Volunteer Roles in SE6 4AS

Duties

The statutory duties of a trustee board member are to:

· ensure Citizens Advice Westminster complies within its governing document (Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

· ensure Citizens Advice Westminster pursues its objects as defined within its governing document.

· ensure Citizens Advice Westminster applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.  For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects. 

· contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving form strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining foals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

· safeguard the good name and values of Citizens Advice Westminster, and the national Citizens Advice service.

· ensure the financial stability of the organisation.

Each trustee should use any specific skills and knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. 

This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the trustee has particular expertise or lived experience. 

All trustees are required to complete an induction programme for their role.

What’s in it for you?

A trusteeship will enable you to:

· make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring Citizens Advice Westminster is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community

· meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers

· build on your governance, leadership and strategy skills

· increase your employability

 This is a voluntary role and trustees receive no renumeration.  Trustees are entitled to claim expenses for attendance at board and committee meetings, as well as other events necessary for the fulfilment of the trustee’s duties. 

What you need to have?

The candidate must have:

· a commitment to the aims and vision of Citizens Advice Westminster, including a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

· a willingness to meeting the minimum time requirement

· legal experience from either the private or public sector with experience of non-profit organizations.

· integrity

· strategic vision

· good, independent judgement

· an ability to think creatively

· a willingness to speak their mind

· an understanding and acceptance of their legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship

· an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of the organisation.

How much time do you need to give?

We would expect trustees to commit to at least five days each year for Board meetings, with additional time is also required for reading papers and other communication, as well as completion of mandatory Trustees training modules annually and triennially. 

We hold Board meetings at least four times a year (plus the Annual General Meeting) to discuss and make decisions concerning the business of the organisation.  The meetings alternate between virtual and in-person meetings in central London, and are usually held between 6-8pm. 

The Finance and General Purposes Committee meets virtually four times a year during office hours.

All Trustees will receive a thorough in-depth induction upon appointment, followed by regular skills audits and appraisals. 

Valuing inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

If you are interested in becoming a trustee and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

WHEAT Mentor Support Trust

WHEAT Mentor Support Trust is dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals and communities through a range of mentoring, befriending, and community-building activities.

These activities include:

• The trust runs mentorship workshops, provides training, research, and consultancy services.

• It provides one-to-one mentoring and befriending support to refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and other vulnerable adults with different needs.

• Children's activities: For children and young people, the trust provides coaching in basketball and table tennis, teaches dance, art, gardening, and promotes healthy eating & environmental awareness.

• Community impact: The mentoring program aims to create a strong and cohesive society by bringing people of diverse professional and cultural backgrounds together. Additionally, the children's program intends to bridge the intergenerational gap by bringing families together.

• Assistance to organisations: The trust also assists organisations that support vulnerable individuals/groups through research, consultancy, training, fundraising, and in setting up their own mentoring schemes.

Wheat Mentor Support Trust is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Social Media role to join our team!

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the world? 

Do you love connecting with people and spreading meaningful messages? 

If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Volunteer Social Media Ambassadors. In this role, you will have the chance to use your creativity and communication skills to promote our cause and engage with our online community.

Key Responsibilities:

- Create engaging content for our social media platforms

- Share inspiring stories and updates about our organisation

- Interact with followers and supporters to build a strong online community

- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop impactful social media campaigns

Benefits:

- Gain valuable experience in social media management

- Showcase your creativity and communication skills

- Make a meaningful difference by spreading awareness about our cause

- Join a supportive and passionate team of like-minded individuals

Requirements:

- Passion for our cause and a desire to make a positive impact

- Strong communication, creative and writing skills

- Graphic design / illustration skills

- Familiarity with popular social media platforms

- Ability to commit a few hours each week to the role

If you're ready to use your social media skills for a great cause and be part of an inspiring community, we would love to have you on board! 

WHEAT Mentor Support Trust is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Grant and Bid Writer to join our team!

As a Volunteer Grant and Bid Writer, you will play a crucial role in securing vital funding for our organisation's impactful projects. Your responsibilities will include researching funding opportunities, crafting compelling grant proposals and bids, and collaborating with our team to develop innovative funding strategies.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with a strong interest in grant writing, fundraising, and community development. Whether you're a seasoned professional or looking to gain valuable experience in the field, we welcome passionate individuals who are eager to contribute their skills to a meaningful cause.

At Wheat Mentor Support Trust, we are committed to creating a supportive and collaborative environment for our volunteers. You will have the chance to work alongside our dedicated team, gain hands-on experience in grant writing, and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Bid writers should be able to come over to the office to work with the Executive Director. Therefore, those who live and work in London are our priorities.

If you are ready to make an impact and empower our community through effective grant and bid writing, we would love to hear from you. Join us in our mission to create positive change and support those in need.

We are looking for authentic and inspiring individuals to join our Lived Experience Advisory Group. There is a crucial need for insights and perspectives from people with lived experience of borderline personality disorder, and the Lived Experience Advisory Group exists to ensure those voices are heard. 

There is nobody better placed to identify what does or doesn't work, and to be part of the solution, than people with lived experience. 

The Role

Lived Experience Advisors will be part of a team who work on a range of projects including: 

• conducting interviews, surveys or focus groups
• writing and reviewing articles,blog posts and media posts
• contribute to project planning and service user engagement activities
• supporting service users who wish to share their lived experiences
• supporting and reviewing research into BPD
• auditing organisations 
• reviewing organisations policies, procedures and marketing materials
• campaigning and activism

Person Specification

• lived experience of BPD, this may be:
  • someone diagnosed with BPD
  • living with symptoms of BPD but undiagnosed
  • a carer/loved one of someone with BPD
  • a mental health/social care professional with experience of working with people with BPD
• Access to a computer with reliable internet
• Computer literate to a good level (email, Teams, Office, etc)
• Able to be flexible and adaptable to project needs
• A 'can do' attitude!
• A committment to our mission and values

Description: Generally, interns assist the Legal Director and Legal Project Managers with all aspects of preparatory work for the AIRE Centre's legal advice services and cases, including:

· Legal research in support of cases.

· Correspondence with the client, the court or other legal professionals.

· Accompanying the legal team during hearings.

· Keeping effective files.

· Drafting advice letters for the advice service on the EU Settlement Scheme and associated areas, including eligibility for benefits.

In addition to the above, interns may be requested to assist with:

· Undertaking research for articles, both for publications of the AIRE Centre, and for outside journals/publications.

· Undertaking projects in which the AIRE Centre is asked to take part.

· Attending meetings/conferences/seminars on behalf of the AIRE Centre.

All Legal Work is supervised.

To be eligible you must:

· Have a completed law degree/GDL or equivalent

· Have a good understanding of the areas of Law in which the AIRE Centre works (EU Free movement, EU Migration, asylum etc)

· Have a good standard of written and spoken English.

All our internships are unpaid; however, we do cover up to £30 of expenses for travel and lunch

As treasurer you will play a vital role in the financial management of Borderline Support UK CIC. You will be responsible for overseeing the organisations finances, including budgets and accounts, and monitoring the organisations financial health, with our management team's support. 

As a key member of the board of trustees, you will also be involved in setting the charity's strategic direction and ensuring that it is run in a compliant and efficient manner. 

It is expected that the treasurer will attend monthly meetings and the annual AGM. 

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee finances, including accounts and budgets
• Advise the board of trustees on any financial matters
• Prepare and present monthly financial reports to the board of trustees
• Prepare annual reports
• Ensure that our financial records are accurate and compliant with legislation
• Contribute to and update financial policies and procedures

Essential skills and experience:

• experience in financial management and accounting
• Strong analytic skills
• Ability to think long-term and strategically
• Ability to work in collaboration with other board and management team members
• Computer literate: competent using Quickbooks, Email, Excel and Word. 
• A commitment to our mission and values
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience of working with non-profit organisations
• Knowledge of BPD and the challenges faced by people with BPD
• Experience in fundraising

Time commitment:

• 3-year term
• monthly trustee meeting of 1-2 hours plus time to read minutes, reports, etc. 
• attend fundraising committee meetings as required
• attendance at annual AGM

PINT (People In Need Today)

We create awareness for people experiencing homelessness through media, publicity and projects.

We aim to create awareness for those in need via promotion of our work to the homeless and those in need through media and publicity. The aim is to show the majority that what they see and hear is an actual myth of what they see and believe homelessness is. We also highlight the fact that so much is wasted that can go to help other especially people in need around the globe.

PINT aims to highlight that awareness can be created by team work showing the world that so much gets wasted daily which can be contributed towards many that are suffering without on a daily basis. Our project has been in existence for 15 years now in that time we have grown from feeding tans supporting those in need in the community to covering a number of areas in London and the United Kingdom.

Lawyer/Legal Professional

Role Description

We are a small charity who are in the process of taking our work to the next level and require the skills of a legal professional to advise and help structure certain aspects of the charity so we can be more transparent with our volunteers, trustees and those involved with our organisation. Your role will be to administrate the required contracts and legal aspects necessary so that the day to day function is clear and concise.

Weekly Time Commitment: 4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role: 1-2 months

The RNLI is the lifeboats chairty that saves lives at sea and on the Thames. We have groups of volunteers all over the UK working with our volunteer lifeboat crews to raise awareness of water safety as well as raising vital funds to help to keep our lifeboats in the water. 

The ask:

Our fundraising team in Kensington is being led by a new team who are keen to build a programme of events that capitalises on the groups past successes as well as creating new events that appeal to a more diverse audience. The team are currently looking for:

Event support volunteers - to come along and support on the day of an event - events range from collections to orchestras and dinner dances - ad hoc - we'd hope you'd be able to support one or two events per year

Branch members - to support with the planning and implementation of events. You would be involved in everything from coming up with event ideas through to supporting with risk assessing and resourcing - great for anyone with an events background or lookig to gain experience in event management - around 2-3 hours per week with bi-monthly meetings in Kensington / via Teams

Social media/ recruitment volunteer - to create and build a social media presence for the team as well as support with online volunteer recruitment - ad hoc - approximately 2-3 hours per week max

Mind Axis is hiring!

Job Title: Volunteer Events Assistant (x1 for Redbridge or Hackney-based sessions)
Time Commitment: 15 hours/month
Start Date: Summer 2024 (exact date will be agreed) 
End Date: 6 months from start date (with 3-month probation period)

We are a social enterprise dedicated to enhancing mental wellbeing. Our flagship service is The Teashop, which brings small groups of community members together to foster their mental wellbeing through an enjoyable activity with known mental health benefits, over a cup of tea.

Job Description: 
As a Volunteer Events Assistant, you will have the opportunity to contribute to our mission by supporting in-person Teashop sessions. Each session brings together groups of up to 15 adults experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health symptoms, providing them with an enjoyable activity and an opportunity for connection in a supportive environment. We’ve offered dog therapy, art-making, yoga, and wellness discussions in the past. 

Responsibilities: 
- Create Eventbrite/Facebook/Instagram ads to draw new participants to future sessions. 
- Assist with the setup and logistics of sessions for The Teashop service 
- Travel to and support Teashop sessions by helping with materials, taking photos, and managing sign-in procedures, typically two sessions per month during weekends. 
- Create engaging social media content to promote The Teashop sessions and build community awareness. 
- If required, provide mental health first aid support by signposting and offering assistance to attendees in need. 
- Collect feedback at the end of each session and input it into Excel spreadsheets.

Essential Criteria: 
- 18+ years old
- Completed A-levels or equivalent
- Must possess a valid DBS check or be willing to have it done
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage time effectively during sessions
- Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for engaging with diverse communities
- Availability to volunteer two weekend days per month for in-person sessions
- Ability to travel to session locations within the designated area
- Proficiency in basic computer skills for data entry and social media management.
 
Desirable criteria:  
- An undergraduate degree (BSc/BA)
- A valid driver's license and licensed vehicle to help transport materials
- Experience in customer service/administrative role
- Experience with working with people with mental health conditions
- Experience in social media and/or graphic design skills
 
Benefits: 
Volunteer Events Assistants will receive: 
- Compensation for travel expenses incurred going to sessions
- Opportunity to receive Mental Health First Aid training 
- Gain valuable experience in event management and community engagement within the mental health sector

Application deadline: On a rolling basis

Suitable applicants will be invited to interview within 2 weeks of submitting an application. Please note that the application process may close early if we receive a large number of qualified applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly.

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is an international professional body for town planners with over 27,000 members in 88 countries. They are responsible for maintaining professional standards and accrediting world class planning courses both in the UK and internationally. They have offices in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff. They are the voice of the profession. They engage with governments, experts, advocates  and international bodies to promote good planning, lead on policy development and research, and promote planning in the long-term public interest. They support their members to deliver outstanding placemaking that creates inclusive, healthy, prosperous, sustainable and happy communities.

The RTPI is seeking a Co-opted Trustee with knowledge and experience in one of the following areas: digital transformation, organisational development or major project development.

What will you be doing?

The RTPI Board of Trustees (BOT) is responsible for making decisions in the following areas.

 Leadership 

• Shaping the RTPI’s corporate planning processes – including the corporate strategy, the business plan, the annual budget and supporting documents such as committee work plans. 
• Ensuring the RTPI has appropriate policies in place on key matters such as health and safety, risk management, data protection and financial management. 

 Statutory responsibilities 

• Ensuring that the Institute is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit 
• Complying with the Institute’s governing document and the law 
• Acting in the Institute’s best interests 
• Managing the Institute’s resources responsibly 
• Acting with reasonable care and skill 

 Governance 

• Approving the RTPI’s annual report and accounts. 
• Reviewing the auditors’ report on the annual accounts. 
• Agreeing the subscription structure for the following year, subject to consultation with the General Assembly. 

 Building relationships 

• Receiving reports from the Institute’s standing committees, subcommittees, panels and groups (if any).. 
• Receiving reports from the President, Chief Executive, volunteers and senior staff. 
• Fostering and maintaining good relationships with Trustees, committee members, volunteers, and staff. 

What are we looking for?

This role will suit an individual with: 

• An appropriate professional qualification
• An awareness of and commitment to principles of good governance 
• The ability and willingness to work as part of a team and to act as a ‘critical friend’ to Senior Executive Team
• A commitment to equality and diversity as it applies to the Institute’s work and to how the organisation, including its Trustees, operates 
• The ability to analyse complex information, question, probe and seek clarification so to come to an independent and unbiased view 
• Experience in: 
• Organisational development or
• Digital Transformation or
• Major project development. 
• Experience in a similar voluntary role in the charity or not for profit sector would be an advantage 

Board meetings are held during office hours either in person or virtually. There are 6 annually. While RTPI are headquartered in London, it is not a prerequisite that Trustees are London based. 

Would you like the opportunity to join the Board of a housing association whose purpose is to work with a co-operative ethos to help people & their communities to flourish? 

Co-op Homes (CHS) is a housing association which owns some 300 properties across London and the South East. We're also a managing agent for 30 other community housing organisations and housing co-ops, providing services to over 2,000 residents. Our unique proposition lies in our ability to provide expert housing management services to housing co-operatives and other small, resident-led housing organisations, enabling them to maintain their autonomy.

Board member opportunities

CHS is governed by a Board of Management made up of paid members who meet regularly throughout the year to direct policy and make major decisions on housing matters. The Board is also responsible for ensuring that we are managed efficiently, effectively and in line with the requirements of the law, regulatory bodies, best practice and value for money.

We have an active Board, currently made up of five members, bringing a variety of skills and backgrounds. Our Chair has been in the role since 2021 and we appointed a new Managing Director within the last year.

We are now looking to recruit two new board members. One who can bring strategic finance expertise and another with building asset management experience.

• Strategic finance: As a provider, we offer a unique set of services that have particular challenges. We are looking for an experienced senior finance professional to help us balance the risks and benefits involved in relation to our portfolio and scrutinise our finances strategically for the longer term. 
• Building asset management: We are looking for expertise in property management. This will include repairs and maintenance, health and safety legislation and regulations, strategic asset management and decarbonisation.

We would very much welcome applications from people who combine relevant expertise with lived experience of social housing or experience of living in a housing co-operative, as we know you would bring a unique insight to the role. For the same reason we would also welcome applications from minority groups. 

As a board member at CHS, you’ll have the satisfaction of joining a dynamic organisation passionate about making a lasting difference to lives and communities. We are looking for people who share our vision and values. Previous board experience is not required.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Co-op Homes in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, which should indicate why you are interested in applying for a Board member role and how you meet the role requirements.

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

The closing date for applications is Friday, 24 May. Online shortlisting interviews will take place the next couple of weeks. Face-to-face interviews with the recruitment panel at CHS will take place on Thursday, 13 June 2024.

Volunteer with the RNLI and help us to save lives in the sea and on the Thames

Our Gravesend Lifeboat station fundraising branch is currently putting together an exciting events calander for the year ahead and would like to recruit a volunteer to support them in promoting events, advertising recruitment vacancies and promoting the operational and engagement work of the RNLI in Gravesend on social media.

This is a post that might suit someone looking to volunteer, but unable to give a fixed, regular commitment as it can be carried out flexibly to fit around existing commitments. The group has a small social media presence they're looking to develop and we would like you to work closely on this with the lifeboat station crew as well as the fundraising team. Much of the work could be carried out remotely, but the group are keen to find someone fairly local to Gravesend as in addition to some local knowledge being useful, they'd love you to be able to join them for the occasional event or get together.

This role can be a fixed term volunteer post if that's preferred by the applicant - ideally we would like a minimum of around 3 months in order to get an online presence established. 

Thank you for your support!

Mind Axis is hiring!

Job Title: Volunteer Events Assistant (x1 for Hounslow-based sessions)
Time Commitment: 15 hours/month
Start Date: Summer 2024 (exact date will be agreed) 
End Date: 6 months from start date (with 3-month probation period)

We are a social enterprise dedicated to enhancing mental wellbeing. Our flagship service is The Teashop, which brings small groups of community members together to foster their mental wellbeing through an enjoyable activity with known mental health benefits, over a cup of tea.

Job Description: 
As a Volunteer Events Assistant, you will have the opportunity to contribute to our mission by supporting in-person Teashop sessions. Each session brings together groups of up to 15 adults experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health symptoms, providing them with an enjoyable activity and an opportunity for connection in a supportive environment. We’ve offered dog therapy, art-making, yoga, and wellness discussions in the past. 

Responsibilities: 
- Create Eventbrite/Facebook/Instagram ads to draw new participants to future sessions. 
- Assist with the setup and logistics of sessions for The Teashop service 
- Travel to and support Teashop sessions by helping with materials, taking photos, and managing sign-in procedures, typically two sessions per month during weekends. 
- Create engaging social media content to promote The Teashop sessions and build community awareness. 
- If required, provide mental health first aid support by signposting and offering assistance to attendees in need. 
- Collect feedback at the end of each session and input it into Excel spreadsheets.

Essential Criteria: 
- 18+ years old
- Completed A-levels or equivalent
- Must possess a valid DBS check or be willing to have it done
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage time effectively during sessions
- Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for engaging with diverse communities
- Availability to volunteer two weekend days per month for in-person sessions
- Ability to travel to session locations within the designated area
- Proficiency in basic computer skills for data entry and social media management.
 
Desirable criteria:  
- An undergraduate degree (BSc/BA)
- A valid driver's license and licensed vehicle to help transport materials
- Experience in customer service/administrative role
- Experience with working with people with mental health conditions
- Experience in social media and/or graphic design skills
 
Benefits: 
Volunteer Events Assistants will receive: 
- Compensation for travel expenses incurred going to sessions
- Opportunity to receive Mental Health First Aid training 
- Gain valuable experience in event management and community engagement within the mental health sector

Application deadline: On a rolling basis

Suitable applicants will be invited to interview within 2 weeks of submitting an application. Please note that the application process may close early if we receive a large number of qualified applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly.

The Gravesend RNLI fundraising team have a vacancy for a volunteer treasurer. The team work closely with the lifeboat crew and water safety team at Gravesend lifeboat station to hold a rage of events, develop partnerships and drive engagement locally. The treasurer is a key member of the team, ensurring financial compliance and providing a brief report on income at fundraising meetings (currently held every 6 weeks in Gravesend)

We are looking for someone who is financially literate with basic IT skills and is happy to undertake training with our finance team on internal processes and using Salesforce, our accounting system. Full training and ongoing support is available and an accounting or book-keeping background is not necessary. The team are a friendly, welcoming group witht he ambition to do more year on year and whilst the time commitment currently is probably around 2-5 hours per month ths may grow to be closer to 6-8 hours a month in time.