Programme director one digital volunteer roles

Role description

The Open Spaces Society, Britain's oldest conservation body, needs additional trustees to broaden our reach.If you are keen to develop strategy and policy for creating, defending, and maintaining commons, greens, and paths, and to develop new approaches to make open spaces available to all, this role is for you. 

Trustees may be co-opted by the present board, but are expected to offer themselves for election by the membership at the first available opportunity.

Working collectively, trustees have three main responsibilities. These are to:

1 set a direction for the society,

2 ensure the society’s plans are carried out appropriately,

3 ensure the society meets its legal responsibilities.

The duties of a trustee are to:

4 ensure the society complies with its articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,

5 ensure that the society pursues its objects as defined in its articles of association,

6 ensure that the society directs its resources exclusively towards its objects,

7 in association with the general secretary, ensure that the organisation is adequately staffed, and that the staff and volunteers have appropriate support and resources to pursue organisational goals,

8 contribute actively to the board’s role of developing strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets,

9 safeguard the reputation and values of the society,

10 ensure effective and efficient administration and financial stability, 1

1 appoint the general secretary and monitor her performance,

12 act in the best interests of the society at all times.

Person specification

• Commitment to the society’s mission

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Strategic vision

• Objective and insightful judgement

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).

Independent Chair and Non-Executive Director Recruitment

Somerset Skills & Learning CIC (SS&L)
Voluntary roles | Somerset / Hybrid

Changing lives through learning

Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) is a thriving Community Interest Company delivering education and skills to around 4,000 learners each year. Working with over 145 employers, we improve confidence, wellbeing, employability and life chances across Somerset and beyond.

We are now seeking two Independent Non-Executive Directors to join our Board at an exciting and pivotal time.

Following seven successful years on the Board, our Chair will step down in November 2026. As part of this recruitment, we will identify our next Non-Executive Chair, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of a values-driven organisation making a tangible difference.

The Opportunities

Non-Executive Director – Finance & Sustainability

You will bring senior financial leadership experience to help guide SS&L’s long-term sustainability.

You will contribute to:

• Financial strategy, oversight and resilience
• Risk management, audit and governance
• Supporting sustainable, values-led growth

Non-Executive Director – Further Education Quality & Impact

You will bring expertise from the further education or skills sector to help ensure high-quality outcomes.

You will contribute to:

• Quality assurance and continuous improvement
• Learner outcomes and progression
• Strategic curriculum development aligned to community need

About the Roles

As a Board member, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight, challenge and support
• Help shape organisational direction and impact
• Work collaboratively with fellow Directors and the Executive team

From these appointments, we are particularly interested in individuals with the capability and interest to step into the Chair role.

Commitment

• Approximately 4–5 hours per month
• Four Board meetings per year (hybrid)
• Participation in sub-committees
• Voluntary roles (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About You

We are looking for individuals who:

• Bring senior leadership or Board-level experience
• Can offer constructive challenge and strategic insight
• Share our commitment to inclusion, learning and community impact

We particularly welcome applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
 

How to Apply

Full details about this opportunity in the attached brief. For a confidential discussion, please contact Anna Jay, Managing Director, Public Leaders Appointments

Closing date for applications: Midday, 21st May 2026. Interviews 10th or 11th June 2026.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to help shape an organisation that is transforming lives through learning, we would love to hear from you.

Join the small, diverse and friendly team of an independent advocacy charity in Lewisham as Trustee. Lewisham Speaking Up is a rights-based organisation that speaks up for independence and power for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. You will contribute to the governance of a grass roots local charity with a great track record. There will be opportunities to meet with beneficiaries and learn about their lives. You will be helping to address the discrimination and inequalities faced by adults with learning disabilities.

We all work together towards our vision for a society where people with learning disabilities are listened to, recognised, respected and included in all decisions about their lives. We are looking for trustees who are committed to helping the organisation achieve this. Our beneficiaries are included at all levels of the organisation from being Board members to being paid staff, volunteers and participating in all our services.

A Trustee must be willing to offer scrutiny, assistance and advice to support the charity's operations, stability, and growth.  You will work with other board members and the charity’s Director in achieving this.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a friendly, patient, and non-judgemental person with an interest in disability rights and equality who is passionate about and committed to the organisation's mission, vision, and values.

Some of our board members have a learning disability (known as experts by experience) and we expect all board members to support and give positive encouragement to our board members with learning disabilities. We need trustees who will show commitment to the charity's vision and mission and are willing to understand the issues affecting the people we work with. Experience or knowledge of people with learning disabilities would be useful but is not essential. Previous charity experience or knowledge would be useful but is not essential. 

We require a trustee with at least 3 years' proven experience and skills in one or more of the areas listed below:

• Human Resources (HR) - processes, policies and recruitment
• Media/Digital - support website, social media, communications
• Legal - support with the charity's legal obligations
• Management – project/programme management and coaching/mentoring

Opportunity: 

• Help shape our strategic direction, enabling us to expand our reach

• Join a friendly and diverse team with opportunities to engage beyond core responsibilities. 

• Opportunities to network with other organisations and people 

• Personal growth and confidence building. 

• Opportunities to be part of the activities of the charity. 

Commitment: 

Available for online Board (1.5 hrs) and online Finance Subcommittee (1 hr) meetings, both happen 5 times a year. 

Attending in-person Board and staff Away Day (usually a Saturday in July), and the in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) during November/December. 

Local candidates preferred (Southeast London based).

The Membership Director is responsible for building, growing, and protecting the heart of the CIC:
our membership community. Membership is not a mailing list. It is a collective of people choosing to belong, contribute, and build together.
This role shapes:

• How people enter the organisation
• How they stay connected
• How they feel valued, informed, and aligned
• How community becomes sustainability

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential 

• Ability to commit grassroots full-time effort during the build phase (rest follows completion, not the clock)
• Comfort working unpaid while foundational systems and culture are established
• Deep alignment with community-led, anti-capitalist values and collective ownership
• High levels of consistency, focus, and self-direction in ambiguous, early-stage environments
• Clear understanding that meaningful change requires discipline, structure, and follow-through, not aesthetics or hype
• Commitment to always working through organisational values: Each One Teach One, Love As Law, Knowledge of Self
• Prior experience in one or more of the following: community building or stewardship, membership programmes or participation models , customer, supporter, or community experience roles, systems thinking and organisational design, digital platforms, CRMs, or data-informed engagement, purpose-driven, grassroots, or movement-led organisations
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical implementation
• Strong relational skills, including listening, facilitation, and respectful boundary-setting
• Comfort holding complexity, conflict, and accountability with care
• Willingness to be both architect and steward of culture
• Integrity, clarity, and long-term commitment

Desirable 

• (Intentionally left open for growth as the role evolves in an early-stage organisation)

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications not required

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

Membership Strategy & Structure

• Design and implement the CIC’s founding membership model, defining clear entry points, engagement pathways, and retention approaches rooted in participation rather than extraction.
• Shape intentional progression routes that support members to move from supporter → contributor → leader, ensuring growth in responsibility, agency, and influence over time.
• Align membership pathways with donor journeys, ambassador programmes, and volunteering routes, ensuring coherence across engagement, fundraising, and advocacy without conflating value with money.

Community Building

• Create a membership culture where people consistently feel seen, informed, included, and valued, regardless of role, status, or capacity.
• Establish sustainable rhythms of communication, updates, shared learning, and reflection that foster belonging, trust, and transparency.
• Enable decentralised participation by supporting member-led initiatives, peer leadership, and collective decision-making rather than top-down control.
• Act as a steward of healthy community dynamics, encouraging dialogue, accountability, and mutual care.

Systems & Data

• Oversee the setup and ongoing use of membership systems (e.g. CiviCRM or equivalent), ensuring they serve people rather than manage them.
• Track and interpret membership growth, engagement, and retention, using insight to strengthen participation and address disengagement early.
• Work collaboratively with Digital, Finance, and Social teams to maintain clean, accurate data and ensure ethical, transparent, and values-aligned data use.

Values & Culture

• Protect the integrity of the membership community by upholding CIC values in all structures, communications, and decisions.
• Identify and address misalignment early, clearly, and respectfully, prioritising restoration and learning over exclusion.
• Co-create and uphold community standards rooted in care, accountability, and shared responsibility—not surveillance or control.

Founding Responsibility

• Help design the future paid Membership Department, including roles, systems, and workflows that reflect collectivism and sustainability.
• Contribute to long-term organisational planning, ensuring membership is a pillar of resilience and shared ownership.
• Act as a culture carrier, modelling commitment, discipline, and collective leadership throughout the build phase.

This Role Is NOT for You If

• You want quick money
• You need external validation to stay motivated
• You prefer rigid hierarchies
• You are uncomfortable with responsibility
• You are only here for a title

What You Gain

• A founding leadership role in a growing CIC

The chance to help design:

• Future paid roles

• Income structures

• Working culture

• Deep personal transformation through meaningful work

• Real contribution to social and cultural change

• Collective success, not individual competition

As the CIC scales, this role is expected to evolve into a paid senior leadership position, shaped by those who built it.

A Final Word

We are not offering security.

We are offering possibility.

We are not promising ease.

We are building truth, structure, and collective power.

If you know the old world is ending —

and you want to help build what comes next —

This role is for you. 

Epilepsy Action is a national charity with a bold vision: to create a world without limits for people with epilepsy. In 2024 we launched an ambitious new strategy to grow our income and extend the support we offer. After a successful start, we are ready for the next stage in the strategy, and we are looking for new trustees to join our Board and help turn our ambition into lasting impact.

You will bring the skills, values and perspective to help our charity thrive, whether that’s a track record of leading growth and transformation, the ability to open doors through your networks, experience in health or the medical sector, or expertise in law, digital technology or fundraising.

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and effective Board that reflects the communities we serve, and people affected by epilepsy. We welcome applications from everyone and are particularly keen to hear from people who are underrepresented on charity boards, including people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and people of different ages and socio-economic backgrounds. We believe greater diversity makes for better decisions.

If you want to help shape a world without limits for people affected by epilepsy, and use your voice and influence to raise understanding of the condition, then we would love to hear from you.

Purpose of the Role 

The role of a trustee is to share the Board’s collective responsibility for the effective governance and leadership of the charity, setting our strategic direction and major policies in accordance with our objectives, vision, mission and values.

Epilepsy Action (registered as the British Epilepsy Association) is both a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. As such, trustees are both charity trustees and company directors and have the statutory and legal duties which these roles impose.

This is a voluntary (unpaid) role with a three-year term of office, renewable for up to two consecutive terms.

You need to be able to commit approximately 6–12 days per year, including: 

• Four Board meetings per annum, plus meeting preparation 

• Subcommittee meetings (if applicable) 

• Strategy days, training, and occasional events 

Meetings are a combination of hybrid and fully remote, with an annual in-person meeting in September in Leeds. Overnight accommodation will be booked for trustees and travelling expenses reimbursed for in–person meetings. 

To Apply 

For any questions in advance of your application please contact us via our recruitment email.

To make an application please send your CV and a supporting statement to our recruitment email.

Your supporting statement should answer the following questions:

· What has drawn you to apply to be a trustee for Epilepsy Action?

· What are the main skills and experience that you bring that could benefit the charity?

· How do you think your values align with Epilepsy Action’s values of being supportive, empowering, inclusive and ambitious?

We also ask candidates to fill in the Trustee Application Questionnaire as part of the recruitment process.  This form includes sections for diversity monitoring, as well as skills and experience.

If you need any adjustments to support you to apply or take part in the recruitment process, please let us know.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal meeting where they will have a chance to find out more about our work.

Formal interviews will be with the Chair, the CEO and relevant members of the Board and / or Advisory Panels will take place at the end of May and beginning of June.

Are you a technically skilled problem-solver ready to contribute to transformative social impact? 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a pioneering Open-Source Platform Engineer to join our founding volunteer team. This role is central to building and maintaining the digital infrastructure that will power our survivor-led, community-owned membership ecosystem for 2026 and beyond. You will be directly shaping the systems that enable vulnerable and marginalised communities to access resources, engage safely and participate in transformative personal development.

Purpose of the role:

The Volunteer Open-Source Platform Engineer contributes to the development, maintenance and improvement of open-source software platforms that support the organisation’s mission. This role involves collaborating with developers, contributors and stakeholders to build scalable, reliable and efficient solutions while ensuring code quality, security and accessibility.

About the Role:

As our Open-Source Platform Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain the core technology stack for our membership platform, ensuring it is secure, scalable, and aligned with open-source principles. You will work closely with the Membership Director, Technical Systems Liaison, and other team members to integrate community-facing tools, data systems, and collaborative features that support our anti-capitalist, values-led mission. This is a hands-on, impact-driven role where your technical expertise directly enables social change.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Technical Competencies:

• Experience designing, integrating and maintaining APIs, as well as managing secure authentication and data practices.
• Familiarity with cloud-hosted and on-premises system environments, including deployment and maintenance.
• Proven experience in open-source development, software engineering or systems architecture.
• Ability to clearly document technical processes, system workflows and platform architecture.
• Skilled at communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Contributing to open-source projects or collaborative software development initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities to debug code, optimise performance and implement improvements.

Desirable / Can Be Developed:

• Basic understanding of open-source software principles and collaborative development practices. 
• Familiarity with at least one programming or scripting language (e.g. Python, JavaScript, Bash or similar).
• Developing knowledge of system reliability, security best practices and performance monitoring.
• A problem-solving mindset, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new tools and technologies.

Qualifications:

• Formal qualifications are not required but desirable.
• Practical experience through open-source contributions, personal projects, study or volunteering is valued.
• Willingness to learn and complete required induction or training.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Develop, implement and maintain the open-source membership platform and associated tools to support community engagement and organisational objectives.
• Build scalable, secure and accessible systems that facilitate user registration, content management and interactive community features.
• Build robust content management systems (CMS) to enable efficient creation, organisation, publishing and retrieval of digital content for community members and volunteers.
• Integrate third-party tools, APIs and plug-ins to extend platform functionality in alignment with organisational goals and requirements.
• Collaborate with technical and non-technical team members to understand community and organisational needs, translating them into functional and user-friendly systems.
• Provide technical guidance and insights to inform strategic decisions around system architecture, integrations, platform design and development priorities.
• Monitor platform performance and troubleshoot issues, proactively identifying and resolving technical problems to ensure smooth operation.
• Ensure documentation supports compliance and best practices, including data protection, accessibility standards and organisational policies.
• Use documentation as a tool for continuous improvement, identifying gaps, optimising workflows and refining platform usability based on feedback.
• Document technical processes, system architecture and user guides to maintain organisational knowledge, support future development and assist team onboarding.
• Contribute to the ongoing strategy for digital systems development and platform innovation, suggesting improvements, new features and best practices for long-term sustainability.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer by providing documentation that supports onboarding of new volunteers, technical contributors and staff members.

What This Role Offers You:

• The opportunity to shape the digital foundation of a pioneering C.I.C. and directly impact survivor-led and community-driven initiatives.
• Hands-on leadership experience in open-source systems design and platform development.
• Personal growth through working in an innovative, mission-driven environment tackling real-world social challenges.
• The satisfaction of contributing to a platform that empowers marginalised communities, amplifies survivor voices and builds collective culture.​

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking traditional corporate structures, hierarchies or purely financial reward.
• Those unwilling to work within an anti-capitalist, collaborative, values-led framework.
• People expecting pre-built systems or rigid processes—this role requires creativity, problem-solving and adaptability.

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to

• A values-led conversation.
• If you are ready to apply your technical skills to a high-impact, community-driven initiative and help build systems that empower survivors and marginalised communities, we want to hear from you. 
• Apply now and be part of creating something truly transformative.

A Final Word
Platforms enable communities to connect.

If you know that: Turn organisational needs into practical. User-friendly digital solutions support communities to connect.

Trustee – Ukrainian Institute London

Ukrainian Institute London (UIL) is an independent charity dedicated to advancing public education in the United Kingdom by broadening knowledge and understanding of Ukraine. It champions Ukrainian culture and shapes the conversation about Ukraine in the UK and beyond, bringing together experts, creatives, policymakers, and active citizens to explore Ukrainian perspectives on global challenges. Through its programme of public events, projects, educational courses, and digital content, UIL works across the fields of arts, culture, language, and current affairs. The UIL highlights Ukraine’s expertise and experience to emphasise the urgency of international solidarity in support of democratic security in Europe and beyond.

UIL is seeking to appoint two new Trustees. As a Trustee, you will help shape the strategic direction of the organisation, ensure strong governance, safeguard UIL’s independence and integrity, and support its long-term sustainability. Trustees also act as ambassadors for the Institute, helping to build relationships, raise our profile, and support funding and partnership opportunities.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• knowledge of Ukraine and its place within wider European and international cultural contexts;

• fundraising and income generation, including trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate sponsorship, or individual giving;

• developing or supporting fundraising strategies; 

• charity governance and trustee experience;

• arts, culture, heritage, or international cultural relations;

• finance, law, organisational development, or strategy;

• communications, marketing, partnerships, or audience development;

• digital engagement and organisational sustainability.

We value a wide range of perspectives and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Time commitment:

• Four Board meetings per year, each approximately 2 hours, plus preparation time.

• Review and input into key governance documents, such as the Annual Report.

• Fundraising support, including meetings with potential donors and strategic advice to the Director and the UIL operations team.

• Attendance at key UIL events, where possible.

• Representation of the UIL at occasional meetings with partners or public-facing events. 

• Occasional ad hoc engagement, such as strategic advice on issues within the individual trustee’s area of expertise. 

Overall, the commitment is expected to average approximately 1-2 days per month ​​(which includes attendance at UIL events) and can easily fit in with other commitments.

This is a voluntary and unpaid role. Expenses are not reimbursed.

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in strengthening a leading cultural charity and supporting its mission to promote Ukrainian culture, knowledge, and dialogue in the UK and beyond.

How to apply

Please read the Trustee Role Description before submitting your application.

To apply, please complete the online application form and upload your CV (PDF format). We do not require a separate covering letter.

CV Submission

Please upload your CV as a PDF file:

• Saved using your full name (e.g. Firstname_Lastname_UIL_Trustee.pdf)

• Including your full contact details, including phone number

Key dates

Closing date for applications: 31 March 2026
Interviews: April 2026
We aim to appoint at least one trustee by 15 April 2026.

Please note

Files submitted will be used solely for recruitment purposes. 

All application materials will be handled in accordance with data protection requirements and deleted after the recruitment process has concluded.

You will receive confirmation once your application form has been submitted successfully.

The food system is unsustainable and unjust, and it’s damaging the health of a generation. We are a youth activist movement set up to challenge a food system that’s been set up to fool us all. We're looking for a new Chair who shares our passion for empowering youth leadership and transforming our food system

We’re looking for an outstanding trustee who is a bold and visionary leader in their field to join our Board of Trustees. You will help us achieve our vision of making sure our members have an outstanding experience during their time at UCL and at one of the best student unions in the world.

We’re looking for an inspirational leader in a field related to one of our services or values to join us in our mission. That mission is to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for better.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the mission, vision and values of the Students’ Union and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose through our 2025-2030 Strategy, Making More Happen. The Trustees ensure development of, and agree, a long-term strategy and approve and monitor plans and budgets to deliver the strategy. There are five meetings a year, and as an External Trustee you will work with our Board and Senior Management Team to affect change and ensure everything we do for our 50,000 members is led by our values to be Community Building, Empowering, Inclusive, Democratic, Bold, Sustainable and Fun.

To apply please send a CV and cover letter by email no later than 17.00 on Tuesday 5 May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview on Tuesday 19 or Thursday 21 May 2026 and will join our Board for a four-year term beginning in June 2026.

Please note that this position is only open to candidates who are neither a student, alumnus or employee of UCL.

The Ocean Regeneration Trust (ORT) is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Board and help shape the future of the Ocean Estate in Stepney. As a legacy successor for the NDC regeneration of the area, we work hand-in-hand with residents and stakeholders to ensure the social, economic, and physical regeneration of our vibrant community. 

About the Roles

We are currently recruiting for two types of Board Members:

Independent/Specialist Members: Professionals who do not live on the estate but bring specific expertise to strengthen our governance.

Community Members: Local residents living within the Ocean Regeneration Trust core area who want to represent their neighbours and guide local improvements.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those with experience in:

Financial Management & Accounting.

Legal Advice & Governance.

Human Resources & Organisational Management.

Neighbourhood Renewal / Management.

Enterprise & Business Development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight: Help deliver ORT’s vision to improve the quality of life for those living and working in Stepney and the Ocean Estate in Tower Hamlets. 

Community Impact: Support 10 year objectives i.e. the implementation of NHS/Public Health initiatives such as neighbourhood health and wellbeing, capacity building for the local Voluntary and Community sector, employment and skills and strategic expertise in housing and welfare changes.

Governance: Attend Board meetings (at least 4–5 times per year) and contribute constructively to decision-making.

Time Commitment & Location

Meetings: Held at the Harford Street Multicentre, E1 or online (hybrid) 

Duration: Meetings typically last 1–2 hours and preparatory reading. 

Remuneration: These are voluntary positions; however, legitimate expenses (such as travel) will be reimbursed

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

This opportunity will be at both Crook and Durham so volunteers need to be willing to volunteer at both sites.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Lead Volunteer Role Description

• To update the Volunteers’ Rota from the Court diary and ensure that each Volunteer in the team and the CCSS office has a copy. Wherever possible, the Rota should be kept on a computer for updating and emailed to the rest of the team and the office. 

• Ensure sufficient numbers of Volunteers are on duty for effective and appropriate support for bereaved families and witnesses who attend the Inquests.

• To arrange and re-arrange the Rota between the Volunteers, noting any holiday or leave of absence dates.

• Ensure a finalised Rota is sent to the office at the end of each month in order for volunteer expenses to be checked and processed.

• To ensure that all the Volunteers have each other’s contact details and the Volunteer emergency contact details are included in the court file and updated when changes occur.

• To ensure monthly and yearly statistics are kept up to date and to send the Monthly Statistics to the Volunteer who collates the stats at the end of each month.

• To ensure there are sufficient Report Forms for the Volunteers’ use if collecting stats in paper format.  If alternative methods of collecting stats are used, to ensure that the team are all using the same method.

• To inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office of the need for more Volunteers or of any leavers.

• To assist with the recruitment interviews and induction of new Volunteers.

• Responsible for the support of new Volunteers and their final sign off.  Where the Lead Volunteer has concerns about the level of support required or the competency of a new Volunteer, they should refer those concerns to the Operations & Training Manager.

• To organise Volunteer team meetings (minimum of 3 meetings per year) and to inform the Operations & Training Manager and the CCSS office via email of the dates of these so they can attend if necessary/appropriate.

• To immediately refer any serious concerns raised by the Coroner or Coroner’s Officers to the CEO.

• To inform the CEO immediately of any issues or concerns that arises at the Court that might impact on the CCSS.

• To provide local information for the Helpline Court Information Sheet when requested.

• To ensure the team follow the practices of the court and work in partnership with the court staff.
• To forward any testimonials about the support provided by our volunteers to the CCSS office.

• Responsibility for maintaining the stock of CCSS leaflets.

• Organise cover for themselves when they are on holiday or need to take time off.