Volunteer Roles in Milton Keynes

I need someone for admin, social media and IT guy.

Chair of Trustees - Sansara

SANSARA is a vocal collective making choral music that matters, giving voice to powerful human stories.

It is recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees to chair its board that has strong governance, public health, finance, and creative arts experience, from the 1st of August 2024 or earlier, as the current Chair resigns on the 31st July 2024.

Choirs are living, breathing instruments with unmatched expressive potential. SANSARA channels this creative force to present compelling choral experiences at the highest level, from intimate a cappella performances to immersive electronic soundscapes and critically acclaimed recordings. Its core projects fuse artistic excellence with social engagement.

We are looking for a highly motivated Partnerships Officer in maintaining our relationships with charities and enterprises

We are looking for someone to help develop and maintain our partnerships with charities and social enterprises

You should be confident in drafting and building proposals; managing the organisation's CRM system and reporting data to the Head of Partnerships.

You will hold a hands-on role working in a small team and you will be comfortable working alone and/or in a team on projects, proposing how best to support and deliver them in collaboration with other departments. 

Some of our past campaigns:

• Promoting Zero Waste
• Tackling modern slavery across the globe
• Improving disability equality in the UK
• Improving mental health in the UK
• Supporting people facing homelessness in the UK

Through promotion we also engage with users of our app and website. By giving people actionable opportunities to help further the cause of our chosen campaigns (i.e. donating to certain charities, writing to your local MP, links to sign petitions), we work to create an engaging space whereby anyone can help contribute and tackle some of the challenges we face today.

Your role:

• Working with the Head Of Partnerships to identify potential charity and social enterprise partners.
• Contacting charities to form potential partnerships.
• Building relationships with existing partners.
• Working with the wider team to plan and execute campaigns and initiatives.
• Writing and designing proposals to potential partnerships.
• Support the Head of Partnerships in delivering the strategic initiatives to enable us to achieve our long-term growth and vision

Your impact:

Our work involves reaching out to charities and social enterprises to work with us, they then suggest improvements and propose actions to support their work

Thus your input will help maintain relations with our partners and help identify new opportunities

Who we are looking for:

We're primarily looking for someone who's had experience in managing relationships with businesses, such as in communications or business development, and someone who enjoys working with people.

They should preferably have working knowledge of Gmail and slack, as well as having experience maintaining CRM

Are you a dynamic fundraising leader with a talent of developing new relationships and creating new sustainable sources of income?

Now-u is a non-profit website and app, launched in July 2020 with a mission to inform, involve and inspire people to help tackle some of the world's most pressing environmental and social problems related to i) human rights and welfare, ii) protecting the world around us, and iii) preserving our species and the planet.

Some of our past campaigns:

• Promoting Zero Waste
• Tackling modern slavery across the globe
• Improving disability equality in the UK
• Improving mental health in the UK
• Supporting people facing homelessness in the UK

Through promotion we also engage with users of our app and website. By giving people actionable opportunities to help further the cause of our chosen campaigns (i.e. donating to certain charities, writing to your local MP, links to sign petitions), we work to create an engaging space whereby anyone can help contribute and tackle some of the challenges we face today.

How we create a campaign:

• The team looks at what issues would be best to tackle for a particular month
• It considers multiple factors: Recent developments impacting charitable causes, public and media attention, upcoming parliamentary debates and more
• We prepare a proposal for the campaign, gathering info, learning materials and suggested actions to complete
• We then reach out to charities and social enterprises to work with us
• They suggest improvements, and propose actions to support their work
• We prepare all these materials to be presented in accessible and engaging ways on the app
• We use other supporting materials like campaign videos, blog articles and social media

The difference you will make in this role

We are seeking an experienced senior fundraiser manager to join our team and lead in the development and delivery of our new fundraising strategy.

This is a new role where you would be instrumental in increasing our supporter base to provide us with an income to grow. 

The ideal person would bring leadership and management experience and have a track record in strategy development, budgets, working to target and KPIs.

Working independently you would:

• Action a fundraising strategy approved by the chief executive & senior leadership team.
• Agree a departmental budget and work to achieve or exceed a fundraising target.
• Co-ordinate and manage fundraising, comprising community, trust, corporate, major donor and digital fundraising, across the organisation.
• Motivate a team of volunteers who engage in fundraising activities
• Build relationships with charitable trusts, foundations and other institutional funders.
• Lead funding applications with regards to charitable trusts, foundations, grants & competitions.
• Develop a strategy to attract corporate partners/sponsors.
• Prepare reports and give presentations on fundraising progress to the senior leadership team and the trustee board.

What are we looking for?

• Excellent written and oral presentation skills: Head of fundraising needs to make regular presentations to trustees, senior managers or potential donors/sponsors and write winning fundraising applications.
• Networking/Relationship Management skills: Head of fundraising will be called upon to represent the organisation to corporates & donors and persuade them that their cause is one they should contribute to.
• Effective project management skills: Ability to lead and co-ordinate fundraising initiatives with the support of volunteers.
• Digital skills: The organisation is centred around mobile/online technology and the Head of fundraising will need to be adept at using these technologies and be aware of their fundraising potential.
• Innovation skills: Strong ideas about how to hit fundraising targets in this climate. 
• Budget management skills: You need to be able to work effectively with limited resources.

Essential experience

• Proven track record in developing and delivering fundraising strategies
• Knowledge of good fundraising procedures for the voluntary sector
• Knowledge of current fundraising guidelines and legislation
• Proven ability in producing effective, and inspiring proposals and funding reports

Transport Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Transport Volunteer for the Ayrshire Group. As a Transport Volunteer, you will help make sure people with MS can access activities and events, by setting up relationships with local transport providers.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You will understand the local area and be confident to liaise with organisations that provide local transport.

Apply 
- Read through the role description carefully

- Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

We would like to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining the CARA Board of Trustees.   Please see our CARA Trustee Role Description below for details of what is involved, and the qualities, skills and expertise we are looking for.   If you would be interested in becoming a CARA Trustee, please contact us explaining why you would like to become a CARA Trustee, and providing a brief summary of the skills you would bring to the CARA Board.

Please note that  this is an unpaid role.  Trustees' travel and other expenses will be covered.

Role Description

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. CARA works with adults of all genders, young people (aged 12-19) and children aged under 12 from across mid and north Essex.

Over the last 8 years, CARA has grown significantly. Our client numbers have more than quadrupled and we now offer a wide range of services to victims and survivors of all ages and genders. We currently have a team of 40 full and part-time staff and over 20 sessional counsellors.

CARA is interested in hearing from people who might like to join our Board. As a CARA Board member, you will have an opportunity to be actively involved in the running of a forward-thinking and fastdeveloping feminist charity. Our Board of trustees provide strategic direction and governance to CARA, supporting the management team and overseeing all aspects of our work. CARA’s Board of Trustees are also registered as our directors for the purposes of company law.

CARA trustees have the following statutory duties and responsibilities:

• To set and maintain vision, mission and values.

• To develop strategy.

• To establish and monitor policies.

• To set up employment procedures.

• To ensure compliance with CARA’s governing document (constitution).

• To ensure accountability.

• To ensure compliance with the law.

• To maintain proper financial oversight.

• To respect the role of staff.

• To maintain effective Trustees performance.

• To promote CARA.

Other duties:

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve:

• Scrutinising board papers.

• Leading and contributing to discussions.

• Focusing on key issues.

• Providing guidance on new initiatives.

A CARA trustee should have the following qualities:

• Integrity

• The skills and experience to make informed decisions on governance of a charity.

• A commitment to CARA and our vision, mission, aims and values.

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.

• Strategic vision.

• Good, independent judgement.

• Ability to think creatively.

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship. Please refer to the Charity Commission guidance 

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

Our current Board have a wide range of skills, and we regularly conduct skills audits to ensure our Board has the expertise needed to ensure CARA’s effective governance. To enhance our existing Board of Trustees, we are particularly seeking applications from people with the following skills and experiences:

• Business acumen

• Income generation

• Knowledge of the Women’s Sector

• Property and premises management.

People from Black and minority ethnic groups are currently under-represented on CARA’s Board of Trustees, and we particularly welcome applications from people from these groups. Applications from survivors of sexual violence or child sexual abuse are always welcome.

All members of CARA’s Board of Trustees are required to make a minimum commitment to the organisation. This includes attendance at Trustees meetings, which are held every other month, starting at 7.30pm. Meetings are usually held on Zoom, but occasional travel to Colchester for face-to-face meetings is also required.

All trustee appointments will be conditional on an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and satisfactory references.

As a Digital Champion you will provide support to our clients who struggle with IT and monitor our online peer support platforms. You will need to understand the importance of digital literacy to our clients. There will be a ‘referral’ system from keyworkers and staff members who will identify clients in need of digital support, while monitoring our Fuse and Discord platforms will be an ongoing task.

To be successful in this role you will have excellent communication skills, IT skills and a true passion and commitment to supporting vulnerable people to address their support needs and fulfill their full potential. The Forward Trust is committed to tackling ‘digital exclusion’ within our client base.

ACCOUNTABILITIES 

Service Delivery – Client support tasks:

• Provide remote support for clients who struggle with IT.
• Helping to build clients confidence and self-esteem with using popular digital technology.
• Monitoring Forward’s online peer support platforms to safeguard clients from inappropriate content
• Raising awareness of online services and the support available locally.
• Build a trusting and supportive relationship with clients.
• Listen to the clients concerns and work with them to overcome those. 

Forward Fuse:

Fuse is an online ‘learning and knowledge’ platform. It combines elements of social media with e-learning. Forward Trust uses it for clients to share peer support and receive news of events, activities and services.

• Supporting the Forward Fuse platform as a moderator outside of normal staff working hours – monitoring content and comments for breaking of the Ground Rules, and encouraging engagement.

Discord:

Discord is a digital messaging platform on which Forward clients can safely chat with others who share similar objectives around recovery and self-growth, sharing support and combatting isolation in the process.

• Supporting the Discord platform as a moderator outside of normal staff working hours – monitoring messages for breaking of the User Agreement

Additional tasks:

• Support with web coding (if you have relevant experience)
• Engage in support and supervision provided.
• To keep a good record of your work, including reporting verbally to their supervisor and completing relevant forms.

This may vary depending on your specific team and time commitment.

EXPENSES

• Travel and lunch expenses will need to be pre-agreed with placement supervisor if travel is required.

TRAINING & INDUCTION

Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following:

• E-Learning:  
  • Data Protection/GDPR/PECR
  • Safeguarding – Knowledge
  • Health & Safety – Knowledge
  • Volunteer Induction – Organisational Awareness
• Digital Unite – available e-learning module and resources to help structure support sessions with clients
• A full induction to your team including placement specific policies and procedures.
• Additional volunteer training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement.

QUALITIES 

Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking for from volunteers:

• Must be over 18 years of age.
• Ability to use computers and IT equipment.
• Confident to pass on digital skills in a friendly and supportive manner.
• Content Moderator – ability to evaluate content in line with content and policies.
• Web coding (preferable) – specific information needed.
• To have the ability to engage effectively with the client group.
• To have good verbal and written communication skills.
• To have a clear understanding and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.
• To be able to communicate and actively listen to client’s concerns.
• To be able to treat clients in a positive and non-judgemental manner.
• To be committed to own learning and development.

Role Summary

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who will offer strategic and supportive leadership to our highly effective, collaborative and committed Board.  The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity's vision and mission.  The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the Board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive.  The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.

Chair role & responsibilities 

Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that Glass Door achieves its mission with the interests of Glass Door's guests at its centre.

Work collaboratively with the CEO, staff and volunteers to achieve our mission and optimise the relationship between the Board and Glass Doors's staff and volunteers.

Provide leadership within the Board, ensuring that it fulfills its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation and promoting governance among fellow Trustees, providing clarity around boundaries between governance, management and operations.

Plan and chair the bi-monthly board meetings and the AGM, with colleagues as appropriate and liaise with the CEO, Company Secretary and Governance Trustee with regard to setting up meetings, agenda items and annual report content.

Facilitate meetings ensuring all have equal involvement in discussions, clarifying any uncertainties, confirming decisions made and actions to be taken and ensuring effective time management of meetings whilst providing appropriate periods of discussion and reflection.

Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Glass Door when required.

Support Glass Door functions and events eg attendance at supporter events.

Support the Head of Fundraising & Major Donors with the cultivation of high-level donors, occassionally attending meetings where value can be added.

Represent the Board at staff Town Hall meetings.

Support the team liaising with partner churches and statutory authorities as required and be the public face of Glass Door in the local community.

Liaise with the CEO and he Board to keep an overview of the charity's affairs.

Provide supervision and support to the CEO as necessary in addition to planned monthly/bi-monthly 'catch up' meetings and, with the People Trustee, lead the CEO's annual performance review.

To act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.

What we are looking for

Experience of being a Trustee, ideally in the third sector, and an understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a Trustee/Director.

A keen sense of strategic purpose.

Strong leadership skills, able to foster and promote a collaborative team environment and an inclusive and collaborative leadership style; able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.

An ability to facilitate, mediate, influence and respect the confidences of colleagues.  The ability to listen and engage effectively.  You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.

Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Advocate and ambassador - possess gravitas to lead the organisation and be able and willing to champion Glass Door.

Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to Glass Door's guests and ensure that the interests of our guests drive the decisions of the Board.

A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

A willingness to devote necessary time and effort to your duties as Chair and be available and responsive (e.g. when things sometimes 'come up' that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to).

What's in it for the new Chair?

Our vision is a world where no one has to sleep on the streets of London and we're working every day to achieve this.  Your role as Chair will offer you an incredibly reqarding experience to use your skills and collaborate with the rest of the Board and staff members for the benefit of people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.

For more information please see the full role description and Glass Door information pack attached,

Join Us in Shaping the Future: Bring your passion for eye care and diverse expertise to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. Become a Trustee of Vision Care for Homeless People!

• Are you passionate about ensuring everyone has access to essential eye care services, regardless of their circumstances?
• Are you eager to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness?
• If so, we invite you to consider becoming a Trustee at VCHP, where we're dedicated to providing vital eye care to those in need.

About Us

At VCHP, we believe that everyone deserves the right to clear vision and eye health. Since 2003, we've been on a mission to provide comprehensive eye care services to individuals experiencing homelessness across the UK. From eye exams to prescription glasses, we're committed to ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to their vision. Now, as we look to the future, we're seeking dynamic individuals to join our board and help guide our strategic direction.

What We’re 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. Do you know how to positively challenge the status quo? At VCHP, we're on a mission to provide essential support to those experiencing homelessness, and as we move forward, we recognise the importance of having a diverse and skilled board to guide our efforts effectively. We're currently seeking individuals who can bring specific expertise to address the existing skills gaps on our board. We're particularly interested in candidates who possess one or more of the following skills and experiences:

• Board Experience: To provide strategic leadership and governance oversight.
• Digital Skills: To navigate the digital landscape and leverage technology for organisational growth.
• Cybersecurity: To ensure the security and integrity of our digital infrastructure.
• Lived experience of homelessness or experience as a service user: To offer firsthand insights into the needs and challenges of our service users.
• Charity Law and Compliance: To ensure that we operate in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Policy Development: To develop robust policies that align with our mission and support our organizational objectives.

By adding individuals with these specific skills to our board, we aim to enhance our capacity to fulfil our mission and serve our community more effectively. For the full role description, which outlines essential skills and responsibilities, please contact us.

Why Join Us

• Make an Impact: As a Trustee, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve and contribute to positive change in our community.
• Professional Development: Joining our board offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, including leadership development, networking, and learning from experienced colleagues.
• Be Part of Something Meaningful: Join a dedicated team of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference and creating a brighter future for VCHP and those we support.

How to Apply

If you're ready to embark on this rewarding journey and help shape the future of VCHP, we'd love to hear from you!

To apply, kindly detail your alignment with the desired skills and experiences and articulate your motivation for seeking the role of trustee at VCHP within a concise response of no more than 2 pages. Please accompany this with your CV, if you have one.

If you want to learn more or have questions before applying, please contact Anna, who will be happy to assist you. Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact Anna who will be happy to advise on this.

Closing date for applications: 31st May 2024, with the possibility of interviews conducted on a rolling basis.

Interview dates: July 2024. While this role can be carried out remotely, please note that there will be one annual face-to-face meeting.

Could you make a significant contribution to help people live later life well?

Are you a member of the Methodist Church in Britain seeking to use your skills, expertise and gifts in a new way?

We are seeking a Methodist Church nominee to join the board of Methodist Homes (MHA).

You will be working collaboratively with other MHA trustees to help shape MHA’s future strategy and ensure good governance across the charity.

As a Board Member you will have passion for the wellbeing of older people and will bring a wide-ranging skills and experience.

Expressions of interest are invited from both lay and ordained members of the Methodist Church in Britain.  You're encouraged to apply if you feel that overall, your skills and experience meet the role requirements.

Reflecting the diverse communities that MHA are proud to serve, MHA is committed to widening the diversity of its leadership and board. Therefore, we actively and warmly encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.

If you would find it helpful to discuss the role before applying, please contac us to arrange a phone conversation with a member of the Nominations Committee.

Closing date: 28 May 2024

Short listing date: 30 May 2024

Interviews /exploratory conversations: 10 June 2024 (PM)

The inspirational peer to peer mental health charity is looking for an experienced Chair of Trustees to help us increase our fundraising and service reach.

We are developing an ambitious ten year startegy to grow our reach, embed service excellence in mental health and have a strong financial base for operations.

If you are passionate about mental health and have experience in governance, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Interviews with the interim Chair and Chief Executive will be on a rolling basis, so please dont delay putting in an application. Please send us your CV and a short covering letter to apply

We are looking for trained Clinical Supervisors who have been practising for over 3 years to lead supervision sessions with our volunteer Mentors. We hold these bi-weekly in groups of 3-4 over lunchtime or evenings online.

What will you be doing?

All Been There Mentors who work with our Mentees have monthly group supervision. Usually there are four volunteers in a group. Supervision can take place in person or on zoom.

Commit to supervising a minimum of two groups per month (approx 5 hours in total).

Key Responsibilities:

• To safeguard the wellbeing of the Mentors and ensure that their needs are being addressed.
• To ensure the quality of Mentor support work with Mentees
• To ensure that Mentors are supported and developed, are participating in continued training and are not left to carry difficulties and problems alone.
• To provide regular opportunities for Mentors working with clients to reflect upon both the content and process of their work.
• To develop personal awareness, skills and knowledge relevant to the Mentor’s role within Been There
• To provide a source of general communication, updates and concerns.
• To enable the Mentor to receive information and another’s perspective concerning their work.
• To identify development needs and opportunities.

Insurance costs are covered and the role is fully remote so will not incur any expenses.

What are we looking for?

We’d love to hear from you if you’re passionate about improving the mental health of our Mentees and your qualifications and experience fit the criteria below.

Qualifications and experience:

Essential:

• Qualified Psychologist or therapist
• Qualification in supervision at level 6
• Current or recent experience (within 2 years) as a supervisor 
• Have your own experience of being supervised

Desirable:

• Have experience of supporting clients who have been through body image, eating distress or Body Dysmorphia

BeenThere is committed to equal opportunities and anti-discrimination practices and we positively encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are particularly interested in attracting applications from applicants from diverse groups.

What difference will you make?

The impact you can have is huge, as we are such a small charity we rely on the good will of volunteers to support our work. Our Mentors are unicorns! Rare and very special and we want to look after them as much as we can. 

Having a confidential setting where they feel safe, supported and heard is integral. This gives the Mentor an opportunity to be open and honest about their own wellbeing and anything that is going on with their Mentees. 

Bright Futures UK works with young people who have been forced to take time out from education due to chronic illness. We provide programmes to help stimulate learning in addition to having a social aspect that offers respite to isolation these young people face due to their unfortunate circumstances.

We are urgently looking for a warm and energetic Befriender to provide social support and a fun, safe space for these young people. We need someone who is able to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way, helping them overcome their experiences and not feel defined by their illness. You would play a key role in boosting a young person’s confidence by being an extra person in their support circle, and providing a distraction from their illness to enable them to feel a sense of normality.

We like to tailor programmes to the young person’s individual needs, so we will ensure that we match you in a programme with someone you have common ground with. Sessions can involve activities such as crafting, gaming, music, book clubs or just general chat. Our sessions are all currently online.

Volunteering with Bright Futures UK is something that can easily fit into your working day or a busy schedule with commitment starting from as little as 1 hour per week. We are so grateful for any support you might be able to provide, as are our young people.

We’re looking forward to working with you to help our young people reach their true potential!

Practical Considerations:

We cover all expenses and materials used.

We are asking for one hour online a week.

DBS will be provided where needed.

Safeguarding training provided with certification.

Bright Futures UK works with young people who are suffering long-term, serious illness of both mental or physical in nature. We are looking for lovely, warm and energetic personalities to provide educational support to these young people. We are looking for a volunteer tutor to teach with our young person and provide a safe space for them to learn, have fun and express themselves. Many of our young people are incredibly isolated and have missed so much school and have requested someone to help with their missed out learning and teach them on a 1:1 basis and to have some fun with them and help get them social again. Our befrienders and tutors can work online or in person depending on what time commitment and flexibility you have. We are so grateful for any support you might be able to provide, as are our young people.

This is a volunteer role for anyone who is interested in working with vulnerable young people and/or teaching. We are looking for someone who wants experience teaching with young people who are experiencing serious health complications with either mental or physical illness. We want someone who is understanding, kind and friendly. We need someone who is able to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way, helping them overcome their experiences and not feel defined by their illness. We work with vulnerable, often isolated children who have been unwell for long periods of time and have suffered socially because of this.

Practical Considerations:

We cover all expenses and materials used.
We are asking for one hour online a week.
DBS will be provided where needed
Safeguarding training provided with certification

Must be 18 or over to volunteer