Policy and briefings officer volunteer roles in Bristol

Be Part of Meaningful Change

Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a new CEO, refreshed Senior Leadership Team, and an ambitious vision for the future, we are laying the foundations for a bold new organisational strategy.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. 

About the Role:
In addition to the statutory duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer Trustee provides strategic financial oversight to support the organisation’s sustainability and effective governance.

The role is responsible for advising the Board on its financial duties, the implications of strategic decisions, and ensuring that appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place. It includes oversight of financial reporting, such as management accounts, budgets, and forecasts, and working in close collaboration with the CEO and Director of Finance and Resources.

The Treasurer Trustee also acts as a key liaison with external auditors, presents the annual report and accounts at the AGM on behalf of the Board, and chairs the Risk and Finance Sub-Committee.

Our vision:
A world free from sexual violence, where survivors are believed, respected and supported.

Our mission:
To provide high‑quality, specialist support and to challenge the structures that enable sexual violence.

What You Will Do

The specific responsibilities of the Treasurer Trustee are:

• Keeping the Board informed of its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Providing the Board with advice on the financial implications of their decisions and strategic plans.
• Ensuring RCSL has the appropriate financial policies and procedures.
• Having oversight of the preparation of regular financial reporting including the management accounts, forecasts and budgets.
• Liaising with and supporting the CEO and the Director of Finance and Resources.
• Liaising with the auditors and presenting the annual report and accounts to the AGM on behalf of the Board.
• Chairing a Risk and Finance sub-committee 

About You

Person Specification - Essential
Experience of being a Trustee

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Significant experience of charity human resources including at a strategic level.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• An ability to challenge current thinking, the method of governance and management of the organisation in a constructive manner.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data/evidence.

Note:
This role is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 201. All Trustees are required to complete an enhanced DBS.

You will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a relevant role or environment, with the ability to apply your skills confidently and effectively
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with a range of stakeholders
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• The ability to work independently while also contributing positively as part of a team
• A proactive, problem‑solving approach and a willingness to take ownership of tasks
• Competence in using relevant systems, tools, or software required for the role
• A professional, confidential, and ethical approach to your work

Desirable
What You Bring

• Commitment to feminist, survivor‑led practice
• Anti‑racist and anti‑discriminatory values
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to learning, reflection and self‑care

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors, children, young people and adults at risk. All staff have a shared responsibility for promoting safety and wellbeing.

This includes:

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of service users
• Identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns
• Following organisational safeguarding policies and procedures
• Supporting a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported

Our safer recruitment processes include:

• Values‑based interviews
• Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history
• Reference checks
• DBS checks (enhanced or basic, depending on the role)

Safeguarding training and ongoing supervision

Interview Process:
Candidates will be required to attend a 3 stage interview:
Stage one: phone call
Stage 2 MS Teams Call with CEO and Board of Trustees
Stage 3: Interview with CEO and Trustee / or Director 

The interview will explore experience and approach to:

• Safeguarding
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Feminist and trauma‑informed practice
• Role‑specific responsibilities
• Role‑specific assessment details 

Post holder will be required to undertake either Enhanced DBS

Equality, Feminism and Inclusion

RCSL is an equal opportunities employer. Our work is rooted in feminist principles that recognise sexual violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We centre survivor voices and prioritise empowerment, inclusivity and intersectionality.

We particularly welcome applications from women who are under‑represented in roles within the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), charity, social impact sector.

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments

We recognise that experiences of sexual violence are shaped by intersecting factors including:

• Race and ethnicity
• Disability
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Socio‑economic background
• Immigration status
• Faith and culture

We are committed to removing barriers and creating an inclusive workplace.

Applicants are encouraged to tell us if they require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process,
such as:

• Alternative interview timings
• Additional time for written tasks
• Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs

Learning and Development

As a charity undergoing growth and transformation, we welcome colleagues who are committed to ongoing learning and professional development. We provide induction, supervision, and development opportunities appropriate to the role.

This post is open to women only and is a Genuine Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 (where applicable). 

How to Apply 

Please submit:  

• Your CV 
• A cover letter outlining why this role appeals to you 
• A supporting statement demonstrating how your experience meets the skills and requirements outlined in the person specification
• Applications should be sent in PDF format 
• Closing date:  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 
• Interview date(s):  Two-stage process consisting of an informal conversation followed by an interview with the CEO and Chair. 

Thank you for your interest in RCSL. If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
 

AI in Job Applications

We understand that some candidates use AI tools when applying. While we welcome technology to support clear communication, your application should reflect your own skills, knowledge and experience. 

Have you got experience in pastoral care, mentoring, HR, education, or other people‑focused work? Are you a strong communicator who works collaboratively with others? Do you feel drawn to support the formation and vocational journey of those seeking to serve as ministers in the Methodist Church?

If so, we would like to hear from you!

About You

We are seeking a committed and compassionate volunteer to serve as Deputy Chair of the Ministerial Candidates and Probationers Oversight Committee (MCPOC). This role supports the Chair in providing oversight of candidates, student ministers, and probationers, ensuring processes are fair, consistent, and pastorally sensitive and that decisions are made in accordance with the Standing Orders of the Methodist Church.

The Deputy Chair will act on behalf of the Chair when required and contribute to the leadership, discernment, and development of the Committee’s work.

As the Deputy Chair of the MCPOC you will need a blend of experience, skills, and personal qualities, including:

• Some experience of chairing meetings or facilitating group discussion.
• Confidence in reading reports and contributing to fair, thoughtful discernment.
• Organised, reliable, and able to handle preparation, follow‑up, and occasional time‑sensitive work.
• A committed Christian whose life reflects the values and ethos of the Methodist Church, and who is respectful, fair‑minded, and supportive of others’ flourishing.
• Competent in Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365 tools.
• Knowledge of Methodist governance or ministerial formation (desirable).

For further details of the role please refer to the Role Description and Person Specification.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at MCPOC meetings (typically 2 full days and one 24 hour residential per year).
• Participation in assessment panels and associated preparation.
• Attendance at liaison meetings, working groups, and other gatherings as required.
• Additional time for reading, scrutiny, and pastoral contact.

For questions or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please email HR Team.

Closing date: 28 May 2026

Shortlisting date: 2 June 2026

Interview date (in person): 10 June 2026

Successful candidate’s name will need to presented to the Methodist Conference 2026.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if sufficient applications are received.