Safeguarding Team Member Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role: Referral volunteer (laptops)
Team: Casework
Supervised by: Adult caseworker
Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5pm) for period of training/induction. Remote or in person once induction is complete.
Time commitment: 3 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months
About CARAS :
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do
About the Role:
CARAS offers advocacy casework integrated into all of its projects, ensuring that people who attend our groups can access support to address issues in a friendly and timely manner. A key part of the casework service is to help connect people to resources and activities that they need.
A key areas of need is digital access, either by smart phone or laptop.
People living in asylum accommodation receive £9/week making saving for items impossible.
Whilst many activities have returned to face-to-face delivery many have stayed online, not having a laptop impedes people’s ability to join English classes and social activities. People attending college face difficulties in completing college work without access to computers in the evenings, access to a laptop means people are able to take greater control over their independent learning. Smart phones make a huge difference in people’s ability to have contact with family and community across the world.
To meet this need we have built a partnership with a grant giving organisation, Acts435, to support people to get personal laptops.
We are able to refer 5 people at a time for grants to buy new laptops/phones. Once the grant money is received we purchase the devices for community members to collect.
We are looking for a volunteer to do these referrals each month and support people to purchase and receive their laptops and phones. This is an extremely rewarding role, interacting with lots of the CARAS community members and making a very tangible positive impact on people’s lives.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- contacting community members who are on our waiting lists by phone to explain the scheme to them
- complete grant applications with community members
- monitoring the grant platform to see when grants have been made
- purchasing laptops online and liaising with community members to arrange collection
- completing monitoring forms with community members once grants are recieved and uploading to grant platform
- recording all referrals and work done on our case management system (lamplight)
Person specification:
Essential
· Confidence in using IT (online forms, online shopping, google maps, email, DocuSign)
· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;
· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection
· Thorough with good attention to detail
· Reliable
· A high level of spoken and written English
· Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
· Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way
· A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach
· Enjoyment in speaking to new people
· A commitment to working in an empowering way
· Able to maintain boundaries
· Able to work autonomously
· Currently resident in the UK
Desirable
· Experience working with refugees and asylum seekers
· Fluent in one or more of: Pashtu, Farsi, Tigrinya, Somali, Arabic or Dari, Russian, Ukrainian, Albanian, Amharic, Kurdish Sorani, Spanish, French
· Experience of working with interpreters
Benefits to Volunteering:
Through volunteering with us you will:
· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
· Develop your skills and competencies;
· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
All volunteers must complete a DBS check and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.
To Apply:
To Apply To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP.
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!
Adult Casework Volunteer - Role description
Role: Adult Casework Volunteer
Team: Casework
Supervised by: Adult caseworker
Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5.30pm)
Time commitment: 3.5 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months
About CARAS :
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do
About CARAS casework:
CARAS works with adults and young people of a refugee and asylum seeker background to find solutions to their problems. There are two separate sub-teams within the Casework team; young people and adults. We support adults to navigate the asylum system, understand their options, access benefits, connect with services and realise their goals. We are a non-specialist casework and advocacy service, so we work in close partnership with other local organisations to whom we refer people with more complex issues.
Using the empowerment model, our casework service embodies CARAS’ values of ‘with not for’, always striving to ensure people are armed with the information and resources they need to make decisions and take action for themselves.
About the Role:
We are currently recruiting for 2 volunteers to join our Adult Casework team.
The purpose of the Adult Casework volunteer role is to support adults with a refugee or asylum seeking background to understand their rights, access information and services, and ultimately, take control of their own lives. You will work with individuals to address problems they may face relating to, among other issues, asylum support, accessing healthcare and education, access to legal advice and finding activities and opportunities.
You will start from an understanding that individuals are always best placed to solve their own problems, and often need nothing more than to talk out a problem and find the solution themselves. When helpful, you will provide information to clarify and support to take action.
The Adult Casework team hold a support session at our office in Tooting on Thursday afternoons from 2-5.30pm. Volunteer caseworkers have 1:1 appointments, either in person or by phone, with CARAS members. These can be related to a range of topics. Currently our biggest areas of work are around housing for people seeking asylum, access to college, nursery/school places for children, referrals to mental health providers, searches and signposting to activities, finding solicitors and supporting people to apply for bus passes and ID cards. Volunteers also support with administrative tasks such as updating our databases, collating resources and creating information guides.
Adult Casework Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:
-
Working in an empowering way with individuals and promoting their independence through goal-setting.
-
Supporting people to develop their knowledge of rights and entitlements.
-
Assisting with filling out forms
-
Signposting and referring onto other services and organisations.
-
Gathering information from experts and disseminating information to people in an accessible manner.
-
Engaging in collaborative internet and phone research on services, organisations and grants.
-
Flagging safeguarding concerns and other issues where further support is required.
-
Keeping accurate casenotes
-
Supporting to maintain our signposting database
-
Researching and collating resources
-
Working collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the Adult Casework project.
-
Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
-
Experience of doing 1:1 advice work/casework.
-
Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English.
-
Confidence in using IT (Microsft office, outlook, zoom, Google search, online forms)
-
To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;
-
A commitment to confidentiality and data protection
-
Thorough with good attention to detail
-
Reliable
-
A high level of spoken and written English
-
Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way
-
A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach
-
Enjoyment in speaking to new people
-
A commitment to working in an empowering way
-
Able to maintain boundaries
-
Able to work autonomously
-
Currently resident in the UK
Desirable
-
Working knowledge or experience of relevant law and policy around asylum support, the asylum process, rights and entitlements for people seeking asylum
-
Experience of working with interpreters
-
Direct experience of the UK immigration system.
-
Past experience of working with people seeking asylum
-
Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu or Vietnamese.
We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process
Benefits to Volunteering:
-
Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
-
Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
-
Develop your skills and competencies;
-
Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
-
Obtain a reference from us relating to your volunteering
All volunteers must complete a basic DBS check for volunteers working with adults and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.
To Apply:
To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
Applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP.
Successful applicants will undergo training and induction with our team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join the team at Newcastle Rugby Foundation with some exciting trustee and committee opportunities now available for enthusiastic individuals.
Are you ready to be part of a team that’s making a real difference in our community?
Newcastle Rugby Foundation are offering two unique volunteer roles where your passion and expertise can help drive positive change. Whether you’re interested in guiding the charity’s strategic direction as a trustee or lending your marketing skills to support our mission through our marketing and commercial committee, we have a place for you.
Who are Newcastle Rugby Foundation?
Newcastle Rugby Foundation is the official charitable arm of Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder rugby teams. Our purpose is to make rugby the positive difference that changes lives for good.
Roles Available:
1. Trustee position (specialising in Education, health, or social inclusion): As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our charity, influencing regional and national policy, and contributing to our mission of using rugby as a force for positive change. No trustee experience or formal qualifications are necessary; we provide training and support for the right individual who shares our values and vision.
2. Marketing and commercial committee member: As a member of the marketing and commercial committee, you will work closely with the committee chair, supporting the development and execution of our marketing strategy. This voluntary role is not a trustee position but offers a valuable opportunity to contribute your skills and expertise to a worthy cause.
What Newcastle Rugby Foundation Offers:
- A chance to make a tangible difference in our community.
- Training and support provided for both roles.
- Opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and grow both personally and professionally.
How do I apply?
A full job description for both roles, as well as how to apply can be found in the Trustee and Committee Recruitment Pack.
Applications close on Wednesday May 15.
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!
GSTTKPA is going through an exciting period of change. As a result, we are seeking to recruit a new Chair to support our ambitious and innovative change programme, so we can continue to achieve the aims and objectives of the charity.
The Chair role provides leadership to the organisation and the Trustee board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to ensure that GSTTKPA moves forward and continues to benefit kidney patients in the future.
The Chair will also need to set the strategy for the charity for the next few years which is vital for ensuring that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, the new post holder must understand that all the Trustees have a collective responsibility. This means that the Chair and the other Trustees must always act as a group and not as individuals.
As a Trustee, the new Chair must have a commitment to equality; celebrate diversity and be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within GSTTKPA and the wider community. In return, the successful applicant will join a warm and friendly team that works collaboratively to support each other as well as our kidney patients.
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!
About Pain Concern
Pain Concern is a charity providing information and support to people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals. Visit our website to find out more about what we do, including our Airing Pain radio programme, Pain Matters magazine, information helpline, community pain education sessions and our research and campaigning work. All pain is unpleasant, but for the 7.8 million people in the UK living with long-term pain it is a part of everyday life. It diminishes quality of life more than any other condition, leading often to loss of work, depression and disability. Anyone at any age can develop persistent pain and you will very probably know somebody affected. Although there is usually no cure, people who receive the appropriate treatment, information and support can manage their condition effectively with life-changing results
Purpose of Volunteer Role
This role supports our aim in delivering pain education in our communities and providing access to high quality resources to those who may not have digital access. As an ambassador you will provide tailored information on pain management services available in the local health board area and Signpost to any other support services in the community. Promote the concept of supported self-management as a recommended, effective intervention for chronic pain. Help make a difference to people living with pain by providing a powerful platform to hear the views and experiences for the all too often, voiceless patients. Due to the nature of the role, successful applicants will be required to undertake a PVG check.
What would you be doing
• Have personal experience of chronic pain (e.g., a diagnosis or experience of supporting a family member or friend).
• Representing Pain Concern in a professional manner
• Build a network with local GP surgeries, NHS health board.
• Attend Pain Management groups (virtually or in person), to highlight long term support options.
• Making conversation with members of the public as appropriate, and answering questions about the charity’s work.
• Signpost to helpline, Pain Concern information leaflets, Airing Pain etc
• Carry out research into community groups, local events and businesses in your area, so that you can contact them to attend fayres, exhibitions etc
• Attend cheque presentations and local events officially thanking donors and hosts for their support
• Adhere to Pain Concern’s policies and procedures at all times, including Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality;
• Attend training and volunteer meetings
• Keep your Volunteer Manager up to date on your activities, including the contacts you’ve made and talks that you’ve arranged.
Is this role right for me
We are looking for an individual who possesses some or all of the below experiences, skills and qualities.
• Friendly, positive and outgoing personality
• Tenacity and enthusiasm for sourcing opportunities in your community
• Enthusiasm and interest in chronic pain and the work we do
• Good communication skills, including public speaking
• Strong organisational skills, and an ability to work on own initiative and be proactive
• Access to the Internet and confidence in using it
• A good local knowledge
• Flexibility
Availability and location
Minimum commitment of 6 months. Minimum 2-3 hours per week. By becoming one of our Community Ambassadors, you will travel in and around your geographical area to meet support groups and attend events and from our office at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh EH15 3HS
Benefits to you
• Experience volunteering as part of a friendly team
• Meet new people
• Build on your employability skills
• Training and a dedicated volunteer line manager looking after you
• A job reference after 6 months of volunteering.
• Satisfaction of giving a valuable service to the community
• On-site car parking
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Policy
How do I apply
Download and complete an application form via the volunteering page on our website. For more information about this role please contact us via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Joining elop’s youth mentoring team, you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who values and appreciates volunteers and the benefit of supporting LGBTQ+ young people.
LGBTQ+ Trans and Non-Binary Youth Mentors Role Description
You will be an integral part in supporting trans and non-binary young LGBTQ+ with issues related to their lived experience. elop is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all volunteers to share this commitment.
In order to do this you will need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and provide two references.
Our Mentoring Volunteers provide support and are role models to the young people we work with, and must be responsible, reliable and committed to the mentoring relationship. You will need to be good at communicating, enthusiastic and have a desire to help LGBTQ+ young people.
Previous experience of working with young people would be beneficial but is not essential. No formal qualifications are required. You will need to commit to meeting with three young people on a one-to-one basis each for an hour a week for 6 months. This could be online or face to face in a designated location.Selection for interview will be based only on the information contained in the application form. When completing the application form please ensure that you include information about yourself that is relevant to these requirements
Volunteer LGBTQ+ Trans and Non-Binary Youth Mentors Role Description Duties and skills • Have relevant experience and training to support young people aged 12 - 24 in a 1:1 capacity.
• Understand the issues and lived experience of trans and non-binary young people.
• Have the ability to be non-judgemental, listen and support, and create a safe space for trans and non-binary young people to achieve positive outcomes from mentoring.
• Have the ability to plan and deliver mentoring sessions to support a young person with individual needs related to their identity.
• Have the ability to set professional boundaries with young LGBTQ+ people in
1:1 settings and adhere to elop policies particularly safeguarding and
confidentiality.
• Have the ability to accurately record written notes for mentoring sessions and
admin for the role as necessary.
• You must identify as trans or non-binary to apply for this role.
In addition, all volunteers need to meet the minimal essential requirements for the
volunteering at elop.
1. Applicants should have lived experience of the issues faced by LGBT+
people and communities
2. Understand the issues faced by different members of LGBT
communities.
3. Be able to work in a way that values and respects individuals and
cultural diversity
4. Understand the need to work within organisational policies and procedures
5. Understand the need for boundaries and be able to maintain them
within all aspects of your work
6. Be able to offer support to other volunteers.
7. Be able to work as part of a team
8. Understand that volunteering is commitment and that services may be
dependent on your involvement.
Induction and support
elop will provide an induction programme which will include induction to the
organisation, induction to the role of mentoring which will include, elop mentoring
programme, safeguarding induction training, use of materials, trauma informed
approaches, support available.
Volunteer mentors will receive line management support and supervision from an
elop worker once a month and group reflective practice 1.5 hours every other
month.
Joining elop’s youth mentoring team, you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who values and appreciates volunteers and the benefit of supporting LGBTQ+ young people.
LGBTQ+ Trans and Non-Binary Youth Mentors Role Description
You will be an integral part in supporting trans and non-binary young LGBTQ+ with issues related to their lived experience. elop is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all volunteers to share this commitment.
In order to do this you will need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and provide two references.
Our Mentoring Volunteers provide support and are role models to the young people we work with, and must be responsible, reliable and committed to the mentoring relationship. You will need to be good at communicating, enthusiastic and have a desire to help LGBTQ+ young people.
Previous experience of working with young people would be beneficial but is not essential. No formal qualifications are required. You will need to commit to meeting with three young people on a one-to-one basis each for an hour a week for 6 months. This could be online or face to face in a designated location.Selection for interview will be based only on the information contained in the application form. When completing the application form please ensure that you include information about yourself that is relevant to these requirements
Volunteer LGBTQ+ Trans and Non-Binary Youth Mentors Role Description Duties and skills • Have relevant experience and training to support young people aged 12 - 24 in a 1:1 capacity.
• Understand the issues and lived experience of trans and non-binary young people.
• Have the ability to be non-judgemental, listen and support, and create a safe space for trans and non-binary young people to achieve positive outcomes from mentoring.
• Have the ability to plan and deliver mentoring sessions to support a young person with individual needs related to their identity.
• Have the ability to set professional boundaries with young LGBTQ+ people in
1:1 settings and adhere to elop policies particularly safeguarding and
confidentiality.
• Have the ability to accurately record written notes for mentoring sessions and
admin for the role as necessary.
• You must identify as trans or non-binary to apply for this role.
In addition, all volunteers need to meet the minimal essential requirements for the
volunteering at elop.
1. Applicants should have lived experience of the issues faced by LGBT+
people and communities
2. Understand the issues faced by different members of LGBT
communities.
3. Be able to work in a way that values and respects individuals and
cultural diversity
4. Understand the need to work within organisational policies and procedures
5. Understand the need for boundaries and be able to maintain them
within all aspects of your work
6. Be able to offer support to other volunteers.
7. Be able to work as part of a team
8. Understand that volunteering is commitment and that services may be
dependent on your involvement.
Induction and support
elop will provide an induction programme which will include induction to the
organisation, induction to the role of mentoring which will include, elop mentoring
programme, safeguarding induction training, use of materials, trauma informed
approaches, support available.
Volunteer mentors will receive line management support and supervision from an
elop worker once a month and group reflective practice 1.5 hours every other
month.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hours: 16 hours maximum
Purpose of role:
The Community Café provides a clean, welcoming, safe and secure environment that all members of the community can easily access. Under the direction, you will support the running of Community Café including signposting customers to relevant services.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
-
Preparation and serving of hot and cold food and beverages to café customers.
-
To promote a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
-
To be involved with taking orders, till operation and the handling of cash.
-
Washing up of dirty dishes and other used items and clearing away tables and chairs.
-
Tidying shelves and storage.
-
Emptying bins, kitchen cleaning including equipment, floors and walls, cleaning and sanitising work surfaces.
-
Ensuring customer toilets are clean and tidy.
-
Safe use of cleaning materials and kitchen appliances and appropriate use of P.P.E (Personal Protective Equipment).
-
Attend and undertake volunteer meetings and training as appropriate.
Personal qualities and skills:
-
Knowledge of food hygiene/willingness to undertake food hygiene training.
-
Knowledge of health and safety/willingness to undertake health and safety training.
-
Willingness to have a DBS check and undertake safeguarding training.
-
Friendly and approachable.
-
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
-
A flexible approach to working in a team environment.
-
Ability and willingness to make hot and cold foods such as toasties, sandwiches, cooked breakfasts, and omelettes.
-
A commitment to the aims and objectives of the project.
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 are currently on the hunt from some volunteers to help support our weekly Speak Out Central drop-ins.
Speak Out Central is a weekly drop-in for people with learning disabilities in the centre of Brighton, helping to prevent loneliness and social isolation. People get together over a cuppa at main office at the Brighthelm Centre between 2pm and 5pm every Tuesday. We aim to support people to be more involved in their local community and make connections with others at the drop-in and the wider community in the city.
The role involves:
- To help facilitate weekly drop-in meetings with other volunteers and staff
- Work with people with Learning disabilities to become more independent and try new things away from the drop-in
- Support people with learning disabilities to develop supportive relationships and friendships
- Support people with learning disabilities to feel more confident accessing mainstream services.
- Attend induction training and ongoing training as required.
- To work independently as needed and adhere to the Speak Out Codes of Practice for Volunteers and Advocates at all times
- Support people in the decisions they make but not make them for them.
- To challenge discrimination and help people to have their rights upheld.
- To identify at risk clients and follow Speak Out’s safeguarding process if needed
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 Title:
Volunteer Activity Assistant
Location:
Ipswich Opportunities Without Limits
Day/Time required:
Flexible hours and days between Monday and Saturday 09.00 to 21:00
Organisation overview:
Papworth Trust is a leading disability charity. Our vision is a world where disabled people are seen for what they can do, and our mission is for disabled people to have equality, choice and independence.
Service overview:
We offer a rich and diverse programme of recreational, learning and employment opportunities from our centre’s facilities in Ipswich and the wider communities of Suffolk.
Situated close to the town centre, we benefit from excellent links to local transport and neighbouring community projects.
We’re a super friendly and welcoming service with enthusiastic, skilled and experienced staff and volunteers who support individuals to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.
Description of role:
To support customers with higher needs and communication difficulties one-to-one in a group sessions.
Key tasks:
· Support Activities Facilitators to deliver sessions for adults requiring support with physical and learning needs
· Support individuals to communicate and interact.
· To take part in various activities that are meaningful and of interest to customers and to you.
· Become part of a passionate and supportive team.
· Learn new skills.
· Be socialable and have fun.
Volunteers will not be engaged in “Regulated Activity” as defined by Schedule 4 to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (as amended). This includes assisting people with personal or health care, and undertaking activities with children that are not supervised by staff.
A DBS check will be required as part of this role and will be carried out during the vetting checks of successful applicants.
Personal qualities required:
Within this role you:
· Supportive nature
· Outgoing and friendly
· Polite and respectful
· Patient and kind
· Good communicator
· Empathetic
· Calm, can do approach to tasks
· Able to work on own initiative as well as a team.
Benefits of volunteering:
· Become part of a passionate and supportive team.
· Help make a real difference to the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people.
· Gain new experiences and develop skills and confidence.
· Meet new people.
· Spend your time doing something that is worthwhile and rewarding
· Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses
· Certificated training provided to prepare you for your role
· Day to day support from a designated member of staff
· Have fun!
Training available:
1. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
2. Child Protection in Health and Social Care
3. Equality and Diversity
4. Data Protection in Health and Social Care
5. Local induction
6. Health & Safety
Job Type: Volunteer
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Joining Respond as a Trustee - January 2024
Background Information
Founded in 1991, Respond is a national charity that seeks to transform the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced trauma. We are committed to bringing about positive change for our clients and their families, enabling them to lead richer and more resilient lives.
Respond's services for children, young people and adults are:
-
Survivors' psychotherapy
-
Family support services
-
Advocacy, including ISVA and domestic abuse services.
-
Training, consultancy and reflective practice
Respond supports charities that campaign for equality and inclusion with the aim to prevent abuse and equip individuals and their families to come to terms with their experiences and live more positive lives.
Our specialist training, supervision, reflective practice and consultancy equips agencies and health / social care providers to deliver trauma-informed services. This includes responding to and providing consultancy and training for significant events such as institutional abuse.
Our income base is diverse with trust funds and grants continuing to be a vital part of maintaining core services Respond offers, alongside donations from trusts and foundations. We also continue to have larger ongoing or spot contracts for our work for NHS commissioners and local authorities.
It is a good opportunity to join Respond's Board at this time, following our restructure and as we move towards the last year of our current strategy for 2022-25. Following a challenging period due to changing funding landscape and closure of some services, we will be focused on consolidation and improving impact measurement to secure long-term financial sustainability.
The role of the Board of Trustees
The Trustees (or 'Board members') are trustees of the charity and directors of the limited company. They are responsible for the governance, setting the strategic direction and monitoring the implementation of the strategy. The Board ensures that the charity acts in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
The Board has responsibility for:
-
ensuring the charity acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and is providing public benefit and meets its legal obligations;
-
making decisions in the best interests of the charity;
-
developing the multi-year strategy;
-
monitoring the management of the finances and resources of the organisation (operations, budget, property, workforce and tenders);
-
monitoring performance, quality and impact;
-
appointing and appraising the CEO.
Who we’re looking for
Following a recent skills audit within the current Board, the Board is seeking trustees with the following skills or experiences;
-
Finance - This person will have a financial qualification and will enable the Board to ensure the sound financial health of the charity. The person will collaborate with the Finance Director to ensure that the organisation has systems that meet sector best practice and ensures financial accountability. This trustee will be the Treasurer and chair the Finance Committee.
-
Human Resources (HR) - This person will have experience in working in HR roles, preferably in the voluntary sector. This person will help review and strengthen Respond’s HR policies, set up and lead the people committee and guide the Leadership team in dealing with complex HR issues including change management.
-
Fundraising, Marketing and Comms – This person will work closely with our Head of Development and Commissioning on our income strategy and communications strategy.
-
Psychotherapy /working in a trauma informed setting – As an organisation providing psychotherapy and arts therapies for autistic people and people with learning disabilities, we are looking for a trustee with experience of working as a therapist with a systems-psychodynamic approach.
The Board wants to ensure that the charity's 'beneficiaries' are represented in its governance. We encourage applications from people who have lived experience of autism, learning disabilities and/or trauma-informed work (either directly or through family members). How the Board carries out meetings will also be reviewed to accommodate adjustments requested by new trustees with learning disabilities or who are autistic. (Please refer to a separate document if you or someone you know with lived experience may be interested)
Person Specification
The following knowledge, experience and skills are essential for the role:
-
a commitment to the mission of Respond;
-
senior experience, ideally including one or more of the following areas – finance, human resources, fundraising/marketing, legal, compliance, hard-to-reach communities, caring/social care, psychotherapy, commissioning.
-
ability to identify creative solutions to problems within limited resources;
-
good analytical skills;
-
ability to think strategically;
-
independence and flexibility in thinking;
-
ability to communicate efficiently and connect with a wide range of people, internally and externally;
-
a willingness to meet the minimum time requirement (see below);
-
an understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship set out in the Charity Commission's 'The Essential Trustee'; and
-
an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to make decisions for the good of Respond.
Trustees will be expected to demonstrate the following personal attributes:
-
good interpersonal skills including listening;
-
commitment to excellence and high expectations of self and others;
-
values people and the contribution of all stakeholders;
-
sound judgment;
-
team-oriented with a supportive approach.
Respond is dedicated to developing opportunities for Trustees to be appointed reflecting greater and varied diversity among our Board of Trustees, so we welcome applications by suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital or parental status, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We particularly welcome applications from Black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented on the board.
What we offer
New trustees will:
-
Receive induction and training;
-
Develop new skills and competencies;
-
Meet new people and develop professional networks;
-
Contribute to ensuring that the charity offers high quality effective services to autistic people and people with learning disabilities who have experienced trauma, who are in need;
-
An annual appraisal
Time requirement - What is involved?
Trustees attend eight Board meetings per year approximately every six-eight weeks currently on a Tuesday evening 5:30pm to 8pm. Meetings are in London, and remote access is available for trustees who live/work outside London.
Each Trustee is expected to be an active member of the Respond community, committing 5 to 10 hours per month to the charity which may also involve being on a sub-committee such as; Finance Committee, Clinical Governance and Safeguarding Committee each of which meets four times per year, typically during normal office hours online or in London.
Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Respond prior to their first Board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings. Other meetings are away-days over a weekend.
Trustees are invited to the annual general meeting, which takes place typically in November.
Trustees may claim expenses incurred in effectively carrying out their duties, in accordance with Respond’s Trustee Expenses Policy.
Papers are distributed one week in advance of meetings. In addition, Trustees are expected to review documents and communicate with other board members and senior staff between meetings. Every effort will be made to ensure that trustees with learning disabilities or who are neurodiverse have access to documents in formats that they can understand or have the support available for them to fully participate as trustees.
Occasionally, circumstances may require urgent meetings (either face-to-face or virtual) to examine strategic issues or items requiring Board approval
Duration of the role
Board terms are for a five-year term following which the person can be elected to serve another three years.
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 Title:
Activity Assistant
Location:
Basildon Day Opportunities
Day/Time required:
Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 3.30pm (start and finish times can be flexible for parents / carers)
Organisation overview:
Papworth Trust is a leading disability charity. Our vision is a world where disabled people are seen for what they can do, and our mission is for disabled people to have equality, choice and independence.
Service overview:
We offer a rich and diverse programme of recreational, learning and employment opportunities from our centre’s facilities in Basildon and the wider communities of Essex.
Situated close to the town centre, we benefit from excellent links to local transport and neighbouring community projects.
We’re a super friendly and welcoming service with enthusiastic, skilled and experienced staff and volunteers who support individuals to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.
Description of role:
To support customers with higher needs and communication difficulties one-to-one in a group sessions.
Work alongside our Activities Facilitators to support the delivery of sessions.
Key tasks:
To work at the individual customer’s pace in a group, ensuring they can take part in sessions (for example cooking, baking, dance).
Help the individual customer communicate and interact with the team and their peers.
To help with confidence building by encouraging and empowering customer to engage, be creative and stay safe.
Ensure that the individual is included in various aspects of sessions, and during breaks and lunchtime.
Volunteers will not be engaged in “Regulated Activity” as defined by Schedule 4 to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (as amended). This includes assisting people with personal or health care, and undertaking activities with children that are not supervised by staff.
A DBS check will be required as part of this role and will be carried out during the vetting checks of successful applicants.
Personal qualities required:
Within this role you:
- Will have a supportive nature
- Are outgoing and friendly
- Will be polite and respectful
- Are patient and kind
- Take a calm measured approach to tasks
- Are a good communicator
- Are empathetic and resilient
Benefits of volunteering:
- Become part of a passionate and supportive team.
- Help make a real difference to the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people.
- Gain new experiences and develop skills and confidence.
- Meet new people.
- Spend your time doing something that is worthwhile and rewarding
- Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses
- Certificated training provided to prepare you for your role
- Day to day support from a designated member of staff
- Have fun!
Training available:
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
- Child Protection in Health and Social Care
- Equality and Diversity
- Data Protection in Health and Social Care
- Local induction
- Health & Safety
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.
SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.
We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.
We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.
The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.
We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:
• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.
• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services
• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been victims of hate crime
• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector
• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people
• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills
• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience
• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team
· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.
Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.
Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.
If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.
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!
As a welcome desk volunteer, you will be the welcoming face of Magpas Air Ambulance at our exciting new base in Alconbury Weald.
You will greet visitors at the centre, addressing any needs whilst giving exceptional customer service. You will contact relevant staff members when appropriate and signpost people into our visitor centre experience. In between greeting guests, you may be taking enquiries, processing the sale of merchandise, taking and counting donations or assisting us with other essential administration tasks.
As a welcome desk volunteer, you will be expected to:
- Represent Magpas Air Ambulance in a respectful and friendly manner
- Understand the work of Magpas Air Ambulance to secure basic knowledge and enthusiasm for our service
- Wear your Magpas Air Ambulance ID badge while volunteering, ensuring it's visible at all times
- Greet visitors, delivering exceptional customer service assistance and providing an overall welcoming environment
- Address visitor questions and needs both over the phone and face-to-face
- Have good communication skills and be able to work with other volunteers and staff as part of a team
- Have an eye for detail and a flexible attitude
- Have a good understanding of computers (Microsoft Office) or the willingness to learn
- Process payments
- Support various administrative duties
- Follow all Magpas Air Ambulance policies and procedures, including reporting any accidents and incidents
- Recognise, respond to, and report any safeguarding issues or concerns
What you can expect from us:
- Regular support and advice from our staff team
- Expenses covered in line with our volunteer policy
- On-the-job training specific to your role
- Events where you can meet other volunteers and share ideas
- Impressive skills to add to your CV and a reference if/when you need it
- The opportunity to meet a network of like-minded people
- We are an equal opportunity organisation and welcome volunteers with diverse abilities
As well as joining the Magpas Air Ambulance family, you will make new friends and be an important connection within your community representing the work of a lifesaving team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.
SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.
We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.
We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.
The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.
We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:
• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.
• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services
• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been victims of hate crime
• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector
• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people
• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills
• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience
• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team
· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.
Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.
Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.
If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.