Prevention services manager volunteer roles

St Basils is looking for a new Non-Exec Director / Trustee to join our Board as the Designated Safeguarding Board Member.

About Us

St Basils works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase opportunities and ultimately prevent homelessness.

We help just over 4,000 young people each year across the West Midlands, with services in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Our services range from providing supported accommodation to outreach, advice, support, employability and engagement services to help young people regain the stability they need to rebuild their lives, gain skills, confidence and employment and move on. The aim is to help them successfully break the ‘cycle of homelessness’ so that they can go on to experience a bright, fulfilling future and never return to a state where they are at risk of homelessness again.

About our Board

We are a registered provider of social housing, a charity and a company limited by guarantee, meaning our Board members are both Directors and Trustees.

To navigate our challenging regulatory landscape, we need to be tightly governed. At the heart of this is a Board with the right knowledge, values, skills and diversity, all whilst working towards our vision that homelessness should not be part of growing up.

As a member of St Basils’ Board, you will be a guardian of St Basils’ charitable purpose. You will be responsible for holding the Senior Leadership Team to account through constructive challenge and support, and for ensuring St Basils’ strategic priorities are met.

You will form part of St Basils’ governance framework, providing oversight of key business areas, such as business planning, safeguarding, risk, finance, health and safety, EDI and business development. 

Our Board is made up of 14 members, 2 of which are designated for young people who have lived experience of homelessness and / or St Basils’ services.

St Basils has adopted the RACE Equality Code and is actively seeking applications for Board members from Black communities to ensure our Board is reflective of both the young people that we serve and our dedicated workforce.

About the Role

We are looking for a voluntary Director / Trustee with a professional background in safeguarding to join our Board as the Designated Safeguarding Board Member. Our new Board member will need to have a strong understanding of safeguarding, ideally with experience in supporting vulnerable young people.

As the Designated Safeguarding Board Member, you will:

• Work with St Basils’ Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to regularly review safeguarding reports, trends and serious incidents
• Act as a safeguarding champion at Board level, supporting other Directors / Trustees to develop their understanding and confidence in safeguarding
• Provide oversight of allegations or safeguarding concerns relating to staff, volunteers or Board Members
• Attend regular meetings and engage with services, staff and young people to maintain visibility of safeguarding in practice
• Support the Chair, CEO and DSL in ensuring appropriate governance oversight of serious safeguarding incidents, including reputational considerations
• Ensure the Board receives appropriate assurance on safeguarding risks and how they are managed

Our new Director / Trustee will sit on our Service Delivery & Development Committee which oversees both the housing elements of our services as well as the support / progression we provide to our young people. This committee meets virtually, one a quarter.

Although the role is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be paid for costs incurred in undertaking the role.

About You

You will be a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or have significant experience in a senior safeguarding role.

You will demonstrate sound judgement and be able to challenge confidently and constructively, although you do not need to have Board experience.

You will work within the principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and understand the needs of the diverse young people we serve.

You will put the needs of young people first, be passionate about ending youth homelessness and share our mission, vision and principles.

Time Commitment

You will need to be able to attend the majority of Board and Committee meetings, one of each is held each quarter (8 meetings total per year). Each meeting will last around 2 hours and will normally be held late afternoon/early evening (usually 4pm – 6pm). Board meetings are held in person at St Basils’ Head Office in Birmingham, and Committee meetings are held virtually via Microsoft Teams. The dates for meetings are set by calendar year, towards the end of the previous year.

Meeting papers will be shared via an online portal one week in advance of the meeting to allow for sufficient preparation time.

A Board away day is held each year, usually October, and every other year this includes an overnight stay. This will be fully paid for by St Basils.

We encourage Board members to visit our accommodation services to deepen understanding of our work and support effective governance and decision-making. We would like all Board members to make 2 visits a year if possible.

All travel expenses incurred in attending Board meetings / conducting site visits will be reimbursed by St Basils.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a series of essential online training courses (for example GDPR, Cyber Security, EDI, Safeguarding, Risk Management) and the opportunity to do additional online or in-person training, such as Psychologically Informed Environment training. As part of our commitment to race equality, we provide mandatory Anti-Racism training for all staff and Board members.

You will be part of a knowledgeable and supportive Board and have the opportunity to work alongside young people with lived experience.

You will have the guidance of a knowledgeable Chair to support your development as a Director / Trustee, and you will have access to St Basils’ Senior Leadership Team to help you fulfil your role.

St Basils is a learning organisation and therefore we are able to support and develop Board members who are new to the role. In addition, St Basils has membership with the Board Development Agency, which provides our Board Members with access to webinars and development tools specific to housing sector Boards.

Being a Director / Trustee at St Basils is more than just attending meetings – if you would like to contribute to an organisation that has young people at its core, where you can visibly see the difference you are making, then this is the role for you.

For further information please see the link to the full job pack.

We welcome early applications and will interview on a rolling basis.

Chair of Trustees role:

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Who are we looking for?

• Previous chairing experience
• Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, health inequalities (including deaf community), local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to challenge and ask questions
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

NB: We are looking for both a Chair of Trustees and additional Trustees (particularly those with a finance background, but other functions are also welcome). If you are interested in a Trustee role instead of the Chair role, please mention this in your covering letter when applying. 

Both the Chair and Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

• Peer support
• Long-term health conditions
• Cancer diagnoses and prevention
• Voluntary sector support
• Health inequalities (including the deaf community)
• Under-served communities

Emerge Worldwide is seeking a strategic and creative Social Media Lead to lead — and actively deliver — our digital communications.

This role is both strategic and practical. You will design content, publish content, host online discussions and actively manage platforms.

You will lead and set clear strategy, direction and plans for Emerge Worldwide’s Social Media communications, create engaging content, supervise the Team and encourage community mobilisation.

You will work closely with the Communications Deprtamnet and colloborate with the Education, Events & Fundraising and Policy departments and external stakeholders.

Strategy & Direction

• Develop and implement the Social Media & Digital Strategy aligned to campaigns and organisational priorities.
• Set KPIs and growth targets.
• Lead monthly planning meetings and oversee content calendars.
• Manage and support Social Media Volunteers, including performance management / feedback meetings.
• Content Creation, Design & Publishing

Design, create and publish high-quality digital content across platforms.

• Manage day-to-day posting and scheduling.
• Create graphics, reels, videos, carousels, and campaign visuals.
• Capture live content from events where required.
• Ensure all content aligns with brand standards.
• Language, Messaging & Communications Collaboration

Work closely with the Communications Department to ensure:

• Trauma-informed and safeguarding-aware language
• Consistent tone of voice

Alignment with policy and campaign messaging

• Review and refine messaging before publication where necessary.
• Ensure sensitive topics are handled ethically and responsibly and all information meets safeguarding, confidentiality and GDPR standards.
• Cross-Department Collaboration

Collaborate with all Emerge Worldwide departments

• Translate departmental work into engaging digital content.
• Support campaign launches and digital activations.

Analytics & Growth

• Monitor analytics and produce monthly performance reports and feed into quarterly impact reports.
• Optimise content based on insights.
• Grow reach, engagement and supporter conversion.

What are we looking for?

• Experience managing and actively posting across social media platforms.
• Strong graphic design capability (Canva or equivalent).
• Experience creating and editing short-form video content.
• Ability to write compelling, engaging, trauma-informed content.
• Good attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to transform small snippets of information into interesting and engaging stories suitable for Social Media platforms
• Experience collaborating with communications teams on tone and messaging.
• Experience working across teams and gathering content from stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage content calendars.
• Passion for ending sexual exploitation and trafficking.
• A motivated, enthusiastic individual who is has proven working experience and is passionate about social media and marketing, and producing tangible results.
• Good interpersonal skills dealing with people sensitively and respectfully from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Strong strategic development, project management and articulate communication skills.
• Experience of managing a team and projects
• Experience of managing multiple campaigns, with excellent organisational and time management skills, delivering effective targeted outcomes
• The ability to inspire people to act and get involved internally and externally
• Proactive and shows initiative, with the ability to work unsupervised
• Friendly, approachable manner – able to build rapport with a range of partners     and staff, and provide a collaborative team environment

What difference will you make?
The Social Media Lead plays a strategic and safeguarding-critical role in advancing Emerge Worldwide’s mission to prevent grooming, sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

This role is not simply about posting content. It is about shaping narrative, increasing prevention, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that women and girls encounter accurate, trauma-informed information in digital spaces.

Through a clear digital strategy and consistent messaging, the Social Media Lead strengthens Emerge Worldwide’s credibility and national voice. A strong online presence builds trust with survivors, professionals, schools, corporates and policymakers — opening doors for training, partnerships and funding that directly support prevention and empowerment initiatives.

Consistent, high-quality posting has preventative impact. Educational content about red flags, online grooming, coercive control and intersectional vulnerabilities can help young people recognise harmful behaviour earlier. Parents, carers and teachers may identify warning signs sooner. Increased awareness can interrupt exploitation before it escalates.

Collaboration with the Communications Department ensures language is trauma-informed and safeguarding-aware. Sensitive issues are handled ethically, reducing the risk of re-traumatisation and creating a digital environment where survivors feel seen, respected and safe.

Cross-department collaboration ensures campaigns, policy work, education programmes and fundraising initiatives are amplified effectively. This leads to increased attendance at training, stronger campaign mobilisation, greater public engagement and enhanced funding — all of which contribute to tangible protection and support for vulnerable girls and young women.

By analysing performance data, the Social Media Lead helps Emerge Worldwide reach high-risk demographics more effectively. Data-informed decisions improve targeting, engagement and resource allocation, ensuring messaging reaches those most vulnerable.

In summary, the outcomes of this role contribute directly to early identification, public education, cultural awareness and increased access to prevention services. The Social Media Lead helps transform awareness into action — strengthening Emerge Worldwide’s impact in advocating for women and girls against grooming, sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

Chair of Trustees

Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire

Voluntary role | Buckinghamshire

Are you a well-connected leader in Buckinghamshire with the energy and ambition to help a respected local charity grow its impact?

Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire is seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees.

About Us

We are part of the national Citizens Advice network, providing free, confidential and impartial advice to thousands of people each year across Buckinghamshire. We have offices in Aylesbury, Buckingham, High Wycombe and Chesham.

Our work helps people resolve problems around debt, housing, employment, benefits and consumer rights, often preventing crises, reducing pressure on public services and enabling individuals to regain stability and independence.

The organisation is stable, well-managed and ambitious. Following reductions in statutory funding and changes across the national network, we are now focused on strengthening income streams, raising our local profile and entering a new phase of growth.

The Opportunity

It is an opportunity to build on strong foundations and take the organisation forward.

As Chair, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees.

• Help strengthen funding and sustainability.

• Raise the profile of Citizens Advice across Buckinghamshire.

• Represent the organisation with funders, partners and the wider community.

• Champion the difference we make to people’s lives.

We are particularly interested in candidates who live in, or have strong knowledge and networks within Buckinghamshire (ideally central or south).

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who brings:

• Strategic leadership experience (board or senior executive level).

• The confidence to support and constructively challenge a CEO.

• Strong networking skills and credibility locally.

• Commercial awareness and financial literacy.

• An interest in fundraising and partnership development.

• A genuine commitment to community impact.

Prior Chair experience is welcome but not essential. Energy, judgement and the ability to build relationships are key.

Time Commitment

• Four face-to-face Board meetings per year (2 hours each).

• Four subcommittee meetings per subcommittee annually Finance & Risk, Operations, People, and Fundraising).

• Annual strategy Away Day.

• Annual Staff & Volunteers Day.

• Attendance at selected fundraising and stakeholder events.

• Approximate commitment: 2 -4 days per month.

Why This Role Matters

Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire helps people solve problems that, left unaddressed, cost families, councils and government far more in the long term.

As Chair, you will help ensure this essential service continues to thrive, supporting residents to become more financially secure, resilient and able to contribute fully to society.

For more information and how to apply download the Appointment Brief.

Closing date: 9am Friday 10th April 2026

Join us in shaping the next chapter of Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Are you passionate about making a real difference to families facing financial hardship?
Bromley Brighter Beginnings is a local charity founded in 2012 which provides essential baby, child and household items to families facing poverty.
We believe no child should be disadvantaged because of financial hardship, and no parent should have to struggle to meet their family’s basic needs.

Join our team as a Grants & Fundraising Volunteer and help secure the funding that keeps our services going. In this role, you’ll support our Fundraising & Communications Lead with tasks that directly impact how many families we’re able to help.

What You’ll Do

• Research and identify potential grant funding opportunities (“horizon scanning”)
• Help maintain our 'tracker' of funding opportunities
• Assist with drafting and editing grant applications
• Attend relevant online events or webinars to stay up to date with funding trends
• Support the preparation of reports and updates for current funders

 About You

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Experience of researching and / or writing grant applications / funding bids
• Great attention to detail
• Good IT skills
• An understanding of the charity sector (helpful but not essential)
• The ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• A genuine commitment to supporting families living in poverty

For further information on the role and details of how to apply please visit our website.

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

Purpose of the role:

We are seeking a WordPress / PHP Developer to help build and maintain the core web systems that power our public platform and membership services. This is not a commercial web development role. This is about creating digital infrastructure that belongs to the community and serves long-term social impact.

About the role:

As WordPress / PHP Developer, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the CIC’s main website and connected digital services using open-source technologies. You will help ensure our platforms are stable, secure, accessible, and capable of supporting growth in membership, education, and fundraising. Your work will directly affect how people access information, join the community, and engage with the organisation.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Formal qualifications is desirable but STRONG experience and passion beats and tops this always.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

· Develop, maintain, and improve WordPress-based websites and systems that support organisational operations, services, and growth.

· Build, customise, and extend WordPress themes and plugins using PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related technologies.

· Ensure code is clean, secure, maintainable, and aligned with WordPress and open-source best practices.

· Integrate open-source tools and third-party platforms, including membership systems, learning platforms, data tools, and APIs.

· Support the development and maintenance of secure member portals and restricted service areas with role-based access and permissions.

· Ensure websites are responsive across devices and browsers and optimised for performance, speed, and reliability.

· Apply accessibility standards to ensure inclusive access and usability for all users.

· Implement security best practices, including updates, patching, backups, access controls, and vulnerability prevention.

· Monitor platforms and assist with regular maintenance, upgrades, and issue prevention.

· Work closely with designers, content teams, and systems leads to translate functional needs into technical solutions.

· Advise on technical feasibility and recommend improvements where systems or tools create limitations.

· Assist with troubleshooting, debugging, and resolving technical issues across WordPress environments.

· Document code, integrations, system architecture, and technical processes clearly for technical and non-technical users.

· Ensure all systems comply with data protection, GDPR principles, safeguarding requirements, and ethical data handling standards.

· Collaborate with safeguarding and digital leads to minimise risk when handling sensitive or survivor-related data.

Essential Skills and Experience

· Strong practical experience with WordPress and PHP development.

· Experience building or customising WordPress themes and plugins.

· Solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

· Experience integrating third-party tools, plugins, or APIs.

· Knowledge of WordPress security, performance optimisation, and update management.

· Ability to document technical work clearly and work collaboratively across teams.

· Understanding of GDPR principles and secure data handling.

· Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

· Equivalent professional or voluntary experience accepted.

Desirable Skills and Experience

· Experience working in non-profit, CIC, or community-led organisations.

· Familiarity with open-source or low-cost digital platforms.

· Experience building membership portals or learning platform integrations.

· Basic understanding of hosting environments or server configuration.

· Experience supporting volunteer-led or safeguarding-focused digital environments.

What This Role Offers You:

Founding role in a community-owned digital infrastructure project.

Leadership-level experience in open-source platform development.

Opportunity to build systems that directly support social change.

Experience working across digital, education and membership teams.

Direct contribution to a public-facing platform for justice and empowerment.

Priority consideration for future paid roles as the C.I.C. becomes financially sustainable.

What This Role Is Not For:

People who want to work only with proprietary or closed systems.

Anyone uncomfortable working with serious or sensitive subject matter.

Those seeking guaranteed or immediate income.

Individuals unwilling to document their work or follow shared standards.

People who prefer not to collaborate with non-technical teams.

If you believe technology should belong to the people who use it and that open-source systems can support truth, protection and collective power, this role gives you the chance to build the digital foundations of a movement.

Join the Digital Infrastructure Team and help create platforms that serve community, not corporations.

Role: Trustee 
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings six times a year, with reading and preparation before meetings
No Salary:  Unpaid volunteer role, expenses paid
Location: Meetings held on zoom or at our head office in London SE20
Deadline:  17th May 2026
Interviews:  In person in London SE20

ABOUT US

Bromley & Croydon Women's Aid (BCWA) aims to empower anyone suffering domestic abuse so they can make informed choices about their future. Our services are confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

BCWA puts anyone who contacts us for support at the heart of decision making, so that they can gain the confidence, strength and self-respect needed to free themselves from abusive relationships

Our Ethos

BCWA believe in providing high-quality services to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. We have been working since 1975 to:

• focus on maintaining the independence, confidence and self-esteem of anyone we help
• be responsive to the needs of individuals in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way
• treat our residents, clients, staff and partners with integrity, honesty and respect.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community.  Our vision is to support and empower women to create change in their lives, so that they and their children can live free from domestic abuse and improve their quality of life.

OUR SERVICES

BCWA provide a wide range of services including:

Refuge

We provide safe accommodation for any woman and her children who is experiencing domestic abuse, or who is at risk of abuse.

Children are welcomed by Child Support Officers. Refuges have fully-equipped playrooms, where the project workers organise activities, after-school clubs, play sessions, fun days and one-to-one therapeutic activities.

BCWA is a registered housing provider with the Regulator or Social Housing (i.e. a Housing Association) and operates supported housing in a mix of owned and leased properties, some as managing agent for other housing associations, some operated independently.

Advice & Support

BCWA telephone Helpline supports women in the community who want to know what their options are around domestic abuse, or who need a non-judgmental listening ear. We run 12-week ‘Keys to Freedom’ support groups which offer a path to recognising abuse and peer support for recovery.

We offer advice to the friends and families of anyone experiencing domestic abuse. We give our expertise to legal and social services professionals, and we support women at appointments, accompany them to court, and also put them in contact with other services that can help them.

Our other services include:

Japanese service - BCWA, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy in London, offers outreach advice in Japanese to survivors of domestic abuse

NRPF/EEA service - Our specialist advisor works with migrant women without recourse to public funds (NRPF) and those from the EEA to regularise their immigration status and access benefits & support.

Men's service - All BCWA locations are women-only spaces, but men can be supported via our One Stop Shop service or by the IDSVA (high-risk) service in Bromley.

Our Approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Our work is based on building meaningful, supportive, enduring and respectful relationships with women from all cultures. We cannot do this without a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. BCWA’s approach is to try to make sure that EDI is central to everything we do and informs both our services and our organisational culture. 

Our goal is to develop and deliver consistently inclusive programmes, projects and services that support and bring together survivors of domestic abuse and their children and facilitate empowerment and recovery. We believe this enables best practice domestic abuse support, hope this will make everyone's experiences richer, and ultimately lead to more inclusive communities and sector best practice. 

BECOMING A TRUSTEE

What is a Trustee?

Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.

Why become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee can be very rewarding. As a Trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of an organisation, and you can make a significant difference to a cause that matters to you.

Being a Trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. You will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.

Why join our board?

BCWA was founded by a group of local women in Bromley who wanted to do something practical to support women in their local community and has been run by women and for women ever since. Over the past few years the organisation has grown considerably but still operates very much in the spirit of grassroots feminist women’s movement of the 70s, out of which it was founded.

Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers have lived experience of domestic abuse, and the organisation actively welcome survivors at all levels. We are a supportive, warm and friendly group and we genuinely strive to foster great relationships. Our Board is made up of a diverse group of women with a broad range of backgrounds, skills and experience. This team operates on mutual respect and true collaboration in order to provide the best leadership possible to the charity. We are solutions oriented, creative, forward-thinking and passionate about working to end domestic abuse.

BCWA has seen sustained growth over the last few years and has increased its property portfolio to provide a range of dispersed ‘move on’ accommodation for women leaving refuge, with continued support.

The charity is also committed to an ongoing process of service improvement via stakeholder feedback and analysis of needs and gaps in provision. Our local knowledge and specialist expertise positions us very well to innovate in co-producing new services.

In addition to trauma-informed accommodation and community-based services, BCWA has developed a therapeutic service alongside, which encompasses child play therapy and a specialist in-house counselling service for women. This supports the health and wellbeing of survivors going forward as well as working towards the prevention of repeat victimisation.

A trusteeship with BCWA is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation, contribute to the local community and impact thousands of women’s lives for the better. It is a truly pivotal time to join the board at BCWA, as we develop and implement innovative new services that will add significantly to the breadth and impact of support available to survivors of domestic abuse in Bromley & Croydon.

What skills are we looking for?

We are looking for a range of new trustees with a range of different skills to shape and steer the future of this dynamic organisation, as well as bring wisdom, energy and new perspectives to our governance.  We would particularly welcome applications from women with knowledge of or experience working in the following sectors:

· Social housing, social investment, housing, company or charity or general legal background

· Provision of mental health services

· AI expertise

ROLE DESCRIPTION

We are looking for strategic-minded individuals with a variety of skills to join our board. Our trustees play an essential role in making sure that BCWA achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

Trustee duties

• To ensure the BCWA is carrying out its purposes, as set out in its governing document.
• To ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and any other applicable laws.
• To act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets (including evaluating performance against set targets).
• To provide guidance using previous experience and expertise on a range of aspects of BCWA's business, including support to set up new initiatives.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Organisation.
• To monitor the financial, strategic and operational performance of BCWA.

In addition to the above responsibilities, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they possess, to enable the Board to reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising reports, providing advice and guidance on new issues, particularly where a Trustee has specific expertise. Our board meets bi-monthly and holds an Annual General Meeting.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision: working to end domestic abuse.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What impact will you have?

You will be joining an organisation actively opposed to all forms of discrimination providing a service that is confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as learn new ones.

We are a feminist organisation and recognise the gendered nature of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at board meetings which take place six times a year. Meetings are held in the early evening, mostly on-line, with one or two held in-person at our south-east London Head Office.
• Trustees will also need to carry out any pre-meeting reading and preparation and may be contacted occasionally for advice.

Further Information

We are very happy to have informal discussions about the role and warmly welcome candidates to visit us or observe a board meeting if they wish.

New Trustees are assigned an existing member who is responsible for their induction and support for a period of 6 months.

As our organisation works with extremely vulnerable clients, safeguarding is one of our key priorities. Please contact us if you would like more info or to view our SG policies. In light of this, offers are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve. 

BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Reg. Charity No.1068007. 

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Details of times, venue, etc to be confirmed.

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Details of times, venue, etc to be confirmed.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - times, venue, etc to be confirmed.
• Training for role - 11th, 12th, 25th & 26th April, 9th & 10th May - Or September - PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF CAN MAKE THESE DATES