Training support volunteer volunteer roles in harrow, middlesex

We are looking to recruit a trustee with Fundraising expertise to join Social Links, a new charity in the homelessness sector. Social Links delivers safe, structured befriending, where volunteers are carefully matched to deliver one-to-one befriending.

The successful applicant will join a Board currently comprising three trustees. In addition to this role, we will shortly be recruiting a trustee with communications specific responsibilities.

Key Objectives:

· Along with the rest of the Board, take responsibility for governance of the organisation.

· Ensure that all of Social Links’ activities further the interests of our beneficiaries and the future sustainability of the charity.

· Support the founders to achieve the aims and strategy of the organisation.

· Ensure that effective, productive relationships exist between the Board, all partners and all stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

· Attend meetings of the Board and, in conjunction with other members, make decisions on matters relating to strategy, policy, financing, functioning and monitoring of the charity.

· Read thoroughly in advance of meetings all papers sent out for discussion and prepare ideas and contributions accordingly.

· Participate in the work of any specialist panels and working groups of the Board and other identified projects/activities, subject to your own availability and nomination by the Board.

· Take an active interest in and familiarise yourself with Social Links’ day-to-day operations.

· Participate in recruitment for the posts of Trustee and Volunteer, including taking part in interview panels.

· Be prepared to use your range of contacts and acquaintances to promote the work of the charity. On occasion this may, subject to agreement, involve representing the charity at public or media events, or leading on an aspect of fundraising.

· Ongoing support of, and liaison with, the founders.

· Participate in arrangements for assessment and appraisal of the performance of the Board, and that of individual trustees and founders.

· If necessary, conduct hearings in accordance with Social Links’ formal procedures, e.g. disciplinary, grievance and appeal hearings.

· Follow Social Links’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy and Code of Conduct at all times. Further diversity, equality and inclusion through your activities on behalf of the charity.

· Undertake any development activity identified as necessary to support performance in the carrying out of the above responsibilities (any training to be arranged by the charity staff and paid for by Social Links’).

Fundraising Specific Responsibilities:

· Strategy Development: Lead with the creation and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, aligned with the charity’s goals.

· Fundraising Campaigns: Oversee and contribute to the planning, execution, and evaluation of fundraising campaigns, including events, online appeals, and grant applications.

· Donor Engagement: Identify and cultivate relationships with donors, partners, grant-making bodies and other key stakeholders.

· Governance: Provide oversight on fundraising activities, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including GDPR.

· Financial Oversight: Monitor fundraising performance, including setting and reviewing budgets and targets, and reporting to the board on progress.

· Innovation: Identify and develop new and innovative fundraising initiatives to diversify income streams. Lead with recruiting a fundraising volunteer/s.

· Advocacy: Represent The charity’ at external events and in networks to raise awareness of the charity’s work and attract funding.

Our existing 12 trustees bring a variety of skills and experiences, such as fundraising, safeguarding, finance and investments and lived RAF experience to the Fund. Your background, skills and experience will further enhance this for the benefit of the RAF Family.

The successful candidates will:

• be aligned to our vision, purpose, key goals and values and be able to demonstrate their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion;

• be able contribute positively to the Fund in a non-executive capacity, operate strategically, be held accountable and hold others to account;

• be able to build supportive relationships and work as a team. This will involve working collectively with others, supporting collective decision-making, being comfortable in sharing your views and expertise with fellow trustees and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) trustees whilst still bringing your own ideas, perspectives and experiences to discussions;

• have the ability to analyse and interpret complex information and evidence, demonstrate impartiality, intellectual flexibility and sound judgment;

• have the ability to listen, communicate and influence effectively;

• have the capacity and skill to understand stakeholder priorities; and

• be a collaborative and pragmatic problem-solver and have the ability to adapt and respond to change.

About Bank.Green

Since the Paris Agreement, global banks have poured a staggering $6.9t into the fossil fuel industry. At Bank.Green, our mission is to lower this vast carbon footprint via technology and consumer action. We empower bank customers with the tools and insights they need to influence their banks towards sustainable lending, or switch to greener alternatives. To date, our bank-checking tool has been used over 500,000 times by bank customers worldwide, while we have shifted a at least £40m towards bank who are financing a greener future. Through transparency, engagement, and innovation, we aim to redefine the role of banks in the fight against climate change.

Role Overview

As our fundraising specialist, you'll play a pivotal role in garnering the resources that drive our mission forward. Success in this position means effectively tapping into funding opportunities and strengthening our engagement with donors and supporters. Through this role, you will gain significant experience about the entire fundraising process, both for nonprofits and private entities, as well as learn about the world of sustainable finance and how technology can positively contribute to it.

Commitment

• This role is currently volunteer-based.
• We are seeking a commitment of 5-10 hours per week.
• We are looking for somebody to come on long-term, but are open to shorter-term applicants.

Key Responsibilities

• Vet new funding opportunities for suitability using our CRM and provided training resources.
• Apply for existing funding opportunities from foundations and/or investors.
• Assist in grant-writing and the grant application process.
• Collaborate on developing and executing crowdfunding initiatives.
• Occasionally draft compelling fundraising emails for our newsletter subscribers, articulating our mission and needs.

Desired Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Proactive initiative in a remote work environment.
• Passion for environmental issues.
• Experience or willingness to learn about grant applications, crowdfunding strategies, and donor communications.

Volunteer Benefits

As a volunteer-driven organisation, we are very focused on making all of our opportunities as valuable as possible for our volunteers. In this spirit, we will offer you:

• Opportunities to gain insights into sustainable banking practices and advancements in environmental advocacy through continuous learning.
• The chance to network with other sustainability professionals and advocates, enhancing your professional connections.
• Valuable experience in a critical climate-focused role, which will enhance your resume and skill set.
• Recognition for positive performance with supportive references and recommendations for your future career growth.
• A significant role in driving impactful changes in the banking sector to accelerate a sustainable future.

About TLC 

The Trans Legal Clinic is the first trans-led specialist gender identity legal practice and registered charity in the UK. The mission of the Trans Legal Clinic is simple; we provide free and accessible legal help to transgender and non-binary people in need. Our overarching vision is a society where all people have access to the legal resources required for gender self-determination and where gender diversity is not just accepted but embraced, with trans* people equipped with the necessary legal tools to navigate the world in their affirmed gender. 

Service Introduction 

The Social Media department is integral to our organisation. The social media team works together to create informative and entertaining content to build a community around the Trans Legal Clinic. We have assisted over 70 clients since October 2023.

Our Social Media department is made up of committed Social Media Content Officers, working under the Social Media Manager. 

Key tasks and responsibilities 

Design and Content Creation 

Be adept and comfortable using Canva, with an eye for design. 

Create engaging and eye-catching posts and content for Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn. 

Write engaging captions and copy for social media content to drive engagement across social media channels.  

Confident using video editing software and a willingness to learn new editing software as and when required. 

Write and edit scripts for video posts. 

Teamwork 

Engage with assigned tasks and support other volunteers in the social media team.

Keep your fellow volunteers and manager updated on your content creation and any issues you encounter throughout the process.   

Set out to reach team performance targets.

Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions.

Be respectful to colleagues and support good communication between all stakeholders. 

Work with caseworkers to create content for specific raised issues. 

Research and Outreach 

Create resources for the organisation and those seeking information on our website in a digestible way. 

Reach out to other organisations, especially those that work with trans* people, to collaborate and share knowledge and resources.   

Conduct research into relevant topics and how they affect trans* and gender diverse people. 

Review 

Review and evaluate own performance to identify strengths and areas for development. 

Undertake development and training opportunities. 

General 

Adhere to Trans Legal Clinic’s Policies and Procedures at all times. 

Cover for other members of the team and department as necessary. 

Be proactive in reviewing and evaluating own performance and identifying upon areas for improvement and development. 

Undertake any other duties compatible with the level and nature of the role and/or reasonable duties required by more senior members of staff. 

Attend and participate in external meetings and briefings as required. 

Seeking Trustees

Are you passionate about your local area, and keen to contribute your skills to help people in Barnet who are in need? We are delighted to invite applications to become a Trustee of Barnet Giving, Registered Charity Number 1188459. We are seeking a Chair, Treasurer and three other trustees.

After a successful start, where we funded and supported projects for people in need, we are now looking for new Trustees to lead the organisation in a period of development. Barnet Giving enables local people, communities, charities and businesses to give their time and skills in support of local causes. Are you a fundraiser, an investor, a collaborator, a people-person, or a community activist? If so, read on to find out how you can get involved!

Introduction

Barnet Giving is a place-based giving initiative in the London Borough of Barnet. It enables local people to give time, skills and money in support of local causes. We bring together individuals, communities, charities, businesses and statutory partners to contribute their time, skills and experiences to make things better for their neighbourhoods. We have a strong commitment to equity and diversity. Barnet Giving is a registered charity that has a partnership agreement with CB Plus, who provide staff and resources to help carry out our work. CB Plus is also a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.  

We are delighted to invite applications to join our Board of Trustees, to take Barnet Giving to its next stage of development, increasing investment and contributions, enabling us to fund and support local community projects, that reach people in need.

You can apply to be a Trustee, or the Chair or the Treasurer.

Pleasw download the role description for further information

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

If you would like to apply, please download and complete the application form from the site.

The closing date for submissions is 16 May 2025.

If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to an interview and ask you to provide 2 references. All Trustees are expected to undertake a DBS check.

Travel Radar is a passionate media organisation committed to making travel more meaningful and accessible for everyone. Since 2015, we've grown into one of the leading online sources for aviation and air-travel news, reaching over 20 million people worldwide.

Powered by a diverse, fully remote team of 50+ volunteers and contributors, we provide around-the-clock coverage of global travel developments. Our mission is to change the way people experience travel — helping them make every journey more enriching, informed, and enjoyable through timely news and helpful insights.

Join us in reshaping the future of travel and making a global impact through the power of storytelling and information.

We're on the lookout for a Social Media Manager to head up a range of exciting work including:

• developing creative and engaging social media strategies for our platforms;
• managing the day-to-day handling of all social media channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube, adapting content to suit different channels;
• overseeing, planning and delivering content across different platforms using scheduling tools such as Buffer and Meta Business Suite;
• developing, launching and managing new competitions and campaigns that promote Travel Radar and the brand;
• forming key relationships with influencers in the aviation and air-travel space across the social media platforms;
• managing and facilitating social media communities by responding to social media posts and developing discussions;
• researching and evaluating the latest trends and techniques in order to find new and better ways of creating and measuring social media activity;
• managing, motivating and coaching junior staff such as social media executives or assistants;

We're looking for a passionate and creative individual to lead and grow Travel Radar’s presence across social media. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the voice of one of the most engaged aviation communities online and create impactful content that inspires millions of travellers worldwide. We already have a strong foundation and loyal following — now we need someone who’s ready to take it to the next level. Whether you're a recent graduate full of fresh ideas, an experienced social media pro seeking a meaningful new challenge, a travel and aviation enthusiast, or a current student eager to gain hands-on experience — we care more about your passion and creativity than your CV.

If you're excited by the idea of building community, creating compelling content, and being part of a mission-driven team, we’d love to hear from you!

✨ Perks of Volunteering with Travel Radar:
(Please note: This is a voluntary, unpaid role — but we make it worth your time!)

�� Flexible workload – Contribute as and when you’re available each month
�� Fully remote – We can provide a laptop, desktop, or virtual machine if needed
�� Lunch & travel expenses covered – For in-person events, conferences, or meetings
✈️ Exclusive discount program – Access deals with 3,000+ retailers, from travel to insurance
�� Professional training – Fully funded CPD Level 3, 5, or 7 accreditation included and access industry leading support and mentoring
�� Latest tech tools – Free access to Office365, Grammarly Premium, Adobe Photoshop, Canva Pro — for both Travel Radar and personal use

Commitment per Week: 5hrs per week

Reports to: Chief Content Officer

The role

The role of the Independent member is to provide the Safety Committee and the Movement with knowledge and experience for making key decisions. The role is pro bono, but reasonable expense will be paid in accordance with The Scout Association (TSA)’s Expenses Policy.

The Safety Committee reports directly to the Board of Trustees which has overall legal responsibility for TSA. The committee is Chaired by an external appointee who is a Trustee of the board. The safety committee comprises independent members with Health & Safety expertise across a range of sectors and members from the movement. The purpose of the committee is to hold to account those with responsibility for delivery of Health & Safety across Scouting.

Main responsibilities 

The remit of the Committee is to support the Board of Trustees to fulfil its responsibilities in relation to Safety by:  

1. providing vision and direction for consideration and endorsement by the Board (as required), by identifying and contributing to the development of safety policies, procedures and guidance;  
2. ensuring that youth members, adult volunteers, parents and staff are engaged in contributing to the development of safety policies;  
3. developing and overseeing a performance framework to ensure that safety policies, procedures and practice are monitored to provide assurance to the Board (relating to members, staff and service users) and use this management information to inform and drive improvements; monitoring the local and national implementation of safety policies and procedures to ensure practice is effective and consistently applied;  
4. ensuring that appropriate connections are made with other areas of the Association’s work that may have an impact on safety (for example Adult Training by using incident data to highlight areas of success or concern);  
5. ensuring that members receive appropriate support and communication to aid understanding of their responsibilities to enable Safe Scouting;  
6. leading the process for Fatal Accident and/or Near Miss inquiries from commissioning through to completion;  
7. reviewing and overseeing actions from inquiry reports (this should be in conjunction with the respective staff functions, particularly where there is specific policy, procedure and/or practice changes that need to be recommended for consideration by the Strategy and Delivery Committee and/or Board (as required);  
8. identifying possible areas of development for the Association’s safety activities, taking into account relevant national agendas and learning from reviews whether this be external or internal to the Association.  

The person

Past or present membership of The Scout Association would be an advantage but is not an essential requirement.  

What is essential is a commitment to the vision and values of Scouting and the ability to challenge the Association’s policies and practices positively.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in a wide range of sectors, not just those from traditionally highhazard industries. We are committed to diversity and actively seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, in particular, Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.

Skills  

Primary Technical Skills (Core)

1. Competence: Experience of application of safety principles, regulations, and best practices within hazardous environments.
2. Legal Compliance: Clear understanding of legal obligations related to health and safety in the workplace and how this translates across to Scouting to assure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
3. Application of Health and Safety Regulations: Experience of applying health and safety regulations and standards to ensure compliance. This should be combined with an understanding and ability to identify relevant health and safety regulations and standards applicable to the volunteering sector.
4. Risk Assessment and Audit and Assurance: Experience of identifying potential hazards, assessment, developing strategies to mitigate risk and audit and assurance in a work environment, including risk assessment methodologies and strategies.

Analytical Skills (Essential)

1. Analytical Skills: Capacity to analyse data related to safety performance, incident reports, and trends to identify areas for improvement.
2. Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify safety issues, evaluate alternative solutions, and implement effective corrective actions.
3. Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Commitment to staying updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in safety management.

Enabling Skills (Desirable)

1. Management Skills: Experience of leading safety initiatives and managing safety teams to influence organisational safety culture to prioritise safety – demonstrating an understanding of business operations and aligning safety practices with organisational goals.
2. Communication and Influencing Skills: Experience of effectively conveying safety protocols, policies, and procedures to employees to influence behaviour, management, and regulatory authorities, showing the ability to lead by example and inspire others to prioritise safety.
3. Interpersonal Skills: Understands the need for building positive relationships with stakeholders, including volunteers and employees, management, regulatory agencies, and community members to improve safety culture.

Secondary Technical Skills (Desirable)

1. Safety Training and Education: Experience of developing and or delivering effective safety training programmes to employees at all levels within an organization.
2. Accident Investigation: Skill in investigating workplace accidents and incidents to determine root causes and prevent future occurrences.
3. Emergency Preparedness and Response: Knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to develop and implement emergency response plans.

Experience

• Experience of hazardous environments
• Experience of working in safety as a safety practitioner/holds a safety qualification
• Experience of leadership to achieve safety culture change within a complex organisation
• Expertise welcomed in mental health/wellbeing, human factors or occupational health
• Expertise welcomed in the application of strategic health protection principles (e.g. public health, food safety, and other health related safety issues)
• Experience from an activity-based sector (e.g. outdoor and adventurous activities) welcomed
• Experience of working or volunteering with charitable or youth organisations welcomed
• An understanding of governance structures and the role of boards and their sub-committees would be an advantage with experience of providing strategic advice and guidance at this level

Time Commitment

For this role, the appointed candidate should expect to spend the equivalent of a day per quarter on The Scout Association’s work after the induction phase. This is based on preparation for and attendance at the scheduled Safety Committee meetings (four in each year, with the intention that two are held online and two face to face).  

Appointment Term   

These appointments would normally be for a three-year term (subject to appraisal), extendable by mutual consent by no more than one further three-year term.

Safeguarding rules - Yellow Card

We are a youth organisation who takes safeguarding seriously. The post holder agrees to comply at all times with the safeguarding rules as set out on TSA’s yellow card, which can be found here, This is shared with young people and carers, as well as employees, so everyone knows our rules of engagement.  

In order to comply, stringent vetting procedures take place including checking against an internal database to assess suitability and also Basic/Enhanced DBS checks as required.

Data Protection

The post holder hereby agrees not to disclose any confidential or sensitive information to a third party or outside organisation except where required to do so by law and to adhere to our Data Protection policies.

Health and Safety

The post holder agrees to abide by TSA’s Health and Safety principles and code of conduct and to take all reasonable steps to ensure both their own safety in the workplace as well as that of their colleagues.

Equal Opportunities

The post holder agrees to promote and uphold the principles of equal opportunities in accordance with TSA’s Equal Opportunities Statement and all related policies.

How to apply  

If you are interested in the position and would like to apply, please send your CV and supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role. The closing date for applications is: Tuesday, 20th of May 2025 

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact the Governance Team. 

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps young people develop their English language and self-advocacy skills whilst addressing their social and wellbeing needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in the UK.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a Chair to work with the Board of Trustees and Director to oversee Springboard's operations and strategic direction. We're looking for someone who thinks strategically and creatively, enjoys working collaboratively and wants to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education and migration landscape.

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and participatory education, as well as our commitment to supporting and platforming displaced young people. We're keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us continue to refine our delivery and grow. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, inclusive, anti-racist and commited to actively challenging the hostile environment and violent border regimes across all its work. We are interested in hearing from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We particularly encourage applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and leaving care. 

Responsibilities of the Chair include:

• Providing leadership for the Board of Trustees in their role of setting the strategy and policies for the organisation
• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and setting the agendas
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings 
• Monitoring that decisions taken at board meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at appropriate events, meetings or functions  
• Liaising with the Director on organisational activity and providing support as appropriate 

Qualities:

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Understanding of the wider political landcape, abolitionist perspectives and commitment to challenging the hostile environment
• Independent judgment
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing work that centres newly arrived young people

TIME COMMITMENT

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. 

As Chair, you will be required to support with annual reporting to the charity commission, plan the agenda for board meetings and provide intermittent support to the Director. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond by email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier. 

We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria.

Job Description:

Quilombo UK is looking for a Bid Writer - Commercial Proposal Volunteer to join their team. Quilombo UK is a not for profit social enterprise that challenges people to think differently and bridge gaps between communities, with the aim of building a culturally rich society, where differences are accepted and celebrated. As chosen among 160 other organizations to work in collaboration with the Home Office on the “Building a Stronger Britain together” project, you will be joining a team, which not only supports the community but also stands up to extremism in all of its forms.

By joining Quilombo UK and QMC Capoeira School you will be supported and guided by experienced staff and volunteers, who are willing to share their skill set and will provided you with great opportunities for development in many different areas.

Ideal candidates will assist Quilombo UK in preparing funding bids that contribute to their further development. They should be well-organized, with a proactive attitude to deliver work that adheres to the key objectives of the organization. Candidates should be willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a week, for a duration of 16 weeks.

You will be volunteering as part of the team who are responsible for creating the bids to attract funding for our new or existing projects. The role will involve discussing project ideas and proposals with the management & project teams, searching for the right funding opportunities and preparing bids for submission.

You will work as part of an experienced team, where writing skills and experience in crafting persuasive and compelling content are essential.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and write commercial proposals tailored to meet the specific requirements of clients and align with business objectives.
• Review and revise previously created proposals to ensure accuracy, coherence, and alignment with current business strategies.
• Collaborate closely with other team members, partners, and stakeholders to produce high-quality bid responses, compelling content, and effective key messages that align with win themes.
• Assist in establishing a comprehensive proposal development strategy.
• Propose innovative ideas for bid submissions in line with the established strategy and market demands.
• Collect, organize, and analyze all relevant information to be included in the proposals.
• Manage a detailed “bid plan” and ensure all proposals are approved and submitted before the stipulated deadlines.

Skills and Attributes:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Ability to work with Excel is an advantage; support will be provided if necessary.
• Excellent writing skills with a strong understanding of persuasive writing and narrative structure.
• Focused, organized, and able to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
• Some understanding of commercial market trends and research processes.

Perks:

• A supportive working environment providing opportunities to develop your skills and experience in commercial bid writing.
• Work alongside seasoned professionals eager to share their expertise.
• On-site training programs to help you grow your skill set.
• A casual yet professional office setting with snacks and drinks provided.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 12 per week

Benefits: Work from home

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• No weekends

Experience:

• Bid writer: 1 year (preferred)

Location:

• Remote (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Charity Trustee

You and Me Counselling are currently recruiting volunteer trustees to complement the committee members already in their role.

This is a home working role and will be for immediate start.

Our charity

You and Me Counselling is a charitable organisation established in 2011. We are a counselling and psychotherapy service based in Hornchurch, Essex that works with children, young people, adults, and their families in the boroughs of Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. Our counsellors and therapists work both within schools and from our counselling rooms located in Hornchurch and Ilford.

You and Me Counselling are an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). This means we are fully governed by the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

Job Description

As a trustee you will need to:

• Acknowledge emails at least once a day.
• Give a minimum of one hour per week to the role.
• Attend quarterly trustee meetings online.
• Ensure that You and Me Counselling pursues its stated objectives
• Ensure there is regular review of changes that might affect the organisation (political, financial, demographic, etc.)
• Ensure that the charity complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Monitor finance to ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively for its charitable objectives.
• Uphold the good name and values of You and Me Counselling.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Supervise, support and appraise the chief executive officer.
• Hold the chief executive officer to account for the management and administration of the charity.
• Ensure that the organisation acts in accordance with employment law and exercises a duty of care to its employees.
• Identify major risks to the organisation and put systems in place to mitigate or minimise the risks.
• Ensure that the organisation has a governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size/complexity, stage of development, and its charitable objectives
• Regularly review your own training needs and create an expectation of continuous professional development throughout the organisation.
• Ensure that trustees have an agreed code of conduct and comply with it, and that there are mechanisms for the removal of trustees who do not abide by the principles stated therein.

Person Specifications

All trustees should demonstrate the following skills and values:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of their legal duties and responsibilities as a trustee
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data.

Specific Skills

The ideal candidate would have one of more of the following:

• Experience in charity law and governance
• Experience in charity fundraising
• Knowledge of counselling or psychotherapy (as a therapist or client)
• Experience in accounting or financial management
• Experience in business development
• Experience in social media or marketing
• A parent of a young person who has experience of mental health issues

Activity Alliance looking for a Chair and three new Trustees who will add value to the charity and exciting journey ahead. You will bring your expertise and/or lived experience to drive meaningful change for disabled people. Two Trustees will be Board-appointed, and one will be Member-appointed. Their start times will vary. We are pleased that you are interested in joining us to work towards our vision and thank you for your interest.

The key responsibilities of the Chair will be:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Activity Alliance fulfils its mission and objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within  the organisation.
• Oversee the governance framework, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the Board in monitoring organisational performance and  ensuring effective risk management. 
• Act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance, promoting our vision and mission. This includes being a spokesperson for the charity with the media and at events.
• Champion the voices of disabled people, advocating for change and influencing policy and decision-making at the  highest levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders, and government bodies.

The key responsibilities of the Trustees will be:

• Have outstanding commitment to Activity Alliance with a strong understanding of the organisation’s values as well as of the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life.
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall  policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets. 
• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. 
• Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation. 
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings when appropriate, and act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance.

Currently, we are particularly interested in recruiting Trustees with understanding, skills, and/or experience in one or more  of the following areas: 

• Legal 
• Commercial and corporate affairs 
• Income generation 
• Application of AI and technology

The posts are for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for two further terms of three years.

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps young people develop their English language and self-advocacy skills whilst addressing their social and wellbeing needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in the UK.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

As Springboard’s Youth Academy’s activities and ambitions continue to grow, we are seeking a Secretary to join our existing Board of Trustees. 

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and participatory education, as well as our commitment to supporting and platforming displaced young people. We're keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us continue to refine our delivery and grow. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care. 

Responsibilities of the Secretary include:

• Organising meetings
• Taking minutes and summarising actions for a team
• Contributing to Charity Commission reporting
• Preparing papers for board meetings
• Convening the Chair and Director to develop meeting agendas
• Assisting with planning Springboard’s annual Away Day 

Qualities: 

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Understanding of the wider political landcape, abolitionist perspectives and commitment to challenging the hostile environment
• Independent judgment
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing work that centres newly arrived young people

TIME COMMITMENT

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. 

As Secretary, you will be required to spend approximately 1-2 hours prior to each quarterly meeting supporting with preparation. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond by email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier. 

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps young people develop their English language and self-advocacy skills whilst addressing their social and wellbeing needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in the UK.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

As Springboard’s Youth Academy’s activities and ambitions continue to grow, we are seeking new members to join our existing Board of Trustees. 

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and participatory education, as well as our commitment to supporting and platforming displaced young people. We're keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us continue to refine our delivery and grow. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care. 

Responsibilities of Trustees include:

• Attending meetings and carrying out relevant actions
• Advising the delivery team on the aspects of their work that align with the Trustee's expertise
• Supporting the Board with ensuring the organisation is carrying out its mission
• Participating in the organisation's annual Away Day 

Qualities: 

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Understanding of the wider political landcape, abolitionist perspectives and commitment to challenging the hostile environment
• Independent judgment
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing work that centres newly arrived young people

TIME COMMITMENT

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. 

As a Trustee, you will be required to attend quarterly meetings. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond by email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier. 

Please read the attached Trustee Information Pack for more detail

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.