gone through similar experiences and has faced similar challenges to the ones they face today. You will be supported by your Lived Experienced Co-ordinator who will guide and support you through the onboarding and training process and throughout your mentoring journey.
Your Co-ordinator will provide regular 1.1 / team meetings / activities that will enhance your mentoring skills, as well as development for future education/employment. Most importantly, you will feel that you are part of a dynamic team that will help to change lives and making a difference. You will be providing essential additional support, information and guidance to Forward Trust prisoners on probation, you have been allocated to. You will help your mentee/s to formulate their goals, support them, review their achievements and overcome their barriers, in a holistic/person centred manner.
You will work closely with Recovery Navigators & Co-ordinators, supporting mentee/s who will meet their Recovery Navigators on a regular basis. Recovery Navigators will develop an action plan designed for their specific needs, and will sign post them to additional services where necessary. You will offer additional support in conjunction with their Recovery Navigator in delivering their action plan, meeting once/twice a week, 1.1/group sessions/activities, that will help them in achieving their goals for recovery. You will also be involved in the meet & greet at the gate service where you will help/advise and promote the next stages of their probation and our Dependency and Recovery service.
To be successful in this role you will have excellent communication skills, a good understanding of the issues faced by the client group and a true commitment and passion to support vulnerable people to enable them to fulfil their full potential.
You will have successfully completed/graduated from your recovery program – discharged from treatment and will be stable, 6 months in recovery / since prison release.
Time Commitment
- A minimum commitment of 2 hours a week for 6 months is required for this role.
- Depending on your specific mentoring opportunity there may be additional time commitment requirements and/or flexibility, please refer to the specific opportunity for details on time commitment.
Expenses
- Travel expenses (within 20 miles of the service), with some flexibility
- Up to £6.50 lunch expenses
- Any additional expenses will need to be pre-agreed with placement supervisor
Checks required for this role
- Reference (this may be from a keyworker, volunteer supervisor, tutor or sponsor if you are not able to provide a work reference)
- Enhanced DBS Check
How to apply:
You will be re-directed to Forward Trust's Volunteering site, where you will first need to register an account with us and then login to apply for the role.
Please register your account first, login and then apply for the role.
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Branch Chair?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.
What would you be doing?
- Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
- Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
- Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
- Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
- Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
- Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
- Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
- Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
- Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
- Reliability
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
- Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
- Good written and spoken English.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.