It support volunteer roles

We are looking for exceptional people from a variety of backgrounds, to join AvMA’s Board of Trustees at an important point in our development, this being the midpoint of implementing our 5-year strategy.

AvMA is the UK charity for patient safety and justice. We provide free advice and support to thousands of people each year who have been affected by avoidable harm in healthcare, and we work to influence improvements in patient safety and to see people treated fairly when things go wrong. We also provide an accreditation scheme for lawyers specialising in clinical negligence work and a competence scheme for more junior lawyers, recognising that this is a highly complex area of law requiring strong specialist knowledge.

We are now seeking to appoint up to three new Trustees and/or Associate Trustees. Each appointment will strengthen the Board by bringing a particular area of specialist expertise alongside the wider skills, judgement and commitment expected of all Trustees.

About the roles:

AvMA is governed by a Board of Trustees who come from a range of backgrounds and bring different experiences. This recruitment is intended to strengthen the Board further by bringing in new specialist expertise alongside strong governance capability.

Important application instruction - Applicants must make clear in their covering letter which of the three specialist skill sets they are applying for and whether they are applying as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.

• Trustee: a full member of the Board, taking on the legal and governance responsibilities of trusteeship and contributing to collective decision-making.

• Associate Trustee: a supported development role for people with relevant expertise and potential who may have less prior Board or Trustee experience. Associate Trustees participate actively in Board life and will work towards a full Trustee role, subject to appraisal and mutual agreement.

The three specialist skill sets we are seeking:

1. Clinical negligence law

We are seeking someone with senior-level expertise in clinical negligence law, ideally with experience on the claimant side.

• Ideally claimant-side experience with clinical negligence accreditation.

• Understanding of access to justice issues affecting injured patients and families.

• Insight into Alternative Dispute Resolution practices including mediation.

• Ability to support strategic thinking about AvMA’s public-facing services, policy influence and accreditation work.

• Awareness of the importance of managing conflicts of interest carefully.

Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.

2. Senior charity fundraising/income generation expertise

• We are seeking someone with senior-level charity fundraising or income generation expertise.

• Understanding of fundraising strategy and income diversification.

• Knowledge of individual giving, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major donor fundraising, legacy fundraising or supporter engagement.

• Ability to advise strategically on fundraising opportunities and risks.

• Understanding of ethical fundraising and donor stewardship.

• Ability to support AvMA in widening its reach, profile and supporter base.

Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.

3. IT/digital expertise for a growing charity

We are seeking someone with IT, digital, data or technology expertise relevant to a growing charity.

• Senior experience in IT, digital, data, systems or technology strategy.

• Understanding of digital transformation in small or medium-sized organisations.

• Ability to advise on systems, data quality, knowledge management, cyber security and digital risk.

• Appreciation of how technology can improve service delivery, governance and organisational effectiveness.

• Understanding of how AI can be exploited whilst maintaining safety, confidentiality and ethical principles.

Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.

Generic Trustee skills and qualities we are seeking

In addition to one of the three specialist skill sets, all applicants should be able to demonstrate the core qualities and capabilities needed to contribute effectively to AvMA’s Board.

Essential for all applicants

• Commitment to AvMA’s mission, vision and values.

• Demonstrable interest in patient safety and justice for people affected by avoidable harm.

• Ability to think strategically and see the bigger picture.

• Sound judgement and independence of thought.

• Willingness to offer constructive challenge while working collaboratively.

• Ability to contribute to collective decision-making.

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Willingness to prepare for and participate actively in Board and committee meetings.

• High standards of integrity, confidentiality and accountability.

Desirable

• Previous trustee, non-executive or committee experience.

• Understanding of charity governance.

• Lived experience of avoidable harm in healthcare, either personally or as a family member.

• Experience of working with or alongside people affected by trauma, injustice or complex systems.

Trustee role description

Governance and oversight: ensure AvMA operates in accordance with its governing document, policies, charity law and relevant legislation or regulation; oversee implementation of AvMA’s strategy; provide accountability; and ensure resources are managed responsibly.

Strategic leadership: contribute to development and implementation of AvMA’s strategy, including setting objectives and monitoring progress against them.

Financial stewardship: monitor AvMA’s financial health; ensure sound financial controls and systems are in place; review and approve annual budgets, management accounts and annual reports; and ensure funds are used effectively.

Risk management: identify and assess risks facing AvMA and ensure appropriate systems, policies and procedures are in place, including for safeguarding and data protection.

Advocacy and ambassadorship: act as an ambassador for AvMA, promote its values and mission externally and use networks and contacts, where appropriate, to support AvMA’s work.

Board meetings and committees: attend and actively participate in Board meetings, committees and other relevant meetings; read papers in advance and contribute to discussion and decision-making.

Support and supervision: provide support to the leadership team, offer guidance and act as a sounding board when needed. Where appropriate, take on a mentoring role with key staff or volunteers.

Associate Trustee role description

Associate Trustees are not full Trustees when appointed but are expected to participate actively in Board life and develop their understanding of charity governance, AvMA’s work and the responsibilities of trusteeship.

• Attend and participate in Board meetings.

• Join relevant discussions and contribute their expertise.

• Develop their understanding of charity governance and AvMA’s strategic priorities.

• Participate in mentoring, induction and development.

• Contribute to committees and other work where appropriate.

• Work towards readiness for a full Trustee role, subject to appraisal and mutual agreement.

Our volunteers are vital members of the Citizens Advice Barnet team.

If you’re looking for a worthwhile experience and excellent training, there may be a suitable volunteering role waiting for you at Citizens Advice Barnet.

Volunteering is a great way to contribute, use and gain skills, make friends and feel part of an enthusiastic team.

Most of the work we do is carried out by highly trained volunteers. We very much value the work of all our volunteers, who strongly uphold the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service.

After successfully completing the initial training, you will:

• assist clients on reception,
• call back clients who have been referred to us,
• give advice via email,
• speak to clients on our helpline,
• support clients in person at drop-in advice sessions throughout Barnet,
• undertake administrative tasks supporting the advice team.

Purpose of the role

• help provide an effective and efficient advice service to members of the public,
• help influence government and other organisations by collecting evidence of the effect of their actions on the lives of clients for the Research & Campaigns team to use,
• help us raise essential funds to continue our work by collecting evidence of the need we address and our impact.

Qualities Required:

• being open, approachable and non-judgmental,
• ability to communicate effectively in writing and in person,
• a good level of literacy and numeracy skills,
• a good level of IT literacy,
• ability to commit to 2 days a week for at least 9 months,
• ability to commit to and work within the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice service.

Why we want you

As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

We’d love you to be part of our Information & Advice Service. As an Information Volunteer Assistant, you could be :

• Welcoming and providing information to visitors

• Ordering leaflets from various sources

• Updating external contacts

• Undertaking general administration

• possibly dealing with straightforward signposting and information.

You’ll enjoy working within a team of volunteers and meeting new people, have great communication skills, are polite and emphatic, understand basic IT systems and updating manual records, and are able or willing to learn to use the internet and Microsoft Office 365.

We are currently looking for someone to volunteer for 3 hours, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays either am or pm.

We will reimburse your out-of-pocket volunteer expenses.

It’s really easy to start the volunteering process with us. If you’re over 18 years old, just click on ‘Apply’ and get filling in your details!

Volunteering Opportunity

Digital Champion

What You’ll Do

Support people aged 50+ to build confidence with their phones, tablets, or computers. You’ll help them learn basic digital skills so they can stay connected and independent.

You will:

• Provide one-to-one support at Digital sessions
• Help with everyday tasks like email, Zoom, downloading apps
• Guide people to feel confident using their own devices
• Answer questions and troubleshoot problems
• Record support sessions on Charity Log
• Identify common digital needs and refer to extra resources if needed

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

• Confident using smartphones, tablets, and laptops
• Friendly and patient teaching style
• Clear communication
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Good timekeeping and dependability

Time Commitment

Tuesdays 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (Dugdale Arts Centre)

Other weekdays between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location: Dugdale Centre, 39 London Rd, Enfield EN2 6DS

Possibly some community groups across Enfield
Reports to: Digital Inclusion Lead

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Job Overview
We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Volunteers to join our drop in group in Crawley that take place on 1st and 3rd Monday of month, 10:30-12:30. This role is ideal for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while gaining valuable experience or perhaps someone looking to train as a speech and language therapist.

The Say Aphasia charity provides support groups across the UK for people with aphasia; a language and communication disability caused by a brain injury like a stroke. Aphasia affects over 350,000 people in the UK but is little understood or known about by the public. It is the only aphasia charity set up by people with aphasia for people with aphasia; helping them to adapt to their new way of life and regain their independence and confidence.

Aphasia occurs due to injury to the brain such as a stroke. It affects access to language, resulting in difficulties following conversations, speaking, reading and writing.

Volunteers will support the running of the group with communicating, and will have the opportunity to utilise their communication skills and IT knowledge to take a register of attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provide companionship and support to individuals, particularly those living with asphasia.
• Assist in organising activities that promote social interaction and engagement.
• Communicate effectively with participants, ensuring their needs are understood and met.
• Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
• Collaborate with other volunteers to enhance the group.

Qualifications

• An understanding or knowledge in aphasia is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Proficiency in IT, including familiarity with common software applications.
• A compassionate and patient attitude towards individuals in need of support.

This volunteer position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others while developing personal skills and experiences.

Why we want you

As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Why we want you

As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar of events to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

The role:

· To help recruit people into the session and promote an overview of the group

· Attend the group and support people

· Share a group agreement at the start of each session, including respect and

confidentiality

· To respect peoples’ differences

· Report any concerns, including safeguarding that may arise in the group.

· Work closely with the group worker to plan and evaluate sessions

· Support people accessing the service to develop their own skills and interests

· Support the Group Worker with any tasks linked to the running of the group,

including planning, set up, and evaluation

· Potential to take the lead on facilitating groups

· Potential to develop new groups and shape the way these are offered to

people accessing the service

• Help with the occasional group outings and any pride events. 

Skills we would like you to bring to the role:

• Good knowledge of boundaries

• Confident at engaging group discussions

• Assertive manner to challenge inappropriate behaviour

• Confident IT skills – aside from any IT skills required for the role, some of our mandatory training is done online through eLearning modules

• Professional, honest and committed

• Good time keeping

• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction

• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website, and you can call a specific project to make enquiries.

• A genuine interest in being part of the mission, vision and promise of Waythrough

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

How to apply 

If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application. 

Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.

Why we want you

As branch secretary you help coordinate a range of activities and a calendar ofevents to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Communication with branch volunteers
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Co-ordinating a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc..

The skills you need

• Friendly and approachable
• Strong administration skills
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Length of Placement: 2 months minimum, with opportunity to extend

Help Us Reach More People

Volunteer SEO Expert needed to launch Long Covid Support's new digital home

What will you be doing (role overview)?:

Long Covid Support is moving to a new website and stepping forward with a fresh brand identity. We need an SEO expert to help us get it right from day one. This is a chance to make a real impact. You'll be at the heart of our digital launch, collaborating closely with our volunteer team, brand advisors, and IT support to ensure our new website reaches the people who need it most.

What are we looking for (about you)?

Essential skills and experience:

· Solid knowledge of SEO principles and practices (on-page optimisation, technical SEO, keyword research, etc.)

· Experience with Google Analytics and ability to set up meaningful tracking

· Able to use Squarespace

· Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical people

· Enthusiasm for working with a charity and making a difference

· Good communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams

Nice to have:

· Experience with Google Ad Grants

· Understanding of website transitions and migration SEO

What difference will you make:

When people search for help, we want them to find us. Better SEO means our new website reaches more people with Long Covid at the moment they're looking for support. Your work will directly help us expand our reach and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

· Meet with our project lead to establish our needs, set realistic timeframes, and design an effective SEO approach for us

· Ensure effective traffic is directed to our new site, including managing connections to our old site where advisable

· Lead keyword optimisation as a result of our name and brand change

· Set up Google Analytics to help us gather robust, high-quality data from our new website

· Collaborate with our team, brand advisors, and existing IT support to ensure you have all the information and access you need

· Advise on Google Ad Grants services once SEO work has concluded - the role could extend if you're interested in developing this workstream

· Technical requirement: You'll need to be comfortable using Squarespace, as this is where our new website is hosted. We'll provide access and support.

Application Process:

To apply please upload your CV.

Equal ops statement:

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from all individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of Long Covid.

Ready to make a difference? We'd love to hear from you.