140 Trustee volunteer volunteer roles

Role description for Safeguarding Champion (Voluntary role)
“It’s been a life-changing experience. Last week I read a book to my grandson. I never read to my children because I couldn’t.” Peter, from Read Easy Poole

Read Easy provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, through a network of volunteer groups. Read Easy groups are changing the lives of individual adults across the country by providing them with the support they need to learn to read, and in turn opening doors for them to all sorts of new opportunities in life. You can read about the difference Read Easy makes here on our website.

Outline of the Safeguarding Champion role
As the Safeguarding Champion you will ensure that your group implements, understands and works within the Read Easy UK Safeguarding Policy and organising DBS checks when necessary.
How we will support you
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, training/induction, policies and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional forums and annual conference which give volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other groups.
What you will be doing
● Reporting and actioning any safeguarding issues raised within the Team.
● Becoming familiar with Read Easy Safeguarding and DBS policies and appendices.
● Liaising with the local Adult Safeguarding Helpdesk, to seek advice or refer a case to them for further action in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.
● Providing an induction for new Management Team Members so they are aware of the safeguarding requirements of the group, using the resources provided.
● Providing a short Safeguarding Refresher Session at a coach meeting annually.
● Carrying out Enhanced DBS checks on behalf of the group when appropriate.
● Ensuring that the group is acting in a way that recognises its safeguarding responsibilities in all its activities.
● Being the single point of contact for anyone within the group who wants to report any form of abuse or suspected abuse, or who has concerns and needs advice.
● Attending management team meetings, typically every six to eight weeks.

The skills you will need
● Ideally experience and understanding of adult safeguarding.
● Ability to work with discretion and confidentiality when required.
● A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of two hours a week to commit to the role.
What is in it for you?
● Develop your knowledge and skills in relation to the safeguarding of adults
● Meet and work collaboratively with new people
● Be active and engaged, adding value to your local community
Interested
If you think you can offer the time, skills and experience that we are looking for and would be interested in taking up this role, please contact the person who sent you this role description.
Please note: All Read Easy volunteer roles are subject to Safer Recruitment procedures which include verification of identity and two references, and eligibility for Management Team roles in line with Charity Commission regulations for trustees.
Please see the ‘Introduction to Read Easy for potential Management Team volunteers’ to find out more about the structure and responsibilities of the Management Team.
 

Role: Director of Local Operations

Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Director of Local Operations to develop and lead its Local Operations Departments (England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland) in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to have an impact at a local level through commissioned research projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring these Departments produce high-quality research projects which meet the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations and grow Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach in line with its strategic policies. Working closely with the COO and the Policy and Ethics Departments, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively guide and strengthen the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

● In line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, to lead the Local Operations Department in designing, developing and implementing impactful research and project objectives.

● To line manage the Head of Local Operations (England and Wales) and the Head of Local Operations (Scotland and Northern Ireland), supporting them to effectively manage their own teams and to develop and implement the frameworks necessary for producing top quality research projects based around both desktop research and fieldwork.

● To work with HR in creating a strong Local Operations Department composed of individuals with the appropriate skills and expertise. To ensure these volunteers are appropriately supported and trained during their period of service.

● To work alongside the Policy Department to source potential commission and project opportunities, shaping the focus and output of the Local Operations Department accordingly.

● To develop short- and long-term strategies in relation to the Department’s activity, ensuring that these align with the wider strategies of the organisation.

● To liaise with the Policy and Ethics Department of the organisation on an ongoing basis, ensuring that their advice is incorporated into Departmental decisions and output.

● To take responsibility for relationships with key external stakeholders, at all times representing the organisation positively and professionally.

● To work on an on-going basis with the other members of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team in determining its strategic priorities and incorporating these into the Department.

● To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategies and the Local Operations Department’s activities.

● To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Department in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.

● To create blogs and articles on related issues and to find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

● To support the Chief Executive Officer in presenting local operations strategies to Youth Advantage’s Trustees.

Requirements:

● Experience in research and planning, leading key campaigns or programmes.

● High-level understanding of carrying out quality desktop research and related fieldwork, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities.

● Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to effectively disseminating research results.

● Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members.

● Excellent writing and speaking skills.

● IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

● Ability to work well independently and in a team.

● Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

● Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits

● Gain valuable experience in leading a research and project team.

● Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.

● Flexible working hours.

Youth Advantage UK is seeking a Volunteer Deputy Head of Policy to support the Head of Policy in leading and developing its Policy Team and delivering an ambitious programme of policy work aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities. The successful candidate will contribute to identifying and developing key policy priorities, supporting the design and delivery of impactful policy projects, and helping to shape the organisation’s wider strategic direction.

Working closely with the Head of Policy, Senior Leadership Team and Heads of the Initial Research Team, the Deputy Head of Policy will support the development of evidence-based policy initiatives, monitor emerging policy developments and opportunities, and contribute to building effective relationships with relevant external stakeholders. The role will also involve supporting the development, engagement and training of Policy Team volunteers, strengthening collaboration across the organisation, and contributing to policy-related research, publications and communications.

The successful candidate should have excellent writing, communication and analytical skills, strong IT literacy, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. They should demonstrate a strong interest in policy development, research and evidence-based change, together with the ability to manage delegated projects, provide constructive leadership and translate complex policy developments into clear and actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Policy in leading the Policy Team in designing, developing and implementing impactful project objectives in line with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
• Assist the Head of Policy in identifying and developing key policy priorities and contributing to the organisation’s wider strategic direction.
• Support the management and development of relationships with relevant external stakeholders, helping to enhance the organisation’s visibility, reach and impact.
• Work closely with the Head of Policy and other members of the Senior Leadership Team in identifying and responding to emerging strategic priorities and opportunities.
• Monitor and analyse relevant external trends, developments and policy changes, providing the Head of Policy and wider organisation with timely information and recommendations where appropriate.
• Support the Head of Policy and HR in developing a strong and effective Policy Team, including contributing to the identification of appropriate skills, expertise and development needs.
• Assist in ensuring that Policy Team volunteers are appropriately supported, engaged and trained throughout their period of service.
• Support the Heads of the Initial Research Team in developing and implementing frameworks for initial research that enable effective and efficient research aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with the Communications Team to support the development and implementation of strategies that increase the organisation’s profile, visibility and impact.
• Contribute to the creation of policy-related blogs, articles, reports and other written materials, and support the development of academic articles and research outputs where appropriate.
• Support the Head of Policy and Chief Executive Officer in preparing policy strategies, recommendations and relevant materials for presentation to the organisation’s Trustees.
• Assist in delivering training and knowledge-sharing sessions for other teams within the organisation, helping members understand the policy process, how policy can be influenced and how they can contribute to policy-related work.
• Identify, collate and distribute relevant policy information, research, publications and external developments that may be of interest or value to members across the organisation.
• Take responsibility for delegated policy projects and initiatives, ensuring that agreed objectives and timelines are effectively managed and delivered.
• Provide leadership and support to members of the Policy Team in the absence of the Head of Policy or when delegated to do so.
• Promote effective collaboration between the Policy Team and other teams across the organisation, ensuring that policy considerations are appropriately incorporated into relevant organisational activities.
• Undertake any other policy-related duties or projects reasonably required by the Head of Policy or Senior Leadership Team.

Requirements:

• Experience in policy work, leading key campaigns or programmes
• High-level understanding of policy and practice, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities
• Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to applying research and development in public policy
• Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Ability to work well independently and in a team
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in leading a policy team
• Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team
• Flexible working hours

Thank you for your interest in supporting the work of Portsmouth Cathedral through membership of its well-established Finance (incorporating Audit and Risk) Committee. 

We are looking for up to three candidates who have:governance and committee experience at senior level; relevant and recent financial or fundraising experience; and/or a track record in accountancy, investments, endowments, trading subsidiaries, audit and risk. In addition to sound interpersonal skills, they should be competent and able to exercise governance in a charity organisation 

We are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion within our Committees. We welcome applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, social economic background, faith or other difference.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis