Social welfare volunteer roles

Are you passionate about helping women build their lives beyond crisis? We are recruiting for volunteers to support victims of Domestic Abuse on a 1 to 1 basis. This is a chance to empower other inspirational women by building their confidence and teaching them new Educational and employment skills in order to achieve their ambitions and goals. You will be supporting women and children to rebuild their lives free from fear!

What you will be doing

• To develop and promote a positive relationship with the service user through regular F2F meetings and phone calls, and facilitate their journey to achieve their goals that align with the aims of the Economic, Empowerment and Security Project.
• To support the service user in developing their educational and vocational aspirations, applying to university, translating previously held qualifications, helping with UCAS applications, researching relevant courses and colleges, helping with English and developing language skills OR/AND,
• To support the service user in developing their career goals and employment skills, including CV building, interviewing skills, work experience and job search.
• To encourage the service user to attend Economic, Empowerment and Security events ran by Hestia’s volunteering team.
• To encourage the service user to engage in further external and internal educational training and activities and supporting them in doing so.
• Manage appropriate boundaries

The skills you need

• Compassionate, caring and patient nature
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Knowledge on educational opportunities in the UK, where to look, what is available.
• Knowledge on useful employment and job search skills
• Good communication skills

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

As a Community Outreach Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping people in Havering know where to turn when they need urgent mental health support. You’ll be out and about in the community spreading the word about the Havering Crisis Café — chatting to local people, connecting with community centres, faith groups and local organisations, and sharing information through leaflets and posters. This is a great role for someone confident, friendly and passionate about making support more visible and accessible in the community.

What you will be doing

• Promoting the Havering Crisis Café within the local community
• Visiting community centres, libraries, GP surgeries, faith settings and other local spaces
• Handing out leaflets and displaying posters
• Helping build positive relationships with local organisations and community groups
• Feeding back any insights, questions or community needs to the team

The skills you need

• Friendly, approachable and confident talking to new people
• An interest in mental health, wellbeing and community support
• Good communication skills and a respectful, non judgemental approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our cats in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about feline welfare.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Communicating with others including newsletter, social media and website volunteers
• Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
• Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
• Liaising with your volunteer group and our Head Office to organise media campaigns
• Responding to local media requests if required

Time expectation 

Our publicity team leaders usually spend 3 to 4 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

There are currently four Committees that report directly to the Board of Trustees, one of them is the Safeguarding Committee, of which you will be a member. The Safeguarding Committee provides assurance, advice and recommendations to the Board on safeguarding matters.

The Committee provides strategic leadership, ownership and oversight of The Scout Association (TSA)’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and ensures that safeguarding policies, procedures and practice remain fit for purpose and sector leading in protecting young people in Scouting.

The Committee also provides strategic oversight, challenge and assurance in relation to TSA’s safeguarding arrangements, including the safeguarding of adults where relevant.

Independent Members bring external expertise, independent scrutiny and constructive challenge to support the Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities. The role is not operational: it is a strategic governance and assurance role, focused on strengthening oversight, improving learning and helping Scouts respond effectively to current and emerging safeguarding risks.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provide strategic advice, challenge and independent scrutiny to support the Committee in discharging its responsibilities.

· Assist the Committee in ensuring that Scouts remains at the forefront of safeguarding practice and development.

· Review safeguarding performance information, assurance reports, learning reports and risk information to support effective oversight.

· Contribute to the Committee’s review of safeguarding assurance activity, quality assurance findings, thematic reviews, and organisational learning arising from safeguarding incidents and case reviews.

· Contribute to the development and review of safeguarding policies, procedures, guidance and assurance arrangements.

· Help identify emerging safeguarding risks and opportunities affecting young people, volunteers and the wider organisation.

· Support the Committee’s oversight of safeguarding culture, organisational learning and continuous improvement.

· Participate in monitoring and reviewing safeguarding risks delegated to the Committee by the Board.

· Contribute to discussions on strategic priorities and future safeguarding developments across Scouting.

· Act as an advocate for excellent safeguarding practice and a culture that places the safety and wellbeing of young people at its centre.

THE PERSON

Skills

· Communicate effectively with senior volunteers, trustees, staff and external stakeholders.

· Analyse complex information and exercise sound judgement.

· Provide constructive challenge and independent scrutiny.

· Contribute effectively within a strategic committee environment.

· Work collaboratively while maintaining independence of thought.

· Quickly develop an understanding of Scouts, its governance arrangements and safeguarding framework.

EXPERIENCE

The Committee is particularly seeking candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas.

· Priority area: substantial expertise in digital safeguarding, including online safety, digital harms, safeguarding in online environments, social media risks, emerging technology risks and child protection risks associated with digital platforms.

· Additional areas of interest: family law, social care practice or leadership, child protection and safeguarding within statutory services, law enforcement experience relating to safeguarding, horizon scanning, regulatory or inspection environments, quality assurance, or safeguarding within youth, education, faith or voluntary sector settings.

CHARECTERISTICS

· Commitment to the purpose and values of Scouts.

· Strong personal integrity and sound judgement.

· Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

· Ability to operate strategically and objectively.

· Sufficient time available to fulfil the role.

TIME COMMITMENT AND MEETINGS

The Safeguarding Committee normally meets four times per year, with three meetings held virtually and one longer meeting held face-to-face. Members will also be expected to read papers in advance of meetings and may occasionally be consulted between meetings on specific matters.

Applicants should expect to spend around two days per quarter on Committee business after the induction phase, including preparation, attendance and follow-up activity.

APPOINTMENT TERM

Appointments will normally be for an initial three-year term, subject to a six-month review, with the possibility of reappointment for a further term by mutual agreement.

REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role. The Scout Association will reimburse reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing the role in accordance with its Expenses Policy.

We are looking for a dedicated and well-organised press volunteer who can assist our team with various communication tasks!

Main duties will include:

• Publishing news and reports about developments at Plateful Cafe, which is due to open in May
• Announcing and promoting events organised by our team through local press, radio, Lewisham Council and other organisations
• Writing stories for the website, funding applications and reports
• Creating content for our social media accounts

Requirements:

• A good writer and storyteller
• Contacts with the press
• Prior experience in communication

Could you spare a little time each week to help older people use smartphones, tablets, laptops, the NHS App, GP online services, email, video calls and more?

Age UK Birmingham is looking for friendly, patient volunteers to support local people with digital skills, online confidence and staying safe from scams.

We have two locations:

�� Oscott Community Centre — Tuesdays, 12:00–13:30
�� Oldbury Library — Wednesdays, 11:00–13:00

For more detailed information, please see below:

About the Service

The Digital Support service offers free, personalised assistance through one-to-one, group, or virtual sessions, tailored to each individual’s needs and pace. It supports people in getting started with smartphones, tablets, and laptops, setting up and using online services such as shopping platforms and health apps, and staying connected with family and friends through messaging, video calls, and social media. The service also helps individuals build confidence online, protect personal information, and recognise and avoid scams, phishing messages, and fake websites.

Support is available for a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets (such as iPads), smartphones (Android or iPhone), and other everyday digital technology. Whether someone is completely new to digital or looking to develop their skills, the service helps them get online, set up and manage email accounts, use apps and online services, and explore new digital tools in a simple, friendly, and supportive way.

About the Role

As an Age UK Digital support volunteer, you'll receive training to aid older individuals in improving their digital skills and confidence, with particular focus on digital health. This can include access to the NHS app or local GP surgery online portals. Your role includes understanding their online barriers and helping to overcome them.

Specific tasks may include:

· Work with older people in group sessions to develop their digital skills and confidence online.

· Get to know the older people you support to understand the individual barriers they face.

· Some set-up of the room may be required as well as handing out equipment

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

· Strong listener and clear, friendly communicator who adapts to different learners

· Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, and laptops

· Confident with common operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows), though not all are required

· Skilled in everyday online tasks like messaging, email, browsing, video calls and Apps, e.g the NHS App,

· Careful and detail-oriented when handling older people’s information, with awareness of data privacy.

What the role can offer you

• As a digital volunteer, you will be part of creating a supportive project to people who will benefit

• The role is an opportunity to connect with and support your local community

• You will meet with new people who care about the same things

• Build skills to enhance your CV

• You will make a real difference to people’s lives

Additional Information

Full training is provided which will consist of a variety of both online and in-person training. You will receive CORE modules in the form of a training booklet during registration, plus additional training via your line manager once you have started to perform your role safely and effectively.

Could you spare a little time each week to help older people use smartphones, tablets, laptops, the NHS App, GP online services, email, video calls and more?

Age UK Birmingham is looking for friendly, patient volunteers to support local people with digital skills, online confidence and staying safe from scams.

We have two locations:

�� Oscott Community Centre — Tuesdays, 12:00–13:30
�� Oldbury Library — Wednesdays, 11:00–13:00

For more detailed information, please see below:

About the Service

The Digital Support service offers free, personalised assistance through one-to-one, group, or virtual sessions, tailored to each individual’s needs and pace. It supports people in getting started with smartphones, tablets, and laptops, setting up and using online services such as shopping platforms and health apps, and staying connected with family and friends through messaging, video calls, and social media. The service also helps individuals build confidence online, protect personal information, and recognise and avoid scams, phishing messages, and fake websites.

Support is available for a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets (such as iPads), smartphones (Android or iPhone), and other everyday digital technology. Whether someone is completely new to digital or looking to develop their skills, the service helps them get online, set up and manage email accounts, use apps and online services, and explore new digital tools in a simple, friendly, and supportive way.

About the Role

As an Age UK Digital support volunteer, you'll receive training to aid older individuals in improving their digital skills and confidence, with particular focus on digital health. This can include access to the NHS app or local GP surgery online portals. Your role includes understanding their online barriers and helping to overcome them.

Specific tasks may include:

· Work with older people in group sessions to develop their digital skills and confidence online.

· Get to know the older people you support to understand the individual barriers they face.

· Some set-up of the room may be required as well as handing out equipment

Personal qualities and skills most suited to this role

· Strong listener and clear, friendly communicator who adapts to different learners

· Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, and laptops

· Confident with common operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows), though not all are required

· Skilled in everyday online tasks like messaging, email, browsing, video calls and Apps, e.g the NHS App,

· Careful and detail-oriented when handling older people’s information, with awareness of data privacy.

What the role can offer you

• As a digital volunteer, you will be part of creating a supportive project to people who will benefit

• The role is an opportunity to connect with and support your local community

• You will meet with new people who care about the same things

• Build skills to enhance your CV

•You will make a real difference to people’s lives

Additional Information

Full training is provided which will consist of a variety of both online and in-person training. You will receive CORE modules in the form of a training booklet during registration, plus additional training via your line manager once you have started to perform your role safely and effectively.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Furzedown Youth Centre. Welham Rd, London SW16 6TJ

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

130 Primrose is a charity restaurant in Primrose Hill using hospitality as a vehicle for change- recruiting, training and employing people with lived experience of homelessness.

In just 12 months, we’ve already supported individuals into paid work, qualifications, and long-term employment pathways. Now, we’re entering an exciting growth phase, with ambitions to scale our model to new sites and reach significantly more people. 

We’re seeking a Strategic Finance Trustee to join our board and help guide this next stage- bringing commercial insight, financial clarity, and strategic challenge as we grow.

About the Role

This is a strategic, non-operational trustee position for a senior finance leader who can translate financial insight into clear, practical decision-making.

You’ll work closely with the Chair, CEO, and Board to ensure our model is financially sustainable, scalable, and impactful- supporting both our social mission and our trading activity.

Our model combines earned income (restaurant operations) with social impact, making financial leadership a critical lever for success.

What You’ll Do

• Support the Board on financial strategy, planning, and risk oversight
• Challenge and refine forecasting and cashflow planning (12–36 months)
• Strengthen financial visibility (P&L, balance sheet, cash) for operational teams
• Advise on unit economics, including menu margins, labour model, and cost control
• Improve budgeting, KPIs, and scenario modelling to support growth (e.g. new sites)
• Contribute to funding strategy, including grants, partnerships, and social investment
• Help establish and potentially chair a Finance & Risk Committee
• Ensure strong governance, compliance, and financial controls
• Act as a critical friend- supporting and constructively challenging leadership

About You

We’re looking for a senior finance leader (e.g. CFO, Finance Director, or equivalent) who brings:

• Significant experience leading financial strategy within complex organisations
• Strong understanding of forecasting, cashflow, and scenario planning
• Ability to translate financial complexity into clear, actionable insight
• A commercial mindset with empathy for social impact
• Experience of governance and working at board or executive level

Desirable:

• Experience in hospitality, multi-site operations, or customer-led businesses
• Exposure to social enterprise, scaling organisations, or blended income models

Time Commitment

• Approx. 1–2 days per month
• Monthly board meetings (hybrid, typically evenings)
• Quarterly Finance & Risk Committee meetings
• Occasional ad hoc support and review of papers
• Initial term: 3 years (renewable)

Why Join Us?

• Shape the growth of a high-potential, mission-led organisation
• Apply your expertise to a scalable social enterprise model
• Join a committed, ambitious, and values-driven board
• Play a direct role in helping people rebuild their lives through work
• Contribute to changing perceptions of homelessness through employment

Apply

Please submit:

• Your CV
• A short cover note (max 500 words) outlining your interest and relevant experience

We are looking for a film maker who will be able to join us at our food and music events, film and create short highlight clips to share on social media (see our instagram page for ideas).

What will you be doing?

• Filming videos on-site with your equipment.
• Conducting short interviews with guests and the team to create content.
• Contribute new ideas and creativity welcome to showcase and promote Plateful Cafe.

Requirements:

• Basic video editing ability
• A decent camera/phone

Join Our Board - Help shape the future of Merton’s vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Merton Connected is seeking two to three new trustees to join us at an exciting time of growth.

Merton's voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith sector is full of energy, ideas and people determined to make a difference. As the borough's infrastructure charity, Merton Connected sits right at the heart of it: connecting, supporting and championing the organisations that support local people every day.

Now we want you to help shape what comes next.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking people who bring curiosity, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to inclusive community development. Whether this would be your first governance role or you've supported other boards before, what matters most is your perspective and your willingness to engage.

We're particularly keen to hear from people with insight or experience in:

• Charity management
• Public health, health and social care integration, or partnership working between statutory and VCS organisations
• Marketing and communications
• Digital and AI operations
• Income generation and fundraising
• Impact and performance measurement

We also warmly welcome applicants with diverse lived experience, fresh perspectives, and a strong connection to Merton. There's no single profile we're looking for, and different viewpoints make us stronger.

What you'll be doing

As a trustee, you'll help shape our strategy, strengthen good governance, and champion the voices of local organisations and residents. You'll join a collaborative, supportive board that works closely with our leadership team to ensure Merton's voluntary, community and faith sector continues to thrive.

What you'll gain

• The chance to influence local priorities and make a meaningful difference to people's lives
• Insight into how a well-connected, values-driven infrastructure charity works from the inside
• Opportunities to share your knowledge and develop your own strategic and leadership skills
• A place on a welcoming, inclusive board committed to learning and collective impact

The practical bit

Time commitment: 4–6 meetings per year (including strategy days), with occasional subgroups or events
Support offered: A full induction is provided, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

We are actively seeking to expand our board and hope to make at least two trustee appointments over the next two months.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may appoint additional trustees where their skills and experience complement the board.

Ready to find out more?

Please apply with your CV and a few screening questions

We are seeking a volunteer to support our fundraising team by researching new corporate partnership opportunities and helping to build a pipeline of prospective business supporters.

The volunteer will identify companies whose values and CSR, ESG, employee engagement or charitable giving objectives align with Housing for Women’s mission. The role will focus on researching Charity of the Year partnerships, strategic corporate collaborations, sponsorship opportunities and corporate volunteering programmes.

The volunteer will play a key role in maintaining and developing a pipeline of prospective corporate supporters, helping Housing for Women create new income-generating and engagement opportunities.

Caritas Young Parents’ Service offers accommodation-based support to young parents and their children who have experienced chaotic and/or unsafe lifestyles. We aim to keep families together and equip them with the tools they need to move on to independent living. We provide a safe space for parents to confidently parent their child.

We show parents how to play with their babies and toddlers to help them to develop new skills through guided play sessions and story times. We run skills and wellbeing sessions for the parents to help them develop independent living skills, such as how to cook on a budget.

We are excited to advertise for a new volunteer that can help deliver these activities, so if you have any skills that you are not utilising, you might be just who we are looking for.

What you will be doing

• Supporting the staff-led delivery of creative age-appropriate activities for the children, wellbeing-focused sessions for the parents and getting involved with the activities and sessions organised by staff.
• Supporting staff led activities focused on day-to-day tasks that will increase confidence, such as basic cookery sessions
• Empathising with young people experiencing parenthood for the first time.
• Volunteers are required to follow all Caritas safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries policies at all times. Any concerns about the welfare of any of the children or adults who use the services must be acted upon in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.
• Volunteers be responsible to the Service Manager who would organise their induction and ongoing supervision.
• Volunteers would be expected to ensure the confidentiality of the people who use the service, and not share any information relating to them outside of the service team.
• Volunteers will be working alongside a member of staff - either the service manager or a project worker. Once a volunteer is confident and the manager is happy with their approach then they may be left to complete a play session, for example, but they would not be working alone in the building.
• This role requires a commitment of 5 to 10 hours per week. The role is open ended not fixed term.

The skills you need

• Empathy
• Good listener
• Good communication skills
• Patience
• Respect
• Some residents may have experienced trauma, homelessness, abuse or family breakdown. Volunteers should be comfortable working in a sensitive and supportive environment.

What's in it for you

• Opportunity to use your experience and skills to support people in your communities to whom your support matters.
• Growing confidence and esteem
• Full induction and training
• Further training opportunities

Disclaimer

Please read before applying: As part of the safer recruitment process, we will be requesting an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and two references for this role. Having a criminal record is not necessarily a bar to volunteering within the organisation. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and the background of the offences. Prior to starting with us you will be required to complete mandatory online training modules.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

There are currently four Committees that report directly to the Board of Trustees, one of them is the Safeguarding Committee, of which you will be a member.

The Safeguarding Committee provides assurance, advice, and recommendations to the Board on safeguarding matters.

The Committee provides strategic leadership, ownership and oversight of The Scout Association (TSA)’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and ensures that safeguarding policies, procedures and practice remain fit for purpose and sector leading in protecting young people in Scouting.

The Committee also provides strategic oversight, challenge and assurance in relation to TSA’s safeguarding arrangements, including the safeguarding of adults where relevant.

The Independent Member aged 18-24 brings a young adult perspective to Committee discussions and helps ensure that the experiences, views and needs of young people are considered in safeguarding strategy, policy, practice and assurance. The role is not operational: it is a strategic governance and assurance role, with support, induction and mentoring provided.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provide a young adult perspective to Committee discussions and decision-making.

· Ensure that the perspectives, experiences and voices of young people are reflected in safeguarding discussions, policy development and Committee decision-making.

· Help ensure the experiences and views of young people are considered in safeguarding strategy, policy and practice.

· Contribute to discussions on safeguarding risk, assurance, organisational learning and continuous improvement.

· Support the Committee’s consideration of emerging safeguarding issues affecting young people, including risks in online and digital environments.

· Assist the Committee in reviewing safeguarding performance, learning and assurance information.

· Contribute to the Committee’s review of safeguarding assurance activity, quality assurance findings, thematic reviews, and organisational learning arising from safeguarding incidents and case reviews.

· Contribute ideas and constructive challenge to help improve safeguarding across Scouts.

· Support the Committee in ensuring safeguarding arrangements remain fit for purpose and responsive to changing risks.

THE PERSON

Skills

· Communicate confidently and respectfully with a range of audiences.

· Listen carefully and contribute effectively in meetings.

· Analyse information, ask constructive questions and share views clearly.

· Work collaboratively as part of a committee.

· Develop a broad understanding of Scouts, its governance arrangements and safeguarding practice.

Experience

No previous committee experience is required. The Committee is looking for someone who can demonstrate some of the following.

· An interest in safeguarding and the welfare of young people.

· An interest in digital safeguarding, online safety, digital harms, social media risks or emerging technologies.

· Experience of volunteering, leadership or participation in youth organisations.

· Experience of representing the views of young people or contributing to youth voice activity.

· Education, employment or voluntary experience connected to safeguarding, social care, criminology, law, psychology, education, digital technology, online safety or related fields.

 Characteristics

· Aged 18-24 at the time of appointment.

· Passionate about helping create safer environments for young people.

· Commitment to the values and purpose of Scouts.

· Curiosity, willingness to learn and readiness to contribute.

· Sufficient time available to fulfil the role.

TIME COMMITMENT AND MEETINGS

The Safeguarding Committee normally meets four times per year, with three meetings held virtually and one longer meeting held face-to-face. The appointed member will be expected to read papers in advance and contribute to discussions during meetings. Support, induction and mentoring will be provided.

Applicants should expect to spend around two days per quarter on Committee business after the induction phase, including preparation, attendance and follow-up activity.

APPOINTMENT TERM

Appointments will normally be for three years, subject to a six-month review, and may be extended by mutual agreement provided the individual remains within the 18-24 age range at the start of any subsequent term.

REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role. The Scout Association will reimburse reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing the role in accordance with its Expenses Policy.