Community programmes manager 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 

Membership Secretary

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. Our group is flourishing and we have a growing number of members who want to take part in our exciting program and challenging adventures. There is a lot of paperwork and payments to be completed and returned by parents and this has to be distributed, returned and logged along with the collection, chasing arrears and logging of membership fees. You will be working in conjunction with the Treasurer and Group Leader as well as being a Committee member.

Description

We are looking for someone to manage member registrations and termly membership renewals / fee collection. The membership secretary has a vital role to play at the start of each term and has an important role throughout the year maintaining members’ records as per GDPR guidelines.

The key tasks of the role are to:

• Maintain the database / spreadsheet of membership and parent details and enrol new members throughout the year.

• Discuss membership with potential new members, register new members and send out Welcome packs to new members.

• Ensure the parents and new member are comfortable in their first few months.

• Manage the membership renewal process at the beginning of each term. 

• Manage the distribution process of membership paperwork to include chasing missing paperwork. 

• Administration and chasing of unpaid / late membership fees.

• Work in conjunction of the Treasurer.

• Coordinate membership levels with Marketing manager to ensure membership is always full.

• Manage the Membership database, in addition to contact details, record Gift Aid Declarations, permission forms and any other relevant returned paperwork.

• Chase any non renewed members and archive as per GDPR guidelines as necessary.

• Conduct a membership audit if required by the committee and in liaison with the Group Leader.

• Respond to membership enquiries.

• Liaise with parents over any membership issues.

• Act as a member of the Committee.

• Attend training courses.

Ideally you should have / be:

• An ability to communicate with adults and young people, both verbally and in writing.

• An ability to organise and plan effectively.

• Office software literate.

• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people.

• Plan, manage and monitor your own tasks and time.

In addition you will need:

• Integrity.

• Committed to ensuring high standards.

• Flexible approach.

• Self-motivated.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings.

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future. The membership secretary is the authority on how membership is progressing year-on-year. You should be able to very quickly tell of growth / decline in membership amongst different age groups to inform the focus of the Marketing Manager and Group Leader.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.  You will also have some fun, support a good cause and gain skills and experience. 

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can do most of the work remotely.

Travel Limit

• Mostly remote working but some availability to collect paperwork on Tuesday evenings, attend Committee meetings and the AGM in Solihull is required.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Mostly before and after Tuesday evenings (CAG’s meeting night 7pm - 9pm during term time) as this is when the paperwork / termly fees come(s) through and needs to be processed.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 3 hours / week – the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

We are inviting applications from people interested in serving the charity on a voluntary basis as trustees of Headway UK.

Trustees are the guardians of a charity's purpose, providing leadership, oversight and strategic direction to ensure the organisation remains effective, sustainable and focused on delivering its mission.

As a trustee of Headway UK, you will join a committed board working collectively to support and challenge the executive team, safeguard the charity's reputation and resources, and help shape its future priorities.

Having conducted a knowledge, skills and experience audit, we are particularly looking broaden the collective expertise of the board by recruiting new trustees with the following skills:

• Charity and/or company law
• Safeguarding
• Neuropsychology
• Charity retail
• Cyber security and digital transformation

We also warmly welcome applications from people with experience of Headway network of local charities and branches.

In addition, we are seeking to strengthen our diversity of background and representation of those we serve and thus we particularly welcome applications from brain injury survivors, applicants from minority ethnic backgrounds and applicants from the devolved nations of the UK.

If you are interested, please download and read carefully the Trustee recruitment pack below, which also includes details of how to apply.

Deadline for applications:

• If you are voting the member of a Headway charity or branch and wish to nominate someone, the deadline is 5 August.
• If you unconnected to a Headway charity or branch, the deadline for applications is 16 August.

Please note that the difference between the two application deadlines relates to the charity’s Articles of Association, which require nominations from the network to be received 42 clear days before the date of the forthcoming AGM to be held on 17 September.

Sea Cadets Leith, based in Prince of Wales Docks, is currently looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to join our committee team. Whether you chair the committee, run our social media, or help us fundraise on an ad-hoc basis, you’ll be supporting young people to access opportunities to create life-long memories and friendships.

At Leith we aim to give young people an experience that will help them grow into the person they want to be in a safe and friendly environment. We offer a range of different activities from sailing, windsurfing and powerboating - to rock climbing, camping, and music - plus, so much more!

Leith is a long-established Sea Cadet Unit that has provided life-changing opportunities for many young people. We currently have 24 cadets who come from all over the area. Our cadets come from all walks of life, with some experiencing adverse childhood events, and limited access to social youth groups. Without support from volunteers like you, our charity cannot provide the adventure, community, and opportunities that young people experience through the Sea Cadets.

The primary purpose of the CFAV is to assist in the development of young people as
Individuals and active citizens by providing safe and rewarding training, direction and guidance.
The secondary purposes of a CFAV are:
- Maintain the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) values
- Assist the Unit Training Officer (UTO) to plan a varied training programme.
- Safely and securely maintain the unit’s resources and equipment.

We will support you to understand your role, how to do it and the difference you make to the SCC
- Understand the skills and experience you have, as well as your aspirations for volunteering
- Provide you with an induction, ongoing support and training to undertake your volunteer role
- Provide regular updates about any developments in the charity that are relevant to you
- Value your contributions and providing you with potential opportunities to progress

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

There are currently four Committees that report directly to the Board of Trustees, one of them is the Safeguarding Committee, of which you will be a member. The Safeguarding Committee provides assurance, advice and recommendations to the Board on safeguarding matters.

The Committee provides strategic leadership, ownership and oversight of The Scout Association (TSA)’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and ensures that safeguarding policies, procedures and practice remain fit for purpose and sector leading in protecting young people in Scouting.

The Committee also provides strategic oversight, challenge and assurance in relation to TSA’s safeguarding arrangements, including the safeguarding of adults where relevant.

Independent Members bring external expertise, independent scrutiny and constructive challenge to support the Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities. The role is not operational: it is a strategic governance and assurance role, focused on strengthening oversight, improving learning and helping Scouts respond effectively to current and emerging safeguarding risks.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provide strategic advice, challenge and independent scrutiny to support the Committee in discharging its responsibilities.

· Assist the Committee in ensuring that Scouts remains at the forefront of safeguarding practice and development.

· Review safeguarding performance information, assurance reports, learning reports and risk information to support effective oversight.

· Contribute to the Committee’s review of safeguarding assurance activity, quality assurance findings, thematic reviews, and organisational learning arising from safeguarding incidents and case reviews.

· Contribute to the development and review of safeguarding policies, procedures, guidance and assurance arrangements.

· Help identify emerging safeguarding risks and opportunities affecting young people, volunteers and the wider organisation.

· Support the Committee’s oversight of safeguarding culture, organisational learning and continuous improvement.

· Participate in monitoring and reviewing safeguarding risks delegated to the Committee by the Board.

· Contribute to discussions on strategic priorities and future safeguarding developments across Scouting.

· Act as an advocate for excellent safeguarding practice and a culture that places the safety and wellbeing of young people at its centre.

THE PERSON

Skills

· Communicate effectively with senior volunteers, trustees, staff and external stakeholders.

· Analyse complex information and exercise sound judgement.

· Provide constructive challenge and independent scrutiny.

· Contribute effectively within a strategic committee environment.

· Work collaboratively while maintaining independence of thought.

· Quickly develop an understanding of Scouts, its governance arrangements and safeguarding framework.

EXPERIENCE

The Committee is particularly seeking candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas.

· Priority area: substantial expertise in digital safeguarding, including online safety, digital harms, safeguarding in online environments, social media risks, emerging technology risks and child protection risks associated with digital platforms.

· Additional areas of interest: family law, social care practice or leadership, child protection and safeguarding within statutory services, law enforcement experience relating to safeguarding, horizon scanning, regulatory or inspection environments, quality assurance, or safeguarding within youth, education, faith or voluntary sector settings.

CHARECTERISTICS

· Commitment to the purpose and values of Scouts.

· Strong personal integrity and sound judgement.

· Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

· Ability to operate strategically and objectively.

· Sufficient time available to fulfil the role.

TIME COMMITMENT AND MEETINGS

The Safeguarding Committee normally meets four times per year, with three meetings held virtually and one longer meeting held face-to-face. Members will also be expected to read papers in advance of meetings and may occasionally be consulted between meetings on specific matters.

Applicants should expect to spend around two days per quarter on Committee business after the induction phase, including preparation, attendance and follow-up activity.

APPOINTMENT TERM

Appointments will normally be for an initial three-year term, subject to a six-month review, with the possibility of reappointment for a further term by mutual agreement.

REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role. The Scout Association will reimburse reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing the role in accordance with its Expenses Policy.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

There are currently four Committees that report directly to the Board of Trustees, one of them is the Safeguarding Committee, of which you will be a member.

The Safeguarding Committee provides assurance, advice, and recommendations to the Board on safeguarding matters.

The Committee provides strategic leadership, ownership and oversight of The Scout Association (TSA)’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and ensures that safeguarding policies, procedures and practice remain fit for purpose and sector leading in protecting young people in Scouting.

The Committee also provides strategic oversight, challenge and assurance in relation to TSA’s safeguarding arrangements, including the safeguarding of adults where relevant.

The Independent Member aged 18-24 brings a young adult perspective to Committee discussions and helps ensure that the experiences, views and needs of young people are considered in safeguarding strategy, policy, practice and assurance. The role is not operational: it is a strategic governance and assurance role, with support, induction and mentoring provided.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provide a young adult perspective to Committee discussions and decision-making.

· Ensure that the perspectives, experiences and voices of young people are reflected in safeguarding discussions, policy development and Committee decision-making.

· Help ensure the experiences and views of young people are considered in safeguarding strategy, policy and practice.

· Contribute to discussions on safeguarding risk, assurance, organisational learning and continuous improvement.

· Support the Committee’s consideration of emerging safeguarding issues affecting young people, including risks in online and digital environments.

· Assist the Committee in reviewing safeguarding performance, learning and assurance information.

· Contribute to the Committee’s review of safeguarding assurance activity, quality assurance findings, thematic reviews, and organisational learning arising from safeguarding incidents and case reviews.

· Contribute ideas and constructive challenge to help improve safeguarding across Scouts.

· Support the Committee in ensuring safeguarding arrangements remain fit for purpose and responsive to changing risks.

THE PERSON

Skills

· Communicate confidently and respectfully with a range of audiences.

· Listen carefully and contribute effectively in meetings.

· Analyse information, ask constructive questions and share views clearly.

· Work collaboratively as part of a committee.

· Develop a broad understanding of Scouts, its governance arrangements and safeguarding practice.

Experience

No previous committee experience is required. The Committee is looking for someone who can demonstrate some of the following.

· An interest in safeguarding and the welfare of young people.

· An interest in digital safeguarding, online safety, digital harms, social media risks or emerging technologies.

· Experience of volunteering, leadership or participation in youth organisations.

· Experience of representing the views of young people or contributing to youth voice activity.

· Education, employment or voluntary experience connected to safeguarding, social care, criminology, law, psychology, education, digital technology, online safety or related fields.

 Characteristics

· Aged 18-24 at the time of appointment.

· Passionate about helping create safer environments for young people.

· Commitment to the values and purpose of Scouts.

· Curiosity, willingness to learn and readiness to contribute.

· Sufficient time available to fulfil the role.

TIME COMMITMENT AND MEETINGS

The Safeguarding Committee normally meets four times per year, with three meetings held virtually and one longer meeting held face-to-face. The appointed member will be expected to read papers in advance and contribute to discussions during meetings. Support, induction and mentoring will be provided.

Applicants should expect to spend around two days per quarter on Committee business after the induction phase, including preparation, attendance and follow-up activity.

APPOINTMENT TERM

Appointments will normally be for three years, subject to a six-month review, and may be extended by mutual agreement provided the individual remains within the 18-24 age range at the start of any subsequent term.

REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role. The Scout Association will reimburse reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing the role in accordance with its Expenses Policy.