Policy and briefings officer volunteer roles in Manchester, greater manchester
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Creative Support is a national not-for-profit social care and supported housing provider with charitable status. We deliver personalised care and support for younger and older adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities and those at risk of homelessness or social exclusion.
Creative Support is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees with expertise across social care, health, housing, finance, legal and related fields. As our current Chair approaches the end of her term, we are seeking a new Chair with senior social care experience and a strong understanding of commissioning, quality, risk, workforce, regulation and partnership working. The ideal candidate will champion our values and mission and lead with clarity and compassion.
About Creative Support:
We are one of the UK’s largest social care providers, supporting over 6,000 people each year across 70 local authorities and employing around 5,000 staff. With an annual turnover of £197 million, we are also a registered social housing provider with over 1,000 supported housing units and significant housing assets.
Creative Support is an Investor in People Gold employer, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and an inclusive organisation committed to increasing Board representation from BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, with zero tolerance for discrimination.
Our Mission and Values:
Creative Support promotes independence, inclusion, and wellbeing. We do this by working with the people we support, their families and others to meet individual needs and aspirations in a person-centred way. We provide high quality homes and support, enabling people to say:
- I live my best life in a place I call home
- I feel listened to, respected and valued
- I enjoy choices and rights and have control over my life
- I am supported to feel safe
- I am doing the things that matter to me
- I enjoy relationships with others
- I am connected to my community
- I am supported with my wellbeing
- I feel able to reach my full potential
Our We Care values underpin everything we do at Creative Support. We are: Welcoming, Empowering, Compassionate, Aspirational, Respectful, Effective.
About the Role:
The Chair is responsible for leading the Board, ensuring effective governance, and holding the Chief Executive and Board to account for delivering our mission, vision and strategy. The role involves providing inclusive leadership, ensuring Trustees understand their responsibilities, and working closely with the Executive Team to offer oversight, support and constructive challenge.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with senior-level social care expertise, a commitment to our charitable purpose and person-centred values, and a belief in co-production with the people we support. The Chair must demonstrate vision, sound judgement and an inclusive, respectful leadership style.
The Chair is expected to commit sufficient time to:
- Attend six annual Board meetings, and relevant committee meetings (typically 2–3 hours in duration);
- Prepare thoroughly for meetings, including reading papers in advance;
- Lead the induction, support and supervision of Trustees;
- Undertake appraisal and support of the Chief Executive Officer;
- Act as an ambassador for Creative Support at internal and external events.
- Visit national services and engage with staff, the people who we support, and tenants.
The estimated time commitment for the Chair is approximately 4 days per month/48 days per year, although this may increase in response to organisational needs or during periods of change. Appointments are made for an initial period of 3 years and are subject to an annual appraisal. Terms begin at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in which the Chair is appointed.
The role of Chair of the Board of Trustees is remunerated in recognition of the significant time, responsibility and contribution required. The current remuneration for the Chair is £12,000 per annum, payable in monthly instalments of £1,000. This payment is taxable and is processed through the organisation’s payroll. Trustees, including the Chair, are appointed as office holders and are therefore neither workers nor employees. Remuneration arrangements are subject to periodic review in line with the organisation’s governance and remuneration policies.
We also pay all reasonable expenses associated with the role, including travel, overnight accommodation, subsistence and child care expenses if needed. Appointment will be made subject to the following satisfactory checks:
- References
- Declarations of Interest
- Fit and Proper Person Check
- Personal Declarations
- Enhanced DBS
- A £1.00 payment for shareholding membership (this can be provided in person when you first attend our Head Office)
We can send you a copy of our most recent Annual Report & Accounts - details on how to request this can be located on this roles listing on our company website or consult the FCA Mutuals Website, type in Creative Support and search under ‘documents’. You will find all previous annual reports and accounts listed and these can be viewed or downloaded at no cost.
Please note that Creative Support is a Community Benefit Society with charitable status registered with the FCA, not a company or registered charity so you will not be able to access information about Creative Support via Companies House or the Charity Commission.
Recruitment Timeline:
Closing Date for Applications: 13 May 2026
Meet and Greet and Stakeholder interview panel: 17 June 2026
Final panel interviews: 30 June 2026
Offer and recruitment checks: July - August 2026
Co-opt at Board meeting: 10 September 2026
Formal vote at Annual General Meeting: 24 September 2026
Please keep these dates available upon application
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Creative Support is a not for profit provider of person centered care and support
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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What is Trafford Centre Foundation:
Trafford Centre Foundation (TCF) is in the process of being set up and will be a registered charity, supporting charitable causes across the Greater Manchester region. The Foundation is independent of Trafford Centre and governed by a board of trustees who decide which good causes will receive support. Our Trustees act in the Foundation’s best interests, applying donations to advance charitable purposes.
The Foundation will fund a wide range of charitable purposes (subject to the law of England and Wales). We seek to enable transformational change through partnerships with organisations operating in the Greater Manchester area who can demonstrate a clear understanding of the issues facing our local communities and the ability to make a significant impact.
Trafford Centre Foundation’s current funding priorities are for local good causes relating to:
· Education
· Young people and those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship, or other disadvantages.
· The advancement of citizenship or community development.
· The advancement of environmental protection or improvement.
Background:
· With an established set of Trustees, TCF is at an exciting stage of the establishment process and seeks an experienced Chair to lead the board of trustees through its first grant giving cycle and beyond.
· The role is an exciting opportunity to establish robust ways of working (with established support) to deliver significant results and impact in the local community.
Role Purpose:
Chair of Trustees is a high-profile role responsible for the strategic direction and operational management of Trafford Centre Foundation ensuring effective governance and strong oversight to maximise the Foundation’s impact for its beneficiaries.
You will oversee and provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring it operates effectively, sets clear strategic priorities, and governs in line with the Foundation’s charitable objectives, legal obligations, and values with integrity and transparency. You will provide both strategic vision and practical leadership, ensuring that all operational functionsspanning Trafford Centre Foundation are optimised to benefit all stakeholders and the wider community.
By fostering an inclusive and collaborative Board culture, you will enable trustees to contribute their expertise, uphold the Foundation’s values, and make well-informed decisions that maximise impact for beneficiaries and the wider community. As an ambassador for the Foundation, you will build influential relationships with key stakeholders and champion its vision at every level.
Key Responsibilities:
The role includes a variety of tasks including the following:
- Act as an ambassador for Trafford Centre Foundation, showcasing exemplary behaviour and actively promoting team recognition within the business. Lead by example, creating a positive and inclusive environment that values diversity, while cultivating a strong team culture. Take ownership of your role, providing ongoing coaching, constructive feedback, and recognition for outstanding contributions. Continuously seek ways to infuse energy, personality, and innovation into your leadership approach to inspire your team.
· Set a clear vision for the delivery of the Foundation’s charitable objectives, legal obligations, and values, demonstrating a passion for creating exceptional experiences. Leading by example as a role model for high standards of service and inspiring the team to deliver outstanding service to all stakeholders and the wider community. Cultivate a culture of excellence where each team member feels empowered to deliver outstanding service at every touchpoint.
· Champion operational excellence through a focus on compliance, clear communication, consistency, and collaboration. Ensure the Board operates within its charitable objects and complies with all legal, regulatory, and policy requirements
Who are we looking for?
Person Specification:
- Experience of chairing Boards of Trustees, grant giving, CIO leadership or extensive experience as an established trustee.
- Proven leadership experience with exceptional influencing and motivational skills and the ability to inspire, influence, and foster collaboration at Board level. Able to inspire and drive high performance.
- Strategic vision, sound judgement, and resilience, with the ability to analyse complex issues and make balanced decisions. Outstanding organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance priorities. Adaptable and calm under pressure.
· Strong communicator with the ability to interact at all levels, respecting workplace diversity, with the confidence to challenge constructively and facilitate consensus.
· Effective in briefing, networking, and fostering a team-oriented culture. Polite, approachable, confident, and self-motivated with high personal presentation standards.
- Strong business or financial acumen, integrity, and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Strong oral and written communication, report writing, and presentation skills. Analytical mindset for navigating complex situations, maintaining energy, and building credibility quickly.
What difference will you make?
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the Board in setting and delivering its strategic priorities, ensuring decisions align with the Foundation’s charitable purpose and long-term interests.
- Ensure the Board fulfils its duties for effective governance, sound financial stewardship, and robust risk management, with appropriate policies and controls in place.
- Facilitate effective and inclusive Board meetings, setting agendas, commissioning papers, and ensuring decisions are well-informed and implemented.
- Appraise Board and Trustee performance, oversee succession planning and renewal, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
· Act as an ambassador for the Foundation, representing it at external meetings, events, and within the wider community in line with agreed policies and strategy.
· Develop the knowledge, capability, and diversity of the Board, ensuring a balance of skills and experience is maintained.
· Address and resolve conflicts within the Board constructively, and encourage positive change where needed.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain positive relationships with trustees, the Chief Executive, partners, government bodies, and key influencers to support the Foundation’s goals.
- Act as spokesperson and advocate for the Foundation, promoting its purpose and impact across relevant networks and stakeholder groups.
- Commit to attending and leading approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year, as well as key committees, events, or working groups where required.
- Participate in Board evaluations, training, and appraisals, undertaking any identified development.
- Serve a term of up to three years (renewable once subject to review).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.