Volunteer Roles in North West

The Alternatives to Violence Project is a network of skilled volunteers who run workshops for anyone who wants to find ways of resolving conflict without resorting to violence. We work in the community and in prisons.

What will you be doing?

We are currently seeking an individual who will have commitment to AVPB organisation and its objectives to join us as Company Secretary.

What the Company secretary role entails: 

- The company secretary’s role is generally to make sure the charity follows company law.

- Company secretary may also produce legal documents for the charity as authorised by the board.

- Company secretary will take on a number of administrative duties to support the board – one of the most important being to take minutes of board meetings. Another one is to ensure that company records with Charity Commission and Companies House are up to date and accurate. 

What are we looking for?

Experience and expertise required:

· Senior leadership.

· Trustee experience or the ability to gain an understanding of the relevant charity and company regulations.

· An understanding of the charitable and voluntary sector and its governance will be an advantage.

Skills we are looking for:

· An understanding and acceptance of legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a Trustee.

· Strategic vision.

· Organised and methodical.

· An ability to think creatively with good, independent judgement.

· An ability to work effectively as a member of a team yet be willing to speak your mind.

· A commitment to abide by the code of conduct.

What difference will you make?

The Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for directing the affairs of AVP Britain, and ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and meeting the needs for which it has been set up. The Board is also responsible for the organisation’s governance, values, and overall strategy, and for meeting the organisation’s statutory obligations. The Terms of Reference of the Board of Trustees sets out its responsibilities in more detail. The trustees delegate responsibility for managing and developing the work programme, in accordance with the trustees strategy, to other national and regional committees and staff.

The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) serves people who want to handle conflict well without using or suffering violence, whether physical or psychological. Our trained volunteer facilitators deliver intensive, low-cost, conflict-resolution skills workshops in the community, in prisons and in other settings. We reach diverse communities, attracting people from across a wide spectrum of ages, ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic backgrounds.

Before you apply

Please submit your CV along with a short cover letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills would add value to the board.

Please note, whilst the role has been advertised as a Trustee position, there is also the option to join as an Officer. Please state in your covering letter if this would be of interest to you.

We are looking for a team player with experience of finance and fundraising best practice, preferably within the charity sector, to join our Board of Trustees As we continue to expand our services, our new Treasurer will help us to develop our procedures and strategies to ensure we maintain good governance. Applicants must also be prepared to take on the wider responsibilities of becoming a charity Trustee.

​This is a hands on role which requires close working with our CEO, Finance Manager, Chair of Trustees and Accountants. You will help us to review and implement new financial processes and budgeting procedures, develop new investment and fundraising policies and ensure that we operate in line with best practice. As a Trustee you will also contribute to the organisations wider mission and strategy and oversee the running of the Charity.

​If you are looking to use your skills to give back to your local community or to support a cause that you are passionate about and have experience in financial management or in establishing sound financial procedures, we want to hear from you. This is an opportunity to make an immediate impact within a growing charity.

​Please note that we have a full time Finance Manager who manages our day to day finances so our Treasurer will not be responsible for book keeping or other administrative functions.

Treasurer needed for an established psychotherapy charity. We are part way through a change process at Share having moved premises in 2023. We are developing and strengthening our clinical services, improving our administrative and business systems and strengthening our financial position. We want to build upon our position as a centre of excellence in psychotherapy and make an even bigger contribution to improving mental health in Sheffield.

Would you like to volunteer for an established psychotherapy charity? We work at the vital intersection of psychological distress and poverty in the city and provide an excellent learning environment for qualified and qualifying counsellors and therapists alike.

We’re looking for a suitably qualified accountant to join us as our Treasurer, taking the lead on financial matters but also playing a full role on the Board of Trustees in the overall management of the charity.

The role would suit an experienced accountant wishing to contribute on a voluntary basis to a valuable charitable cause. Equally it would provide excellent board level experience for a young professional at an earlier stage in their career.

We have strong clinical services, administrative and business systems in place and continue to seek to increase and diversify our income. We want to make an even bigger contribution to improving mental health in Sheffield and we’re especially keen to attract people from minority communities to the Board.

For an informal chat please contact one of the co-chairs, Lynn or Astrid.

As an Events and Communications Coordinator volunteer, you will play an essential role in supporting the charity’s event planning and communication efforts.  While this role is unpaid, it offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience and contribute to the charity’s mission.

Responsibilities:

Event Assistance:

• Collaborate with the events team to assist in planning and executing events.
• Help with brainstorming event ideas or proactively coming up with event ideas that would be beneficial for the charity.
• Provide support with tasks such as coordinating logistics, contacting vendors and attendees and helping with on-site event management.

Communication Support:

• Assist with the development and implementation of communication strategies to the target audience and materials.
• Help to increase the reach and impact of communication pieces by distributing and sharing newsletters, leaflets, posts etc. to relevant communities and outlets.

Content Creation:

• Assist in writing and editing promotional materials, such as event invitations and social media posts.
• Help with graphic design tasks, such as creating event posters and online graphics.
• Document the event, as directed, through photos and videos that can be used by the marketing team for marketing purposes.
• Photo and video editing skills are not essential but highly valued.

Audience Engagement:

• Help to drive reach and impact of social media activity through engaging with posts and sharing to local communities.
• Help to drive event attendance, registrations and, ultimately, optimise results for every event undertaken.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with the organisation's teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding.

Event Support:

• Volunteer at events to assist with various tasks, such as registration, guest services, and ensuring smooth event execution.

Post-Event Feedback:

• Assist in collecting feedback and data to evaluate the success of events and communication efforts.

Personal specification:

This is a role for someone who can play an active and on-site role for Manchester-based events.

• Enthusiasm and dedication to supporting the organisation's mission and representing the charity in the best possible way.
• Reliability to carry out agreed tasks
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic skills in using communication and graphic design tools.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and to find solutions for problems if they occur.
• Attention to detail
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• A passion for event planning, communication, or marketing.
• Flexibility and the ability to commit to the volunteer role.

Time commitment and expenses:

• 3-7 hours per week, either in or out of office hours.
• We request a minimum commitment of 3 months volunteering.

Managing content for the charity's social media platforms, monitoring performance and establishing and/or maintaining active social media accounts, in addition to researching and creating creative content for different social media channels.

What will you be doing?

• Creating and managing daily social media posts across all social media platforms e.g. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn.
• Develop new, engaging warm-hearted content to increase interest and attract supporters. 
• Working in conjunction with the Marketing Manager and CEO, be responsible for posting original, high-quality content (twice per week) to improve our brand presence, grab the attention of our target audience and drive growth.
• Assist with creating our new social media strategy 

What are we looking for?

• Clear understanding of social media platforms.
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and a positive can-do attitude.
• Knowledge of marketing and public relations is also desirable.

Skills, experience and qualities needed

• Creative Skills
• Administration
• Canva Experience
• Commercial Awareness
• Creating Calendar
• Customer Service
• Event Planning
• Fundraising
• IT Skills
• Marketing and PR
• Research
• Team Working
• Written Communication Skills

Time commitment and expenses:

• 1-3 hours per week, either in or out of office hours.
• We request a minimum commitment of 3 months volunteering.

What difference will you make?

Joining our team will give you the opportunity to:

• Contribute to a good cause that shares the same values as you.
• Use and share your skills.
• Gain new skills and work experience.
• Expand your network and social skills,
• Be part of a friendly team of people
• Make a big difference to our organisation and the lives of our beneficiaries.
• Never underestimate the power of your voice.

Volunteer Opportunity: Website Designer at REMIX

About Us: 

REMIX is a newly established startup and vibrant youth charity based in London. We are committed to empowering young people by providing essential life skills, employability skills, personal development, mentoring, and other youth work activities. Our mission is to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate life successfully and contribute positively to their communities.

Role: Website Designer

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop a one-page website for REMIX, that we can later build on and add too.
• Collaborate with our team to understand our needs and translate them into a functional and aesthetically pleasing website.
• Ensure the website is user-friendly, responsive, and aligns with our brand identity.
• Test and optimise the website for maximum speed, scalability, and efficiency.
• Provide website maintenance and improvements as needed.

Requirements:

• Passionate about youth development and empowerment.
• Proven experience in web design, preferably with a portfolio of past projects.
• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other relevant web design technologies.
• Strong understanding of UI, cross-browser compatibility, general web functions, and standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to volunteer flexibly, including evenings and weekends.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of young people.
• Gain valuable experience in web design and add to your portfolio.
• Be part of a passionate and dedicated team.

​How to Apply: 

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and have the skills and experience for this role, we would love to hear from you. Please send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role, and a link to your portfolio.

REMIX is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

REMIX

EMPOWER | INSPIRE | TRANSFORM

GRAPHIC DESIGNER - VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are looking for a volunteer to join us at Unlock YOUR Potential in the volunteer role of GRAPHIC DESIGNER (Remote), where you will lead on the design of visual branding identity materials.

About Us:

Unlock YOUR Potential is a dynamic and impact-focused startup social mobility charity committed to empowering individuals of all ages from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission is to provide meaningful programmes that span employment, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and holistic support. We believe in building new pathways for those seeking positive change.

Role Overview:

As the Volunteer, Graphic Designer, you will play a crucial role helping us get recognised by creating visually appealing brand identity materials that will spear head our new start-up charity to success, such as;

• A branding guidelines demonstrating our positive uplifting brand identity and ensure our brand is consistent across the board.
• Social media posts to generate interest and help create a buzz around Unlock YOUR Potential and our work that helps people learn more about us and get us recognised.
• A5 size introduction brochure to help Unlock YOUR Potential raise its profile as we currently do not have a website.
• Branded info graphics that we can use for our social media and also our upcoming website to keep our brand consistent.

Qualifications and Experience:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. We are especially interested in candidates who have:

• Graphic design experience with the ability to create uplifting positive branding materials that help us stand out and shine.

​Time Commitment:

Theres no set deadlines as this is a volunteer role you will manage your own workload and as long as you keep us updated on the progress thats all that matters.

Join Us:

If you are ready to make a lasting impact, help us create some needed branding identity, we invite you to apply. Together, we can unlock potential and transform lives.

Unlock YOUR Potential is an equal opportunity organisation.

HEAD OF HR AND VOLUNTEERING - VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are looking for a volunteer to join us at Unlock YOUR Potential in the volunteer role of HEAD OF HR AND VOLUNTEERING (Remote), where you will lead on Unlock YOUR Potential's HR and Volunteering aspects and function, ensuring an amazing organisational culture and team spirit.

About Us:

Unlock YOUR Potential is a dynamic and impact-focused startup social mobility charity committed to empowering individuals of all ages from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission is to provide meaningful services and programmes that span employment, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and holistic support. We believe in building new pathways for those seeking positive change.

Role Overview:

As the Volunteer, Head of HR and Volunteering, you will play a crucial role in leading all our HR and Volunteering functions at Unlock YOUR Potential. This is a remote position, with meetings done via telephone and online via Zoom or other platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership: To formulate and execute strategic plans related to HR and volunteering, aligning these functions with Unlock YOUR Potentials overall goals.
2. Policy Development: To create and implement policies, procedures, and guidelines for HR practices and volunteer management.
3. Resource Allocation: To allocate resources (financial, personnel, and technology) to support HR and volunteering initiatives.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: To collaborate with senior management, trustees, and external partners to enhance HR and volunteering programmes.
5. Performance Metrics: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of HR and volunteering efforts.
6. Leadership Team: To be a member and part of the organisation’s leadership team.

​Qualifications and Experience:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. We are especially interested in candidates who have:

• A recognised UK HR qualification.
• Experience within HR Management within the UK.
• Experience of developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
• Ability to set up a HR/Volunteering Department: Including the proficiency in establishing systems and processes for a startup charity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to the vision and values of Unlock YOUR Potential.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 6 hours per week (very flexible). This can be spread over evenings and weekends.

Join Us:

If you are ready to make a lasting impact, drive positive change, and lead with purpose, we invite you to apply. Together, we can unlock potential and transform lives.

Unlock YOUR Potential is an equal opportunity organisation.

Are you passionate about making a difference in mental health awareness?

Do you have a flair for organising events?

Join us as a Voluntary Event Assistant for Step Up 4 Mental Health 10K run or walk, our upcoming event dedicated to raising awareness and support for mental health.

About the Role:

As a Volunteer Event Assistant, you will play a crucial role in the success of our event.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Outreach and Engagement: Reach out to organisations and individuals to encourage their participation in our event. This involves crafting compelling messages and communicating the value of their involvement.
• Logistics Support: Assist in the planning and execution of event logistics, including venue setup, equipment arrangement, and coordination with vendors.
• Promotion: Help spread the word about Step Up 4 Mental Health through various channels, including social media, email campaigns, and community outreach.
• On-Site Assistance: Provide on-site support during the event, including attendee registration, directing participants, and addressing any last-minute issues.

Requirements:

• Passion for mental health advocacy and awareness.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Availability to commit to event preparation and on-site assistance.

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in event management and coordination.
• Contribute to a meaningful cause and positively impact mental health awareness.
• Opportunity to network with professionals and organisations in the mental health field.
• Certificate of appreciation for your contribution.

People & Planet is looking for volunteers to assist with compiling its 2024/25 People & Planet University League; the only higher education ranking that classifies based on ethics and climate justice criteria.

Universities impart skills and knowledge, form life-long beliefs and behaviours, act as centres of communities, employ, house and feed large numbers of people and promote the creation and sharing of knowledge. We believe this makes them uniquely placed to lead on environmental and ethical issues. For this reason the People & Planet University League has been running since 2007 and has been published by high-profile media partners such as The Guardian and the Sunday Times Good University Guide eco-rating.

Volunteers will research publicly available university documents and assess universities against our marking criteria, which cover a wide range of climate and social justice issues including decarbonisation, fossil fuel divestment, ethical banking, workers’ rights and environmental management among others. This work will help to incentivise the university sector towards taking immediate and appropriate action on the climate crisis and upholding the rights and wellbeing of all people internationally.

The role will develop and improve the following areas:

● Qualitative research skills
● Attention to detail
● Use of data collection software
● Time management and keeping to deadlines
● Working independently and remotely
● Communication skills
● Knowledge of environmental management processes and sustainability reporting.

Training is provided for the role. We believe the skills and experience gained could be valuable for a number of career paths, including working in NGOs, corporate sustainability, estates management, higher education policy making, research and campaigning among many others. People & Planet would like to support volunteers in their future careers, so will give all volunteers an official reference letter on successful completion of their placement and will act as a referee for future positions for which you may apply.

From last year’s cohort, 100% said they would recommend this position to someone who wanted to add experience to their CV.

Feedback from some of last year’s volunteers

‘I think as someone looking for relevant experience to bolster a CV, this is a helpful and not-too-time consuming position. It had exactly the kind of flexibility that I required at this point in time.’

‘It's a really great opportunity to hone one's research skills, learn more about what our universities can do to improve their impact on the planet, and make a small but real difference.’

Person Specification -the following are essential:

● Access to a computer or laptop and internet connection.
● Familiarity with desk-based research.
● Ability to work accurately and efficiently to agreed standards.
● Reliability and commitment to completing work to deadlines.
● Able to communicate needs with staff at People & Planet and if needed, ask for appropriate support to complete tasks on time.
● Ability to search policy documents for specific information in English.
● Ability to assess information against standardised frameworks.
● Ability to work remotely and independently

The following are desirable:

● Awareness of current issues in sustainability and ethics.
● Experience of research and data collection.
● An interest in higher education policy.

You will need to commit to

● Three 25 hour weeks of remote work in July and August. Volunteers can manage their own
time flexibly and will receive support from People & Planet, but must meet task deadlines
on a weekly basis and attend two meetings per week in a mid-morning time slot.
● One day of remote training the week prior to your 3 week engagement.

Summer timetable

July 8th-July 26th- Ethical Investment and Banking, Staff and Student Engagement,
Education for Sustainable Development
July 22nd-9th August-Sustainable Food, Staff & HR, Environmental Policy and Strategy
5th August-23rd August- Managing Carbon, Workers’ Rights, Ethical Careers and
Recruitment, Environmental Management and Auditing

How to Apply

Click apply and fill in the screening questions and attach a C.V that has your full name in the filename. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until positions are filled, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. The deadline for applications is June the 14th 2024 Candidates will need to attend an interview, which could be organised individually or as part of a group.

Please let us know if you have specific access needs and what we can do to make the interview, training and volunteer experience more accessible to you. We welcome people with hearing loss, deaf and or disabled people to apply for this volunteer opportunity -unfortunately we don't use BSL so would need to make alternative support provisions for the training, unless a BSL interpreter can join you. If you have specific needs where we might support you by making this volunteering opportunity more accessible, please contact

People & Planet welcome applications from BAME folks and people of colour, from disabled people, from LGBTQI*people, from people who speak English as a second language, from people who identify as non-binary gender, from women, from people of different ages, from people with caring responsibilities and from people with irregular migration status, people seeking asylum in the UK or with a migrant background, folks with a working class background, and everyone else.

Could you become a CRT Trustee?

Are you passionate about restoring the countryside? About maintaining working farms and woods, promoting nature- and landscape-friendly farming?

Do you have professional skills in ecology, conservation, environmental land management, nature-friendly farming, countryside education and/or community engagement, fundraising or marketing, and live near one of our major properties? And ... would you be prepared to offer your time and experience as a Trustee?

The Countryside Regeneration Trust is seeking new trustees to help to steer the charity forward at a very exciting time. Our plans for the next ten years will involve greater engagement with local communities around our larger farms in Cambridgeshire, Herefordshire, Dorset and south-east England. We are also stepping up agroecological approaches to land management, with nature at the heart of food production. This includes new activities to restore nature where opportunities exist to do so.

Helping to manage a national charity is not for the faint hearted. Trustees must make important decisions, be prepared to face challenges and be confident in overseeing the management of the organisation – its finances, staffing, policies and other work that is vital for delivering the charity’s objectives. As a national charity, the CRT is supported by a team of staff, contractors and tenant farmers who undertake the day-to-day work of the organisation. The Trustees provide essential oversight for them.

Terms of Appointment

• Attendance at least 75% of Board of Trustee meetings, in Central London or Cambridge, (plus online options). These meetings are normally held once per quarter.

• Trustees work collaboratively the CEO and senior leadership team, in working groups and committees. Typically, these committees will meet 4-6 times a year. These meetings are mostly online; new trustees will join two of these committees.

• Occasional further contribution to provide mentoring, advice, and guidance.

• Trustees are elected for a term of three years, which may be renewed for one further three-year term.

Trustees are the sole members of the charity. 

Further information about the charity is available on the website. Our latest annual report and accounts can be downloaded from the Charity Comission website.

Are you a creative, friendly, open-minded person who wants to gain experience working with Children? Caudwell Children are looking for volunteers to help with our Short Break Activity Sessions!

Our Short Break Activity Sessions enable disabled children to access fun, inspirational and challenging leisure activities that build life skills and promote independence whilst providing carers with vital short break respite.

With our support, disabled children and young people get to explore their interests, talents and develop vital life skills. Activities can lead to ASDAN accreditation. Short break activities build future hopes and aspirations and provide children with the confidence to achieve their full potential.

Roles and Responsibilities:

- Assist Caudwell Children staff member(s) in running the short break activity sessions

- Help to ensure all children are safe during the activity sessions

- Support staff members with planned activities

- Participate in setting up an activity and helping with the set down

- Communicate and work with the children to ensure they have fun

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria

- Friendly and approachable personality

- Punctual and reliable

- Experience of working/ volunteering with children

- Creative personality

Desirable Criteria

- Experience of working/ volunteering with children with an additional need

- Experience of working/ volunteering in a charity/ third sector

- Experience of education or an educational setting

This role takes place on weekends only. We suggest a minimum commitment of 6 months for this role – full training and support will be provided.

Are you a looking to do something worthwhile during the summer holiday? Are you a creative, friendly, open minded person who has experience working with children?

Caudwell Children are looking for volunteers to help with our summer holiday project!

These Sessions (Holiday and Food - HAF) enable disabled children to access fun, inspirational and challenging leisure activities that build life skills and promote independence whilst providing carers with vital short break respite.

Volunteer Responsibilities include:

• Assist Caudwell Children staff member(s) in running the short break activity sessions
• Help to ensure all children are safe during the activity sessions
• Support staff members with planned activities
• Participate in setting up an activity and helping with the set down
• Communicate and work with the children to ensure they have fun

This role takes place during August 2024. We are looking for volunteers that can commit to 8 days for this role (2 days per week ideally) – full training and support will be provided.

Over 18’s only can apply for this role.

Current areas we are enrolling: Newcastle and Cheshire East

Alpine Garden Society President and Board Chair person 

Thank you for expressing interest in joining the Board of the Alpine Garden Society as our President and chair. You do so at an exciting time for the charity as it seeks to embed recent changes to thrive for another 90 years.

Since our founding in 1929 we have been a specialist interest society that has aimed to share our passion for growing and conserving alpine plants. With the increased pressures on society with smaller gardens and the advent of social media, alpines are enjoying a resurgence and so we wish to see the society grow from the strong foundations of the past.

The last five years have seen us adapt to change and develop to the modern society we are today. Our switch to embracing digital technology and use of modern communication has allowed us to harness the decades old love of our interest and bring it to new audiences on a global stage. We continue to indulge in traditional activities like garden visits, plant fairs and shows that we are renowned for by our loyal members.

The next chapter on our journey to our centenary sees consolidation of our operation and putting our membership at the heart of what we do to deliver our charitable mission. We wish to grow our membership from a stable base and seek new and exciting ways to inspire people through our passion for plants.

About Us

Welcome to the Alpine Garden Society! We are one of the largest specialist garden societies in the world. The Society has a wide interest in plants that encompass not only true alpine and mountain plants, but also small hardy herbaceous plants, hardy and half-hardy bulbs, hardy ferns, hardy succulents, and small shrubs. We are passionate about plants.

The Alpine Garden Society was founded in December 1929. The main purpose of the Society was, and still is to educate its members and the public on alpine plants, their cultivation and conservation. We achieve our charitable objectives through staging our National Shows, publishing our quarterly Journal, The Alpine Gardener and by organising talks, events and conferences. Ever since its inception the Society has also built displays incorporating alpine plants at various national Flower Shows.

We are passionate about the conservation of alpine plants and as a registered charity, we fund cultivation and conservation projects across the UK and abroad. We also encourage the development of knowledge and skills in the alpine field by funding the AGS Trainee Scheme.

Alpine Garden Society members enjoy exclusive benefits such as expert-led AGS Expeditions tours all over the world and access to one of the biggest seed exchanges in the world.

The Alpine Garden Society is governed by a Board of Trustees and run by a director alongside a small staff cohort and a team of dedicated volunteers.

We are located adjacent to Pershore College in Worcestershire, where we maintain a quarter of an acre alpine garden adjacent to our office. We have a network of AGS local groups located around the country who stage regional shows, talks and events.

Person Specification – who we are looking for

• An inclusive, empathetic, transparent approach to leadership
• A passion for alpine plants
• A balance of independent judgement and an ability to work effectively as part of a cohesive Board
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A diplomatic, clear, tactful approach, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• A demonstrable understanding of the role of charity Board Members

• Proven experience of working effectively with a Board, with an ability to make the most of the skillsets around the table
• Experience of non-profit governance, ideally in a board capacity
• Experience playing a key role in an organisation’s evolution and growth

Role Responsibilities and Duties (three year term)

The President/Chair of the Society has a dual role.  In addition to having the same responsibilities as any trustee they also have to act as a team leader with the extra duties and responsibilities that accompany this role.

General responsibilities of the President/Chair

Providing leadership for the board as it fulfils its governance duties and responsibilities toward the organisation, including :

• setting vision, values, mission strategy and high-level policy in accordance with charity regulations and the governing document
• monitor the organisation's performance against established targets
• securing financial stability for the organisation
• assisting the Treasurer to protect and manage organisation property and investments
• safeguarding the organisation's reputation and values
• must guide the Board to ensure that the Society operates in line with its charitable purposes
• must always act in the best interests of the organisation as a whole and not allow any personal interest to sway policy making
• making sure all organisational activities comply with regulations and the law
• reviewing major risks and making provisions for the organisation to respond appropriately
• appointing and managing the Chief Executive Officer (Society Director)
• organising and leading board development activities such as self-assessments
• delegating the above duties appropriately

Specific duties:

Meetings

· planning meeting schedules and setting agendas, in close liaison with the Society Director

· leading meetings and facilitating discussion, encourage all trustees to participate and prevent the more talkative members from dominating the debate

Board  leadership

· Alongside the society director, lead trustee recruitment and induction

· Ensure that the whole board is engaged - A Chair must not allow cliques or inner circles to form or allow cliques to influence policy to suit their own personal interests or those society activities in which they are interested.

· Utilise the skills and interests of all board members.

· To oversee the establishment and activities of the board committees, ensuring they are accountable and report properly to the board.

· Deal with conflict on the board

· Give direction to board policy -making.  Exercises leadership by setting priorities for the board and steering discussion toward strategic issues

· Monitor the implementation of board decisions

· Work closely with other Officers

Representing the organisation

· Represent the organisation at functions and meetings (both internally and externally), and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate

Financial & legal responsibilities

· The President must be prepared to be a signatory on the Society bank mandates and other official investment documents.

Limited Companies

· Act as a Director of each limited company and also a signatory on the bank mandate forms.

· Undertake the necessary ATOL training and pass the certification process to be the responsible person ATOL holder on behalf of the limited company.  This also involves ensuring that the necessary ATOL quarterly returns are accurately completed and submitted on time to the CAA.  In addition to ensure that the correct documentation and renewal forms are completed as part of the annual ATOL licence renewal process. 

· Ensure that the necessary insurance policies are in place with regard to AGS Expeditions Ltd.

· Assist and advise with the planning of AGS Tours.

Staffing

· Work closely with the Society Director who acts a the CEO to the Society.  Both the Director and the President should liaise regularly and work together as a team on behalf of the board.  They should jointly seek ways of improving board effectiveness.

· Recruitment - oversee the selection process when a new Society Director is appointed.  This will entail ensuring that an appropriate job description is produced, proper selection procedures are followed and also representing the board on the appointment panel. 

Renumeration

The position is a voluntary role although all reasonable expenses in pursuit of exercising the role will be covered

How to Apply

To apply for the president/chair role, please provide the following documents:

• An up-to-date CV.
• A supporting statement. Please submit a PDF document (maximum two pages) that outlines a bit about you, what you feel is your most relevant experience qualifying you to be our president, and why you’re interested in becoming president of the Alpine Garden Society. Moreover, we would like to understand how you perceive the role of Chair of a charity like Alpine Garden Society, how you might approach the relationship between Chair and CEO and what is your vision for the society.