Volunteer Roles in Coventry, West Midlands

Do you have a passion for IT or learning new technology? Know your uploads from your downloads or consider yourself a ‘techie’?  Then we are looking for you! But whatever your background, the most important skill you have will be enthusiasm – about being online, technology, willingness to learn and communicate that knowledge to the people Age UK Devon support.

A Digital champion volunteer,  helps older people learn IT skills in a safe and supportive way.

You will help provide support and guidance, to build their digital skills and confidence, enabling them to live a more digitally inclusive and independent life.

The role involves providing personalised support to an older person through one-to-one sessions in their home, or through group coaching in a community setting.

And in return you will gain new skills, be part of your local community, make new friends, and be proud to support Age UK Devon enable older people to get the most out of life!

Age UK Devon will repay any agreed travel expenses

More information about this volunteering role on our website. For an informal chat about this role please call us 

Are you seeking to use your organisational and administrative skills to help provide a better future for disadvantaged children? We’re looking for a new secretary to assist with the running of our small but highly effective charity which provides impoverished children from North East Ghana with the uniform and equipment needed for primary school.

Apply today to be a Youth Ambassador for the World Literacy Foundation in your region.

Join 1000 other young people from around the globe

Every year, the World Literacy Foundation runs a global program to train and encourage youth people to become literacy advocates and generate change in their communities. Our ambassador program is an incredible platform to interact, share and strengthen togetherness with other like-minded people determined to eradicate illiteracy worldwide.

Be a local voice and advocate for the importance of literacy.

Ambassadors will speak at their school, university, media and community groups to raise greater awareness and education.

About us

The World Literacy Foundation is a peak non-profit organisation striving to eradicate illiteracy.

Who can apply?

We are looking for young people who meet the following criteria:

Be 15-25 years old.

Have a deep passion for literacy, human rights, and social causes

Wants to join a community of Change-Makers

Have access to a computer/smartphone and internet connection

Have the availability to contribute 30 hours of service across the 3 months to complete the program

Be able to take part in fundraising activities for the organization

Applications close May 1 2024

Further information and to apply please visit the website of the World Literacy Foundation

Member of Connexional Solidarity Circles (Carers, Rural, Disability, LGBT+, Racial Justice, and Women)

Closing date: 9am on 7 May 2024

Proposed tart date: 1 Sep 2024

Solidarity Circles for Disability, LGBT+, Racial Justice, and Women were launched in September 2023 as part of the Strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity. We hope to start 2 new Solidarity Circles – one for Carers and one for Rural Communities in September 2024.

Solidarity Circles are online meetings for the Methodist Church to support people in different diversities of the Church’s life to meet regularly, to support one another and to raise with relevant Church leaders the concerns that need to be addressed. These circles act as consultative groups for the work of the Methodist Church and are supported and led by a volunteer coordinator.

Each Solidarity Circle is formed of up to 15 members who are appointed for one, two or three years with up to five new members recruited each year to ensure a diversity of views and experience are heard.

If you are passionate about working with others towards a fully inclusive church and meet the criteria then please consider applying to join one or more of the Solidarity Circles.

• Solidarity Circle for Disability
• Solidarity Circle for LGBT+
• Solidarity Circle for Racial Justice
• Solidarity Circle for Women
• Solidarity Circle for Carers
• Solidarity Circle for Rural Communities

For the role description and Solidarity Circle Terms of Reference, please review the Solidarity Circle Information pack. The pack also details the additional information regarding preferences and availability, which will need to be noted on your application.

The closing date for applications is 7 May 2024 by 9am.

A drop-in session has been arranged to support the recruitment for new Solidarity Circle members. The session will take place on 24 April from 7-8pm

Please view job on the Methodist Church jobs page to register your interest to attend drop-in

My Death, My Decision campaigns for a compassionate assisted dying law to help end unnecessary suffering for the terminally ill and those suffering unbearably. You can lead its strategic initiatives and inspire the team to achieve the goal.

As our current Chair must step down at the end of 2024, we are seeking a Chair elect to join the board no later than the end of the first quarter of 2024. This will allow shadowing of the current Chair to ensure a smooth transition, by maintaining continuity and facilitating a seamless handover of leadership.

As the Chair of My Death, My Decision, you will play a pivotal role in leading our organisation to further our campaign goals. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about the cause either from personal experience or from professional engagement with those making end of life choices.

You will be a seasoned leader with a proven track record of strategic thinking and decision-making, whether in the context of a campaign, a charity or a not-for-profit company. Your leadership should inspire and guide our team towards achieving our mission, making a tangible impact. 

If you have a history of successfully steering an organisation, are passionate about our cause, and believe in the values of autonomy, dignity, and compassion, we encourage you to apply for this pivotal role.

Key Responsibilities

• Governance: Oversee the governance of My Death, My Decision, including chairing board meetings and member meetings, ensuring effective decision-making processes and working closely with the Director of Finance.
• Leadership and Coordination: Provide strong leadership by chairing events, onboarding new board members, and coordinating our membership at the ‘World Federation of Right to Die Societies’.
• Spokesperson: Act as the primary spokesperson for My Death, My Decision, responding to media requests and inquiries, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the campaign and its objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a key point of contact with our patrons, benefactors, and key supporters, nurturing relationships and promoting our mission.
• Miscellaneous: This role will require the successful candidate to ensure the smooth running of the organisation, both internally and in its external presentation. This will include occasional tasks outside of the realm of the job description. 

We are looking for a board member willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

You will be a good fit for this role if you have:

• Commitment & Enthusiasm: A strong passion for changing the law on assisted dying and a commitment to our campaign goal. The ability to inspire and engage others.
• Knowledge on assisted dying: As the role of chair will require much external engagement with relevant stakeholders and the media, in-depth understanding of the subject matter is essential. We are however willing to consider candidates who have a broad understanding but need time to become familiar with the details of the campaign during the Chair elect transition referred to above.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic thinking skills to develop and execute a campaign strategy in collaboration with other board members and small team of MDMD staff.
• Governance skills: Previous experience around not for profit governance.
• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to act as a spokesperson for the organisation, in particular towards bodies such as the Houses of Parliament, medical associations, the media etc.

What difference will you make?

This is an opportunity to effect real change and make a difference by achieving law change that will:

• respect autonomy, ensure dignity and end unnecessary suffering for those at the most challenging times of their lives; and
• provide choice for those making critical decisions about their lives and how they might end. 

We are committed to an evidence-based law which would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards, and we are not afraid to confront uncomfortable truths or expose specious arguments.

You can be the dynamic motivator of the work of our members, supporters, patrons and activists as we help to broaden the assisted dying debate and seek to enshrine the values of autonomy, dignity, and compassion into assisted dying legislation. 

How to apply

We do not have a prescribed application form. A covering email or letter and CV are suggested. Approved applicants may be interviewed on an ongoing basis rather than after the closing date. In the event of a successful candidate being selected, the opportunity will be withdrawn.

Could you help someone change their life and avoid reoffending?

Belong’s vision is of hope, rehabilitation and recovery for victims and perpetrators of crime. We inspire change by providing long term, individualised responses to conflict and crime through restorative Justice, psychotherapy, mentoring, and training for criminal justice professionals.

We have exciting opportunities available for committed, compassionate people to volunteer as one to one mentors with us as part of Amplify, a new, specialised project working with young people in contact with the Criminal Justice System from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic backgrounds. Through reduce reoffending, improving wellbeing and increasing a sense of identity in participants, the service will Amplify the voices and the participation of people of colour from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds in their communities.

People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds experience disadvantages at every stage of the Criminal Justice System, from over-representation, unequal treatment, and a lack of specific, relevant interventions.

The programme will work with mainly females (and a small number of males), aged 18-25 (and 17 year olds transitioning from youth services to adult probation), from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds in contact with the Criminal Justice System in the West Midlands. Participants will either be serving a sentence in the community, on licence, or in custody. Through Amplify, participants will access three strands of support concurrently: Family support, Mentoring and Creative Psychotherapy. The service will uniquely offer intersectional, gender-specific, and culturally appropriate support. The service will celebrate and nurture service users’ identity.

Mentors will work with young people either on licence in the community, on a suspended sentence in the community, or serving a prison sentence in a West Midlands or Derbyshire prison. Upon successful recrutiment, we will work with mentors to match them to a mentee in their local area.

One to one mentors will build a professional working relationship with young people as they serve their prison or community sentence and work towards a crime free future. Mentoring sessions will take place once per week or fortnight, for one to two hours per session. During the sessions volunteers will offer support to individuals to assist them to explore their identity; access education, training and employment; develop life skills; work through previous traumas and build positive relationships, for example with peers, family and within their community. Volunteers need to be able to commit to the role for at least one year. Mentoring sessions will take place during weekdays or weekends. 

Interviews for the role will take place via zoom or phone call prior to the training dates and selection for the role confirmed after participation in training.

Successful applicants will be invited to participate in an initial two-day training course in the West Midlands (location to be confirmed) from 9:30am-4pm on Saturday 15th June and Saturday 22nd June. Please note: spaces on the training course are limited and we may close the recruitment before the closing date if spaces become full.

Prison security vetting and/or an enhanced DBS check are required for this role and all volunteers will be supported to undergo this. After vetting processes are complete, further training will be provided at the prison in which mentors are volunteering, with a range of dates available.

Full support and supervision will be provided to volunteers. We particularly encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.

To apply, please send us your CV and covering letter as soon as possible, and by 16th May 2024 at 11.30pm.

Child . org is a data-driven charity working to champion perinatal health in Kenya, where neonatal mortality rates have barely changed in the last 5 years. We're seeking a new trustee to join us in driving our strategy forward.

What will you be doing?

Child . org is a data-driven charity working to champion perinatal health in Kenya, where neonatal mortality rates have barely changed in the last 5 years. We work with parents, communities and government in Kenya to provide life-saving antenatal and postnatal health information, connect at-risk mums and babies with the healthcare services they need and work with local health authorities to advocate for and improve the quality of perinatal care.

We’re a small but ambitious organisation. We have a small team who make a big impact. We pride ourselves on our core values and the culture we have built. Our team is split between Bristol in the UK and Nairobi and Meru in Kenya. Our board of Trustees are mostly based in the South West but also in London and the US. 

We are currently launching our new strategy and as part of that, we want to broaden the skills and experience of our board. We are looking for people who are passionate about the work we do, who are able to provide support, share ideas and inspire our team and our work. It doesn’t matter where in the world you are; what matters is your drive, commitment to change and what you can bring to the table.

We are especially keen to broaden the demographic of our board and to gain more contextual insight of where we work. People with a connection to Kenya, particularly those working in or with experience of maternal and neonatal health, are strongly encouraged to apply.

What are we looking for?

• Willing to devote the necessary time and effort to being an effective Trustee (and Chairperson)
• Committed to our Vision, Approach, Values and Goals
• Leaders, with demonstrable skills and experience
• High emotional intelligence with a high level of self-awareness
• Strategic in their vision, with an understanding of strategic delivery
• Balanced with an informed approach to risk
• Passionate about maternal and neonatal health
• Understanding and accepting of the legal, financial, audit and other regulatory requirements of a charity

What difference will you make?

As a Child . org Trustee, you'll play a pivotal role in driving positive change and improving perinatal health outcomes in Kenya. You will contribute to shaping and executing the newly developed strategic vision of Child . org. You will contribute to risk management and decision-making processes, ensuring effective governance and sustainability. Through collaboration, mentorship, and engagement with staff, you'll contribute to building a stronger, more resilient organisation that continues to champion perinatal health for years to come.

Before you apply

As a first step, please send your CV and expression of interest which outlines why you think you could be a good fit for Child . org. If we agree that you could be, we will send you a short questionnaire and to arrange an informal interview with the chair of our board. Please send applications via Reach in the first instance. 

The next stage will be a formal interview with multiple board members and the CEO. We expect to appoint later in the year, around October, if not before.

Come and Mentor for Us!

What is Mentor Mums?

Mentor Mums exists in recognition of the fact that there is very little support for parents stepping back into the workplace after time away and it’s not always easy.

Whether parents step back reluctantly, or with huge ambition and drive, there’s no doubt that the first few months are full of bumps in the road, as they navigate everything from organizational or management changes to emergency calls from nursery requesting the collection of a sick baby! 

People often feel that although their job stays largely the same, everything else about them, such as their priorities, sense of identity or capacity to work, has changed. 

We help support parents through this, by providing them with a mentor who works in the same profession, but is a few steps ahead in their parenting journey and can give them advice and support as they return. 

Who are you for? 

We welcome parents of all kinds, inclusive of gender, sexuality, adoptive parents and those from all models of family, who have taken a period time out of work to care for their children and would like support in returning to work. 

Some of our mentees are seeking emotional and pastoral support, while others are focused on career progression and getting back up to date with their professional skills or knowledge.

What do you do?

Our mentoring programme is totally free to access, and matches newly returning parents with mentors who work in a similar professional role and can help them navigate their journey as a working parent. 

Mentorships usually take place virtually, or occasionally in person, and mentors offer 6 hours of their time over 6 months to help someone initially survive, but eventually to thrive.

What is the onboarding process? 

All mentors and mentees book in for an initial chat with one of our team, so we can check your fit for our programme, understand your professional role, and get a sense of your own experience of becoming a parent. 

In mentors, we’re looking for people who remember the challenges, are ready to support someone in a non-judgmental or prescriptive way, and who are willing to be open about the struggles they encountered in their own journey. 

What is the time commitment for volunteers?

The initial onboarding call with our team takes around 20 minutes, and further to this we ask mentors to watch a short (15 minute) video and read our handbook. 

We then ask for a commitment to a mentee of 6 hours across 6 months (roughly 1 hour per month), plus admin time pre-post sessions. The 6-session model is tried and tested. It helps people move from ‘survival mode’ to thinking about the longer-term future, whether that includes growing their family further and/or progressing in their career, leaving them in a position of strength when the mentoring comes to an end. 

Why would you recommend volunteering as a mentor? 

People generally mentor for us because they understand the challenges others are facing as they return, and often wish this service had existed when they returned themselves! This is a chance to be the lifeline that another parent needs, helping them to return to their job successfully whilst also embracing family life. 

Previous participants have told us the programme has made a huge difference to their return. 

Mentees have said: 

“There was an opportunity for a promotion shortly after I returned. My mentor helped me remember what I was capable of doing, and taught me that I can do so much more than I thought. Friends will support you, but sometimes you need to hear from someone who can offer an impartial ear.”

“My experience with Mentor Mums has been amazing - it was exactly the support that I didn’t even realise I needed at the right time. My mentor provided me with planning strategies, and so many work-day framing exercises. She instilled confidence into me; empowering me to make the right decisions, question stakeholders and even helped me pluck up the courage to ask for a promotion and pay rise. Mentoring has benefited my life in so many ways.”

Mentors have said:

“Mentoring someone else has been a growth experience for me – through the conversations I notice more about my own approaches to certain situations, and the things I still need to work on. Mentoring also gives me the chance to consider the way I support those in my own company grappling with similar challenges.” 

“Mentoring has been a really rewarding experience. My mentee and I still keep in touch and it’s become a more mutually beneficial relationship over time.”

What types of professionals/experience are you looking for?

We would welcome mentors from all areas of the business at all levels of seniority and we currently have a long waiting list for mentors! We try to match people with their professional peers, except when we feel that particular lived experience (e.g. bereavement during parenthood, life as an adoptive parent, etc) might provide better synergy between a mentee and their mentor.

Who is eligible to be a mentor?

Anyone with lived experience as a working parent or carer of a young child is eligible to mentor for us. We expect all our mentors to adopt an inclusive attitude, mentoring people regardless of any protected characteristic, offering support without judgement.  

How can we can get involved?

You can apply to mentor via our website. You’ll be asked to create a login and sign up for a call. Then we’ll match you with a mentee as soon as we find one and you can get started straight away!

Where can we find out more?

You can find FAQs on our website here. If you have further questions, please email us.

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

Introduction

We appreciate your interest in joining Feedback’s Board of Trustees. 

This application pack gives an overview of the organisation, the role and the application process. 

Feedback was founded in 2009, and in 2013 was established as a charity. The Board of Trustees introduced then has overseen Feedback’s development as an organisation and a programme that has helped make food waste the massive issue it now is in society. Today we are known for tackling issues like food access, justice, and the environmental impact of food production and for piloting alternative models for a fair and sustainable food system for all.

Feedback is at an exciting time in its development. We are looking for someone who can bring passion, experience, knowledge and insight as we continue to help further our mission of a food system that regenerates the natural world while sustaining people on a fair basis. 

We have taken positive steps to increase the diversity of trustees on the Feedback Board, but like a lot of environmental charities we don’t have the level of diverse backgrounds, particularly around race and disability, on our governing body we really should. We want to change that.  

If you would like an informal discussion about any aspect of the role and / or the organisation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Shirley who will arrange a telephone call with our Executive Director, Carina Millstone or Chair of Trustees, Ruth Chambers.

Here are the profiles for current staff and Trustees at Feedback.

Aims and Activities

Anti-oppressive statement: Feedback is actively seeking to move through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive journey in every aspect of its work. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less open to people from under-represented backgrounds, and we are strongly committed to identifying and correcting where we may be perpetuating patriarchal, white supremacist values and other forms of oppression in our organisational culture, partnerships, and community work. We especially want to hear from you if you feel that you have lived experience of power structures preventing you from accessing opportunities like this.

Feedback is a UK and Netherlands-based campaign group working for food that is good for people and planet. We want a world where:

• All people have secure access to delicious, culturally appropriate food that is nutritious and does not cause environmental harm
• Global supply chains, farming and fishing contribute to food sovereignty, good livelihoods, mitigate climate change and enable nature to thrive
• Communities have agency to create food economies that are inclusive, equitable, resilient and celebratory

To meet these objectives, we carry out the following activities:

• We delegitimize corporations
• We ideate and advocate for policy change and regulation 
• We nurture community agency
• We widen our circle of allies
• We change culture and public discourse

More information is set out in Feedback's Strategic Framework here

The Role of the Board      

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. Specifically, the Board is responsible for: 

• Ensuring that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of charities and in line with the organisation’s governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance. 
• Upholding the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity.
• Determining the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning. 

Trustee - Role Description

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements, and acts within the confines of its governing document and in furtherance to organisational activities contained therein. 
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times. 
• Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to grow and maintain its relevance to society. 
• Maintaining sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisations’ objects, and investment activities meet accepted standards and policies. 
• Interviewing, appointing, and monitoring the work and activities of the senior paid staff if necessary.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and any applications for funds if necessary
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all sensitive/confidential information received in the course of trustee’s responsibilities to the charity. 

Accountable to 

• Funders, beneficiaries, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. 

Time commitment

• Attendance at quarterly meetings (held in central London on a weekday from 2–5pm)
• Ad hoc advice and support to senior staff and Board members, usually via email.
• Term for all Trustees is 3 years, with the option of re-election by mutual agreement for one further term.

Person Specification

• A commitment to the organisation and fixing our broken food system, including a commitment to Feedback's core values of collaboration, celebration, audacity, solidarity and impact
• Previous governance experience and an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a member of a team
• A commitment to Feedback’s anti-oppression work
• Experience in either marketing, community work and safeguarding, or law

Remuneration

This is an unsalaried position. Appropriate expenses associated with travel will be reimbursed by the charity.

The Recruitment Process

Please write a statement of no more than 500 words detailing why you’d like to be considered and how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Please submit this with your CV.

Deadline to apply: Wednesday 15th May, 9am

Interviews: Week commencing 3rd June 2024

Board meeting dates (successful candidates will be invited to join): 

Thursday 25th July 2024

Thursday 24th October 2024

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

Orchestras Live seeks a new Chair to lead the Board of Trustees and help steer the organisation through its next phase of development.

Orchestras Live believes orchestras are for everyone. Our mission is to ensure everyone has access to and can enjoy the benefits of live orchestral music, regardless of their background. We work throughout England in places which have experienced historical underinvestment, including rural and coastal areas. Our projects can take place in schools, care homes, prisons, arts venues, museums, outdoors and online.

If you believe in and want to advocate for the power of culture to create social impact and positive change, this role could be of interest to you. It is not essential to have knowledge of orchestral music or the orchestral sector. However, it’s important that you recognise the unique role that orchestras can play in supporting a culturally vibrant and resilient society, and love music – orchestral or otherwise. 

About us

Orchestras Live believes orchestras are for everyone. We are a national producer and create projects where music and creativity can thrive. We work to ensure communities across England have access to world-class orchestral experiences.

We are seeking a new Chair from November 2024 when Tony Stoller steps down after 6 years in the role.

Through our innovative and developmental approach Orchestras Live has become a leader in the sector. We collaborate with local, regional and national organisations to energise and shape orchestral programmes, prioritising the needs and interests of audiences and participants. We are motivated by the knowledge that there is much still to be done to engage new audiences, break down social, economic and demographic barriers to access and support the development of an orchestral profession that reflects the diversity of today’s society.

Our new Chair will share our belief in and commitment to the power of culture to create social impact and positive change. It is not essential to have knowledge of orchestral music or the orchestral sector. However, we are looking for someone who recognises the unique role that orchestras can play in supporting a culturally vibrant and resilient society, informed by a love of music (orchestral or otherwise).

Our current trustees bring a wide range of expertise and diverse perspectives to Orchestras Live.

Vision, Mission and Values

VISION

Orchestras are for everyone.

MISSION

To engage people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly those in historically under-invested, non-metropolitan communities in England, in creating work that harnesses the transformative power of orchestral music to inspire, bring joy and support wellbeing.

VALUES

Our values set the standard by which we hold ourselves to account and ask partners to do the same.

We are

Creative

To ensure that the orchestral experiences we co-produce are ambitious, meaningful and relevant.

To devise innovative solutions that underpin efficient organisational systems.

Inclusive

To ensure equity of access and opportunity across our delivery programme and organisational structure.

Collaborative

We respect and understand the needs and aspirations of communities with whom we work, our partners’ challenges and ambitions, and the expertise and potential within our staff and trustees.

Environmentally responsible

We raise ambition for ourselves and the sector to improve environmental responsibility, take focused action and collaborate to mitigate and minimise the environmental impacts of our operations and co-productions.

Forward-looking

To explore new developments and their potential – artistic, technological, environmental, societal or organisational – so that we offer innovative and dynamic leadership to the sector.

Who we are looking for, and why

We are looking for an exceptional individual with the experience, integrity and skills necessary to act as a powerful ambassador for Orchestras Live, and to lead the Board in the governance of the organisation. Leadership experience in any sector and an understanding of the role of not-for-profit Boards are essential. A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to the role of Chair is also required.

We are interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate their suitability in the following essential areas:

Experience and skills

• Leadership role in any sector, paid or voluntary
• Strategic leadership: working with others to agree objectives, devise, communicate and support the delivery of an organisational plan
• Assessing and managing risk
• Networking, advocating and building relationships, on behalf of an organisation, a sector or a cause

Knowledge

• Best practice corporate and/or charity governance principles
• Financial literacy

In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the following beneficial areas.

• Board membership in the not-for-profit sector
• Working in or with organisations and with individuals in the cultural sector
• Working in or with public bodies, e.g. local authorities
• Working with national policy makers 
• Developing organisational strategies to achieve more equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion
• Identifying new sources of income, including income-generating models, for the not-for-profit cultural sector
• Using data to understand and articulate the value of cultural/creative activity and support decision making
• The operational and creative potential of digital technology
• The structure of publicly funded cultural provision in England and the role of Orchestras Live within it
• The role of central and local government in supporting artists and public access to the arts, and their current policy priorities relating to culture, education and social policy

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, age groups and cultures. The Board has made specific commitments to embed equity of access and opportunity across our delivery programme and organisational structure. To help us deliver these, we are keen to hear from Global Majority, D/deaf and disabled candidates to support better representation on our Board and in leadership positions in our sector. 

Candidates who self-identify as belonging to one or more of these groups and can demonstrate experience in the essential areas listed above will be guaranteed an online interview at the first stage.

We offer access support for people who face barriers to inclusion, meeting in accessible venues, being flexible in scheduling meetings at different times of day and covering travel expenses as outlined in our Inclusion Statement, which can be found at the end of this document.

About you 

You will believe in the power of culture to create social impact and positive change, supporting your commitment to Orchestras Live’s purpose and vision;

You will share our commitment to creating a more equitable orchestral sector and to cementing an inclusive approach across everything we do and how we do it;

You will demonstrate a strong affinity with our organisational values: Inclusive, Collaborative, Forward-looking, Creative and Environmentally Responsible;

You will demonstrate confidence and persuasiveness whilst adopting a collaborative leadership style;

Your leadership style will reflect Orchestras Live’s fair and transparent decision making culture;

You will be able to build resilient and supportive working relationships with trustees, the CEO and management team that facilitate positive discussion and challenge where appropriate; 

You will share our enthusiasm for people who bring different work and life experiences, perspectives and ways of doing things to the organisation. We want to work with people who have open ears and an open mind to new approaches, prepared to challenge the status quo.

What you will be expected to do

Overall objectives of the role

• Provide leadership to the Board of Orchestras Live, ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities for governance of the organisation and supports realisation of its vision and mission.
• Work in partnership with the Chief Executive to develop and deliver the vision, mission and strategy of the organisation.
• Act as ambassador for Orchestras Live, helping to shape external relationships that will reinforce its national position and strengthen its ability to secure funding from a wide range of sources to fulfill its mission.

Trustees meet as a full Board at least four times a year and there are a small number of standing committees and working groups. Board meetings and an annual Away Day generally alternate between Leeds and London; as our trustees are based in different parts of the country, meetings are usually hybrid so that trustees may attend either in person, or online when distance and scheduling is an issue. Committees and working groups usually meet on Zoom. Papers are circulated by email in good time for trustees to read them thoroughly before the meeting.

The Chair can expect to commit to the equivalent of up to 30 days per year. This includes monthly meetings (in person or online) with the Chief Executive and regular communication with the Chief Executive and/or Company Secretary as required, as well as time spent in preparation and planning regarding governance and strategy. Full day commitments are rare; the expectation would be mostly for half days and 1-2 hour meetings (generally online). 

In addition, all trustees are expected to attend at least two Orchestras Live activities a year and contribute feedback for our internal evaluation systems.  

Whilst the role is voluntary and unpaid, travel and other appropriate expenses are reimbursed.

Term

We are looking for a Chair for an initial, minimum three-year term; ideally to be renewed for a second term to a total of six years. 

Our Chair is appointed by the Orchestras Live Board of Trustees and is accountable to them.

The Role of Chair

The Chair of Trustees has the same legal responsibilities as other Trustees, but has additional responsibilities assigned by the Board.

Board leadership and meetings

• Chairing meetings of the Board and ensuring that, through the Board and its committees, the Board runs effectively, fulfils its duties and carries out resolutions. Calling special meetings if necessary. Drawing up agendas for meetings with the Chief Executive and Company Secretary.
• Chairing meetings effectively and sympathetically, creating an environment in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately. 
• Ensuring that high standards of corporate governance and ethical, professional behaviour are maintained and, as appropriate, introduced to meet changing circumstances and good practice.
• Fostering collaborative and effective relationships between the Board, the Chief Executive and the staff team.

Governance

• With the Board, ensuring that financial controls and systems of management and risk are in place and effectively operated, and that the Board is kept informed in a timely and relevant manner of key issues and opportunities and performance against the business plan.
• To support, challenge and appraise the Chief Executive in managing the organisation, maintaining a balance between artistic and business goals, and ensuring a clear separation between executive and non-executive roles following corporate governance principles.
• Conducting periodic Board effectiveness reviews, ensuring that new Board members are fully inducted and that existing Board members are contributing effectively. 
• Keeping an eye open for conflicts of interest.
• Generally keeping in touch with Trustees to ensure that they feel valued and can make a full contribution to Orchestras Live.

Advocacy

• Representing the Board and organisation to external stakeholders including funders, national and local government politicians, policy makers and the media where appropriate.
• Being a champion for fundraising, helping to identify and develop relationships with potential and existing donors and supporters.
• Encouraging Trustees to play an active role as advocates in their networks, attend events and external meetings when the Chief Executive or senior staff would value this.

Your relationship with Orchestras Live

With a clear vision and goals, and efficient operations, Orchestras Live aims to create a supportive and open working environment, that enables individuals to perform at their highest level. We support new trustees with a full induction process. 

We offer access support for people who face barriers to inclusion, meeting in accessible venues, being flexible in scheduling meetings at different times of day and covering travel expenses as outlined in our Inclusion Statement. 

In return for your time and commitment, we offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in a highly respected, innovative and forward-thinking organisation, bringing the thrill of live orchestral music to people and places all over England and steering new thinking in the sector. You will have the opportunity to gain new insights into the cultural and charitable sectors, connecting with national and local government and expanding your knowledge and skills. 

Exploratory conversation

If you would like to have a conversation with the Vice-Chair, Chief Executive or departing Chair regarding any aspect of the role, please contact us.

How to apply

Please email your CV together with a covering letter of up to 2 pages (or a 5-minute film or audio recording if you prefer).

We encourage you to explain why you are interested in joining the Board of Orchestras Live, and describe how you demonstrate your suitability in relation to the essential areas outlined in the section on ‘Who we are looking for’. In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the beneficial areas listed.

Please address your letter or recording to our Vice-Chair, Helen Harrison.

Applicants who wish to disclose protected characteristics are asked to make Orchestras Live aware of this in their cover email.

If you have any access needs or other practical questions you would like to discuss before applying, please email or phone us.

The closing date for applications is 9 am on Tuesday 7 May 2024. First round interviews will take place online in the week commencing 3 June 2024. Candidates who reach the second round will then be invited to an informal meeting in person in June/July 2024.

On receipt of their application, applicants will be sent a link to complete a survey requesting personally sensitive data, enabling Orchestras Live to track the demographics of those who apply. Completion of this survey is entirely voluntary and all data is anonymised. Provision of this information is not part of the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

We are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion within Orchestras Live and the wider orchestral sector. This means reflecting critically on issues of diversity and inclusion within all that we do, identifying and taking appropriate action to reduce inequality and improve equity of opportunity. 

For all roles, whether voluntary or paid, we welcome applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion or socio-economic background. We are committed to inclusive working practices and during the application process we commit to: 

• Paying for your travel costs for interviews if they are held in person 
• Paying for childcare while you’re attending an interview 
• Making and paying for any reasonable adjustments to meet your needs and ensure equity during the application and interview process 
• Providing all relevant information online and in Word document format, readily available to download from our website 

If there is anything you’re concerned about or think we could provide, please email or phone us and we will do our best to help.

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

Join us as a Blood Pressure UK trustee and treasurer

Would you like to represent the Blood Pressure UK trustee board as our treasurer?

Who are Blood Pressure UK?

Blood Pressure UK is a national charity which was established in 1996. In the UK, 16 million people are estimated to have high blood pressure with one in three (5 million+ people) unaware their blood pressure is raised. Known as the Silent Killer as you can be unaware your blood pressure is raised until you experience heart attack or stroke, or it’s picked up in a random check.

For over 20 years we have been leading the light on people understanding their blood pressure numbers so if needed they can take the steps needed to reduce it. This culminates each year with Know Your Numbers Week! in September, a week-long campaign with a range of partners for people to understand their blood pressure numbers with advice and guidance of how to make vital changes to their lifestyles to change it.

Our Team

Blood Pressure UK currently have a staff team of three (two who are part-time). We contract an external accounting company to provide financial services to the charity including annual accounts, monthly management accounts, payroll, invoice creation and book keeping, making sure the charity complies with relevant governance for the charity commission and companies house.

What we are looking for…

We are looking for a qualified accountant, either working or recently retired with ideally experience of charity financial processes but not essential.

You may have a connection either personally or through family and friends with high blood pressure but it’s not a prerequisite for the role. Your experience and enthusiasm are the key factors we are looking for.

Blood Pressure UK are committed to equal opportunities and we want our board to benefit from the advantages that diversity brings, including different skills, life experiences and backgrounds. With that in mind, in this round of trustee recruitment we particularly welcome applications from people from underrepresented communities including those from South Asian, and Black African and Black Caribbean communities that reflect the communities we work with.

FrameWorks UK - Board Director

FrameWorks UK collaborates with charities and other mission driven organisations to communicate about social issues in ways that will create social progress.

The Board wish to appoint a 5th Director to strengthen its ability to exercise financial oversight of FrameWorks UK. This means the new Director is likely to have a background in finance or similar.

You will oversee fundraising efforts for Students4Students, which includes grant writing, running campaings and overseeing our team of Branch Fundraising Officers.

Students4Students (S4S) is a national charity, that works to ensure all children can achieve their potential, which is seeking to grow. We need to increase our fundraising to support our growth ambitions.

S4S has c.100 volunteers split across 4 branches. Each branch is semi-independent and run by student committees. These students are supported via our committee programme. At each of these committees, we have a student Fundraising Officer.

We are therefore looking for someone who can:

1) Lead our central fundraising efforts through research and applying for grants, and co-ordinating fundraising for the charity as a whole.

2) Train and support our local branch fundraising officers in their fundraising activities, including showing them how to apply for grants, how to fundraise effectively and how to co-ordinate key events.

Responsibilities and duties

The post-holder will be responsible for:

• Owning and managing fundraising activities for S4S.

• Managing a team of Fundraising Officers, including providing training, coaching & support for them.

• Researching and applying for appropriate grants for Students4Students.

Time commitment

• Throughout the year – We expect the post holder to commit to an average of 2 hours per week.

Key requirements

i. Experience in fundraising.

ii. Experience in grant-writing.

iii. Experience managing a team.

Optional requirements

i. Experience working with student volunteers.

ii. Experience working in a non-profit setting.

iii. Experience working in an educational setting.

Ecosy Travel is a certified social enterprise reducing the climate impact of travel & tourism with innovative software to support travellers and tourism businesses to cut their carbon footprints. They tackle the following challenges - greenwashing in the tourism industry, added burden of planning flight-free holidays and difficulty finding genuinely green holiday accommodation

Ecosy has developed software that supports reporting of per stay emissions data, to support data-backed sustainability claims and transparent reporting to potential guests. Ecosy offers carbon-optimised journey planning of flight-free holidays for easy planning. It has developed a community platform for green travellers to build trip itineraries and share their experiences to inspire others.

HEAD OF MARKETING

• We are looking for a volunteer Head of Marketing to: develop Ecosy's brand and content marketing strategy that brings together our brand story, vision, voice and messaging into a coherent and deliverable strategy for implementation by our content marketing coordinator. Review our existing brand assets, both for our B2B and B2C products and content, to refine and optimise our messaging.
• Volunteer 2-3 hours per week remotely for 3-5 months