Volunteer Roles in Ilford, Greater London

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.

The CJA works with members to improve policy and practice in different parts of the criminal justice system, from advocating for community scrutiny of policing to calling for better employment opportunities for people leaving prison; from setting out how probation can be strengthened to advocating for greater rights for victims, and more.

We are looking for a dynamic Chair who can provide strategic direction to the CJA. The Chair is responsible for leading the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it fulfills its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation. The Chair’s role is also to work in partnership with the Director, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the Board and staff. 

IAD is looking for a Lobbying Lead to manage the Lobbying Team to help us advance our charitable goal to promote and defend democracy. The candidate must be able to commit 5 hours per week to this role.

The International Association for Democracy (IAD) is an NGO that works to defend and advance democracy around the globe. We link people with their governments and lobby governments to promote, strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values at home and abroad. We also work towards raising public awareness about the current state of democracy around the world and what should be done to better defend and promote democracy. For further information, visit www.iad.ngo.

Objectives of this Role

• Manage the lobbying team
• Develop a political strategy for IAD
• Identify key politicians we should lobby 
• Lobby relevant politicians to advance IAD's charitable goals
• The candidate is expected to volunteer for 5 hours per week to this role

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements

• A bachelor's and/or master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations or a related field
• Proven experience in lobbying/advocacy (minimum 1 year)
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Very good written and verbal communication skills
• Fluent in English
• Basic understanding of Google Workspace and collaboration tools on Google Docs
• Candidate must be available to have calls with politicians during working hours (9am - 5pm) every now and then (approximately once every two weeks)

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with NGO 

What We Can Offer YOU

• Experience in an international NGO and an excellent reference to help you in your career
• Training and experience in managing a team, which you can add to your CV
• You will join a welcoming international network of students and professionals who have a passion for promoting and defending democracy, the rule of law and human rights
• The inclusion of your name, photo, and role at IAD on our website

William Morris Society Trustee Recruitment (Treasurer-designate and LBHF resident)

The William Morris Society is recruiting for two new members to join our board of trustees – to contribute to the strategic direction and good governance of the charity as we head towards our milestone 70th anniversary.

Founded in 1955, the Society works to improve and diffuse knowledge of the life, work and influence of William Morris. This is achieved through an impressive programme of activity – including publication of a journal and a members’ magazine, delivery of in-house and high-profile guest speaker events, school and outreach opportunities and, not least of all, rolling exhibitions at our museum on the Thames in West London.  

In 2024 the Society welcomed Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, as our new President and appointed for the first time a CEO to run the charity. New board members will join the Society at a time of rejuvenation and growth, although we remain a small organisation (with turnover <£150k) with the usual challenges facing the heritage and arts sectors.

The members of the Society comprise a fellowship of those interested in the very many diverse aspects of Morris’ life and artistic output – ranging from his famous wallpaper and tapestry designs, through his stained-glass and literary works, to his perhaps less-well known political activism. With something for everyone, we are a diverse membership – from across the UK and further afield.

We combine our broad and international appeal with a strong local presence in Hammersmith based on the contribution of Morris to the arts & crafts movement and grassroots politics during his time living at Kelmscott House – the Coach House of which is today run by the Society as a museum. We work with organisations across the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, including the Council from whom we receive an annual grant. To consolidate and further build our local connections we are recruiting for a resident of the community to join our board of trustees.

With our current Treasurer stepping down next year, we are also now recruiting for his successor. As Treasurer-designate, the successful candidate will have opportunity to work with and learn from the team, particularly with our finance officer, before stepping up to the role at our AGM in May 2025. For context, recent annual accounts can be viewed on the Charity Commission website.

We are keen to hear from all those with an interest in Morris and in supporting the work of the charity and who are either a) resident in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham or b) have financial experience to support the Society as our next Treasurer. The board meets quarterly with subcommittee meetings in between – including the Finance & General Purposes Committee, of which the Treasurer is ex officio a member. 

Application is by CV and brief covering letter to the Society’s CEO, Claudia Suckling. To schedule an informal discussion about either role with the Vice-Chair, Tara-Jane Sutcliffe, please get in touch.

Early applications are encouraged. Please note that these are voluntary (unpaid), charity trustee roles.

Closing date: Sunday 2nd June.

Would you like to provide advice and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing some of the most challenging times? After successfully completing the initial training our volunteers provide free, independent advice on a range of issues including debt, benefits, housing and other social welfare concerns, to those in the Barnet community.

Find out more in the description below or on our website.

Commitment: 2 days per week

Typical duties:

• Assist clients on reception.
• Speak to clients on our helpline.
• Support clients in person (we are opening lots more outreach locations across Barnet).
• Undertake administrative tasks supporting the advice team.

Purpose of the role:

• To help provide an effective and efficient advice service to members of the public.
• To help influence government and other organisations by informing them of the effect of their actions on the lives of clients.

Qualities Required:

• Being open, approachable and non-judgmental.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and in person.
• A good level of literacy and numeracy skills.
• A good level of IT literacy.
• A commitment to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service.
• Ability to regularly commit to volunteering (commitment level depending on the role).
• Ability to commit to and work with the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice service.

We ask everyone to undertake some initial brief training and then you can start volunteering with us. There are opportunities to progress and you will have regular reviews with the training manager. You will need to complete an application form which we will send you after this application. 

ParkPlay

ParkPlay is on a mission to build happier, healthier communities through the life-changing power of play.

Tackling low levels of physical activity, mental wellbeing and resilience, neighbourhood trust, loneliness and life satisfaction across the UK

Working in deprived communities, those with limiting disabilities, those from minority ethnic backgrounds and people of all ages.

With local partners, providing two hours of free community play, every Saturday morning in a park or public space. Active and inclusive games – all generations play together. Safe, welcoming and inclusive way for people to connect and have fun Run by the local community for the local community they have evidence that ParkPlay improves physical & mental health.

Role Description
They are looking for freelance volunteer Digital Marketing support (Content, Email, Social Media, WordPress) to help take ParkPlay to the next level and ensure our story is told impactfully and effectively with relevant Partners, PlayLeaders and ParkPlayers.
Planning the monthly content calendar (Impact posts, blogs, Email, new launches, ParkPlayer stories, ParkPlayer of the Month). 3 or 4 posts per week. Preparing content in Canva, CapCut, Quicktime. Writing supporting copy and tagging relevant partners Scheduling on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram to reach and engage target audiences Optimising blog & film content for WordPress Hubspot CRM Support: Optimising the Hubspot database to best effect including email marketing Tracking KPIs for continuous improvement

Volunteer 2-3 hours per week remotely for 1-2 months ��

SolarAid is an international development charity working alongside communities in the most rural and hard to reach areas of sub-Saharan Africa to tackle poverty and the climate crisis through access to clean, safe solar lights.

About SolarAid:

SolarAid was founded in 2006 to combat poverty and climate change. The pioneering ‘trade not aid’ approach uses sustainable enterprise to catalyse markets for safe, clean energy access. To date, they have distributed over 2.3 million solar lights across rural sub-Saharan Africa reaching places too challenging for the mainstream market. They know that every time someone switches on a solar powered light, it’s an instant win for people and the planet. SolarAid aims to do charity differently, through enabling locally led development. It has a social enterprise model, supporting people to create thriving solar businesses that tackle poverty and climate change.

At SolarAid, people are at the heart of everything they do. The belief that clean and sustainable energy can bring about significant change in all aspects of life, from education to healthcare and entrepreneurship to community life is prevalent throughout the organisation. Every solar light distributed helps create a brighter, more sustainable future where parents can earn, children can learn, and the planet can breathe a bit easier.

About the Chair Role:

The incoming Chair will be an accomplished and influential senior leader, capable of motivating, developing, and getting the best out of our dedicated non-executive team. They will play a pivotal role by fostering a positive and collaborative relationship with the CEO, supporting them in setting ambitious goals and navigating strategic transitions effectively. SolarAid seek an individual with prior experience of chair roles, preferably with a background in international development focusing on poverty alleviation, although direct experience in the energy sector is not mandatory. An understanding of African operational contexts, along with expertise in program leadership and delivery, would be advantageous.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide effective strategic leadership to the Board and organisation.
• Ensure full engagement of all Trustees, prioritising decisions in SolarAid's best long-term interests
• Establish and build a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with the CEO, ensuring they are supported in achieving strategic objectives during this period of change for SolarAid.
• Facilitate inclusive, effective and efficient meetings of the Board of Trustees.
• Work with the CEO to represent the views of SolarAid to key stakeholders and the general public, and otherwise act as ambassador as required.

Time commitment

Around 24-30 days per annum. The board meets four times each year. The Chair is required to work informally with individual board members, and with the CEO, as required. There will be some ad hoc work relevant to SolarAid business, within or outside the charity from time to time.

SolarAid are looking for a Chair who can offer the personal flexibility and availability to commit to the role during a time of change and development.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send your CV and request the candidate pack to Senior Appointments at Charity People.

Timeline:

Closing date for applications: Monday 17th June

First round interview: w/c 1st July

Final round interview: w/c 8th July

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities with which we work.

EnhanceAble’s mission is to impact positively on the lives of local disabled people and their families through the provision of excellent social care.  We pride ourselves on going the extra mile in provision of service and placing our customers at the centre of our work.

EnhanceAble is a medium sized charity in the social care sector.  We have a turn over of circa. £2 million per annum.  We have a Board of Trustees, and a Senior Management Team (SMT) consisting of our Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Head of Finance and HR Manager.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that EnhanceAble achieves its core  purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity.  They also ensure that EnhanceAble has a clear strategy and that our work and  goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the  executive team to enable  EnhanceAble] to grow and thrive, and through this, to achieve our mission. 

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act  as a group and not as individuals.

Duties Include: 

• Support and provide advice on EnhanceAble’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of new strategies

• Oversee EnhanceAble’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve EnhanceAble’s financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to EnhanceAble’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in EnhanceAble’s operating environment. 

• Contribute to regular reviews of EnhanceAble’s own governance.

•  Attend  Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect EnhanceAble’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of EnhanceAble]’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

What we are looking for 

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction  and training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation. 

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgment and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values.

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,  objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 3 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending 4  Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held in person at our head office in KT1 2TW 

• Attending circa 4 other meetings or event during any year

EnhanceAble’s mission is to impact positively on the lives of local disabled people and their families through the provision of excellent social care.  We pride ourselves on going the extra mile in provision of service and placing our customers at the centre of our work.

EnhanceAble is a medium-sized charity in the social care sector.  We have a turn over of circa. £2 million per annum.  We have a Board of Trustees, and a Senior Management Team (SMT) consisting of our Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Head of Finance and HR Manager.

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of EnhanceAble’s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and, along with the Head of Finance, reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

Treasurer role

• Working with the Head of Finance on the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees. 

• Ensuring, at a board level,  that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place. 

• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity. 

• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Chief Executive and Head of Finance. 

• Being knowledgeable of the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process 

• Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.

• Working with the Head of Finance to oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk. 

• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.

• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chief Executive to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

What we are looking for

• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.

• A strategic thinker with the ability to balance risk and opportunity.

• Clear communicator with the ability to bring financial information alive to non-finance specialists. 

• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on EnhanceAble’s purpose, vision, goals and activities. 

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee EnhanceAble’’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress. 

• Quality assures the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve EnhanceAble’s financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to EnhanceAble’s CEO and Head of Finance in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in EnhanceAble’s operating environment.

• Contribute to regular reviews of EnhanceAble]’s own governance.

• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect EnhanceAble’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of EnhanceAble’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Attributes and qualities

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. 

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as  trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. 

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our charity values

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 3 further terms to a maximum of 12 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment (Estimated at 10 hours per month)

• Attending 4 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held in person at our head office KT1 2TW

• Monthly scheduled meeting with the Head of Finance with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.  Other members of the senior management team will join some of these meetings.

• Attending a number of training and strategy sessions plus some events. 

How you can make a difference 

Sense International is the only international non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting people with deafblindness and their families around the world. Sense International’s work began in 1994 with the aim of sharing the knowledge and expertise of our parent organisation, Sense UK. Since this time, we have set up locally registered organisations in India, Kenya, Peru, Romania, Tanzania and Uganda. We have also established programmes of work in partnership with national organisations in Bangladesh and Nepal.

The fundraising team consists of seven members, and you will work alongside the team, getting involved in different projects and support with tasks as they arise. 

Key Duties

• Support the Sense International team to deliver administrative tasks for a wide range of fundraising activities. 
• Provide project support to the team in relation to donor stewardship, fundraising appeals, and approaches for major gifts to individuals, companies and charitable trusts and foundations. 
• Conduct research to find donors for major gifts, corporate and charitable trust, and foundations. Assuring alignment to Sense Internationals charity mission. 
• Draft donors thank you letters and communications.
• Help with fundraising materials such as reports, social media, and proposals. 
• Support with administration of fundraising campaigns and events. For example, writing letters for auction and raffle prizes.
• Keeping mailing lists and donor contact details up to date on the internal database.
• Option to attend events, when required, for example London Marathon cheering post and annual Gala Ball.
• Maintain a confidential, sensitive, and discrete approach to personal, sensitive, and organisational information.

What your role will involve

• Helping the fundraising team raise funds to support deafblindness in 8 overseas countries.
• Representing the organisation in a positive professional manner, supporting the vision that no one is left out of life.

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Experienced in working in an office environment. 
• Able to demonstrate excellent written, and verbal communication skills with good attention to detail. 
• Are confident using a PC, familiar with MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel and using e-mail/internet.
• Able to build good relationships and build rapport easily with a wide range of people. 
• Confident to work on own initiative and dealing effectively with a variety of tasks.
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense International and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training and support throughout your volunteering with Sense International.
• An opportunity to build your CV skills.
• A great opportunity to share your skills and experience.
• A chance to deepen your understanding of the great work we do at Sense International.
• A fulfilling flexible experience that can fit around your schedule, including remote working

Sense International's parent charity is Sense UK

About Sense UK

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. 

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. 

Sense values

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate. 

ARC offers a vital service. In the UK, approximately 700,000 pregnant women are offered some form of screening test every year, such as an ultrasound scan and/or a blood test. As a result, over 20,000 expectant parents will be told that their baby may not be developing as expected. This causes a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty for expectant parents and their families.

ARC offers a unique and important support service that provides impartial information, advice and guidance for parents who are making decisions about antenatal tests and results. We do this throughout their journey - before, during and after tests and our services are openly and widely available to anyone who needs them.

Over the past 40 years, ARC has developed into an expert, well-funded and deeply respected charity. This is a pivotal time in the charity’s evolution as we look to continue growing and deepening our impact across the health sector. There are still so many more parents who could benefit from our work, and this is a great opportunity for new trustees to join the extended team.

Trustee opportunities

• We are looking for future-focused and compassionate people to share leadership responsibilities with fellow trustees and support Jane Fisher and her team in delivering our excellent services.
• We are open to trustees from all backgrounds. However, we are particularly interested in recruiting new trustees who can help us widen our reach and extend our vital support beyond what we do already via our helpline, publications, parent forums, volunteer network and newsletter. You might come from a communications background, have experience working with underserved communities, or have lived experience with the communities we are trying to reach.
• We are looking to our new trustees to bring a unique insight onto the board and who share our vision and values. 
• Previous board experience is not required.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting the ARC (Antenatal Results & Choices) in recruiting for these roles. Apply by submitting your CV and cover letter. Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV, and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why are you interested in a trustee role and why at ARC?
• How can you contribute to ARC as a trustee? 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can make the application process work for you.

The closing date for applications is Monday, 3rd June. The week after that, online shortlisting interviews will take place. Face-to-face interviews with the recruitment panel at ARC will take place in mid-June.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Join the WEA Finance Board Committee: Bring Adult Learning, Within Reach. 

Are you passionate about adult education and community development? Do you believe in the power of learning to transform lives?  

As a member of the Finance Board Committee, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding the WEA towards a sustainable future. You’ll ensure that our programmes remain true to our values and principles, and that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our communities. 

WEA is seeking to appoint co-opted Board Committee members who have worked nationally in England or Scotland with recognised qualifications in one or more of the following fields:

• Accountancy or audit; with experience of dealing with pensions or multiple funding /revenue streams.

• Human resources; with experience of dealing with organisational development and change.

• Education / adult learning; with experience of legislative, social, health and/or education policy that may impact upon WEA delivery in England and/or Scotland. 

We offer: A comprehensive induction and training program. Supportive environment, especially for new committee members. The opportunity to use your skills and experience for a noble cause. 

Your impact: Influence adult education policies. Monitor and improve the quality of our educational offerings. Foster partnerships and build relationships with key stakeholders. 

Your commitment to our mission will help bring adult learning within reach. Together, we can create a community where continuous learning and development are a reality for all. 

Join the WEA Audit and Risk Board Committee: Bring Adult Learning, Within Reach. 
 

Are you passionate about adult education and community development? Do you believe in the power of learning to transform lives?  

As a member of the Audit and Risk Board Committee, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding the WEA towards a sustainable future. You’ll ensure that our programmes remain true to our values and principles, and that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our communities. 

WEA is seeking to appoint co-opted Board Committee members who have worked nationally in England or Scotland with recognised qualifications in one or more of the following fields:

• Accountancy or audit; with experience of dealing with pensions or multiple funding /revenue streams.

• Human resources; with experience of dealing with organisational development and change.

• Education / adult learning; with experience of legislative, social, health and/or education policy that may impact upon WEA delivery in England and/or Scotland. 

We offer: A comprehensive induction and training program. Supportive environment, especially for new committee members. The opportunity to use your skills and experience for a noble cause. 

Your impact: Influence adult education policies. Monitor and improve the quality of our educational offerings. Foster partnerships and build relationships with key stakeholders. 

Your commitment to our mission will help bring adult learning within reach. Together, we can create a community where continuous learning and development are a reality for all.