Volunteer roles in redbridge

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack. 

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie. 

In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

 As well as the responsibilities of being a trustee, which the Treasurer shares with all the Board members, the Treasurer is expected to be the financial expert on the Board, and to provide advice on all financial matters. Their role is to ensure the Board fulfils its duties to ensure the sound financial health of SMK, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability and sustainability.

For more information see our website, and the recruitment pack. 

We’ve been shaping social change since 1884.

In our 141st year, we are looking for new Trustees to us achieve our vision of a  fairer future for East London and beyond.

Vacancy: Finance Trustee x 2

About Toynbee Hall

Toynbee Hall works alongside people facing poverty and injustice to build a fairer future.

Based in the East End of London since 1884, we provide vital support to individuals through our advice and support services and work in partnership with local communities to tackle unfairness through research and advocacy. We are a place where people come together to work out solutions to the challenges facing us all and to shape systemic change.

As a charity we are governed by our Trustees - a group of volunteers who have responsibility for setting our strategy and ensuring we meet our charitable objectives.

However, with the pandemic's aftermath and the ongoing cost of living crisis, we face unprecedented challenges. The most vulnerable communities are hit hardest, and our role has never been more critical. We are constantly reviewing our own allocation of finite resources to ensure we are clearly and effectively focusing on where we can make the greatest impact. 

We are looking for Trustees with finance experience to join our Board; helping to shape our future plans and strategy.

Over the past five years, Toynbee Hall has undergone a significant renewal, revitalising our historical buildings, creating spaces that not only provide advice and community connections but also generate revenue to support the delivery of our services and research. Like many organisations we face challenges and some difficult decisions over this period but we are energised about the changes we want to see and how we can contribute. We are also keen to collaborate and grow our projects and thus have wider impact.

We have an engaged, diverse and skilled Trustee Board who are working alongside our senior team as we implement our new strategic plan and organisational priorities.

You can find out more about our existing Trustees on our website.

What we are looking for and what we can offer

It is important to us that we attract Trustees from a range of backgrounds. You don’t need to have previous experience of being a trustee, so please don’t let that put you off!

We will offer an induction program and support to take up the position.

We aim to have a trustee board that reflects the local community, so we especially encourage to apply if you live in Tower Hamlets or who have a personal connection with Toynbee Hall, Tower Hamlets or the East End. Our Board is currently diverse in age, gender and ethnicity and we are committed to maintaining that diversity. We particularly want to hear from potential Trustees who are Black or Asian.

The essential responsibilities of a Toynbee Hall Trustee is to ensure that the organisation pursues its charitable objectives and ensure we remain a going concern.

Trustees must be people with independent judgement, with an ability to think strategically and creatively about the challenges and opportunities ahead.

For this role you will have a financial qualification with at least 3 years’ experience in finance / accountancy. Ideally experience in financial decision making. An understanding of charity funding would be an advantage.

Above all you need to have real enthusiasm for our work and for supporting and guiding our Chief Executive and Toynbee Hall’s passionate and committed staff and volunteers so that they remain focused on tackling inequality and poverty in East London and beyond. And in return we are commitment to helping you gain experience in the non-profit sector strategy and decision making.

 The time commitment to be a Trustee

We ask our Board members to attend four evening Board meetings a year, an annual away-day and to be a member of one Committee. Our Committees meet up to three times a year. At the moment our committee meetings tend to be over video, where Board meetings aim to be in person. In person meetings take place at Toynbee Hall’s home in Commercial Street, E1. Board and Committee meetings are held in the evening.

Each Board member serves for a three-year term. This will then be reviewed by the Board with a maximum nine-year term.

Our Board members are also active ambassadors for Toynbee Hall. This means attending and supporting events and taking opportunities to promote and develop the work of Toynbee Hall through networks and contacts.

Next steps and what to expect

We will be accepting applications until midday on 9th June 2025. Interviews will be held with two of our trustees (online) and a second stage with the Chief Operating Officer (in person).

About us

ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040.

ProVeg engages with all relevant stakeholders to create a food system where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.

ProVeg has received the United Nations’ Momentum for Change Award and works closely with key UN food and environment agencies. 

ProVeg creates global impact, with offices in 15 countries across five continents and more than 220 employees.

In the UK, our focus is on public sector food. Through our School Plates programme, we support major school caterers in their transition to healthier and more sustainable school menus. Since its launch in 2018, we’ve supported over 90 major school caterers, responsible for the food in over 8,000 schools, feeding over 1.3 million children every day, helping almost 50 million school meals become meat-free or plant-based. We plan to launch a sister programme in the healthcare sector, Hospital Plates, later this year.

Do you share our passion for transforming the food system? Are you impact driven and prefer to take a pragmatic approach? And do you have the skills and experience to help us? Then we’d love to hear from you!

Board Competencies 

We’re looking for a new Board member who can demonstrate the following personal characteristics and behaviours:

• Respects and internalises the principles of accountability

• Makes informed judgement

• Listens actively with an open mind

• Participates in debate, providing relevant comments

• Speaks own mind candidly but respectfully

• Demonstrates initiative and insightfulness

• Thinks both logically and creatively

• Makes decisions independently

• Advises from own experience base

• Teams with others, forming collaborative relationships with other Board members and, where appropriate, providing guidance and advice to staff

Meetings

The Board aims to hold around four Board Meetings per year (generally 1.5 hours per meeting, although subject to change, as necessary). Meetings are usually held virtually, although we now aim to hold one in-person meeting per year, and it is expected that Board Members read the necessary board materials prior to each meeting.

Board positions carry no remuneration but travel and other out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. In return for your contribution, we offer the chance to work with and on behalf of people who are passionate in their commitment to our Mission and are constantly inspiring in their energy and creativity to achieve positive change.

The Role of the Board

In line with ProVeg International's Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles, the ProVeg C.I.C. Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of ProVeg in the UK, and monitoring delivery by the Director and their staff. The Board members of ProVeg C.I.C play a critical role in acting as a check and balance for the organisation, giving strategic direction, and acting as a sounding board for strategy and priorities as required. Board members can typically help an organisation with their skills and experience, their networks and/or by other means. The Board member will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team of ProVeg C.I.C. and work closely and harmoniously alongside the International Board to support joined up and unified global strategic delivery of objectives. 

Duties

Board members are bound by a combination of statutory duties and organisational duties:

• Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. complies with its governing document, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations 

• Board members agree to contribute the necessary time to effectively govern ProVeg C.I.C. in the UK.  (The total commitment tends to be around 4h per quarter, but is subject to change in line with necessary duties)

• Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. pursues its objects as defined in its governing document

• Ensure ProVeg C.I.C. uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: ProVeg C.I.C must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are

• Contribute actively to the Board in giving firm strategic direction to ProVeg C.I.C, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Safeguard the good name and values of ProVeg C.I.C.

• Manage conflicts of interests

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of ProVeg C.I.C. 

• Ensure the financial stability of ProVeg C.I.C.

• Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds

• Monitor the performance of the Director, UK (and if required, appoint the role)
   

Board Member Person Specification

Essential:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with relevant business, Community Interest Company, or Charity experience

• Commitment to and willingness to work in accordance with ProVeg International’s principles and values

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director

• An ability to have strategic vision in line with available market factors and resource

• A history of proven good, independent judgement

• Ability to think creatively

• Willingness to speak their mind professionally and respectfully

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels, such as Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers 

• Knowledge of good governance practice

• Solid understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Directors. 

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Willingness to adhere to ProVeg International’s Director’s Code of Conduct 

• Eligible under Company Law to be a Board Director (e.g. not barred from taking up such positions)

• Follows a plant-based lifestyle 

Desirable:

• Senior Management/Executive experience

• Salaried or Board experience in a similar organisation 

We specifically seek great board members with expertise or assets in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising and income generation

• Government/policy or B2B sector including food services

• Legal

• A network of influencers and ambassadors

• People & Culture

Diversity Statement
ProVeg is committed to equal employment, volunteering and governance opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, refugee background, genetic information, disability, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, HIV status, gender identity, or gender expression. People of colour, women, people with disabilities, people from LGBTQIA+ communities, elderly people, refugees and people living with HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.

Wimbledon Guild is recruiting a new Trustee to Chair our Talking Therapies Committee for our experienced and established Board. We are looking for people who have the professional skills and personal passion to help us deliver support services to adults in Merton with the ambition that no-one should face life’s challenges alone.

About Wimbledon Guild

Wimbledon Guild is a community charity offering practical help and support so that people in Merton never have to face life’s challenges alone.

Whether someone is worried about money, they’re feeling low or overwhelmed, or they’re looking for new friends and activities locally, we’re always here.

Wimbledon Guild is more than just a place, we're a real community where everyone belongs.

We’ve supported our community for over 100 years and continue to grow our services in response to local needs and aspirations.

We are passionate about providing holistic services  tackling issues such as social isolation, financial hardship, emotional  and mental health difficulties. We also have an extensive activity programme aimed at keeping older people active and healthy. We have earned a reputation for delivering excellent services and we collaborate closely with other local and national organisations to ensure that our approach is dynamic and relevant.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong professional background in adult social care, counselling or mental health services to join a well-established and effective Board, and to contribute their experience to ensure that Wimbledon Guild achieves its goals. The Committee Chair will be responsible for representing the Talking Therapies Committee at Board meetings, as well as fulfilling all of the general duties of an active trustee. These include helping to develop strategy, providing oversight, and promoting the highest standards of corporate governance.

About You

The Talking Therapies Committee Chair should demonstrate the following qualities:

- A clear and confident communicator who has experience working at a senior level.

- An ability to take over existing projects and ensure that these are on track for successful delivery.

- A strong professional background in adult social care, mental health services, counselling or related professions

- A willingness to be a committed Board member, and to contribute actively to a skilled and experienced Board.

- A commitment to Wimbledon Guild’s objectives and to the Merton community.

- An understanding of and commitment to our  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies

Are you a people person? Would you enjoy helping clients with their problems, as well as developing employability skills or putting your spare time to good use? Then look no further!

Our friendly team are looking for volunteers for our Adviceline which offers the general public information to empower them to find a solution to their problems in areas such as welfare benefits, housing and debt. For more complex issues you would be arranging an appointment with our advisers who will be using the information you have already gathered from the client.

You will need to be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel and have excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as being non-judgemental and respect views, values and cultures that are not your own. Full training will be given.

We cover travel expenses within the boundaries of Enfield.

Interested? Great, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Organisation

Based in a dynamic, creative hub in the heart of London’s West End, the organisation is dedicated to supporting theatre-makers and performers at every stage of their careers. Its mission is to foster artistic growth and present innovative live performances that resonate with and are enjoyed by diverse audiences.

The Role: Trustee

The organisation is seeking to appoint new Trustees who are highly engaged and bring specific skills and experience to the Board. Applications are welcomed from both experienced Trustees and individuals seeking their first governance role.

The Board is particularly interested in candidates with expertise in the following areas:

• Artist/Professional Development

• Artists/Creatives

• Building Development (Capital Projects)

• Business Development

• Finance

• Human Resources (HR)

• Marketing and Communications (including Advertising)

The organisation looks forward to receiving applications from individuals eager to contribute to its mission and help shape its future.

Wimbledon Guild is recruiting a new Trustee to serve on our Finance Committee and our experienced and established Board. We are looking for people who have the professional skills and personal passion to help us deliver support services to adults in Merton with the ambition that no-one should face life’s challenges alone.​

About Wimbledon Guild

Wimbledon Guild is a community charity offering practical help and support so that people in Merton never have to face life’s challenges alone.

Whether someone is worried about money, they’re feeling low or overwhelmed, or they’re looking for new friends and activities locally, we’re always here.

Wimbledon Guild is more than just a place, we're a real community where everyone belongs.

We’ve supported our community for over 100 years and continue to grow our services in response to local needs and aspirations.

We are passionate about providing holistic services tackling issues such as social isolation, financial hardship, emotional  and mental health difficulties. We also have an extensive activity programme aimed at keeping older people active and healthy. We have earned a reputation for delivering excellent services and we collaborate closely with other local and national organisations to ensure that our approach is dynamic and relevant.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong professional background in finance to join a well-established and effective Board, and to contribute their experience to ensure that Wimbledon Guild achieves its goals. The Trustee will attend the Finance Committee and Board meetings, fulfilling all of the general duties of an active trustee. These include helping to develop strategy, providing oversight, and promoting the highest standards of corporate governance.

About You

We are looking for someone with the following qualities:

- A clear and confident communicator who has experience working at a senior level.

- An ability to work with complex financial information and identify its strategic significance.

- A strong professional background in finance, audit, banking or related professions in the private, public or voluntary sector

- A willingness to be a committed Board member, and to contribute actively to a skilled and experienced Board.

- A commitment to Wimbledon Guild’s objectives and to the Merton community.

- An understanding of and commitment to our  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies

To apply please read the Finance Trustee recruitment pack.

Closing date for applications - Monday 2nd June at 9am.

Interviews will be scheduled for end of June.

We know that thousands of people in need of bereavement support are waiting to access ongoing bereavement support. We are now recruiting for additional volunteers, if you would like to know more about volunteering for this popular service, we would love to see you at our UYBO Open Day.

What will you be doing:

• Presenting and facilitating one off online group sessions for bereaved people with fellow volunteers
• Creating a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space to deliver practical bereavement information and guidance
•  Facilitating peer engagement in small discussion groups
• Delivering clear messaging for onward signposting

Skills and experience you’ll need:

• Effective listening and communication skills
• Good IT literacy or an ability to learn (training will be provided)
• Access to a computer
• Comfortable talking about grief and death
• Empathetic and warm
• Confident facilitating discussion in a group setting

Want to find out more? 

Join us for an Open Day on Wednesday 28th May 2025 (2:00pm to 3:30pm or 6:00pm to 7:30pm) to learn more, talk to current UYBO volunteers and find out about our training programme and the support we offer volunteers.

Please note that should you wish to become a UYBO Volunteer after attending the open day, we will be holding informal interviews from Monday 2nd June.

Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.

DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.

Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.

How to apply

To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.

Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.

Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.

Our partner empowers the most disadvantaged rural communities in Ethiopia to end child poverty, working with local communities to provide them with the support they need to take ownership of projects and drive sustainable change.

They are seeking a new Treasurer to advise the small charity on all matters involving the custody of financial resources, the application of those resources, financial procedures, and financial reporting both within the charity and to external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include preparing draft financial plans and budgets, producing reports on actual financial performance against the budget, preparing end of year accounts, and overseeing financial records and the work of the organisations bookkeeper.

The Board meets quarterly, usually online but occasionally in London (hybrid), and the total time commitment required for the role is a few hours per month.

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For more Trustee & Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

A Little About Us!
Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organisation. We use a research-led approach to protect the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work, research, services, events. We promote and empower change.

Why we need you!
Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for volunteers to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organisation. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. Without our volunteers we cannot grow and appreciate those who apply with us!

Responsibilities:

Actively contribute to the development and implementation of HR strategy in collaboration with the Chief People Officer, ensuring alignment with the charity’s mission and organisational goals.

Design and implement people-centric solutions to address key HR challenges, driving both strategic initiatives and practical, operational results.

Lead the development and execution of HR policies, ensuring they are in line with the organisation's objectives and reflect best practices in a volunteer-driven environment.

Manage and mentor a team of HR Managers and HR Business Partners, fostering their growth and ensuring they meet key deliverables.

Provide both high-level strategic support and hands-on, operational assistance when required, including driving recruitment, retention, L&D and engagement initiatives.

Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief People Officer, offering strategic insights and designing solutions to resolve HR challenges and enhance organisational effectiveness.

Act as a key liaison between management and volunteers, addressing inquiries, escalating issues, and resolving work-related concerns with a solution-focused approach.

Produce and present insightful reports, surveys, and analytics to C-level Executives, delivering key HR metrics and analysis to inform decision-making.

The Head of HR reports directly to the Chief People Officer, working closely to set HR strategies, design solutions, and ensure the effective delivery of people initiatives across the charity.

You will have:

• At least 3 years' experience in an HR managerial position.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Though we do not require you to be a native English speaker, you must be Fluent in English.
• Ability to work within organisational targets.
• IT Literacy, including Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
• An understanding of HR-related processes and legislation.
• A CIPD qualification would be advantageous but is not essential depending on relevant experience.

Benefits:

• This is a UK based, 100% Fully remote and flexible role
• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

What we offer!
Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

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 and safety 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.

Citizens Advice Barnet’s twin aims are to help people in our community resolve the problems they face and campaign to change the policies and practices which affect their lives. As a Research and Campaigns Volunteer, you will enable us to achieve the second aim, using the experience of the people we help to influence lasting change that makes a real difference to our community.

Duties include

• Supporting the Research and Campaigns Lead to identify opportunities to improve local policies and practices that affect people we help.
• Gathering evidence to support local and national campaigns.
• Undertaking research to build a campaign.
• Writing monthly updates for local councillors on what we're seeing in their ward.
• Writing up reports to present your research and recommendations.
• Researching and writing reports to raise awareness of local problems.
• Representing Citizens Advice Barnet at external meetings to campaign for change.
• Working with the Communications team to raise awareness of Research & Campaigns work.

Person Specification

No previous experience is required; this role would suit you if you have an interest in social policy, or would simply like to make a difference in our local community, and have the following skills and attributes:

• IT skills, especially Word and Excel at a basic level (sort, filter, basic formulas), and willingness and ability to learn to use our CRM to run reports.
• Strong research skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Analytical skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, with the ability to write clearly and persuasively.