Volunteer roles in west drayton, greater london

We are seeking at least two new Trustees to oversee our charity. We offer professional, confidential and affordable counselling to individuals in and around SW London. Our team come from local churches and operate within a Christian ethos.

We want to increase the strength of our Board - currently we are overseen by only three Trustees, due to recent departures, but want to increase this to our target of 5-6 trustees. As well as providing support to the team in delivering high quality and accessible counselling services and ensuring the Charity meets its financial responsibilities, we are looking for someone to contribute to strategic oversight and effective governance.

We are seeking someone who:

1) Is passionate about the value and importance of emotional and mental health and wellbeing

2) Has experience or insight in areas such as charity governance, strategic planning, finance

3) Is a committed Christian of any denomination

4) Is willing to dedicate time, wisdom and prayer (approx. 4 meetings a year, plus occasional input)

What impact will you have? 

Our new Trustees will bring complementary skills to our Board. Specifically, we are looking for people with insight into charity governance and development, strategic vision and financial oversight.

Our new Trustees will ensure that our charity is well-governed, that quality is maintained and that those who work in the charity are well-supported. They will ensure that we keep client well-being at the heart of all we do.

They will look at new opportunities for development of the Trust, particularly at how we move on from reliance on a small management team who work voluntarily to a more resilient management model. They will ensure that new opportunities are strategically reviewed and considered.

They will ensure that we remain financially viable and have a sound operating model.

What skills, experience and qualities should you have?

Our new Trustees will bring complementary skills to our Board. Specifically, we are looking for people with skills in one or several of three areas:

1. charity governance and leadership,

2. strategic planning, to take the Trust forward into a new era

3. finance, to ensure our financial management and forward planning is optimised to achieve the objectives of the charity

Our new Trustees will share our values, especially our belief in the value of high-quality counselling with good clinical governance for client benefit. Our Christian ethos underlies who we are and we expect our new Trustees to share that ethos and see good counselling as a way to live out our christian values in our community.

Lived experience of or clinical practice in the field of mental health would be welcomed to enable greater insight into our counselling work.

We are keen to maintain a diverse board that reflects our very diverse local community.

About Children with Voices

Children with Voices is a vibrant non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and families through community-based initiatives. We run engaging holiday clubs for children aged 5–11, promoting healthy lifestyles, wellbeing, and early intervention to reduce the risk of gang involvement and antisocial behaviour (ASB). Our mission is to create opportunities for children from all backgrounds—especially those from low-income families, single-parent households, or disadvantaged communities—to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. Our clubs focus on: - Promoting healthy eating and encouraging children to eat 7+ portions of fruit and vegetables daily. - Teaching children where food comes from and the benefits of nutrition. - Building social and life skills through teamwork, cooking, and inclusive play. - Offering affordable, fun, and engaging activities that promote physical fitness and reduce childhood obesity. - Supporting parents with knowledge about budget-friendly healthy food options. - Creating positive connections across different communities to reduce postcode-related division.

Role Overview – Treasurer (Volunteer Position)

We are seeking a dedicated Volunteer Treasurer to oversee the financial health of Children with Voices and help strengthen our financial systems. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in a grassroots charity working to empower children and families. Time commitment: Approximately 10–15 hours per month, flexible around your availability. Location: Remote with occasional in-person meetings (London-based preferred but not essential).

Key Responsibilities

· Oversee the financial affairs of Children with Voices, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Ensure accurate financial records are maintained and effective financial procedures are in place.

· Monitor and report regularly on the organisation’s financial position.

· Prepare financial reports, budgets, cash flow statements, and annual accounts in collaboration with the Chair and Trustees.

· Lead on financial planning and advise the committee on the financial viability of proposals, plans, and fundraising initiatives.

· Report key financial information to trustees and support them in understanding financial obligations.

· Support the organisation with budgeting, funding applications, and ensuring value for money.

· Ensure sound internal controls, including processes for:

· - Authorisation of spending and purchasing systems

· - Managing cash flow and petty cash

· - Payment of staff or volunteer expenses (if applicable)

· - Bank reconciliation and cheque signatories

Person Specification – Ideal Qualities

· Experience in financial management, bookkeeping, or accountancy (formal qualifications desirable but not essential).

· Understanding of charity finance and relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

· Knowledge of fundraising, grant reporting, and managing budgets in voluntary/community settings.

· Strong financial analysis and reporting skills.

· Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

· Commitment to the values and mission of Children with Voices.

· Organised, reliable, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with trustees and volunteers.

What You’ll Gain

· A rewarding opportunity to use your financial skills to support a meaningful cause.

· Experience in charity governance and financial oversight.

· A chance to contribute to community empowerment and social impact.

· Recognition of your volunteer contribution and references for future roles, if desired.

Are you looking for a meaningful, flexible way to support others? Join the Talking Bubble Project and help tackle loneliness through the power of a simple phone call.

Since the pandemic, many befriending services have wound down—but Talking Bubble remains one of the few projects still offering regular, phone-based companionship to those who need it most. Demand for this kind of support remains high, and we’re actively looking for kind, compassionate English-speaking volunteers to help meet this growing need.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ It’s a phone-based befriending service that connects volunteers with older adults and vulnerable individuals across the UK who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. By committing just a little time each week, you can offer someone the warmth of conversation and a regular point of connection.

Why Volunteer With Us?

✔ Make a genuine impact on someone's life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours from the comfort of your home
✔ Receive full training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your sense of purpose and community

What You’ll Need

✅ No experience required—just a kind heart, a listening ear, and a willingness to talk
✅ Volunteers must complete Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—we cover the cost of both
✅ Must be a UK resident

How to Get Involved

Apply now via the CharityJob website, or contact us directly for more information. Together, we can keep connection alive—one call at a time.

Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteer to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by improving their grades and building confidence in their learning.

We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutorEnglish on one of our 10-12 week online progarmmes, starting mid-January 2026.

You will be matched with a small number of pupils and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. The pupils on our online programmes have had some disrupted schooling due to challenging personal circumstances and our tuition programmes aim to build not just academic strength, but confidence and positivity towards learning as well. 

All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher / team manager throughout their placement.

Practical Considerations:

• Our online programme runs on Tuesday afternoons from 17:00 till 18:00.
• The start date is 13th January 2026 and the final session is on Tuesday 24th March 2026
• Sessions are 60 minutes and take place via Teams. Tutors are expected to be online 15 minutes prior to their session. There is a 15-minute debrief with your progarmme manager after each session.
• This role requires you to undergo a free of charge enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged by Team Up.

We are looking for:

• Strong grades in English
• Experience working with young people
• Committed, organised and patient individuals 
• Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils
• Individuals who are passionate about social mobility and helping to reduce the education attainment gap

Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only improve their grades, but also build long term resilience. 

Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to attend our employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion of the programme.

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.
 

Role Summary 

The Site Manager role involves overseeing a number of university Islamic Societies or Muslim Student Associations who are interested in partnering with Roots Academy to host the Essentials Onsite Program an in-person transformative educational class tailored to university students on campus. The Site Manager role is responsible for establishing and maintaining positive relationships with these ISoc/MSA committees and offering 1:1 support to ensure that they have an excellent educational experience.
 

Key tasks

• Actively establish and maintain positive relationships with ISoc/MSA committees and Student Ambassadors (ISoc/MSA representative) to ensure an exceptional onsite experience for students, and promote retention of sites.
   
• Be the point of contact for ISocs/MSAs: answer questions, offer light-touch support and coaching on ways to improve the class, engage on a 1:1 basis listening to their needs and concerns, and addressing these accordingly.
   
• Liaise with Student Ambassadors to ensure that logistics involved in marketing and running the class are taken care of by the ISoc/MSA.
   
• Collect ideas and best-practices from how different campuses deliver their class
   
• Be the internal point of contact for any queries or updates related to ISocs/MSAs assigned.
   

What we’re looking for

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
   
• Ability to make and maintain positive relationships and connections with people
   
• Proactive approach to problem-solving
   
• Passionate about transforming the lives of Muslim students and engaging with university ISocs/MSAs
   
• An understanding of the Muslim student/university scene and how University ISocs and/or MSAs operate
   
• Ability to travel regionally for site visits and in-person meetings with ISoc/MSA committees
   

What we have to offer 

• Be part of a team of 40+ dedicated volunteers from across the country. 

• Receive continuous rewards for students that gain knowledge and closeness to Allah and their faith as a result of attending the Onsites Essentials program.

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective. 

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Senior Policy Advisor

Youth Advantage UK

Remote

Unpaid role, expenses not paid

Voluntary

Job description

Youth Advantage UK (YAUK) is seeking a Volunteer Senior Policy Advisor to support its Long-Term Research & Policy Team in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to grow its impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring research developed by YAUK can be moulded into policy positions capable of influencing and informing policy makers. Working closely with the Heads of Policy, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to develop convincing narratives to achieve the aims of the organisation. They will should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

•    Taking raw research and developing a convincing narrative that will convince policy makers to take action based on our evidence-based recommendations.
•    Develop recommendations for policy makers based on evidence and aligning with the political priorities of the targeted policy makers.
•    Work effectively with members of YAUK’s research team to turn their research into succinct policy documents.
•    To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategic policies and focus.
•    Support the Head of Policy in delivering the policy team’s wider goals and priorities.
•    Aid junior policy colleagues in completing their work and provide direction in support of the Head of Policy.
•    To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Team in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.
•    Support the creation of blogs and articles on policy related issues and to support with the development of academic articles and reports.
•    Ensure that policy documents developed by the team are of high quality and present YAUK and its work in a good light.
•    To find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

Requirements:

•    Experience or knowledge of how the policy development process works.
•    Knowledge of issues affecting children and young people in the UK.
•    Knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to applying research and development in public policy.
•    Experience of writing or contributing to briefings and other policy documents.
•    Excellent writing and speaking skills.
•    IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
•    Ability to work well independently and in a team.
•    Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
•    Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in influencing policy makers.
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible working hours.

Cadet Unit Leaders Wanted in LONDON

Join the Ranger Cadets – Lead a London Unit

Do you want to inspire the next generation and make a real difference in your community?

The Ranger Cadets are seeking passionate leaders to establish and guide our local cadet units across London.

We are a new, independent, non-profit uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to engage young people in their communities, equip them with essential life skills, and unlock their full potential. We are non-political, non-religious, and proudly inclusive – open to all, regardless of background.

Now, we are looking for Cadet Unit Leaders to lead our cadets at the grassroots level, ensuring they are seen locally in uniform as positive role models breaking down stereotypes of young people in the community.

The Role

As a Cadet Unit Leader, you will:

• Set up, manage, and develop one of our London-based cadet units.

• Lead and inspire cadets, creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.

• Coordinate and deliver the cadet syllabus, ensuring cadets take part in fun, rewarding, and interactive programmes.

• Help cadets earn badges for their uniform and progress through the ranks.

• Represent Ranger Cadets locally, showcasing young people as forces for good in their communities.

• Wear a uniform with rank insignia, reflecting your leadership role.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Empower young people: Help cadets grow into confident, capable leaders.

• Shape the future: Build and lead a unit that will become a cornerstone of the Ranger Cadets.

• Be part of something new: Join the founding team of a pioneering youth organisation.

• Inclusive community: Work with a diverse group of young people and volunteers united by service.

Who We’re Looking For

We want someone who is:

• Passionate about youth development and community service.

• A strong leader and organiser, able to inspire and coordinate activities.

• Committed to our values of inclusivity, integrity, and service.

• Excited to help cadets earn achievements, wear their badges with pride, and advance in rank.

Your Call to Action

This is more than a volunteer role – it’s a chance to make history at the grassroots level. Step into uniform. Take up the challenge. Become a Cadet Unit Leader and help us inspire the next generation in London.

Apply today and be part of the founding team of the Ranger Cadets. Together, we will be a force for good.

RANGER CADETS 

#PreparedForLife

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?  ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy. Join us!

What will you be doing?

In addition to the responsibilities of all board members, the Treasurer will: 

1. Support the Board to review and monitor ECU’s financial performance and sustainability
2. Ensure the Board receives timely, accessible and accurate financial information
3. Support the team to develop and maintain robust and proportionate financial policies, processes and risk management systems

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to ECU’s mission and values
• Commitment to the legal duties and responsibilities
• Financial management experience, policies, risk
• Qualifications
• Able to interpret, interrogate and communicate financial information
• Work as part of a diverse team, and devote the time 

Desirable - treasurer experience

What difference will you make?

We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue.

Before you apply

• Your interest in this role and what you could bring to it
• What would you want to learn and gain?

Interview 25 Feb in London (expenses paid)

About Us

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil CIC is a grassroots movement committed to confronting and eradicating Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) across the UK.
We give survivors, families, and allies the power to speak out, heal, and educate communities through storytelling, outreach, and collective action.

We work across all communities — Black, white, Asian, Caribbean, African and beyond — ensuring no survivor feels alone or silenced.

Our CIC operates through a community-driven, volunteer-led structure, built by people who believe in truth, justice, and love as law.

The Role – Social Media Director (Team Lead)

Lead the organisation’s social media function to build an online community, drive engagement, connect with diverse audiences, and use social media metrics to strengthen organisational performance and improve efficiency.
 

Main Responsibilities / Key Duties

• Develop and execute social media strategies that communicate the CIC’s message, increase visibility, and ensure consistency across platforms.

• Build and maintain an active online community, ensuring engagement is respectful, relevant, and supportive.

• Lead and support the social media team, providing guidance, motivation, and opportunities for growth.

• Collaborate with other departments to ensure alignment on projects, messaging, timelines, and organisational goals.

• Maintain quality control to ensure all content is accurate, on-brand, and reflective of the CIC’s values.

• Manage content schedules, ensuring timely planning, production, and publishing across platforms with regular team check-ins.

• Engage with audiences online, responding to comments, messages, and conversations in a timely and professional manner.

• Lead the launch of social media campaigns for awareness, advocacy, marketing, and fundraising.

• Track performance of posts, campaigns, and team progress to measure engagement, reach, and achievement of targets.

• Train and support the team, ensuring clarity on goals, timelines, tools, best practices, and evolving platform features.
   

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 3 years experience in a similar social media leadership role.

• Strong team leadership and management skills.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and community-building capabilities.

• Extensive knowledge of major social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X/Twitter, etc.).

• Ability to understand and apply social media analytics, metrics, data analysis, and reporting.

• Knowledge of social media best practices, content formats, platform compliance, charity regulations, and GDPR.

• Skills in social media strategy, content planning, branding, and community engagement.

• Ability to mentor, guide, and support a volunteer social media team.

• Creativity, problem-solving skills, and a strong understanding of emerging trends.

​Location

Hybrid role (remote with occasional in-person meetings).

Ideally based in London, or within up to 3 hours travel distance for team activities, meetings and events.

Could you be one of our new trustees?

We currently have space on our Board for up to eight new Trustees who want to work with us to help improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.

At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact. 

You may be thinking that you don't have the experience because you haven't been a trustee before, or because charity governance isn't your field. Think again!

Here's what you DO NEED need: 

• Commitment to our vision - a world where no student is held back by their mental health

• Experience in 1 or 2 of the following areas: 

  • Current higher education students

  • Professional higher education sector expertise

  • Legal expertise 

  • Fundraising and income generation expertise

  • Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, intersectionality and anti racism expertise

  • AI and technology expertise 

  • Campaigning, advocacy, community organising and/or public affairs expertise 

  • Marketing and brand awareness expertise 

  • People and culture, HR, organisational development or leadership development expertise 

And what you DON'T need:

• Previous experience of trusteeship

• Experience in charity law or working with a charity

Both experienced and aspiring trustees have much to bring to our table: we are looking for fresh perspectives and seasoned knowledge alike.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Trustees are expected to commit to the following: 

• Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm. 

• Preparation and attendance at two board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. Board away days are in person and usually take place in Leeds. Travel expenses can be claimed.

• Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior management team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.

If appointed, you will receive the training and onboarding you need to be a confident, contributing member of the board. We are also able to provide you with a board buddy to support you in your first few months. 

So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!

How to apply?

1. For more information about the role responsibilities please follow the link

2. Download and complete our application form, which is available on the link

3. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form. 

Application process

• Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date

• Interviews: 29th or 30th January (general Trustees) or 5th February (Student Trustees) with a Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board. 

Could you be our new Chair?  

Our fantastic Chair’s tenure will be coming to an end in 2026, so we are looking to appoint her successor to help Student Minds improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.

At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact. 

We are open-minded about the professional background of this individual and are mostly looking for someone with experience of leading effective, inclusive teams, of chairing complex organisations or meetings, and in building influential cross-sector partnerships.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Chair is expected to commit to the following: 

• Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm. 

• Preparation and attendance at two in-person board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. These usually take place in Leeds and include a lunchtime or evening social.

• Monthly supervision calls with the Chief Executive

• Annual in-person appraisal of the Chief Executive 

• Support with board appraisals and recruitment 

• Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior leadership team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.

• Attendance at relevant task-group meetings and/or committees.

So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!

How to apply?

1. For more information about the role responsibilities please download our recruitment pack that is linked

2. Download and complete our application form which is available via the link

3. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form. 

Application process

• Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date

• Interviews: 27th January, with our Chair, Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board

Help lead the Real Farming Trust into its next chapter as Chair of the Board of Trustees

Type: Voluntary (Expenses Paid)
Time Commitment: Approx. 1-2 days/month, plus annual retreats and sector events

Be part of a movement for food justice and ecological transformation

The Real Farming Trust (RFT) is a pioneering UK charity whose purpose is to connect and support people who are transforming our food system through agroecology. Since starting the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) in 2010, the RFT has grown into a dynamic organisation with a turnover of ~£1M.

As the organisation enters a new strategic cycle through to 2030, it is seeking a new Chair to guide the board and support the executive team in delivering bold, systemic change in food and farming. This is a unique opportunity to lead an organisation at the heart of the agroecological movement, convening grassroots voices, shaping policy discourse, and investing in community-led solutions.

Why This Role Matters

As Chair, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership during a pivotal phase of growth and transformation and enable the charity to fulfil its purpose.
• Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion across programmes and governance.
• Support the Executive Directors and staff to foster a resilient, values-led organisational culture.
• Represent RFT externally, including speaking at the ORFC and other sector events.
• Guide the board through governance best practice and renewal.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking a visionary leader with:

• Board-level chairing experience in the charity or social enterprise sector with a detailed understanding of the principles and practice of good charity governance.
• A values-led, inclusive leadership style - humble, strategic, emotionally intelligent.
• Deep commitment to agroecology, food sovereignty, climate justice, and equity.
• Experience in or knowledge of food systems, farming, and agroecology.
• The strategic skills and experience to lead a significant and growing national charity.

What You'll Gain

• A defining role in shaping the future of food and farming in the UK.
• The opportunity to amplify grassroots voices and drive systemic change.
• A platform to demonstrate inclusive leadership and transformative impact.
• Connection to a vibrant, mission-driven team and a national network of changemakers.

Recruitment Timeline:

To ensure equitable access to information and uphold its commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), the RFT will be hosting a Q&A webinar on Thursday 4th December from 11-12pm in place of individual informal calls with the Chair and Executive Directors. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar, and we will send you a link..

Application deadline: Thursday 15th January 2026

First round interviews - Online: w/c 9th February 2026

Final interviews - In-person (Oxford): w/c 16th February 2026

How to Apply

Charity People Ltd is acting as recruitment advisor to RFT on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited initially to submit a CV to to receive the candidate pack, which has the full application details and a link to the webinar.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you require any assistance or adjustment to make the application process work for you, please let us know.

About the Charity
The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre is a small, registered charity (Charity Number 1210189)
established to care for, rehabilitate, educate, and treat ill, injured, and unwanted reptiles in
Sussex County and its Surrounding areas.
Aims and Objectives
 To improve public perception of reptiles and amphibians
 To promote responsible pet ownership and exemplary animal welfare
 To deliver education that is “inclusive for all.”
 To promote positive values regarding companion animals and the responsibility of
pet care
What we do
 Reptile Rescue and Rehoming Services
o Taking in Sick, injured and unwanted reptiles -Finding, vetting and rehoming
reptiles
 Advice and Guidance
o Providing Advice and Guidance to reptile owners.
 Outreach and Education
o Going to Youth Clubs, Schools and Clubs to educate children/young people
about Reptiles
o Hosting events for the community, which will raise awareness of the charity
and the work we do.

About the role
We are looking for a qualified veterinary surgeon/professional to support The Sussex
Reptile Rescue Centre as a trustee & advisor.

Our trustees play a vital role in ensuring the Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre achieves its core
charitable purpose, overseeing the charity’s overall management and administration.

By joining as a trustee, you will help determine the charity’s overall direction and development
as a strong advocate for The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre and our work.

As you champion our cause, you’ll continuously strive for best practice in all areas of your
role whilst effectively evaluating and mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance to legal
obligations under charity law.

To lean more about becoming a trustee with us (and your commitments as a trustee), please
 

Qualifications and accreditations

• A qualified veterinary professional, with a specialisation in reptiles
•  Specialisation working with amphibians is a bonus, but not essential.
•  Experienced committing to the requirements and expectations of a charity trustee

Skills and qualities

• Have excellent communication skills, with a willingness to participate actively in discussion and exercise sound independent judgement
•  Able to offer well-informed and pragmatic advise regarding the animals in our care,

putting their wellbeing and quality of life at the forefront.

•  A strong advocate for the charity’s work and what we do, with an enthusiasm for the

Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s vision and goal

•  Be willing and able to attend regular trustee meetings (6 per annum, held remotely)

The Media & Communications Director will play a pivotal role in developing communication strategies to enhance awareness and recognition of mountain rescue and the teams within the UK, and supporting internal communication to enable effective dissemination of information and news for Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW), supporting 47 active mountain rescue teams across the region. This voluntary position is responsible for devising and implementing a robust plan, working alongside a range of partners and colleagues.

Reporting to the CEO, the person will need to contribute to the MREW’s overall future strategy. There will be a need to understand the MR structure and to have the ability to work as part of the MREW Senior Management Team, and alongside trustees, liaison team, regional structure and local teams. 

Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW) is a voluntary organisation that provides mountain rescue services 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers support to communities during other crises. It consists of 47 independent volunteer search and rescue teams that operate across eight geographical areas. The organisation serves as the national body to represent the whole organisation, acting as an advisory body, linking with partner organisations and helping to standardise training and share information.

Objectives

 The overarching activities for this role are:

• Development of external communication to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts and ‘new explorers’ taking an interest in the great outdoors. 
•  Leadership of a small team plus the wider Media and Communications Network (MCN) of MR volunteers to develop and deliver a Media and Communications Strategy and programme of activity
  • Publications and online communications (all social media)
  • Website development
  • Development of key messages, inc. support to MREW spokespeople (messages, materials and training) to enable effective stakeholder communications.
•  Leading and planning for effective reactive communications in challenging situations, including issues management, messaging and spokesperson briefing.
• Liaison with external partners (PR, Magazine Editor, Public Affairs), relevant media and stakeholders, including a process for responding to incoming enquiries and interview requests and a process for planning proactive media activities.
•  Development of key messages inc. safety messaging
• The development of effective Internal communications to support knowledge of MREW and to enable consistency of message from the family of Teams.
• Represent MREW at relevant external meetings.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to foster trust and accurately represent MREW’s mission and goals.
•  Ability to work alongside colleagues and manage competing priorities.
• Creativity, imagination and intuition.
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken.
• Good organisational and project management skills.
• An ability to develop, negotiate and work within a financial budget.
• A strategic approach to the reputational management of mountain rescue in England and Wales (at all levels).
• Knowledge and understanding of the various forms of media, including broadcast and print, digital and social, so as to be able to meet their differing needs and ensure that there is a clear process for the handling of approaches or enquiries to MREW from outside media organisations, agencies or individuals.

Personal Attributes

• The ability to lead and motivate a team that combines volunteer and professional roles and that covers a range of disciplines, skills and platforms.
• Capable of working under pressure, within constraints and meeting deadlines.
• The ability to build and maintain relationships, internally and externally, based on integrity and trust.
• The ability to delegate to others, engaging and involving appropriate support from the wider network.
• Strong personal creativity, imagination and intuition in dealing with challenges, opportunities and people.
• A proactive attitude, with the drive and enthusiasm to initiate and carry out projects to conclusion, involving others, on time and on budget.
• Resilience, particularly when faced with challenges, uncertainty and setbacks.

Management responsibilities:

• To contribute to the management of MREW through regular business meetings, ensuring that the media and communications aspects of activity are considered in planning and decision-making.
• To ensure all network members are treated fairly, in line with MREW policies and also its mission and values.
• To develop an approach to the sustainability of the Media and Communications function, including succession planning for key roles and the strengthening of the dispersed network.

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion. You will need to demonstrate commitment to the mission and cause of the charity. 

Qualifications

• Essential to this role is an awareness of the internal character of MR and the external environment in which it operates, and an ability to identify and anticipate communications priorities.
• Practical experience in a media or communications management role is also desirable, for instance, such as journalism, PR, marketing, or online media.
• An ability to plan proactive media and communications activities and to develop ways of measuring their effectiveness.
• Experience of issues and crisis management, enabling anticipation and support to management and others on the development of plans, messages and position statements.

Additional notes

• To work with the CEO to plan for future activity and to ensure that a planned communications approach is developed.
• To ensure all committee members are treated fairly through MREW Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To work with other national teams to release internal communications, press statements and support campaigns as required.
• This is a voluntary role within MREW, elected annually; it is expected that the applicant will serve a term of 5 years, with a possible extension of a further 5 years if desired.
• Travel during the working day may be required, with occasional absence from home overnight, as meetings with partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders may cover a large geographical area. Out-of-pocket expenses can be reclaimed in line with the MREW Expenses Policy.