Victim focus manager volunteer roles

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role

As a Community Support Volunteer you will: 

As a Community Support Volunteer, you will complete face-to-face befriending activities with service users. You need to be able to travel around the locality in which you live to be able to do this. Ideally, you will be able to commit to a minimum of 1/2 a day (3-4 hours) of volunteering per week on a flexible basis, with the option to increase.

You will be working alongside our team of community link workers.

There may also be the opportunity to also attend different community events to advertise the service.

There will be full training opportunities to ensure that you are successful in your volunteering role, as well as regular check-in meetings.

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

It’s essentials to have the following:

• Lived experience of mental illness, whether that is caring for someone else or yourself.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Flexibility.
• Experience of working with people in some way, whether formally through employment or informally working as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills.
• Reliability and good timekeeping.
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.

Although it’s not essential, you may also have:

• Experience of supporting someone with ill mental health / mental illness.
• Good knowledge of your local area and organisations. 

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role  

As a Peer Support Volunteer you will have lived experience of mental health and support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved. You will bring added skills and experience to our service and add real value to our team. You will provide additional support at our Peer Support group sessions. This could be, for example, by empathising with potential clients about the difficulties that having a mental health problem can create, helping to set up the room, explaining the services that are on offer and how these can be accessed, putting people who are anxious at ease by welcoming them. Peer volunteers can also co-facilitate groups based on personal skills and experience. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 3 hours per week. 

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role. 

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness. 

As a Peer Support Volunteer you will: 

• Support the Peer Support Workers to run the group sessions e.g. by helping to set up the room and by welcoming people 

• Help to create a safe space where people can share as much or as little as they wish to about their experiences 

• Foster the principles of co-production 

• Signpost people to services in the local area that meets their needs 

• Describe and explain services that are on offer from Rethink Mental Illness and other local community assets that can provide help and advice relevant to people's needs 

• Support the development of drop-in sessions at various locations across the locality 

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

• Lived experience of mental health 

• Ability to support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved 

• Ability to empathise with others 

• Good communication skills 

• Reliable and punctual 

It's not essential, but you may also bring: 

• Knowledge of the local area 

• Knowledge of services that can be accessed 

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

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.