Project support volunteer volunteer roles

We’re looking for a Director of Professional Development to join YAF’s leadership team for a two year term, starting in June 2025.

As Director of Professional Development, you’ll lead our flagship programme, Evolve, which has been going from strength to strength since 2016. This 10-month professional development scheme matches early-career arts fundraisers with senior fundraisers in the sector and provides peer-to-peer mentoring, workshops, and networking. A key objective of your role will be to build on this success and work with our partners at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising's Cultural Sector Network to secure the programme's future.

What you’ll gain:

• Valuable leadership experience in a respected arts organisation 

• Expanded professional network across the cultural sector

• Opportunity to design our strategy and shape YAF’s future

• Skills in programme management, mentoring, and partnership development

• Chance to make a significant impact on the future of arts fundraising

• Experience working with a passionate team dedicated to transforming professional development in arts fundraising

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation. 

Swansea Community Workshops

The Board of Trustees are looking to recruit a knowledgeable and experienced individual for the voluntary role of Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees. The main activity at Swansea Community Workshops (SCW) is to provide facilities for hobbies, recreation, and leisure time occupation in a socially interactive and practical environment, where there are skills sharing, learning of new skills, and helping community-based projects. As we are a charity, these facilities are for public benefit, specifically targeting socially excluded members of the local community in Swansea.

Role Overview

Title: Vice-Chair (Voluntary) Reports to: Board of Trustees.

Hours: 6-10 hours per month as minimum. Attendance to monthly sub-committee meetings and bimonthly Board of Trustee meetings is expected.

Role Summary

The Vice-Chair shares responsibility with, and in the absence of, the Chair for board management, support to individual trustees and support to the Centre Manager, facilitating scrutiny of SCW’s strategic direction, values, policies, and operational efficiency. The Vice-Chair also plays an active role in representing the organisation to a range of internal and external stakeholders.

The below Role Description and Person Specification should be considered in addition the SCW’s standard Trustee Role Description and Person Specification, which is available separately to this document.

Role and Responsibilities

Overall 

• Support the Chair in leading the charity to enable it to fulfil its purpose.
• To ensure an effective relationship between:
• the charity and the staff/volunteers
• the charity and the external stakeholders/community
• Acting as a spokesperson and figurehead as appropriate and in the absence of the Chair.
• To supervise and support the Centre Manager as appropriate and in the absence of the Chair..

Specifically 

• Support charity meetings and the AGM with others as appropriate.
• In absence of the Chair, to Chair charity meetings ensuring:
• A balance is struck between time-keeping and space for discussions.
• Business is dealt with and decisions made.
• Decisions, actions, and deliberations are adequately minuted.
• The implementation of decisions is clearly assigned and monitored.
• Ensure adequate support and supervision arrangements are made for the Centre Manager and any other staff/volunteers directly managed or reporting to the charity.
• Ensure that a successor is found before the term of office finishes.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities 

• Friendly and approachable 
• Clear communication skills – both written and verbal. 
• Good attention to detail 
• Happy to volunteer on evenings and weekends when required. 
• Enthusiasm or interest in craft activities 

Education, Experience and Knowledge 

• Secondary education required as minimum. 
• Knowledge and experience of charity law, good governance, and operation relevant to voluntary and community organisations. 
• Knowledge of project management and budgeting/forecasting. 

Skills 

Essential 

• Effective leadership skills. 
• Good delegation skills. 
• Good negotiation, influencing, and meditation skills. 
• Knowledge of appropriate software including: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat 
• Excellent customer service skills. 
• Excellent organisation skills. 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of specific software and systems, such as WordPress, Skedda. 
• Clean and valid UK driving license, personal vehicle, and insurance. 
• Basic Welsh language skills. 

Additional Information

Key Dates 

September 2024 - This is an ongoing recruitment with no fixed deadline for registering your interest. 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Overview

Children with Voices, a dynamic children's charity based in Hackney, London, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Operations Manager to join our team. This pivotal role involves overseeing day-to-day operations, developing and optimising processes and systems, and supporting digital transformation initiatives to enhance organisational efficiency. The Operations Manager will work closely with the CEO, staff, and volunteers to facilitate smooth operations, modernise workflows, and drive the growth of the charity.

Responsibilities

Operations and Coordination

Coordinate day-to-day operations to ensure the smooth functioning of the organisation.

Provide guidance, support, and feedback to staff and volunteers to maximise their effectiveness.

Act as a liaison between different departments to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.

Process and Systems Development

Create and refine processes and systems to improve efficiency, using digital tools where appropriate.

Lead the implementation of digital transformation initiatives to modernise workflows and enhance operational effectiveness.

Monitor and assess existing systems, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Leadership and Training

Collaborate with the CEO to discuss organisational priorities, challenges, and opportunities.

Identify training needs for staff and volunteers, facilitating skill development in collaboration with the HR Manager.

Support the team in adopting new systems and technologies, providing training and guidance as needed.

Policy and Strategic Development

Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.

Assist in shaping strategic plans and initiatives to achieve organisational goals, with a focus on leveraging digital tools and methods.

Monitoring and Reporting

Track progress on delegated tasks to ensure timely completion.

Evaluate the impact of new processes and systems, reporting on successes and areas for improvement.

Promoting Organisational Values

Uphold and promote the values and ethos of Children with Voices in all interactions and activities.

Qualifications

Previous experience in an operational or coordination role, preferably with experience in process improvement or digital transformation.

Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms to streamline operations (e.g., project management software, cloud-based systems).

Strong organisational and time management skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Proactive attitude and problem-solving abilities.

Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Commitment to the mission and values of Children with Voices.

Benefits

Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.

Flexible hours suitable for retired individuals or those seeking part-time work.

Access to training and development opportunities, including in digital systems.

Joining a supportive and passionate team dedicated to empowering young individuals.

If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the skills and qualities outlined above, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Summary

Can you inspire, energise and motivate young people aged 12-18 years?
Do you enjoy making a real difference to the lives of young people?

Detailed description

Mentoring within One YMCA is delivered through the youth team and volunteers. Young people aged 13-19 years can access the service which provides support and encouragement for young people to work towards their goals.

Mentors and mentees are paired based on experience, expertise and support needed.

This project will last for up to a year with each young person, with an average of 3-4 hours per month being given to the young person and their support.

Training for this role is due to commence on 22nd January 2025 (Time and Location TBC)

Pay: This is a voluntary role; however, expenses will be covered.

Key Responsibilities:

·To attend full induction training and complete all relevant child protection checks

·To arrange to meet with your mentee for 1-3 hours a month over a period of 12 months, in a public place.

·To prepare for your mentoring sessions with the purpose of progressing with their mutually agreed goals.

·To offer tailored support to your Mentee in areas such as confidence and resilience building, accessing services, careers focus and development. You may be working on a number of areas as the needs of your Mentee present themselves.

·To safeguard and promote the wellbeing of your Mentee.

·To complete feedback, monitoring and evaluation forms.

·To liaise with the mentoring coordinator for support in delivery of sessions where needed.

·To help identify the support that your Mentee requires, reporting any concerns you have to the mentoring coordinator.

·Completing regular reviews with your Mentee and mentoring coordinator.

·Any other reasonable task that is associated with the role.

Personal Specification:

Experience:

• Experience of working with young people
• Experience of working with young people from a variety of backgrounds

Skills:

• Ability to work on own initiative and a willingness to prepare for each session
• Ability to use online video platforms such as Microsoft Teams
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve
• Good communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to work as a part of a team
• A willingness to meet the young person in a public space

Personal Qualities:

• An interest in working with young people
• Ability to engage with a young person
• The willingness to have an open mind and non-judgemental approach to supporting a young person in their mentoring journey
• Ability to cope with potentially difficult conversations or situations
• Commitment to the mentoring project and to the Mentee
• Motivated by promoting the wellbeing of young people
• Commitment to and ability to work in accordance with ethos of One YMCA, their polices and boundaries

Other:

• Willing to undertake and induction and training
• Willing to provide 2 references
• Willing to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS)

Are you passionate about helping women build their lives beyond crisis? We are recruiting for Urdu-speaking volunteers to support victims of Domestic Abuse on a 1 to 1 basis. This is a chance to empower other inspirational women by building their confidence and teaching them new Educational and employment skills in order to achieve their ambitions and goals. You will be supporting women and children to rebuild their lives free from fear!

What you will be doing

• To develop and promote a positive relationship with the service user through regular F2F meetings and phone calls, and facilitate their journey to achieve their goals that align with the aims of the Economic, Empowerment and Security Project.
• To support the service user in developing their educational and vocational aspirations, applying to university, translating previously held qualifications, helping with UCAS applications, researching relevant courses and colleges, helping with English and developing language skills OR/AND,
• To support the service user in developing their career goals and employment skills, including CV building, interviewing skills, work experience and job search. To encourage the service user to attend Economic, Empowerment and Security events ran by Hestia’s volunteering team.
• To encourage the service user to engage in further external and internal educational training and activities and supporting them in doing so.
• Manage appropriate boundaries 

The skills you need

• Compassionate, caring and patient nature Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Knowledge on educational opportunities in the UK, where to look, what is available.
• Knowledge on useful employment and job search skills
• Good communication skills
• Fluent in Urdu 

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Citizens Advice Plymouth employs 180 staff and has 50 volunteers, who work both locally and nationally to support people who have problems with debt, housing, welfare benefits, employment and many other advice areas.

We can all face problems that seem complicated and intimidating. At Citizens Advice Plymouth, we believe that no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice.

We have a clear set of strategic aims. These allow us to provide the advice and support people need for the problems they face and work towards changing policies and practices that affect people’s lives. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.

The Board of Trustees has an interesting and challenging task to ensure that the governance and finances of the charity are correct and to advise and support the senior leadership team

The Role

We currently have 9 Trustees and are looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees with 2 new Trustees, who can use their professional and lived experiences, skills and talents to contribute to the on-going success of the Charity. We are specifically seeking individuals who offer experience in one or more of the following areas:

- Chair designate to take over from the current Chair once inducted and has a full understanding of the organisation. We expect that to take approximately 6-12 months depending on time commitments.

- Finance and accounting (not necessarily within a charitable setting, but this would be beneficial) in order to succeed our current Treasurer in 2 years’ time.

- Leadership experience within a charitable organisation

- Previous experience as a Trustee or governor

- Local involvement in the City of Plymouth

We are committed to further diversifying our Board to represent the communities that we serve across Plymouth. We would particularly like to hear from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQ+ groups. We are also currently seeking to redress our current imbalance so we would particularly appreciate female applicants or people under the age of 30.

Fundraisers wanted to support East London Waterworks Park in developing and implementing our fundraising strategy.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for fundraisers to contribute to our community-led fundraising strategy, to develop relationships with funders and to write funding applications. 

You would join our fundraising circle, which coordinates our fundraising efforts. It is currently exploring grant opportunities and developing relationships with businesses and other funders. We meet online on Google Meet and volunteers complete agreed tasks remotely. 

If you have experience in writing grants and funding applications, corporate fundraising, philanthropy, or any other aspect of fundraising, it would be great to hear from you. 

We are keen fundraisers but we are lacking professional expertise and experience and we would love your help and input. We would welcome one-off advice on the phone or in person, as well as longer term volunteers. 

We would also love to hear from potential volunteers without experience but with transferable skills.

East London Waterworks Park is an exciting and ambitious project. Without funding we won’t be able to make it happen, so you will be directly contributing to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds.

Wirral Foodbank are looking for someone with accounting experience to join the Board as a Trustee to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations, and help us build a sound financial strategy.

What will you be doing?

Treasurer Responsibilities

• To chair Finance Committee (three times per year)
• Ensure the trustee board fulfils its financial responsibilities.
• Ensure that the food bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting.
• To work alongside the General Manager in informing the trustee board members of the finances of the food bank and overseeing all finance reports submitted to the board, ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the food bank.
• Ensure that financial reports are, a) comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings, and b) provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the Charity Commission of England & Wales.
• Oversee the preparation of Gift-aid submissions.
• Appoint auditors or independent examiners (on income over £25k).
• To present the annual financial results at the annual general meeting.

Other responsibilities, to be carried out along with the board of trustees, include:

• To work alongside the Chair, General Manager, and the trustee board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
• Developing a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which are monitored and adapted.
• Ensuring the food bank has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Recruiting, managing, and supporting employees and volunteers.
• Ensuring the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
• Ensuring the food bank is accountable and actively complying with statutory reporting requirements and the law.
• Ensuring appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• Promoting the organisation to a wide audience of potential funders, beneficiaries, and the wider community.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty. We are looking for someone who:

• Is committed to the work of the Wirral foodbank.
• Supports our values.
• Is a team player and sound decision maker.
• Has experience in financial accounting and reporting and is able to communicate with those who have no such experience, in a clear and understandable way.

What difference will you make?

By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operation, you will ensure the financial viability of the foodbank, enabling it to provide vital support in your local community.

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in the governance and strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that we operate effectively, achieve our mission, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are collectively responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets, ensuring they are used exclusively to further our objectives, and overseeing the charity’s financial health, including budgets, financial controls, and reporting. Acting with integrity and in the charity’s best interests is at the heart of the role.

To strengthen our board and support the growth of our charity, we have identified three key areas where additional expertise is needed:

• Marketing
• Legal
• Fundraising

Each of these areas play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission, enhance our impact, and ensure the charity’s sustainability for years to come. In the attached Recruitment Pack, we have outlined individual role profiles for each of these specialisms.

We welcome candidates from diverse professional backgrounds who share our commitment to supporting those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder. If your current or previous skills or experience align with any of these profiles, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving meaningful change.

The The Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi Society CIO is seeking a new Trustee/Treasurer. This is a volunteer position requiring one day’s work per month, supported by a bookkeeper. Knowledge of Ibn Arabi is not required, but rather a sympathetic interest in, and a wish to support, the values of the Society.

Who they are

The Society seeks to make the works of philosopher/mystic Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi (1165-1240 CE) widely available. Their activities include the promotion of scholarly research, translations and publications, events such as symposia, online talks, and a highly successful education programme. The Society supports a major manuscript archive project, a library hosted by Cambridge University, and publishes a bi-annual journal of Ibn Arabi studies, which is the leader in its field.

The role

The job-holder will oversee the financial management of the Society, provide management accounts to quarterly Board meetings, and submit the Society’s Annual Return to the Charity Commission. This is a volunteer position requiring about one day’s work per month and is supported by a bookkeeper. The role does not require knowledge of Ibn Arabi but rather a sympathetic interest in, and wish to support, the values of the Society.

With the support of a bookkeeper, key responsibilities include:

• Prepare an annual budget
• Prepare finance updates and cash forecasts for quarterly Board meetings
• Review management accounts
• Manage cashflow and set up payment runs
• Liaise with the Society’s external accountant over the Independent Examination of the year-end statutory accounts
• Manage all filings with the Charity Commission
• Support the Board of Trustees in all financial matters

Skills required

• Ideally a qualified accountant with experience in the charity sector.
• Able to use, or willing to learn to use, the Xero accounting system.

2025 is a pivotal time for our small, family centred Charity as we move into our 22nd year. This year our Board will be defining our new mission and preparing for implementation. We're seeking new trustees to join us to contribute to our new mission and define the Charity's direction as we conclude our first mission in late 2025.

The Muscle Help Foundation (MHF) is a small multi-award winning, family-centred charity, delivering both in-person and virtual interventions and experiences in the UK - these moments-in-time are called Muscle Dreams, designed specifically for children & young people (8-28yrs) with the muscle wasting disease, Muscular Dystrophy (MD).

MHF’s impact is felt by beneficiaries and their families across the UK – from improved confidence, greater self-esteem, and an increased sense of hopefulness to a powerful shared identity that connects families, giving a platform to share knowledge, memories and establish lasting friendships.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

We are looking for Trustees who have a passion to take the charity forward, to grow impact, to leave a personal legacy and to feel the sense of personal fulfilment from the time they volunteer.

AS A TRUSTEE, YOU WILL

• Have an opportunity to help improve the lives of children, young people and their families
• Contribute to the governance of our small, well respected, national charity
• Have strategic responsibility for a specific skill area
• Act as an advocate/champion in promoting the charity's work across your network
• Receive induction, support and training
• Bring your lived experience, in using and further developing your skills for the benefit of others
• Be a part of the team that will help the charity achieve its overarching 657 Muscle Dream mission

REQUIREMENTS + KEY CRITERIA

Commitment to the charity’s values, bags of enthusiasm, an understanding and passion for our work, great comms skills and a real desire to want to make a difference to the lives of our vulnerable community. You may have experience of living with muscular dystrophy, other disabilities or life limiting conditions, but this is not essential.

MAIN BOARD MEETINGS + EXPENSES

Trustee Board meetings take place virtually. They are usually 2hrs. Over and above this time commitment, trustees on average, depending on their role, may give additional time in being directly involved in occasional ad projects – MHF Trustees ‘own’ a ‘bucket’, in other words, an area of responsibility like HR, Fundraising, Safeguarding, Marketing, Finance, Digital, Risk or Campaign Management that allows an individual to bring their skills, experience and talents to the charity. Reasonable expenses will be covered.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR – PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Absolute belief in the cause
• Desire to learn the trustee role, previous governance expertise is an advantage
• Excellent communicators with great listening, responding and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to both empower and challenge supportively.
• Strong commitment to equality, and an understanding of disability and how for example this may impact on the quality of life and life choices for disabled people and their families.
• Commitment and time to dedicate to the role and responsibilities of being a Trustee.
• Commitment to the charity’s vision, mission and values.
• Strong desire to make a difference to the lives of our vulnerable beneficiary community.
• Understanding of the context/environment in which the charity works - it is estimated that some 96% of MHF's beneficiaries are those with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), the most severe variant of muscular dystrophy - it is life limiting.
• Understanding the importance of ensuring public confidence and trust in the charity.
• Collaborative working (part of a team), using sound independent judgement and collective decision making.
• The capacity to grasp issues outside ones personal experience.
• The ability to think creatively both in terms of high level strategy and development.
• Commitment to equality and diversity with other trustees, staff, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL YOU MAKE?

To provide strategic leadership in line with our values and goals. Trustees will use their knowledge, skills, passion and experience to ensure that the charity achieves its objectives – as a Trustee, you will represent the interests of all stakeholders and act as an ambassador. 

AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO BRING YOUR UNIQUE SELF

As an MHF Trustee, this is an exciting opportunity to bring your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of the charity in reaching its overarching goal to deliver 657 Muscle Dream interventions, that's one experience for every muscle in the human body, cherished moments-in-time that truly changes lives and give hope, and beyond as we reach this goal.

IN RETURN FOR YOUR COMMITMENT

• You will have an opportunity to help improve the lives of children, young people and their families
• Be part of a team all supporting the charity and rowing in the same direction
• Contribute to the governance of a national charity, that's worked tirelessly over the past 20 years
• Have your voice heard and listened to
• Attend events, meet beneficiaries & families and directly witness the impact of the charity’s work
• Have strategic responsibility for a skill area such as: HR, Fundraising, Corporate Partnerships etc
• Network with other like-minded individuals with common values
• Receive induction, support and training
• And much more…

INCLUSION - PROUD OF OUR BOARD DIVERSITY

Our greatest strength as a board and as an charity is in our community's diversity. We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants with diverse skills and experiences that reflect the diversity of our beneficiaries and welcome applications from first time Trustees.

WellChild, based in Cheltenham, is the national charity for seriously ill children and their families. We fund programmes and services to make it possible for children and young people living with complex medical needs to thrive at home instead of hospital.

What we are looking for:

An experienced senior paediatric doctor with knowledge of the current challenging environment faced by children with complex medical needs and their families.

Purpose of the role:

Our medical trustee is the professional/clinical link championing our families and professional voices to ensure that we always act in the best interest of our service users which is the focus of our charity.

It is the duty of the board of trustees to act in the interests of the charity’s service users. It should ensure that the charity has a clear strategic direction and fulfils its charitable purpose as set out in the charity’s governing document – Articles of Association.

The board of trustees follows the Nolan principles of acting with integrity. It adopts values, applies ethical principles to decisions and creates a welcoming and supportive culture which helps achieve the charity’s purpose. The board ensures the charity’s ethics and values are embedded throughout the organisation.

Trustees undertake their duties with this in mind.

We are looking to appoint a new Trustee to the Board to support CHEER’s mission of providing advice, friendship and support to Elmbridge’s older community.

We’re particularly seeking someone with experience of marketing and communications to complement the skills and backgrounds of existing Trustees.  The role will oversee the formulation and implementation of CHEER’s marketing and communication strategy, providing guidance and support to the Board and team to ensure successful execution.

If you have an interest in the issues surrounding the elderly living in the UK, a desire to give those who need it, a helping hand and support along with a background in marketing and communications – with digital marketing a particular advantage - we’d love to hear from you.

(We’d also warmly welcome contact from anyone interested in alternative trustee opportunities with experience in fundraising, business management, human resources and/or older people and social care). 

CHEER: 

Is a registered charity serving the local community of Elmbridge for over 60 years. Our mission is to provide advice, friendship, and support to help older community in Elmbridge lead full, dignified and independent lives.  We do so through delivery of 5 core services (befriending, benefits, events, signposting and CHEER’s Parkinson’s group) designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation and alleviate financial hardship.  

We consistently achieve remarkable things with minimal resources and are often told we have changed people's lives relying on a dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers to deliver these essential and beneficial services.  

Trustee role: 

Our trustees are all volunteers, most of whom live or work in the local community, and all of whom use their skills, knowledge and experience to guide and govern our service, shape strategy, and give direction to the charity.  We are a small and friendly team, collectively responsible for CHEER and each enjoying the chance to contribute to our community.  

The main responsibilities of a trustee are: 

• Formulating and reviewing CHEER’s vision, values, and strategic direction 

• Establishing and monitoring policies to provide guidance for staff 

• Ensuring compliance with the Charity’s governing document and the law 

• Ensuring accountability to such bodies as the Charities Commission, donors, staff and volunteers 

• Managing the Charity’s resources responsibly 

• Contributing to the discharge of the Board’s duties and effective Board performance 

• Promoting the charity and protecting its excellent reputation 

• Appointing staff, giving them guidance and support 

• Monitoring the Charity’s performance

• All trustees are expected to adopt Nolan’s seven principles of public life:  selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Generally, a minimum of 4-6 hours a month, occasionally more. This includes: 4x Board meetings a year, plus the annual AGM dates of which are flexible.  Helping staff with advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis and/or additional support such as working with other trustees or members of staff on key projects.

The role is predominantly home-based, and board meetings normally take place in a venue in Elmbridge.

Desirable qualities: 

Empathy and a passion for improving the lives of older people; effective communication, good strategic vision and creative thinking, the ability to exercise good, independent judgement.