Safeguarding volunteer roles

Join Room to Heal as Chair to support the Board and Co-Directors, guiding governance, strategy, and transition while helping the organisation continue its mission of healing and community.

About Room to Heal

Room to Heal is a healing community for asylum seekers and refugees who have suffered torture and gross human rights violations. Our mission is to use the restorative power of community to help people heal from torture and organised violence and build meaningful lives.

What will you be doing?

Background

•  Room to Heal is entering a new chapter with the introduction of a Co-Director leadership model. The Chair will work alongside the Co-Directors and Board of Trustees to guide strategic decisions and ensure that governance continues to support the organisation’s mission of healing through community
• Room to Heal’s current Chair has provided valuable support to the organisation in recent years and will continue to be involved during the period of transition
• We therefore anticipate a collaborative handover process, with the incoming Chair working alongside the current post-holder to ensure continuity, stability and a confident transfer of responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring trustees uphold governance with integrity and accountability
• Chair Board meetings, guiding strategic conversations and supporting trustee oversight
• Guide long-term vision and strategy, balancing ambition with financial and operational sustainability
• Advise the Co-Directors on organisational planning, service evaluation, and staff development
• Oversee risk management, safeguarding, and financial controls to ensure safety and compliance
• Model the organisation’s values, fostering a culture of compassion, inclusion, and resilience

For full details please request the Candidate Pack from the Reach TrusteeWorks Team, at the email address provided.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a Chair who can combine strong governance with compassion. We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in leadership, governance, or board-level roles
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and an inclusive leadership style
• Empathy and a commitment to promoting wellbeing and resilience in vulnerable communities

Room to Heal was founded on principles of equality, respect, and justice, and these values continue to guide every aspect of our work. Our community includes people from many countries, languages, and faiths, and our strength lies in our diversity. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work. We are committed to offering equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity.

What difference will you make?

Becoming Chair of Room to Heal means stepping into a role where leadership genuinely changes lives. This is an opportunity to guide a small, mission-driven charity through an important moment of transition and to help ensure that some of the most marginalised people in our society continue to receive the care, dignity and connection they deserve.

Your leadership will help Room to Heal remain resilient, focused and true to its values. Guiding two newly appointed Co-Directors and a dedicated board, you will help strengthen the organisation’s foundations and shape its future direction.

This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible difference at a time when strong, compassionate leadership matters most. If you are inspired by the idea of helping survivors of trauma rebuild their lives in community, we would love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the next chapter of Room to Heal.

Time commitment

The time commitment averages around one day per month.

Four Board meetings a year - usually hybrid, allowing trustees to join remotely or in person.

The Chair also sits on the finance subcommittee which meets online approximately every six weeks.

We are excited to be launching our first-ever volunteer led Armed Forces Community project in the North West and are now recruiting for a bank of volunteers across the region to help us reach veterans who are in need of support to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life.

If you are a veteran, or family member with experience of military life and are free to volunteer and give something back in your community, we would love to hear from you. You may have had personal experience of being medically discharged or since leaving the Armed Forces have found it difficult to transition to civvy street and want to help others to have a better experience. You may already have a reasonable understanding of what is available or lacking in your neighbourhood for veterans in your community. Our Volunteer Ambassadors will report into our experienced Volunteer Coordinator and will work remotely in their community, helping veterans by signposting them to organisations and charities that can help improve their circumstances.

Roles are on a voluntary basis and therefore unpaid. A car is essential and any business mileage or meeting costs will be reimbursed. A mobile phone will also be provided with training in Safeguarding and Confidentiality/Data Protection, Professional Boundaries and Lone Working. Applications are initially open to those living in Lancashire and particularly Chorley, Preston or Wigan. However, we also welcome interest further afield from those living in Liverpool/Merseyside or Cumbria.

Volunteer Researcher – Yellow Wood Project

Location: Remote (UK-based preferred)

Type: Volunteer (Flexible, ~10-20 hours/month)

Reporting to: Director/Founder

Organisation Type: Community Interest Company (CIC)

About Us

We are a mission-driven Community Interest Company dedicated to early intervention against online harms and the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSEA) and violence against women and girls (VAWG). Rooted in a behavioural science approach combined with systems thinking, we work to understand the contemporary online context for children and young people and pathways to engaging with harmful content, develop evidence-based interventions which support healthier sexual and social development, and create safer communities through primary and secondary prevention.

Role Overview

We are seeking a passionate and proactive Volunteer Researcher to help us on our Insight and Understanding workstream; conducting primary and secondary research as well as providing guidance on commissioned research. This is a key voluntary role for someone with a background in social research who wants to use their skills to make a measurable difference in a sensitive but vital area of public benefit, increasingly recognised as an urgent issue and one in receipt of growing governmental attention.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on experience and availability, responsibilities may include:

• Conducting desk-based research and literature reviews (academic, policy, and grey literature)
• Contributing to the establishment of the organisation’s Research Ethics Policy
• Supporting the design of research projects, including research questions, methods, and tools
• Assisting with data collection (e.g. surveys, interviews, focus groups), where appropriate
• Supporting data analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative)
• Summarising findings into clear written outputs (briefings, reports, blogs, or presentations)
• Supporting evidence gathering for funding applications, policy submissions, or advocacy work
• Contributing to the maintenance of research logs, references, and documentation
• Adhering to the organisation’s research ethics and data protection policies at all times

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Experience in social research, public policy, or social impact
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Willingness to follow ethical research standards
• Alignment with the organisation’s mission and values
• Ability to work on highly sensitive topics related to issues including: pornography, violence, sexual offending, and misogyny.

Desirable

• Undergraduate or postgraduate study (completed or ongoing) in a relevant field (e.g. social sciences, psychology, criminology, education, public health, data science)
• Familiarity with research methods such as surveys, interviews, and digital ethnography
• Experience conducting literature reviews or academic research
• Thematic data analysis skills
• Understanding of issues relating to online harms, child safety, or digital wellbeing and familiarity with safeguarding  
• Familiarity with behaviour change frameworks (e.g. COM-B, Behaviour Change Wheel)

Time Commitment

• Approximately 10-20 hours per month
• Flexible schedule, with occasional online meetings
• Project-based with ability to work on discrete project or ongoing basis, as preferred

What We Offer

• A meaningful opportunity to contribute to the protection of children from online harms, as well as a CSEA and VAWG prevention mission
• Flexible, remote working with supportive leadership
• Recognition in reports and communications
• A reference or endorsement after three months of active volunteering
• The chance to shape organisation direction at an early and impactful stage of growth

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Vision Support is a regional sight loss charity supporting people to feel confident, capable and connected, while raising awareness of vision impairment across Cheshire, Halton, Flintshire, Wrexham, Conwy and Denbighshire. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years of impact.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Specialist Trustee with marketing and communications insight to strengthen our fundraising performance, expand our reach, and support our long-term sustainability.

This role combines core Trustee responsibilities with specialist oversight of fundraising strategy, regulatory compliance, and strategic communications.

About Vision Support

We deliver evidence-based services across six local authority areas, working in close partnership with clinicians, commissioners and healthcare providers. With a strong governance foundation, ambitious growth plans, and annual income of £1.6m, we are focused on extending our reach and impact.

Core Trustee Responsibilities

· Ensure the charity operates in line with its charitable objects and governing document

· Contribute to strategy, performance monitoring and financial sustainability

· Support and challenge the CEO and senior team constructively

· Uphold the charity’s values, reputation and governance standards

· Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings at our Chester office, and contribute to Board development

Fundraising Leadership

· Lead Board-level oversight of fundraising strategy and performance

· Review income streams, return on investment and effectiveness

· Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice

· Advise on fundraising trends, innovation and growth opportunities

· Support major donor, corporate and grant-funding strategies

Communications & Engagement

· Advise on communications strategy to grow reach and engagement

· Support donor stewardship and supporter communications

· Provide guidance on brand, messaging and digital channels

· Contribute to reputation and crisis communications planning

Networking & Advocacy

· Act as an ambassador for Vision Support

· Promote the charity through professional and personal networks

· Identify partnership, funding and collaboration opportunities

· Support relationships with key stakeholders and influencers

Person Specification

Essential

· Senior-level fundraising experience with a strong track record

· Experience across multiple income streams

· Strong knowledge of fundraising regulation and compliance

· Communications and marketing expertise

· Strategic mindset with the ability to evaluate and improve performance

Highly Desirable

· Charity sector experience (health, disability or social care)

· Knowledge of sight loss or disability issues

· Experience of regional or multi-area fundraising

· Major donor or corporate partnership experience

· Relevant professional fundraising qualifications

Personal Qualities

· Commitment to supporting people with sight loss

· Collaborative, analytical and commercially aware

· Strong interpersonal skills with the confidence to challenge constructively

· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

What We Offer

· Opportunity to make a meaningful regional impact

· Supportive, experienced Board and strong governance culture

· Comprehensive induction, Trustee training and sector networking

· Reasonable expenses reimbursed

Time Commitment

Approximately 4 hours per month, including:

· Quarterly Board meetings

· Preparation and paper review

· Occasional advice, networking and annual Board away day

Term of Appointment

Initial 3-year term, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years in line with our governing document.

How to Apply

We welcome applications from individuals passionate about our cause and particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of sight loss and from diverse backgrounds.

Please submit:

· A CV outlining relevant experience

· A supporting statement (max. 2 pages) covering your motivation, relevant expertise, approach to the specialist Trustee role, and what you hope to contribute and gain

For an informal discussion, please contact:

Kate Hurst, Internal Operations Manager

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Vision Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users.

Trustee (Estates and Property)

Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire

Commitment: Approx. 10–12 meetings per year + preparation

Type: Voluntary position (reasonable travel expenses reimbursed)

Help shape the future of a specialist charity supporting children, young people, and adults with complex needs.

St Elizabeth’s, a national charity based in beautiful Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, is seeking an experienced and values-driven Trustee with professional expertise in Estates & Property to join our Board.

Set within 60 acres of countryside, St Elizabeth’s provides specialist education, residential care, therapy, and health support to individuals with epilepsy, learning disabilities and complex medical conditions. Our School, Sixth Form, College, Children’s Homes, Supported Living and Adult Day Services work together to enable every person to thrive and live life to the full.

As we move through an exciting period of modernisation and growth—including significant site development, investment in digital transformation and strengthening of our long-term strategy—we are looking for a Trustee who can bring insight, challenge, and expertise in:

• Estates, property, or capital development (essential)
• Facilities management or compliance (essential)
• Strategic planning (advantageous)
• Digital/IT infrastructure or transformation (advantageous)

What You’ll Do as a Trustee

You will play a central role in the governance and strategic leadership of our charity, ensuring that our estates, buildings, environments, and long-term capital plans support high-quality services and the wellbeing of the children, young people, and adults we support.

You will:

• Provide expert insight into estates strategy, asset planning, and capital investment.
• Offer appropriate oversight of major projects, compliance, and risk.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to ensure value for money and long-term sustainability.
• Contribute to shaping our digital, estates and organisational vision.
• Uphold our mission, values, and Catholic ethos.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from experienced professionals who can contribute to effective governance, bring independent judgement, and work collaboratively as part of a committed Board.

You will have:

• Senior-level experience in estates, property, construction, capital development, or facilities management
• The ability to analyse complex information and ask constructive, challenging questions.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and ethical leadership
• Alignment with our Catholic ethos (you do not need to be Catholic, but must support the ethos)
• Trustee or non-executive experience is welcome but not essential—we provide a full induction and ongoing training.

Time Commitment

Approximately 5 Board meetings per year, committee membership, and occasional site visits. Meetings take place in Much Hadham, with remote attendance possible when needed. This is a voluntary role; travel expenses are reimbursed.

Why join us?

By becoming a Trustee at St Elizabeth’s, you’ll be part of an organisation with deep roots, strong values, and an unwavering commitment to enabling people with complex needs to thrive. Your contribution will directly support the sustainability, quality, and impact of our services — and help shape the next chapter of a remarkable charity.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you would like to use your expertise to support a charity with a 120-year legacy and a bold vision for the future, we would love to hear from you.

#INDVOL

REF-225 985

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Overview of the role

This role involves leading on any and all Health & Safety issues, policies and concerns, ensuring that the Board of Trustees are aware and kept up to date in regard to the legal, regulatory, and governance responsibilities of the charity regarding health and safety.

Key tasks

Trustee (Health & Safety Lead) Responsibilities:

• to ensure that the trustee board understand their legal and regulatory responsibility on matters of health & safety (including manual handling & fire safety, etc.) for the charity

• to ensure, along with operational management support, that all health and safety policies and risk assessments are in place, relevant, and up to date

• to continuously keep up to date with all current health and safety legislation/regulations, informing the board of any changes needed to operational procedures relating to health and safety

• to be the allocated contact for health & safety as outlined on Health and Safety Executive (HSE) poster in each centre

• along with operational management support, to ensure that all relevant staff, trustees and/or volunteers are suitably trained and aware of the correct process to follow if any health and safety concerns arise, including the filling out of incident reports.

Other responsibilities, along with the Bboard of Trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives 

• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.

• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate

• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately

• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated

• to review and approve financial statements 

• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries

• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection.

• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

About you:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Warrington Foodbank

• a strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and a charity’s responsibility

• an ability to lead on any health & safety matters in a supportive and confident manner

• add any further essential qualities the food bank is looking for, to fit in with any strategic objectives the food bank may have.

Benefits of volunteering:

• feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us

• meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community

• building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our food bank

• bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision

• gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships.

Impact of your role

By leading on Health & Safety matters for the food bank, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with, Warrington Foodbank.

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training. 

Please Note:

• You must be 16 or over and must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee.

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office.

• This is a voluntary position.

We are Forward, the social enterprise that empowers people to break the cycle of crime or addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

The Forward Enterprise Team is part of Forward’s employability service. The team supports enterprises and charities that create self employment opportunities for ex-offenders and people in recovery from addiction. Eligible applicants can benefit from a tailored mix of support to help grow their business and access investment.

As an Enterprise Mentor, you will be supporting clients of Forward’s Enterprise Support team to reach their full potential to start and build a successful business. Acting as a role model, you will use your personal experience and expertise to guide them with their personal goals and challenges. You will be matched to a mentee according to their aspirations and your personal expertise. You will meet with your mentees once to twice a month and will need to be able to commit to 4 to 6 hours a month to support your mentee . This is a just a recommendation and is flexible based on the Mentee's needs. Training is provided to all volunteers to support them with their volunteering duties and enable them to further their skills and experience with our client group.

We recommend that the Mentor commits to volunteering to 4-6 hours a month for a period of 6 months. This is just a recommendation and can be flexible according to the needs of the Mentee.

Task description:

• Build a trusting and supportive relationship with your mentee
• Be a consistent ear to listen
• Support your mentee to formulate realistic and achievable goals
• Support your mentee with the barriers they encounter and provide guidance on how to overcome these
• Support your mentee by using your professional expertise and knowledge of the sector to guide them
• Listen to the mentees’ concerns and work with them to overcome these
• Listen to your mentee’s ideas and give honest feedback on them
• Be a positive role model to your mentee

Specific duties:

• Arrange and attend monthly meetings with your mentees
• Set targets at the meetings and encourage your mentee to work towards those
• Provide practical support to help your mentee with their concerns and barriers to enable them to overcome them
• Keep a record of your meetings by completing the relevant paperwork after each meeting
• Ensure that notes of meetings are sent to your placement supervisor
• Attend monthly mentor meetings to hear group feedback, raise any concerns and learn from other mentors’ experiences

Perks and Benefits:

Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following E-Learning:

o Induction to the Forward Trust
o Safeguarding
o Data Protection & GDPR
o Health and Safety
]

Additional internal training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement to support you with your personal development goals. This may include: group facilitation skills, 12 Steps awareness. External training requests will need to be agreed with placement supervisor and submitted to Head Office for approval prior to completing a course.
 

Skills You'll Need

Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking from volunteer:

• If in Recovery from Addiction, to be 12 months abstinent from all mood altering substances. 
• To have the ability to engage effectively with the client group.
• To have a clear understanding of confidentiality.
• To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.
• To be able to communicate and actively listen to client’s concerns.
• To be able to treat clients in a positive and non-judgemental manner.
• To be committed to own learning and development
• To have experience of setting and managing your own business

About Kith & Kids
We provide activities, opportunities, information, and support for people with a learning disability or autism, their parents and siblings.
For all our projects and activities we are dependent on volunteers.

Our Spring Project
9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April, in north London

We are currently looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers, to join us on our fantastic fun-filled Spring Social Development Project.

Volunteers and our members who have disabilities get to know each other as they take part in fun and challenging workshops including sports & games, arts & crafts, cooking and enjoying a day out in London.

What you'll do
On the project you and a fellow volunteer will be paired with one of our members with a learning disability or autism. You'll support and encourage them to take part in a wide range of activities led by professional therapists and workshop leaders.

Our core activities are sports & games, arts & crafts, drama, and music. Previous additional workshops have also included photography, football and cooking and you’ll plan your own exciting outing around London with a fellow volunteer and the Kith & Kids member you're linked with.

Not only is it a time full of fun and games for you and our members, but you are also a vital part in supporting our members to develop their social skills in a day-to-day environment.

Come along and get involved!

Male volunteers especially welcome (we need more – women too)!!

Requirements

What you need
You do not need experience. Full disability awareness training will be provided before you begin volunteering with us.
The only requirements we ask of you are enthusiasm, energy and to be open-minded.
Minimum age for volunteers is 18.

How much time?
The project runs for 5 days, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Sat 28th March – Wed 1st April.
Everyone gets the most out of the project if you come for the full five days as you'll build a close relationship with the member you'll have been supporting and will create the most impact.

What we can offer you
We can reimburse your travel expenses and provide a delicious lunch each day.
We'll also provide excellent training before the project, and lots of helpful support.

By volunteering on our project, you'll also:

• Use and develop your skills
• Learn something new, get involved in fun activities with others
• Increase your confidence
• Meet new people and make friends
• Gain experience for (other) work
• Give something back to the community
• Do something fun and satisfying in your spare time
• Challenge yourself
   

What about training?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before you begin volunteering.

This is a great opportunity to get to know everyone at Kith & Kids: your fellow volunteers, some of our members you will be working with, and gives the opportunity to develop some new skills and expand your knowledge in our workshops.

Topics we cover include:

• Communication
• Autism
• Supporting emotions
• Safeguarding
• Creativity & Participation
• Epilepsy
   

When do I need to come?
Volunteers must attend two training sessions and complete a free DBS check before taking part.

We'll be running face-to-face training in north London starting on the 15th February with lots of other dates to choose from.

In the meantime, we'll be meeting volunteers online from mid-January.

Training will take place in North London – once we have met you online for a chat, we will send you confirmation of our training venue details.

Just sign up and you'll receive details of what to do next.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Overview of the role

Warrington Foodbank are seeking someone to take the lead in organising and  monitoring the work of our Board of Trustees, liaising between members to ensure our strategy and operations remain on track. As our Secretary of Trustees you will lead the administrative duties of the Board of Trustees, ensuring that its activities are conducted within the legal requirements, with board meetings being properly administered.

Responsibilities

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the food bank and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. 

The Secretary of Trustees is responsible for leading on the administrative duties of the food bank and Board of Trustees. They will ensure that the foodbank’s activities are conducted within legal requirements, and that board meetings are properly administered. The Secretary will also lead on the development and management of policy schedules, ensuring that the Board of Trustees are aware and kept up to date regarding their legal, regulatory, and governance responsibilities.

Key tasks:

• to ensure that there is a record of all Trustee Board correspondence to ensure that details of Trustee meetings are circulated to the board together with minutes of the previous meeting and any other instructions in good time to ensure the trustee board meets its legal obligations, including reporting, meeting charity and company law, as well as insurance requirements

• to ensure all relevant stakeholders are informed of the annual general meeting (AGM)

• to ensure that the annual report (to accompany the annual accounts) is produced and sent to the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales).

Other responsibilities, along with the Board of Trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives 

• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity

• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate

• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately

• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated

• to review and approve financial statements 

• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries

• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection

• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

About you:

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate: 

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of Warrington Foodbank 

• previous experience or an ability in:

  • secretarial or administrative work

  • managing project and keeping them on schedule

  • coordinating the activities of a group or individual

• add any further essential qualities the food bank is looking for, to fit in with any strategic objectives the food bank may have.

Benefits of volunteering:

• feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us

• meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community

• building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our food bank

• bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision

• gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships.

Impact of your role

By leading on the administrative matters of the food bank board, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with Warrington Foodbank.

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training. 

Please Note:

• You must be 16 or over and must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee.

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office.

• This is a voluntary position.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just some spare time occasionally, and an ability to get on with people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Helper?

SSAFA Helpers provide support to local SSAFA branches, so that the service to veterans and their families can run smoothly. Perhaps you could help out at an event, take care of some office admin, or give a talk about SSAFA?

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

We have peak times throughout the year when we need extra volunteers. Whether you enjoy organising behind the scenes or being out meeting the public, we need people who can offer some time on a flexible basis.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role will suit you if you are looking to volunteer on a flexible basis as and when you are available, and we need extra help. You may be based in an office, at home, or out and about at events.

What would you be doing?

• Helping at public events by staffing stalls, stewarding etc
• Helping to distribute Christmas hampers to clients.
• Giving talks about SSAFA to schools and local groups
• Helping with office tasks like stuffing envelopes, ordering marketing materials

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Support people in your community with a military background
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local induction
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with a cheerful attitude
• Good spoken English
• Ability to represent SSAFA and its values to potential clients, their families, other agencies, potential volunteers and potential funders.
• Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to safeguarding, giving advice etc.
• Reliable attitude, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to transport if needed for your role.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities to have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No