Work experience development officer volunteer roles

If you share the belief in the transformative power of education, bring your experience and knowledge of post-16 education to help Derwentside College realise its vision of creating positive futures for its learners, community and region.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 2nd March 2026

Location: Consett, County Durham

About Derwentside College

Derwentside College is not your traditional FE college.

Located in a semi-rural location, high on the edge of the Pennines, the College is based on a single site in the heart of the town of Consett. We offer a diverse range of provision to young people and adults from across the local, predominantly rural, community. We currently deliver education and training to around 4,000 learners across over 200 courses, supported by around 170 staff.

Whilst we deliver a broad range of 16-18 classroom-based provision, including construction, engineering, hairdressing, beauty therapy, catering, health and social care and digital technology, along with maths and English, the majority of our students, 55%, gain their education through apprenticeships. Our differing mode of delivery is one of the things that sets us apart from other colleges across the northeast of England. Indeed, through this, we deliver more apprenticeships than other local colleges.

Graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2022, and with a refreshed strategic plan that will take us to 2031, we have a firm base from which to progress with our ambitions for growth, development and excellence.

About the role

Our board is led by our Chair, David Allsop, who has worked tirelessly with our Principal & CEO, Chris Todd, and other colleagues across our leadership team and board to refocus our direction and culture and to grow our aspirations as a college.

Part of this process has seen David and Chris work together to build a renewed sense of collegiality across our board. We have appointed several new and experienced members, successful experts in their respective fields who are already offering a new level of challenge, scrutiny and support. This is resulting in driving a more inclusive culture of successful governance.

Given the depth of our ambitions and considering our future strategic priorities, we are now seeking to recruit a further governor to our board.

Who we are looking for

To achieve our organisational aims, our board must continue to consist of experts and experienced professionals who can provide the appropriate levels of challenge and questioning to enable us to grow, develop and improve.

Following recent successful governor recruitment and further consideration of the expertise we need across our board, we have identified that it would be helpful to us to deepen the education expertise within our membership.

We will welcome applications from candidates with:

• Expertise in the areas of FE quality improvement and assurance
• Experience as a senior leader of FE curriculum and more broadly, FE institutions
• Experience and knowledge of inspection and compliance requirements relating to the FE sector
• Extensive experience as a strategic leader within the post-16 sector
• Experience of the development of study programme for young people and/or adult learning

We seek candidates who can bring their professional expertise to scrutinise our practice and offer insights on how we can be more innovative in this area of our delivery.

Peridot Partners and Derwentside College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 2nd March 2026

About Us

The International Humanity Foundation (IHF) is a 501(c)(3) international non-profit

organization founded in 2001. We provide education and safe Children's Homes to

impoverished children in Indonesia, Kenya, and Thailand through our five IHF Centers.

Our Mission

1. Educate Marginalized Children: Activate their highest potential and nurture

loving communities. The happiness of our world's children rises above all political

and religious differences and equates to the quality of our world's happiness

tomorrow.

2. Educate Global Citizens: Through communication and real-life experiences,

both online and in person, we teach about the realities of marginalized

communities and impart practical skills for aiding needed efforts, thus giving a

voice to the voiceless.

Our Vision

“To develop global leaders with cross-cultural experiences and respect for different

cultures from varying socioeconomic backgrounds, equipped to make decisions that

serve, positively impact, promote, and protect the dignity and humanity of people

everywhere.”

Volunteer Role

We are looking for dedicated volunteers to join our team at the IHF Indonesia Center in

Bali. Volunteers will gain invaluable experience in international team leadership,

coordination of center activities, and engagement with the local community.

Responsibilities

● Participate in rotational assignments in the core components of the International

○ Center operations

○ Legalities

○ Community development

○ Finance

○ Fundraising

○ Media and communications

○ And more

● Assist in coordinating center activities

● Report to the CEO and Center Directors

What We Offer

● Accommodation: Room with bed and mattress provided.

● Electricity and Wi-Fi: Stable network to carry on online tasks.

● Global Leadership Development (GLD): A one-year training program equipping

you with skills to run an international organization as a director.

● Stipend:

○ $35/month for the first 3 months

○ $65/month for months 4-6

○ $85/month for months 7-9

○ $100/month for months 10-12

● Potential Employment: After one year of successfully completing the GLD

training, volunteers may be considered for employment positions within the

organization, if available.

Requirements

● Minimum of a high school diploma

● Basic computer knowledge

● Smartphone for communication

● Valid police clearance/good conduct certificate issued by the government

● Fluent in English

● Able to use Zoom

● Honest, well-behaved individual with no criminal record

● Ability to work with children and adhere to both national and international laws

governing our operations

Join Us

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of marginalized children and

eager to develop your leadership skills in a global context, we invite you to apply for this

rewarding volunteer position. Help us build a brighter future, one child and one community at a time 

Are you committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing of survivors and marginalised communities through culturally informed therapeutic practices? Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a skilled Clinical Lead, Cultural & Emotional Therapy Liaison to join our founding volunteer team. This critical role ensures that all clinical and therapeutic support offered to members is safe, effective, culturally responsive, and aligned with the CIC’s survivor-led, values-driven mission.

As Clinical Lead, you will provide professional oversight, guidance, and liaison for all cultural and emotional therapy initiatives within the organisation. You will work closely with membership, engagement, and programme teams to ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally competent, and responsive to the needs of survivors, young people, and marginalised communities. This role blends strategic leadership, operational management, and community-facing support to build safe, transformative, and accessible therapy systems.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Professional qualification and current registration in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling, or a closely related discipline (e.g. HCPC, BACP, UKCP, BABCP, or equivalent)
• Demonstrable experience providing trauma-informed therapeutic support, with strong understanding of how trauma, culture, identity, and systemic factors affect emotional wellbeing
• Proven ability to deliver or advise on culturally competent practice with diverse cultural, ethnic, faith-based, and marginalised communities
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding frameworks, risk management, and ethical practice within clinical, voluntary, and community-based settings
• Working understanding of GDPR and data protection principles, particularly relating to confidential health and safeguarding information
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or providing reflective practice to clinical practitioners, facilitators, or volunteers (including non-clinical staff delivering emotional support)
• Ability to assess risk, respond calmly to complex or sensitive situations, and provide clear, proportionate clinical guidance
• Strong organisational skills, balancing strategic oversight with operational input in a volunteer or resource-limited environment
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain clinical concepts to non-clinical audiences and work collaboratively across teams
• Experience working with survivors of abuse, trauma, exploitation, or systemic harm, and/or within grassroots, community-focused, or voluntary sector organisations
• High levels of professional integrity, emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and commitment to inclusive, ethical care

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Role assumes senior-level competence; scope may evolve with organisational growth

Qualifications

• Current professional qualification and registration with a recognised regulatory body (as listed above)

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Provide strategic and hands-on clinical oversight to ensure the effective delivery of culturally informed emotional and therapeutic services. Ensure that programmes are safe, ethical, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of members.
• Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of emotional wellbeing and therapeutic services, ensuring that interventions are culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and aligned with the organisation’s mission and values. This includes supporting programme design, session structures, referral pathways, and evaluation frameworks to promote positive member outcomes.
• Liaise closely with therapists, facilitators, programme leads, and safeguarding officers to ensure consistent alignment with clinical governance, ethical frameworks, safeguarding policies, and professional standards. Provide expert consultation on complex cultural considerations, trauma impacts, emotional safety, and effective engagement strategies, particularly for members from marginalised or under-served communities.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, training, and supervision of therapy facilitators and volunteers. Advising on role suitability, contributing to training content, offering reflective supervision, and promoting best practice in boundaries, self-care, and ethical decision-making.
• Review and approve therapy protocols, session guidelines, risk assessments, and safeguarding procedures, ensuring they are clinically sound, culturally sensitive, and proportionate to the needs and risks of the service users. Ensure that all therapeutic activity complies with relevant professional regulatory standards, safeguarding legislation, and data protection requirements, including GDPR.
• Monitor member wellbeing outcomes, qualitative feedback, and service impact data to inform continuous improvement, learning, and programme development. This includes identifying trends, risks, or unmet needs and advising on appropriate service adaptations.
• As the primary clinical point of contact, the role holder will provide professional oversight for complex cases, escalations, or member concerns that require clinical judgement, risk management, or safeguarding intervention, working collaboratively with internal teams and external professionals where required.

What This Role Offers You:

• Leadership experience in shaping culturally-informed clinical and therapeutic services.
• Opportunity to influence the wellbeing and recovery of survivors and vulnerable community members.
• Personal and professional growth through working in a values-led, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred environment.
• The satisfaction of building safe, effective, and transformative support systems that align with community needs.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking traditional, hierarchical clinical roles without collaborative or community-facing responsibilities.
• Those unwilling to work within a survivor-centred, anti-capitalist, and culturally responsive framework.
• People expecting rigid structures or hands-off supervision—this role requires active leadership, decision-making, and engagement.

If you are ready to guide, shape, and oversee culturally-informed therapeutic support while making a tangible social impact, we want to hear from you. Apply now and become a key leader in building safe, transformative systems for survivors and communities.

A Final Word

Care is always about people, never just processes.

Trust grows through compassion, professionalism, and accountability.
Confidentiality is part of safeguarding, not an afterthought.
Respect, cultural awareness, and emotional safety are what sustain meaningful therapeutic relationships.

About us:

Women in Sport exists to ensure that every girl and woman can experience the joy, fulfilment, and lifelong benefits of sport. We challenge gender inequality by exposing barriers, developing and promoting policies and solutions and inspiring change through collaboration and influence.

As we look to the future, we’re seeking women and men who share our belief that sport can transform lives - leaders ready to help us drive equality from the playground to the pitch, from grassroots to governance.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds, and from men who actively champion gender equality and can positively influence others to do the same.

We are keen to hear from women and men who have one (or more) of the following:

· Deep knowledge of, and credibility in, professional sport, either as an elite athlete or a coach

· An involvement in high level sports governance and regulation, ideally with existing government contacts

· Senior leadership experience in major corporations

· Expertise in film, media or digital storytelling to reach and inspire large audiences

· Involvement and experience of grassroots or sport for development

· Specialism in branding and marketing

Your role responsibilities will include:

· Developing and supporting Women in Sport's vision and strategy in line with its charitable purpose

· Collaborating with the Board and Executive team to ensure board effectiveness

· Ensuring robust governance, financial stewardship and risk management across the organisation

· Representing and championing Women in Sport by being an advocate and ambassador

· Being the guardian of our reputation seeking to ensure Women in Sport maintains its leading position in advocacy for women and girls in sport

· In partnership with other Trustees, providing guidance, support and challenge to the CEO and executive team

Key experience, skills and attributes required:

· Experience operating at Board in a non-executive or executive capacity

· Demonstrable ability of being a trusted advisor to a wide range of stakeholders, including executive management

· Detailed understanding of the boundaries which exist between the Executive and the Non-Executive

· Proven ability to provide strategic oversight of organisational performance and long-term planning

· Strong personal commitment to Women in Sport’s vision and purpose

· A demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Terms of Appointment:

· The equivalent of circa 8-12 days per year are required. This will include four Board meetings, as well as additional committee meetings and one strategy day per year and representing the organisation in an ambassadorial capacity

· All Women in Sport Trustee appointments are non-remunerated. Expenses are available for all WiS related work

· It is expected that new Trustees will commit for at least one term of three years

Please see the job description for a full list of responsibilities and the criteria required for this role. 

Space Youth Services offer a wide range of youth sessions across Devon, providing safe, inclusive spaces for young people aged 11-19. Whether it's at a youth centre (open access), online youth centre, SEND sessions, LGBTQ sessions, their OFSTED registered school 'Chances' or street-based youth activities, they create environments where young people can engage, learn, and connect. Their activities give young people "somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to talk to."

They operate from eight well equipped Youth and Community Centres across Devon, located in Bideford, Okehampton, Barnstaple, Tiverton, Exmouth, Exeter, Ottery St Mary, and Newton Abbot, as well as their alternative education school, Chances in Dawlish. They utilise a fleet of mobile youth buses to run their services and reach more young people.

Over 3000 young people directly used their services in the last year. Many more thousands are supported through their support to over 40 other youth organisations They have approximately 100 dedicated staff, most of whom are part time. Their annual turnover is approx. £3.5m.

They are now seeking to appoint a new independent Trustee and are looking for individuals who will rise to the challenge, be forward thinking and steer the future development of Space.

Trustee Responsibilities for Space Youth Services:

● Time Commitment: Attend a 2–3-hour evening meeting every other month and an annual strategy day.

● Work closely with the Chair and other Trustees during your term.

● Ensure Space follows its governing document and uses resources only for its stated objectives.

● Contribute to setting policy, guiding the CEO, and evaluating organisational performance.

● Also become a registered director of the company (limited by guarantee) via Companies House.

For this role we are keen to hear from people who has senior level experience in the following sectors:

● Human Resources

● Legal

● Finance

● Corporate or Commercial Business

First time Trustees are welcome to apply for this role.

As well as having a passion for the future for young people’s services, you will bring a determination to help drive organisational development and strategic direction in line with their charitable objectives. This is a rewarding role and represents a unique opportunity to be part of an exciting period of development for young people’s services across Devon and beyond.

For further details and to apply, please send your CV to Sandy Hinks, Head of Charity Practice quoting reference JO2630

Space Youth Services has retained Moon Exec Search to manage this campaign and are therefore unable to accept CVs from third party agencies. All CV’s and expression of interest received will be forwarded directly to Moon Exec Search for consideration.

About us:

H4All is working to advance the health and wellbeing of residents in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

This is done through our Community Champions programme, which is an initiative made up of organisations and local volunteers who promote positive wellbeing messaging and share healthcare information.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for committed volunteers who are interested in public health and meeting people in the community. As a Community Champion, you’ll be conducting community outreach, making new connections and supporting us with Community Health projects.

This is a meaningful opportunity to reduce health and social inequalities in the borough of Hillingdon, while gaining practical experience and benefiting from free training.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with the public as part of community outreach efforts, including attending our roadshow events and speaking with residents about health programs and activities. This role will take place at different locations and venues across the London Borough of Hillingdon.
• Support the community by providing information on health services, resources and support networks.
• Complete a monthly log detailing any health outreach undertaken.
• Assist in survey data collection.

Benefits for you:

• Free, specialised training and mentoring provided, enhancing personal and professional skills.
• Hands-on experience in health outreach and community engagement.
• Networking opportunities with healthcare professionals, community organisations and other volunteers.
• A chance to demonstrate your commitment to community health.

Training and support given:

Mandatory training:

• Online Safeguarding and Suicide Prevention courses
• Current healthcare messaging
• NHS blood pressure testing

Throughout your time volunteering with us, there will be additional online and in-person training that will be offered (depending on interest and projects we are running).

Expenses:

We can provide expenses for travel and parking at events or training.

Skills and attributes required:

• Strong desire to make a difference in the London Borough of Hillingdon and improve the local community’s health.
• Confidence in speaking with the public and engaging with diverse communities.
• Respectful of confidentiality and procedures.
• Empathetic and understanding of others’ cultures, beliefs and backgrounds.

Desirable:

• Ability to speak a community language [e.g. Somali, Punjabi, Polish, Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, Mandarin, Spanish] would be beneficial.
• Previous experience in community health or outreach would be beneficial.

Commitment required:

• Full induction and Mandatory online courses, as well as Blood pressure checks training before starting your volunteering.
• Attend relevant training when offered.
• We ask for a commitment of 6 months due to free training and individual support/development offered to our volunteers.
• This is a flexible role, and you can select which outreach events or projects to join based on your commitments. We accept however much time you can spare.

Reporting to: Health and Wellbeing Programme Officer

Documents Required:

• In your application form, you will be asked for 2 references who have known you for at least a year. They can be from a professional, a friend, a support worker etc.
• A basic DBS check is required for public-facing roles.

To apply for this role:

A H4ALL application form must be completed. 

Leeds Mind promotes positive mental health and wellbeing, and provides help and support to anyone who needs it in and around Leeds. We offer many services, including: counselling, peer support, social prescribing, employment support, suicide bereavement support, creative wellbeing activities, mental health training and more. The aim of our work is to help people build on their strengths, overcome obstacles, and become more in control of their lives. We have faith and optimism in our clients and so the services we deliver are built around their needs. We support the people of Leeds to discover their own resources to ‘recover’ from periods of poor mental health, and to live life independently with their mental health condition.

Leeds Mind appoints external co-opted members to its relevant committees in order to strengthen the breadth of experience and skills available.  It recognises the very valuable contribution that co-opted members make to the success of Leeds Mind and wants co-opted members to feel that the job they do is rewarding and satisfying.

Co-opted members are expected to contribute their professional, specialist, generalist and management skills to Leeds Mind’s committees in a non-executive role. 

This role provides strategic insight, challenge, and support to the Quality and Performance Committee, with a specific focus on race equity and broader EDIB issues. The role will help ensure the charity’s services and internal practices are aligned with the NHS Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) and tailored to meet the unique needs of the communities we serve.

As a minimum, co-opted members are expected to prepare for and attend all meetings of the relevant committee. Committee meetings are held quarterly and are up to two hours in duration.

Additionally, it would be beneficial, for the co-opted member to attend Leeds Mind’s Race Equity Steering Group on a bi-monthly basis where possible to enhance understanding of developing strategic and operational work.

Key tasks & responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight & Advice

• Advise on the integration of race equity and EDI principles into the charity’s quality assurance and performance frameworks.
• Support alignment with the PCREF while adapting approaches to reflect the charity’s values, mission, and community needs.

• Service Equity

• Provide scrutiny and guidance on how services are designed, delivered, and evaluated to ensure equitable access, experience, and outcomes for racialised and marginalised communities.
• Champion culturally responsive and trauma-informed care models.

• Workforce Equity

• Advise on HR practices, workforce development, and organisational culture to promote race equity and inclusion.
• Support the charity in developing inclusive recruitment, retention, and progression strategies.

• Data & Impact

• Support the committee in interpreting and using data to monitor disparities, drive improvement, and measure impact.
• Promote the use of lived experience and qualitative insights alongside quantitative metrics.

• Governance & Accountability

• Contribute to the committee’s assurance role by challenging assumptions, identifying risks, and promoting transparency in equity-related performance.
• Ensure the charity remains accountable to the communities it serves, particularly those most affected by mental health inequalities. 
• Attend committee meetings, induction, training and other events, as required
• Get to know Leeds Mind through discussion with the Chair, CEO, Trustees, staff, volunteers and service users, reading relevant papers and participating in events
• Comply with all governance policies and procedures
• Represent and act in the best interests of Leeds Mind at all times

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.

RSPCA Oxfordshire Branch

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for an enthusiastic person who understands charity finance to support us in our mission to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate the suffering of animals.

Overview of the Branch Treasurer opportunity

We are looking for someone to volunteer as a Branch Treasurer for our OXFORDSHIRE Branch. This role would play a vital role in supporting the Branches affairs so that it is governed and managed effectively, whilst continually having animal welfare at the forefront of their mind.

As a minimum, trustees would generally attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 1-2 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for over 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers, who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA OXFORDSHIRE Branch

The OXFORDSHIRE Branch was founded in 1875, we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by our Operations Manager and a team of volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is on rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals, we take in the animals the Inspectors rescue from cruelty and neglect, we provide them with the veterinary attention, love and care, then we find them loving new homes. We also to help members of the public with financial assistance for their animals for neutering, microchipping and unexpected veterinary fees

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Treasurer

• Implement and maintain sound financial systems.
• Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branch income and expenditure.
• Provide a written financial report for every branch meeting.
• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer’s report.
• Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.
• Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory.
• Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.
• In the absence of a branch box secretary, to assume responsibility for the branch network of collection boxes.
• Arrange payment of the annual branch contribution to the appropriate RSPCA fund.
• Coordinate financial control of all branch fundraising activities.
• Make quarterly VAT returns to headquarters promptly.
• Ensure the production, monitoring and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy following the charity commission’s requirements.
• Liaise with branch officers, Branch Partnership Managers and Branch finance coordinator on Financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.
• Ensure the retention and safekeeping of the branch’s financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager, write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out your branch's short and long-term aims.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• We are particularly looking for someone who has knowledge and experience in finance, who may already understand charity finance.
• As a trustee, you would be able to dedicate the time to attend monthly committee meetings, which last approximately 3 hours.
• There will be additional volunteer duties between meetings, such as; providing financial reports at committee meetings, monitoring the budget that the trustees have set for the year, processing payments, querying invoices, VAT returns, and processing Gift Aid claims.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Treasurer

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff and any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that directly impact local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Oxfordfordshire Branch

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chair?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.

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. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Our branches 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.

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

This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.

What would you be doing?

• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.

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?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills 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?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. 
• 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 orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
• 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 of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
• Good written and spoken English.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they 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