Advice volunteer roles

Volunteering with FCENS

About Us

Our mission: To support single homeless adults in Waltham Forest towards transforming their lives.

Forest Churches Emergency Night Shelter, FCENS, is an independent charity working to serve the needs of the single homeless adults in Waltham Forest. Our vision is that no one should need to be homeless in our borough and everyone has a place to go.

Volunteers contribute to the overall success of FCENS and are vital to the running of our Drop-in service and Night Shelter. We need support from the community to run our projects and make our clients feel welcome.

Come and be part of something special!

The Drop-In provides advice and support weekdays Monday to Wednesday 10 am to 3 pm, Thursday 10 am to 12 pm all year round.

Volunteer Homelessness Support Worker

Volunteer Job Description

Location

Based at our office at the Drop-In and within the local community.

Expenses

Travel expenses reimbursed

Lunch voucher for use in the YMCA canteen provided during each volunteer shift

Full induction, training and ongoing support

Purpose of role

As a Volunteer Homelessness Support Worker, you will provide your volunteering under the direction of our caseworking team, to provide practical support to clients experiencing homelessness. You will assist with carrying out assessments and triaging, identifying support needs and helping clients access appropriate services including housing, health, mental health, welfare benefits and signposting to immigration services.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference while gaining valuable experience within the homelessness and voluntary sector.

Key Responsibilities

You will undertake your volunteering at all times under the direction of our employed caseworking team.

You will not be expected to undertake tasks that you are not confident or competent to do.

Welcome clients in a friendly, respectful and non-judgemental manner.

Use the Trauma-Informed Care approach whilst supporting clients.

Complete client assessments using our assessment tools.

Triaging the assessments.

Identify immediate needs and risks, escalating concerns to staff where appropriate.

Provide information and signposting to appropriate services including:

§  Housing and homelessness services,

§  GP registration and healthcare,

§  Immigration services,

§  Mental health support,

§  Drug and alcohol services,

§  Welfare benefits and financial support,

§  Employment, education and training opportunities.

Support clients to understand and access available services.

Maintain accurate, confidential records using our case management systems.

Work within safeguarding, confidentiality and GDPR policies.

Attend supervision, training and volunteer meetings.

Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the role.

Represent the charity professionally at all times.

What We Offer

An opportunity to give something back to the community and to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

A comprehensive induction programme.

Ongoing training and development.

Regular supervision and support.

Experience within the homelessness sector.

Opportunities to develop assessment and support skills.

Reimbursement of travel expenses.

Paid lunch during volunteer shifts.

A supportive and welcoming team environment.

Person Specification

Any experience of the following would be helpful

Previous volunteering or employment within homelessness, housing, social care or the voluntary sector.

Experience supporting vulnerable adults.

Knowledge of housing legislation and homelessness pathways.

Understanding of welfare benefits.

Knowledge of local health and mental health services.

Mental Health First Aid or Safeguarding training (not essential).

Ability to speak other languages (not essential). 

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who is:

Compassionate and approachable.

Calm under pressure.

Trustworthy and reliable.

Motivated to learn.

Respectful of people from all backgrounds.

Solution-focused and proactive.

Flexible and adaptable.

Training Provided

Successful volunteers will receive training in:

Safeguarding Adults

Trauma-Informed Practice

Professional Boundaries

GDPR and Confidentiality

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Risk Assessment

Homelessness Pathways

Health and Safety

Recruitment Process

The role is subject to:

An interview conducted in a relaxed and supportive way

Two satisfactory references

Enhanced DBS check

Completion of induction and mandatory training 

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Furzedown Youth Centre. Welham Rd, London SW16 6TJ

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

Events Volunteer - Lancashire (various)

Do you want to raise some money for Shelter, while having fun along the way?

Information about the role

This role involves supporting at a range of events to help raise money and awareness to tackle the housing emergency. It’s a really flexible opportunity. Once you’re signed up, we’ll let you know about upcoming events and tasks, and you can decide which you’d like to do. 

Location: Lancashire (various)

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! Ideally, you’d help out at least 4-5 times per year, but this is flexible. 

Availability: This is a varied opportunity with events taking place at different times and on different days throughout the year, including evenings and weekends. You can choose the events that best suit your availability. 

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details. 

Main activities may include:

This is a flexible and diverse role. Here are some of the activities you might get involved in:

• Represent us at a range of events including, community fairs, gigs, Pride marches, sporting events and street stalls.

• Support some of our fundraising activity such as holding collection cans in public spaces or bag packing in supermarkets.

• Help us grow our movement for change by supporting petitions and raising awareness of our calls to action through social media.

• Other one-off tasks such as web-based research.

This role fights the housing emergency by raising funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support and campaigning for change. The events you’ll be attending are also great for raising awareness of the housing emergency and how people can get involved to help tackle it. 

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience 

The most important thing for this role is that you are passionate about joining our fight for home!

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences. 

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance. 

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us.

We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Upon offer of role, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t volunteer with us. We will have a conversation with you to discuss the convictions in relation to the role you have applied for. Sometimes it may limit the ways you can get involved. Please contact us if you require more information.

At SARA, we know survivors are the experts in their own experiences. We’re looking for women with lived experience of sexual violence and abuse to join our Expert Advisory Panel and help shape our services, campaigns, and community work across Greater Manchester.

This is a chance to share your insight and ideas in a safe, supportive, survivor-centred space and help drive meaningful change.

You don’t need to have used SARA’s services or reported to the police—your perspective is still valuable.

You may be involved in:

• Giving feedback on services and support
• Helping evaluate and improve SARA’s work
• Contributing to campaigns, projects, and resources
• Taking part in workshops, consultations, and co-production
• Influencing future decision-making

You will never be asked to share personal experiences publicly, and you remain in control of what you choose to contribute.

Mission 44 is a charitable foundation launched by Sir Lewis Hamilton in 2021 to create a fairer, more inclusive future for young people. We work to ensure every young person can thrive in school and access great careers, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

Lewis' own journey to Formula 1 required him to overcome barriers linked to race, class and opportunity. In 2020, he established the Hamilton Commission to understand why motorsport was not representative of wider society. Mission 44 builds on the evidence and recommendations of the Hamilton Commission. While informed by the Commission, its remit extends beyond motorsport, focusing on wider education and employment systems to expand opportunity at scale.

Working across the UK, the US and Brazil, we invest in the organisations closest to young people from underserved communities, and we use our platform to influence the systems that hold too many young people back.

Diversity is at the heart of Mission 44. It is fundamental to how we create change. We therefore see it as essential to bring different ways of thinking to our Board of Trustees, and are now seeking 3-4 new Trustees to join our Board and be part of realising our ambitions to scale opportunities for young people. 

One of these will be a Young Trustee, aged 18 – 30, and we are open to backgrounds.  We will provide you with additional guidance to help you navigate board responsibilities, contribute fully to discussions and develop your governance and leadership skills. For wider Trustee roles, backgrounds will ideally include one of the following areas:

· The education or youth sectors

· Communications and influencing

· Safeguarding experience

· Operational leadership experience (e.g. HR, IT, data management) 

· Organisational growth/ international expansion 

· Fundraising 

· AI 

· Creative industries

· Humanitarian sector

· Experience in intergenerational philanthropy 

Interested candidates must have the time available to commit to supporting Mission 44 as we enter our next phase of growth, making a thorough personal contribution and being willing to share your insights.   Above all, you must be committed to our mission that every young person can thrive in school and access great careers. 

To learn more and apply, please download the appointment brief below. 

Closing date:    13 September 2026

PBP interviews:                       17 – 24 September 2026

Mission 44 interviews: 6 October and w/c19 October 2026

First Board meeting: 8 December 2026

We know that when people from different backgrounds work together, it generates more diversity of thought and better ideas. We want to attract the broadest range of talented people onto our Board of Trustees so that it comprises a rich mix of personal as well as professional perspectives, positions and experiences to enable us to grow and learn better together.

We are therefore particularly interested in candidates from underrepresented groups, including people of colour, people with disabilities or candidates from the LGBTQ+ community.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Group Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group reaches out to people affected by MS.

The role is varied, and will enable you to further develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.

We're open to role sharing.

Transport for All is looking to appoint up to six new Trustees, including a Treasurer, to help guide our work.

We are the UK’s leading Disabled People’s Organisation working on travel and accessible transport. We are led by and for disabled people, and have a proud history of influencing policy and advocating for change so disabled people have the freedom to make the journeys we want.

As a Trustee, your professional skills and expertise will influence our governance and support our team to reach our goal of transport justice for all.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, and are looking for people who can bring skills and experience in areas including finance, law, HR, communications, transport, government and consultancy.

Please download our trustee recruitment pack for information on the role and how to apply.

Help cats in the Inverness and Nairn areas!

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

It is a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

o face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.

o online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.

o bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.

o engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

o Sympathy to cats and our values

o Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.

o Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities

o Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

o Good communication and team player

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.

Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. You will be supported and guided from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

We're looking for someone with the following:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Help cats in the Ayrshire area!

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

It is a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

o face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.

o online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.

o bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.

o engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

o Sympathy to cats and our values

o Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.

o Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities

o Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

o Good communication and team player

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

 What we need from you

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.

Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. You will be supported and guided from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

We're looking for someone with the following:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

NEW TRUSTEES AND TREASURER WANTED FOR AGE UK MERTON BOARD

Age UK Merton is an independent charity operating within the national Age UK network. We provide services for older adults in the London Borough of Merton in south-west London. Our role is to ensure that older adults can easily access the support, services and care they need and to help older adults to live active and fulfilling lives. Our comprehensive services are specifically designed to support older people and reach around 3,000 Merton residents a year.

Age UK Merton has a strong and diverse Board comprising a group of Trustees from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are looking to recruit at least one new Trustee and a new Treasurer to join the Board at the AGM in November 2026, when our current Treasurer is due to step down.

Person specification – Trustee

Essential

· Commitment to Age UK Merton and our values

· Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to the role

· Strategic vision

· Experience of operating at Board or senior level professionally

· Good independent judgment

· Good interpersonal skills

· Ability to think creatively

· Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

· Ability to use and access IT, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint

Desirable

· Experience of the adult social care or health sectors

· Experience of being a charity Trustee

· Understanding of Merton as a place

We are particularly looking for a new Trustee with experience of NHS primary care (either as a GP or as a practice manager) or with experience of NHS commissioning.

Person specification – Treasurer

In addition to the Trustee person specification, there are a number of specific requirements for the Treasurer role.

· Financial qualifications and experience. 

· A strong understanding of analysing management accounts and forecasting cash flow.

· A strong understanding of creating and monitoring budgets.

· Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes. 

· The skills to analyse proposals and understand their financial consequences. 

· A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

Role description – Trustee

Trustees have a number of core duties, including ensuring the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and relevant legislation; ensuring it pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document; actively contributing to Board discussions and giving strategic direction to the organisation; ensuring the financial stability of the organisation; and ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

In addition, Trustees should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board to reach sound decisions, including by scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues and working on sub-committees and working groups.

Role description – Treasurer

The role of the Treasurer is to maintain an overview of Age UK Merton’s finances, ensuring financial viability and that proper financial record-keeping and procedures are maintained.

In addition to the duties of a Trustee, the duties of the Treasurer are: 

· Chairing the Finance Committee and reporting to the Board.

· Ensuring the financial resources of Age UK Merton meet its present and future needs. 

· Ensuring that Age UK Merton has appropriate reserves and investment policies. 

· Undertaking spot checks on payroll and online payments. 

· Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place. 

· Advising on the financial implications of Age UK Merton’s strategic plans. 

· Ensuring that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of Age UK Merton. 

· Monitoring Age UK Merton’s investment activity and ensuring its consistency with Age UK Merton’s policies and legal responsibilities. 

· Ensuring that accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, e.g. the charity commission and/or the registrar of companies. 

· Ensuring that accounts are scrutinised through the annual audit and any recommendations are implemented. 

· Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities. 

· Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the AGM and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way. 

Commitment required

Trustees have a significant responsibility within the organisation, so it is important that you can commit time to read and consider papers and reports, attend meetings and contribute to discussions and decision-making.

Trustees meet a minimum of six times a year, which usually includes four Board meetings, the AGM and an away day. Board meetings are held in the evening, with the AGM held in the afternoon and the away day held during a working day. We alternate between in-person and remote meetings. We also have sub-committees which meet several times a year, also in the evenings.

Trustees are expected to devote the necessary time to ensure they are fully prepared to actively participate in all meetings.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer would have a regular catch-up meeting with the Head of Finance.

To find out more and to apply

If you are interested in applying for either role, please apply with a CV (maximum 2-sides of A4) and cover letter (maximum 1-side of A4) for the attention of our Chair, Tobin Byers. If you would like to have an informal discussion about either of the roles with our Chair or Treasurer, please contact Tobin who would be pleased to facilitate this. There is no deadline, but interviews will be held on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is appointed.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.

Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. You will be supported and guided from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

We're looking for someone with the following:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.