Volunteer roles in Caterham

About us: 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C is a pioneering Podcast/YouTube Channel and healing membership organisation. We provide a platform for survivors and whistleblowers to share their lived experiences, highlight systemic frustrations and offer solutions rooted in culturally trauma-informed care.

Our membership offers young people and survivors a path to heal, learn digital skills and interactively participate in our Alchemic 369 Book Club, where members engage in weekly interactive discussions, debates and critical analysis of African, Caribbean and world history, Ifa, classics and political thought. Members will sharpen their reading, reasoning and imagination skills, with opportunities to discuss works directly with authors, highly subsidised plant-based transformative retreats and join a community designed to empower and educate.

We are a mission-driven, collective-focused C.I.C building a movement that combines healing, re-education and empowerment.

Our content focuses on:

• Survivors of CSA, RSA, CT, CA stories

• Whistleblowers and retired experts

• Generational trauma and healing

• Youth empowerment and education

• Community transformation through honest storytelling

Our mission is to challenge generational cycles, expose hidden truths, fight for justice and create a platform rooted in authenticity, deep healing, and transformation.

Job Purpose:

To actively identify, locate, and surface potential real-world stories, individuals, and lived experiences that align with the organisation’s mission, ensuring a continuous pipeline of high-quality, relevant story leads for the Story Intelligence Team.

This role exists to function as the organisation’s primary “frontline discovery engine,” scanning a wide range of public sources—including media platforms, social networks, interviews, documentaries, podcasts, books, advocacy spaces, and community forums—to uncover individuals who have either publicly shared their experiences or are visibly positioned within ongoing social, cultural, or institutional narratives.

The Research Story Scout is responsible for recognising not just individual stories, but also broader story ecosystems, including repeated patterns of lived experience, underrepresented voices, emerging testimonies, and whistleblower disclosures that may not yet have been formally documented or widely circulated.

A key purpose of this role is to convert scattered public information into structured, actionable story leads that can be passed efficiently to the Outreach Team for ethical and appropriate engagement.

The role also ensures that potential stories are identified early, before they become widely saturated or lost in mainstream attention cycles, enabling the organisation to engage responsibly, respectfully, and at the right stage of the individual’s willingness to share.

Ultimately, this role ensures the organisation maintains a consistent flow of credible, relevant, and timely story opportunities by continuously scanning the public landscape and translating discovery into structured, usable intelligence for outreach and engagement.

About the role:

Story Scouts spend their time locating individuals who have publicly shared their experiences or indicated a willingness to discuss their story.

Sources may include:

• Podcasts

• YouTube interviews

• Social media platforms

• Survivor groups

• Charity websites

• News reports

• Books

• Blogs

• Conferences

• Public speaking events

Once identified, the scout prepares a short lead profile and passes it to outreach for them to make contact, sign consent forms and safeguarding checks, schedule call with guest and host hand over to host. (PPTeam).

Ideal Candidate

• Extremely resourceful.

• Strong online research skills.

• Curious and persistent.

• Enjoys finding information.

• Comfortable working independently.

Experience Required

• Internet research.

• Community management.

• Journalism.

• Talent sourcing.

• Recruitment sourcing.

• Social media research.

What You Will Gain

• Real-world hosting and interviewing experience

• Opportunity to build a public profile and media presence

• Portfolio-building opportunities across podcasting and storytelling

• Networking and relationship-building opportunities

• Experience working within a growing media and advocacy platform

• Creative freedom and personal growth opportunities

• Leadership and media mentorship

• Opportunity to develop your own audience and storytelling identity

• Potential future paid opportunities and long-term media career pathways

• Direct pathway into a future paid role

• The chance to help build a nationally recognised media and survivor-support platform

• COS opportunities for top performing staff members 

This role is designed as a long-term pathway opportunity to a paid position and lifestyle transformation.

We don’t operate on individualism—we build through collectivism, meaning:
  As the platform grows, your role, influence, and opportunities grow with it

Additional Notes

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work

• Avoid handling sensitive data or detailed reporting

• Are seeking immediate paid employment

• Are uncomfortable applying analysis to strategic decisions

To Apply

Please send:

• Your CV, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile (if available)

• A short introduction about yourself

• Why this mission resonates with you

• Any relevant experience, skills, ideas, or vision you would bring to the role

We welcome individuals who are passionate about helping create platforms that inspire healing, justice, truth, education, empowerment, and lasting community impact. That see themselves transforming their lifestyles to maintain the above for the generations to come.

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices is a grassroots children’s charity that provides alternative education, wellbeing programmes, and community food hubs to help children and families thrive.

Our mission is simple — to give every child the tools, confidence, and voice to build a brighter future.

We’re growing and reshaping our organisation to reach more young people, and we’re now looking for a detail-oriented and reliable Finance Assistant to support our financial operations.

About the Role

As our Finance Assistant, you’ll be a vital part of the team, helping ensure that CWV’s finances run smoothly and transparently. You’ll manage day-to-day bookkeeping, assist with budgeting and reporting, and support compliance with charity financial standards.

You’ll work closely with the CEO, Operations team, and external accountants to make sure every penny is accounted for — and that we can continue delivering essential programmes in our community.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records and bookkeeping using QuickBooks 

• Record income, donations, and grant payments

• Create and process invoices, receipts, and staff expenses

• Reconcile bank accounts 

• Support preparation of management accounts and reports

• Assist with grant reporting and annual audit preparation

• Ensure compliance with charity finance policies and procedures

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in bookkeeping or finance administration

• Comfortable using accounting software and Excel

• Highly organised with great attention to detail

• Able to work independently and handle confidential information responsibly

• Passionate about supporting a small charity with a big heart

Desirable:

• Experience in the charity or voluntary sector

• Knowledge of restricted/unrestricted funds or Gift Aid

• AAT qualification (or working towards)

What We Offer

• Flexible working hours (hybrid role)

• Supportive, purpose-driven environment

• Training and professional development opportunities

• A chance to make a genuine impact in the lives of children and families

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Children With Voices has been serving Hackney for over 25 years — and we need someone passionate about storytelling to help us share that story with the world.

As our Volunteer Social Media & Marketing Manager, you'll take the lead on our digital presence across Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook — creating content that celebrates our community, raises our profile, and helps us reach the families, partners, and supporters who need to know we exist.

This is a creative, community-driven role at the heart of a nationally recognised grassroots charity.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Develop and manage a content calendar across Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook

• Create engaging posts, reels, and stories that reflect the heart of our work

• Grow our online community and engagement with families, supporters, and partners

• Monitor analytics and share simple monthly insights with the team

• Support the CEO in amplifying key campaigns, appeals, and announcements

• Ensure all content aligns with Children With Voices brand, values, and safeguarding guidelines

• Collaborate with programme staff to capture stories, photos, and milestones

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

ESSENTIAL

• Active user of at least two of: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook

• Creative flair and a genuine love of community storytelling

• Good written communication and an eye for design

• Understanding of safeguarding principles when working with children and families

• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work independently

HELPFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL

• Experience using Canva, Adobe tools, or similar

• Background in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field

• Knowledge of the Hackney community or similar urban settings

• Experience working with charities or community organisations

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• Real-world experience managing social media for a nationally recognised charity

• A portfolio of live, impactful community content

• A reference from our CEO for your professional portfolio

• The chance to be part of something that genuinely changes lives in Hackney

• Ongoing support and guidance from our leadership team

🌟 Guardian Light Foundation Board of Directors – Roles, Expectations & Benefits 💖 Our Mission

Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless and abused children, teenagers, and struggling single-parent families. We provide safe housing, education, career pathways, legal aid, and life-skills support to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

We are building not just an organisation — but a movement of hope, empowerment, and social impact.

🧭 BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

🌍 Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

💎 OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

🧠 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Secretary (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate records of board meetings and decisions.

• Distribute meeting agendas, minutes, and materials.

• Ensure all governance documents are up to date and compliant.

• Manage board communication and information flow.

• File all necessary regulatory documents (e.g., Companies House, Charity Commission).

Requirements:

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.

• Familiarity with governance documentation and compliance procedures.

Benefits:

• Central role in maintaining organisational transparency and accountability.

• Opportunity to establish best-practice systems and governance procedures.

Who we are

Children with Voices started over 20 years ago with one woman, a community hall and a belief that no child in Hackney should be forgotten. Our founder Michelle began with a Winter Wonderland for local children at London Fields School, covered by the Hackney Gazette, after being named Family Mosaic Inspirational Tenant of the Year. She has not stopped since.

Today we are a registered charity at Fawcett Estate Community Hall in Clapton, running a Community Food Hub, Jumping Beans, SEND support, alternative education and work in local schools. Over 100,000 children and families have come through our doors. Our work has been featured on BBC, ITV and Channel 4, and we have been recognised with a Pride of Britain Award and a Points of Light Award. What we are proudest of is that families still knock on our door knowing someone will answer.

Who this role suits

A retired journalist, press officer or communications professional with a contacts book and time to give. Someone in PR who wants their skills to mean something beyond the day job. A graduate ready to build real press cuttings with their name behind them. If you can spot a story and pick up the phone, you will do well here.

What you will be doing

• Building relationships with journalists, local papers, radio, podcasts and community platforms

• Writing press releases and statements, and getting them to the right people at the right time

• Finding the stories worth telling across our programmes and turning them into coverage

• Setting up interviews and media opportunities, and preparing Michelle and the team for them

• Keeping a record of coverage so we can show funders and partners the reach we have

• Working within our safeguarding policies at all times. We never share a child's image or story without proper consent.

What you will need

You need to be able to write clearly and quickly, and to be comfortable approaching people who do not know you yet. Persistence matters more than polish in this role, because most pitches go nowhere and the good ones come from following up. Media contacts are a real advantage but not essential.

What you will get from us

Your name on real coverage for a cause that deserves it. Freedom to shape how we are seen. Proper support, so you are never left to figure it out alone. A personal reference from Michelle, and work you will be glad to have on your record.

🌟 Guardian Light Foundation Board of Directors – Roles, Expectations & Benefits 💖 Our Mission

Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless and abused children, teenagers, and struggling single-parent families. We provide safe housing, education, career pathways, legal aid, and life-skills support to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

We are building not just an organisation — but a movement of hope, empowerment, and social impact.

🧭 BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

🌍 Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

💎 OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

🧠 IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Treasurer (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all financial matters including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.

• Ensure compliance with statutory financial regulations and charity law.

• Work closely with auditors and the Finance Committee.

• Present financial reports at each board meeting.

• Support fundraising and resource management strategy.

Requirements:

• Background in finance, accounting, or business administration.

• Knowledge of charity finance and UK financial reporting standards.

• Integrity and attention to detail.

Benefits:

• Direct influence over financial sustainability and impact measurement.

• Recognition in philanthropic financial management networks.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteer Operations and Compliance Volunteer

Where Fawcett Estate Community Hall, Clapton, Hackney

Hours: 6 to 8 hours a week, across 2 to 3 days in the office

Who we are

Children with Voices started over 20 years ago with one woman, a community hall and a belief that no child in Hackney should be forgotten. Our founder Michelle began with a Winter Wonderland for local children at London Fields School, covered by the Hackney Gazette, after being named Family Mosaic Inspirational Tenant of the Year. She has not stopped since.

Today we are a registered charity at Fawcett Estate Community Hall in Clapton, running a Community Food Hub, Jumping Beans, SEND support, alternative education and work in local schools. Over 100,000 children and families have come through our doors. Our work has been featured on BBC, ITV and Channel 4, and we have been recognised with a Pride of Britain Award and a Points of Light Award. What we are proudest of is that families still knock on our door knowing someone will answer.

Who this role suits

A retired operations, compliance or quality manager. Someone from a regulated sector who knows what good governance looks like in practice. Anyone who has kept an organisation running smoothly and would enjoy doing it again somewhere it matters.

What you will be doing

• Helping coordinate day to day operations across our programmes so the week runs smoothly

• Reviewing our processes and suggesting where we could work better with what we already have

• Keeping our policy library current, including safeguarding, data protection and health and safety

• Helping prepare clear information for our CEO and Trustees so they can see how things are running

• Flagging anything that looks like a compliance or safeguarding risk, promptly and to the right person

What you will need

Experience of running or coordinating operations somewhere with real accountability. An eye for detail and a habit of writing things down. Comfort with documents, spreadsheets and shared drives. Discretion, because you will see sensitive information about families and staff.

What you will get from us

Real influence over how a growing charity works. A seat at the table with our leadership team. Proper support, so you are never left to figure it out alone. A personal reference, and the satisfaction of seeing an organisation run better because you are in it.

Job Description – Volunteer Senior HR Manager

Organisation: Children With Voices

Location: Hackney, London - Hybrid

Job Purpose

The HR Manager plays a vital role in supporting the vision and mission of Children With Voices by ensuring that all HR practices are fair, compliant, and aligned with safeguarding, equity, and community wellbeing. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources, from recruitment and staff development to compliance and wellbeing initiatives. The HR Manager will be instrumental in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where staff, volunteers, and young people can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading our HR function and setting the standard for how we recruit, support and look after everyone here
• Leading our HR Support and Administration volunteers, giving them direction and helping them develop
• Making sure our policies and practices hold up against UK employment law and safeguarding requirements
• Advising managers on people matters, and telling us plainly when something needs paid professional or legal advice
• Building fair, inclusive and safe recruitment and onboarding across staff and volunteers
• Overseeing HR and volunteer records so they are accurate, secure and compliant with data protection
• Helping us build honest processes for supervision, wellbeing and handling concerns
• Ensure workplace compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Embed safeguarding responsibilities across all HR practices, ensuring no child or vulnerable adult falls through the gaps.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in an HR management role, ideally within the charity or community sector.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, HR compliance, and safeguarding requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust at all levels.
• Experience managing recruitment, onboarding, and training processes.
• Ability to mediate and resolve conflicts in a fair, professional, and sensitive manner.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

Senior HR experience and current knowledge of UK employment law. Real experience of leading a team, because you will have volunteers looking to you. The judgement to know what you can decide and what needs escalating. Absolute discretion, as you will handle confidential information. Charity experience is welcome but not essential.

• CIPD qualification (Level 5 or above) or equivalent HR certification.
• Experience working with volunteers, young people, or community-focused organisations.
• Knowledge of charity governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in developing wellbeing or mental health initiatives.

What you will get from us

Full ownership of a people function you can build the way it should be built. Direct access to our CEO and a real voice in how this charity runs. A team of your own to lead. A personal reference, and the knowledge that everyone here is better looked after because of you.

Mulberry Cancer Support is looking for a voluntere to cary out some basic regular cleaning tasks once a month.

• To undertake light cleaning duties such as cleaning window blinds, cleaning windows, wiping windowsills, sweeping the front entrance, and other light general cleaning and tidying.
• To work to a high standard to ensure that to we provide a clean, welcoming environment for everyone who visits and uses our Centre.
• Previous cleaning experience, either professionally paid, as a volunteer, or as a general life skill.
• Reasonably physically fit and able to take pride in your work.
• Friendly and professional manner, with a positive, organised and flexible approach to work.
• Able to take direction, but also able to make relevant suggestions.

Mulberry Cancer Support, is looking for new volunteers with flexible availability to help us set up and run our stall at a variety of fun community fundraising & enagement events, mainly in West London - Hounslow, Richmond & Ealing areas - and occasionally at our Centre in Isleworth. Come and sell rafle tickets, inspire donations, hold a collection bucket, give out leaflets and engage with the public at our own events and at fetes, fairs and stadium days.

Volunteers must be age 18+. Most events take place March - July and October - December.

Mulberry Cancer Support in Isleworth, West London,  is looking for a experienced and enthusiastic physically fit gardener to join our small team of volunteer gardeners on Wednesday mornings. The role will help to develop and maintain our existing garden space to ensure it remains a safe, calm, sensory place for our clients to relax in.

Provide informal communication support for a profoundly deaf staff member during conversations and discussions when they are onsite

• Help ensure they can fully participate in team interactions, briefings, and informal workplace chats • Facilitate smooth communication between the deaf staff member and other staff members using BSL

• Support an inclusive and accessible working environment through effective communication

• Work collaboratively with the staff member to understand her preferred communication style and needs • Promote inclusion and equal participation

• Adhere to the relevant policies and procedures of the Trust, including Infection control, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, Data Protection and Confidentiality policies Exclusions: This role outline is binding in honour only, and is not intended to be legally binding

Volunteers are not expected to be involved in any of the following: • Clinical or medical treatments of any kind • Psychological interventions • Input of patient data on any systems • Answering the phones or interacting with patients

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Ripple Pond Charity - Supporting Armed Forces and Veteran Families

A Voluntary Trustee Position
With reasonable expenses reimbursed

Please note that although the closing date for applications is 11 September 2026, we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply early, as the recruitment process may close once a suitable appointment is made.

 Help Shape the Future of Support for Military Families

The Ripple Pond is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as Chair of our Board of Trustees.

This is an opportunity to lead a unique and growing charity that supports the families and carers of Armed Forces personnel and veterans who have sustained a service-related physical or psychological injury. Through peer support, advocacy, collaboration and innovation, we help military families feel seen, heard and supported throughout their journey.

We are looking for a values-driven leader with strategic vision, strong governance experience and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of military families and the wider Armed Forces community.

About the Role

As Chair, you will lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring that The Ripple Pond remains focused on its charitable purpose, strategic priorities and long-term sustainability.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and fellow Trustees, you will help guide the charity through its next phase of development, strengthening our impact, partnerships and influence across the military, veterans, health and social care sectors.

You will function as an ambassador for the charity, helping to build relationships, influence decision-makers and create opportunities that support lasting positive change for those we support.

Who Are We Looking For?

The Chair of The Ripple Pond leads a small but complex charity that provides support to more than 1,200 Armed Forces and veteran family members across the UK. Around 20% of new Members joining our services live in environments that place them at high risk.

These challenges often arise from complex and overlapping circumstances, including addiction, suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, safeguarding concerns, risk of homelessness and wider welfare needs.

This places significant responsibility on the Chair to provide strong board leadership, support and develop trustees, maintain effective governance and strategic oversight, and work in close partnership with the CEO to ensure the charity remains focused on delivering meaningful impact for military families. The Chair also acts as one of the charity's principal ambassadors and public representatives.

We are seeking an individual with a broad range of experience and perspectives, ideally gained across multiple sectors. This might include commercial business, the public sector, healthcare, social care, the arts, the Armed Forces, emergency services or the voluntary sector.

You will have experience in developing and delivering regional or national strategies that have achieved sustainable and measurable positive outcomes, preferably through collaboration and partnership with a range of stakeholders.

You will have operated at executive or equivalent senior leadership level and be comfortable working across organisational boundaries, where success is achieved through influence, relationships and shared purpose rather than formal authority alone.

You will possess a strong understanding of risk, including strategic, organisational, and people-related risks, and be able to explain complex issues in a way that is clear, practical, and accessible to others.

Most importantly, you will demonstrate humility, integrity and compassion. You will care deeply about people, value the contribution of others and be motivated by a desire to serve the Armed Forces community and improve the lives of military families.

Role Profile

We are seeking an experienced senior leader who can provide effective governance, constructive challenge and confident stewardship to help guide The Ripple Pond through its next phase of development.

The successful candidate will bring:

Experience and Capability

Organisational Leadership and Change

• Significant executive, board-level or equivalent senior leadership experience.
• Experience of leading organisations through growth, transformation or periods of significant change.
• A proven ability to develop and deliver complex strategies, align stakeholders behind a shared purpose and achieve sustainable outcomes.
• The ability to balance organisational ambition, opportunity, risk and long-term sustainability.

 Governance, Finance and Risk

• A strong understanding of governance, accountability and effective board leadership gained through charity trusteeship, corporate governance, public service or other relevant senior leadership experience.
• Experience of supporting effective decision-making, constructive challenge and organisational assurance.
• Financial confidence and literacy, including the ability to understand budgets, financial performance, investment decisions and long-term sustainability.
• An understanding of risk management and the importance of robust oversight.

Influence, Partnerships and Representation

• Experience of building effective partnerships and relationships across sectors.
• The ability to represent an organisation with credibility, authenticity and professionalism.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage and influence a wide range of audiences.

Leadership Style and Values

We are particularly interested in individuals who demonstrate:

Integrity and Accountability
A commitment to ethical leadership, transparency and maintaining the highest standards of governance.

Collaborative Leadership
The ability to build trust, bring people together and create an environment where trustees, Members, workforce, partners and other stakeholders feel valued and able to contribute. You will listen, encourage open discussion and help create a shared sense of purpose both within The Ripple Pond and across the wider community.

Compassion and Respect
An understanding of the experiences of military families and carers, with genuine respect for different perspectives, backgrounds and lived experiences.

Courage and Constructive Challenge
You will be confident asking the difficult questions, challenging thinking and encouraging open and honest conversations. You will build trusted internal and strategic relationships, using your influence to ensure the experiences of military families and carers are understood and reflected in wider conversations and decision-making. This will help ensure that The Ripple Pond continues to play its part in shaping a stronger support landscape for military and veteran families.

Self-Awareness and Learning Mindset
A willingness to listen, reflect and continue developing, recognising that effective leadership requires curiosity, humility and openness to new ideas.

Commitment to Our Purpose
A genuine desire to improve the lives of military families, carers and veterans affected by service-related injury. You will understand the importance of lived experience in shaping services, strategy and practice, ensuring that those we support remain central to organisational decision-making.

Experience within the Armed Forces, veterans, healthcare, social care, public service or charity sectors would be beneficial but is not essential.

Safeguarding and Creating a Safe Culture

The Ripple Pond is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all Members, volunteers, staff, trustees and partners. Safeguarding is fundamental to our work, and trustees share responsibility for ensuring that people feel respected, listened to and able to raise concerns.

The Chair will champion a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring the Board maintains appropriate oversight of safeguarding practice, risk management, policies and organisational culture.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Ripple Pond believes that diversity of experience and perspective strengthens our organisation and improves the support we provide. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, including those with relevant lived experience.

The Chair will help ensure equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded throughout governance, decision-making, culture and service development, creating an organisation where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute.

Time Commitment

The role of Chair is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of Armed Forces and veteran families. While voluntary, it carries significant responsibility and requires a consistent commitment throughout the year.

Key responsibilities include:

• Chairing at least four formal Board meetings annually.
• Participating in occasional committee, strategic planning and development meetings.
• Maintaining regular engagement with the Chief Executive, providing guidance, support and constructive challenge.
• Supporting trustee recruitment, development and succession planning.
• Attending selected events, conferences and stakeholder engagements.
• Acting as an ambassador for The Ripple Pond with partners, funders, supporters and the wider community.
• Providing occasional availability for matters requiring Chair input between scheduled meetings.

Many meetings are held virtually to maximise accessibility and efficiency, although some travel will be required for Board meetings, key events and stakeholder engagement.

Professional Practice

As a national charity supporting over 1,200 military family members across the UK, the Chair will maintain an informed understanding of The Ripple Pond’s work, operating environment, opportunities and risks to provide effective Board leadership and appropriate support and challenge to the Chief Executive.

Applicants should be able to commit sufficient time in line with Charity Commission guidance and recognised principles of good governance. The time requirement will vary throughout the year, with additional involvement likely during periods of strategic development, organisational change or significant emerging issues.

Above all, the Chair will view this not simply as a governance appointment, but as an opportunity to help shape and strengthen an organisation making a lasting difference to military families across the United Kingdom.

Digital Confidence and Ways of Working

The Ripple Pond is a digitally enabled charity, with services, meetings and engagement activity delivered predominantly through online platforms. The Chair should therefore be comfortable working in a digital environment and using technology to support effective governance and communication.

This includes participating in virtual Board meetings, reviewing digital reports and documents, communicating with the Chief Executive and engaging with stakeholders online. Confidence using video conferencing, shared document systems and online collaboration tools is essential to ensure effective participation, timely decision-making and organisational agility.

Term of Appointment

The appointment is for an initial term of three years.

Trustees may be reappointed for further three-year terms up to a maximum of nine years, subject to the charity's governing document and Board approval.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to lead the Board of a growing charity with a clear purpose and a strong commitment to military families across the United Kingdom.

The Ripple Pond exists because the experiences and challenges faced by families caring for injured serving personnel and veterans are often unseen and not fully recognised. As Chair, you will help shape our next chapter, working with an experienced team and community of Members to strengthen our impact, ensure the voices of military families and carers are heard, and help influence wider understanding, services and support.

ENGINEERS/MAKERS

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

Our Engineer/Maker volunteers are at the very heart of what our local branches do. They use their practical skills and creativity to help people with disabilities live fuller and more independent lives.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

• Designing and making pieces of equipment for individuals with specific needs

• Using your practical skills working with metal, wood, plastic, or electronics (or a combination of them)

• Attending a monthly meeting of the local branch.

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Practical experience in working with one of the above materials

• Comfortable working with people, listening to them and understanding their needs

• Able to apply our risk management system

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow REMAP policies and procedures and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Access to your own tools and workshop (or can access these)

• Able to drive or have good transport links

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist, as well as a DBS check and reference check.

Where will I volunteer?

This role is largely home based, but will generally also involve visiting clients out in the community. Your local branches hold in-person meetings once a month or so.

Time commitment

This varies quite a lot depending on which cases come in, how complex they are and whether they fit your skills and experience, but it’s essentially a flexible role and there are no set hours.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.