Volunteer development officer jobs in pelton fell, durham

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

We seek to raise standards of care through our numerous campaigns and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers, who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is specialised in the rehoming of small animals including cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and hamsters. The animals come into our care from various sources such as those which are rescued, abandoned, neglected or given up by their owners. Each animal is medically and characteristically assessed to ensure it is fit and well before being available for rehoming. This all costs money, and could not be achieved without your support. 

Job Summary

This role is responsible for the development, implementation and operation of appropriate financial and business management tools to support the day-to-day business and financial administration of the Branch.

Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Executive Office (CEO), you will be expected to make use of the full capability of the Branch’s existing software systems (Google Workspace, and Quick Books) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery and develop management information to aid the Trustees & CEO in decision making.

You will be responsible for all financial management across the charity. This includes bookkeeping; financial statements; financial planning; financial policies, processes and controls and budgeting. 

You must ensure that all activities are carried out in compliance with current legislation, Branch and Society policy, relevant Health & Safety regulations and any associated statutory or legislative requirements.

Note: Branch targets and budgets are agreed on an annual basis and these will inform the personal targets agreed at the annual performance review. Progress towards personal targets will be reviewed at regular one-to-one meetings with your line manager.

This role is home based, with occasional travel across South Bucks.

Principal Accountabilities

Financial Management & Operations

• Support the CEO as a key strategic and operational partner, acting as second-in-command and deputising in their absence where appropriate.

• Maintain all financial records and accounting systems (the Branch currently uses Quick Books accounting software), registers and statistics as required by the CEO & Branch Trustees.

• Work with the CEO and Branch Trustees to develop financial plans and an annual financial budget.

• Maintain close oversight of the branch’s budget in collaboration with the CEO, proactively identifying and addressing any discrepancies, overspend, or unplanned financial activity to ensure effective financial control and informed decision-making.

• Process, monitor, record and manage all receipts & payments to/from the Branch in accordance with the agreed procedures and in liaison with the appropriate staff and volunteers including weekly banking, cash handling, invoice creation and processing, Branch payments (including those made via credit cards and petty cash) and account reconciliation.

• Monitor, review and reconcile monthly receipts & payments on the Quick Books accounting system.

• Produce monthly management accounts which include bank reconciliations, balance sheets, Branch/departmental profit & loss statements, departmental comparisons and performance against budget and such other financial reports/management information as may be required including monthly reporting to the board of trustees.

• Coordinate bank accounts across the charity, including set-up and balance management.

• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.

• Prepare annual financial statements and coordination of annual audit review.

• Support the staff and volunteers with day-to-day financial operations and ensuring departmental financial records are maintained and that monies received or expended are accounted for correctly.

• Work with the RSPCA Society National team regarding legacies, submission of care contribution funds, renewals of insurances etc.

• Ensure that strict protocols are followed for cash handling and that unbanked cash remains within the insured limit for cash held at each premises.

• Liaise with the Branch’s payroll provider to ensure staff hours are submitted and salary payments processed on a monthly basis and within the appropriate timescale.

• Process all staff and volunteer expenses in a timely manner.

• Manage all bookkeeping processes and functions, including the asset register, ensuring annual accounts are produced no later than the end of March each year.

• Develop, implement and maintain appropriate financial administrative procedures and processes.

Business Administration

• Responsible for day-to-day financial administrative support for the CEO and Trustees.

• Ensure that all administrative paperwork, including external correspondence is processed in accordance with Branch and Society procedures, including completion of all appropriate records for insurance and risk management purposes.

• Ensure financial data processing, retention and destruction conforms to the relevant policies such as GDPR.

• Ensure regulatory and legislative compliance of financial charity policies.

• Work closely with relevant operational staff to ensure appropriate responses are issued to all enquiries whether from members, supporters & volunteers, RSPCA colleagues or the general public.

• Liaise with staff and volunteers to facilitate the ordering of materials, supplies and equipment for the effective operation of the Branch, ensuring budgetary controls are maintained at all times.

• Work with the CEO and other staff to manage relevant licences, vendor relationships, service agreements and invoicing.

• Work with staff and volunteers across the whole charity on financial processes and controls.

Fundraising & Donations

• Identify, assess, and apply for appropriate grants and funding streams to maximise income for the branch, ensuring applications are timely, well-prepared, and aligned with funder criteria to support the branch’s strategic and operational objectives.

• Ensure that all donations (financial or otherwise) are acknowledged in a timely manner, receipts are issued for financial donations and the banking of all funds raised.

• Responsible for the accurate recording and banking of the funds raised.

• Develop, and manage relationships across relevant stakeholder groups, both within and outside the charity.

Gift Aid

• Ownership of the Gift Aid process.

General

• Attend meetings and training courses as required.

• Undertake such other duties as directed from time-to-time by your line manager.

Essential skills, qualifications and experience:

• A finance qualification or working towards level 3 AAT or ACCA with proven experience in charity financial operations.

• Good general level of education.

• Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting and compliance.

• Demonstrable experience of managing small to medium size budgets (circa £400,000) & accounting systems (ideally with experience of Quick Books software).

• Proven experience of cash handling and financial management procedures. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines, be proactive and work autonomously.

• Proven IT literacy including use of business software and accounting packages (including Quickbooks), and Google Workspace.

• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.

• Experience supporting audits and implementing robust financial controls.

• Knowledge of Charity and Company Law.

• Proven ability to work under direction from superiors but equally able to use their own initiative.

• Proven ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines.

• Proven ability to complete essential management paperwork and analyse data.

• Personable and with an open, positive approach to new ideas coupled with drive and enthusiasm.

• A flexible and collaborative approach to colleagues both staff and volunteers.

• Honest, trustworthy and reliable.

• A calm and friendly approach particularly when working under pressure.

• Sympathy for animal welfare and the work of the RSPCA.

• Full valid UK driving licence.

• Willing and able to travel around the Branch area on occasions.

Desirable skills, qualifications and experience:

• Experience of management & leadership.

• Training, coaching & mentoring skills.

• Experience of working with the general public and/or in a customer care environment.

• Experience of managing change in the workplace.

• Experience of managing small projects.

• Good basic knowledge of employment law.

• Knowledge of data protection requirements.

• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills through training.

We promote an inclusive working environment in which diversity is recognised, valued, and encouraged. We acknowledge the multi-cultural and diverse nature of the UK workforce and society in general. We are committed to principles of fairness and mutual respect where everyone accepts the concept of individual responsibility. 

Job description

We’re looking for an enthusiastic Communications and Events Coordinator lead the development and delivery of Khulisa’s communications strategy and key campaigns, designed to engage our supporters, stakeholders, and the wider UK public.

About Khulisa: 

Khulisa, meaning 'nurture' in the Zulu language of South Africa, is an award-winning charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support to young people. We focus on reaching those who are most at risk – young people from deprived communities who are often marginalized, vulnerable to exclusion, and at heightened risk of becoming involved in crime.

Our approach centres on safe, exploratory methods that aim to understand behaviour and experiences often rooted in trauma, abuse, and neglect. We deliver intensive therapeutic programs within educational and community settings, empowering young people to confront the underlying causes of their emotional distress and work toward healing. To create lasting, sustainable change, we also work to establish trauma-informed environments around young people by equipping parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals with the tools they need to offer effective, supportive care. Currently, our services are active in London and Manchester. 

About the role: 

This role will be a key part of helping to raise awareness of Khulisa’s mission and the issues we address, strengthening support for our programmes. The postholders will also take ownership of planning and delivering all Khulisa events, ensuring they are impactful and well-executed.

• Develop and deliver Khulisa’s Communications and Branding Strategy in line with the strategic plan.
• Lead public engagement campaigns to raise awareness, promote youth voice, and drive participation.
• Plan and manage events, including fundraising and challenge events, from concept to delivery.
• Create and manage digital content across social media, website, newsletters, and other channels.
• Recruit and supervise volunteers to support communications and event-related activities.

For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please see the attached job description below. 

The post holder will be required to work from home permanently but be willing and able to easily travel to various locations across the London and the North West as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the role and to engage with stakeholders and colleagues.

What we're looking for:

1. Abilities/Experiences

• Experience in digital campaigning and digital content creation.
• Experience of planning and delivering events, including fundraising events, liaising with partners, suppliers and colleagues.
• Excellent written, copywriting and editing skills and proven ability to communicate campaigning messages in a compelling, succinct and engaging way.
• Experience creating digital content for a variety of audiences, including experience of using a range of digital software and tools, and knowledge of message testing and optimisation.
• Experience in designing popular, results-oriented and successful campaigns.
• Ability to use design software (such as InDesign, Canva, Photoshop and Illustrator).
• Experience working within a close-knit team in a busy and fast paced working environment.
• Demonstrable ability to plan and prioritise own workload with minimum supervision.
• Ability to buy strongly into strategic objectives and reflect passion for Khulisa’s work with and for young people.
• Experience of using Salesforce or similar CRM system as well as all-in-one marketing platform such as
• Mailchimp to deliver effective long-term public engagement.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends when required.

2. Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Project Management, Events Management or Communications, or equivalent years of experience.

3. Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of relevant software and digital tools to deliver effective long-term public engagement and digital fundraising campaigns.
• Strong knowledge of WordPress or similar website builder.
• Knowledge of best practice in digital fundraising.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We are actively looking to recruit a diversity of talent. We embrace, respect and value the difference in our employees and believe that we and our work is better for it. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment that consists of fairness, dignity, and caring for everyone, and one that enables every employee to flourish and realise their potential.

Salary: Grade 5 - £37,181 per annum pro rata

Contract: Fixed term from June 2025 – end of December 2027

Hours: Part time – 30 per week

Location: Newcastle/South Tyneside

Closing date: Tuesday 29th July 2025 at 11.30 pm

Please note that the role is being advertised as Housing Team Leader but an appointment the job title will be Team Leader.

Do you have proven experience of day-to-day staff and service management, including casework support and supervision? Then join Shelter as a Team Leader and you could soon be playing an important role at the heart of our North East Hub.

About the role

The role of Team Leader is essential to the day-to-day management of the Hub and, in particular, to support and oversee the new Housing First Service for South Tyneside. Ensuring we deliver a high quality service, we will rely on you to lead and supervise the staff and volunteer team to deliver support to up to 14 people at a time in line with the Homeless Link Housing First Principles. Supporting the Hub’s strategic lead and management team to deliver our strategy locally will be important too, using local data, activism and representations to decision makers to bring about positive change for the people of the North East. You will do all you can to ensure we provide an excellent quality service that meets the needs of those who need our help and that everyone has access to a safe and affordable home.

About you

You will need experience of working with people experiencing exclusion and multiple disadvantage and in a multi-disciplinary context with partners, community groups and other agencies. You have demonstrable experience of staff and service management, casework support, risk management, supervision and safeguarding, as well as delivering and managing support projects and/or contracts. If you have experience of Housing First and mobilising contracts this would be an advantage but is not essential.

Benefits

In return we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave (pro rata for part time colleagues), enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

About the team

Shelter North East has been supporting people in the region for over 25 years and provides advice over 12 local authorities. We are made up of an advice team, legal team as well as support services which include Housing First and DIY skills service, as well as an administration team. National staff based in the hub include a Community Fundraiser and Community Organiser, Lived Experience Officer and Business Development Manager.

We aim to bring about systemic change through our work with clients, training for our partners and volunteers and using evidence to bring about housing procedural and policy changes for people in the North East.

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

How to apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ on the advert. You are  required to fill in an application form with responses to the following four points in the ‘About you’ section of the job description of no more than 950 characters each. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format. The points will be labelled Knowledge and Experience points 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the form.

• Experience of day-to-day staff and service management, including casework support, managing risk, safeguarding and supervision.

• Experience and knowledge of delivering and managing support contracts/projects.

• Experience of working with people experiencing multiple disadvantage.

• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary context with partners, community groups and other agencies.

About Small Woods Association

Small Woods Association is the UK’s leading charity promoting sustainable woodland management, social, environmental and economic benefits of small woodlands. We support woodland owners, deliver hands-on training in woodland skills, and run wellbeing programmes that connect people with nature through woodlands.

As a national charity we are seeking a committed Philanthropy and Partnership Coordinator with UK-wide knowledge of charitable income generation models, to strengthen relationships with funders, supporters and stakeholders—helping secure the resources and recognition needed to expand our impact.

Purpose of the Role

This role plays a key part in advancing Small Woods’ sustainability by:

• Securing philanthropic support through grants, trusts, and donors.
• Building and nurturing strategic partnerships with supporters, funders, sponsors, and networks.
• Promoting the charity’s work through digital outreach and storytelling to engage members and stakeholders.

You will work closely with the CEO and delivery teams to align income generation with the charity’s mission and priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Philanthropy & Fundraising (Approx. 2 days/week)

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from UK-based trusts, foundations, public sector schemes and corporate sponsors.
• Write compelling grant applications for projects focused on woodland innovation, social prescribing, education, and conservation.
• Steward funder relationships, ensuring timely reporting, compliance, and meaningful engagement.
• Collaborate with internal teams to shape fundable project proposals with measurable outcomes and clear budgets.
• Support development of earned income streams, such as training, consultancy, and membership, by identifying and promoting opportunities.

Partnerships & Outreach

• Develop and manage partnerships with philanthropic donors, environmental organisations, and community networks.
• Coordinate cross-sector collaborations to support long-term funding and awareness.
• Represent the charity at relevant events, building networks and advocating for Small Woods’ mission.

Marketing (Approx. 1 day/week)

• Plan and deliver digital campaigns to promote income generation related initiatives, membership services, events and impact stories.
• Maintain and update website content to reflect income generation related current activities and opportunities.
• Create high-quality materials, including items for the newsletters, case studies, reports and social media content.
• Support member engagement by helping grow and connect our network of woodland supporters, volunteers and stakeholders.
• Ensure consistency of brand and messaging across all platforms and materials.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in grant writing and fundraising for charitable organisations.
• Strong understanding of the UK charitable funding environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confident in digital marketing, including social media, websites, and email campaigns.
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities remotely.
• Passion for environmental or community-based work.

Desirable

• Experience developing strategic partnerships or sponsorships.
• Skills in visual content creation (design, photography, video).
• Experience with CRM systems or donor databases.
• Interest in sustainable woodland management, nature-based wellbeing, or outdoor learning.

Working Conditions

• Remote work with flexible hours.
• Occasional travel to Telford or other UK sites.
• Equipment and support for home working provided.
• Collaboration via online platforms and video calls.

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements and supportive culture.
• 25 days holiday pro rata + bank holidays.
• Pension contribution.
• Opportunity to help shape the future of people and woodland wellbeing across the UK.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your suitability.

Interviews to be held 18 August 2025 (via Teams or in person where possible)

Hours: Part time – 30 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £31,133 per annum pro rata

Location: North East Hub, Newcastle upon Tyne

Closing date: Wednesday 23rd July 2025 at 11:30pm

About the role

Your focus will be to deliver high quality housing advice and advocacy in line with the hub’s local community projects, working alongside people who are experiencing homelessness and bad housing to identify issues facing local communities.  You will plan and deliver casework to individuals and communities to resolve their housing situation and engage with community groups, local organisations and individuals to understand local housing issues and raise awareness of people’s housing rights.

You will also work in local community settings and with community groups to deliver advice and rights awareness workshops and make sure that people with lived experience of homelessness have opportunities to share their story, give their opinions and participate in the design and delivery of Shelter services. Offering day to day support to volunteers, providing learning, shadowing and mentoring and being a consistent role model for our values are also key aspects of the role.

About you

You are able to listen to, engage and work with individuals and communities and with all stakeholders, including people with lived experience of homelessness. You will have experience, knowledge of and/or proven ability in housing and homelessness advice and advocacy and are able to progress to specialist level knowledge, as well as the ability to carry out casework related interviews, maintain detailed case records, advise and support clients to make informed decisions. An enthusiasm for delivering group workshops and presentations is essential, as is a collaborative, flexible and professional approach to your work.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About the Team

Shelter North East has been supporting people in the region for over 25 years and provides advice over 12 local authorities. We are made up of an advice team, legal team, administration team as well as support services which include Housing First and DIY skills service. National staff based in the hub include a Community Fundraiser and Community Organiser, Lived Experience Officer and Business Development Manager.

We aim to bring about systemic change through our work with clients, training for our partners and volunteers and using evidence to bring about housing procedural and policy changes for people in the North East.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything,

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

 How to apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ on the advert. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement with responses to the following points in the ‘About you’ section of the job description of no more than 350 words each. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset throughout your responses:

• Knowledge and experience of housing and homelessness advice and advocacy and the ability to progress to specialist level knowledge
• Ability to listen to, engage and work with individuals and communities
• Experience of delivering and/or ability to deliver group workshops and presentations

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered

About the opportunity
There’s never been a more exciting time to join the Individual Giving team.  We’re on a bold journey to double our income over the next five years, and we’re looking for passionate, driven individuals to help us get there. 
Our team sits within a dynamic, ambitious Directorate filled with talented people who are deeply committed to making a difference.  Together, we’re building something special – and we want you to be part of it. 
In this pivotal leadership role, you’ll take the reins of our Cash and Raffle programme, working alongside two other senior managers responsible for our committed giving and supporter stewardship.  You’ll have the opportunity to design and deliver innovative multi-channel campaigns that not only grow our supporter base but also deepen engagement and increase lifetime value.  
The role is primarily home-based, but the team meets in person on average once a month to build relationships and discuss our strategy.  There may also be some occasional in-person meetings with agencies.  We’re committed to flexible working and welcome conversations about how we can support your needs.  
About you 
We’re looking for a strategic thinker and passionate leader with significant experience in individual giving or direct marketing – someone who’s ready to take the next step in their fundraising career 
You are: 

- Highly motivated to exceed targets and think strategically to achieve long-term growth.   

- Passionate about working with people, building strong relationships, and prioritising people development.  

- Data-driven, using insight to guide decisions and unlock potential 

- Skilled at managing large, multi-channel fundraising campaigns with proven success 

- A natural collaborator with strong stakeholder management and budget oversight abilities 

What you’ll focus on:  

- Developing and implementing long-term strategies to recruit Cash and Raffle supporters 

- Leading stand-out multi-channel fundraising campaigns, including our large integrated appeals, Forget-me-Not and Christmas 

- Managing and inspiring a team of five, creating a culture of high performance, collaboration and celebration 

- Working across internal teams and with external partners to maximise income growth and deliver exceptional supporter experiences  

Individual Giving Officer (Cash Giving)
Closing Date: 24th July
Interviews: 29th & 30th July
Application Process: Please ensure you apply with your most updated CV and a Supporting Statement on why you believe you would be the most suitable individual for this position.

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding ground-breaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process
During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer’s Society Talent Acquisition Team for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, Due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a DBS check at the relevant level.

Giving back to you
Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society.

The vacancy

We are seeking to appoint one lay member to sit on our GOC Council.

About the GOC

We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website:optical. org.

About the Council

The role of Council is to lead on the GOC’s mission to protect the public by upholding high standards in eye care services.  The Council is composed of six lay members (including the Chair) and six registrant members (i.e. registered optometrists and dispensing opticians).  At least one member of the Council must work wholly or mainly in each of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  One Council member acts as a Senior Council Member whose role is to carry out the Chair’s appraisal as well as provide a sounding board for the Chair and serve as an intermediary for Council members, Executive and stakeholders as necessary. 

The successful candidate will contribute to Council by exercising oversight, ensuring effective corporate governance, and making high-level policy decisions. They will be able to operate strategically and impartially; listen, communicate, and influence effectively; exercise judgment; and inspire confidence and support amongst our stakeholders. 

Remuneration and time commitment

Council members are remunerated in accordance with our member fees policy (£13,962 per annum plus reasonable travel and subsistence expenses).  The member fee includes time for reading and preparation.

The appointed member will be expected to commit approximately 2-3 days per month.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices at Level 29, One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA. There are occasional online catch-up meetings - these are currently scheduled on a Tuesday evening every 6-8 weeks, from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

How to apply:

Please email the the following to appointment@optical. org

· your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic or vocational qualifications;

· the application form, stating how your experience matches the criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and

· complete the EDI monitoring form linked in the candidate pack (this is an online form and does not need to be included in the email with your CV and application form).

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight on Sunday 10 August 2025.

Online interviews will be held on between Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 October 2025.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our council and committees.

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity and geographical locations outside of London.