Volunteer roles for the Disability sector

Volunteer with halow!

Make a difference, have fun, and be part of our community

Our volunteers play a vital role in helping halow’s young people enjoy new experiences, build friendships, and take part in activities they love.

As a Gardening Volunteer, you’ll support our kitchen allotment, helping to plan, grow, and care for a variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and plants. The produce grown can be used in our cooking sessions or shared with local community groups. Although our offices are based in Guildford, we welcome volunteers from various places, as opportunities for their support arise all over Surrey. They are not expected to come to us with any previous experience; all we ask for is commitment and a willingness to work with our young people.

Who can volunteer?

No previous experience is needed,we’re looking for people who are enthusiastic, reliable, and willing to support our young people. Although our office is based in Guildford, volunteering opportunities are available across Surrey

Why volunteer for halow?

Our volunteers enjoy the fun of our events and can gain valuable work experience whilst enjoying giving something back to the community, taking on new challenges and sharing their skills to help others. Other benefits include:

• To try something new
• To have fun
• To give something back to the community
• To do something that you feel is important to you
• To meet new people
• To gain valuable work experience
• To take on new challenges
• To share your skills in order to help others
• To build confidence

Join us and help create meaningful experiences and memories for young people across Surrey.

Help shape the future of ABCD Bethlehem as our Trustee (Fundraising Strategy Lead). Help us improve the lives of children with disabilities across Palestine.

As we approach our 40th year, we're developing an ambitious five-year strategy to strengthen our impact, grow our supporter base and build long-term financial sustainability. This new trustee will play an important role in helping us achieve those ambitions.

You don't need previous trustee experience—we welcome applications from first-time trustees as well as those with Board experience. What's most important is that you can bring strategic thinking, good judgement and a collaborative approach.

We're particularly interested in people with experience in one or more of the following:

• Developing or leading fundraising strategy
• Trusts and foundations fundraising
• Individual giving and donor development
• Legacy fundraising
• Corporate partnerships and sponsorship
• Major donor fundraising
• CRM systems, supporter insight or fundraising data
• Supporter engagement and stewardship
• Growing income within a charity or non-profit organisation

You'll also be someone who:

• Shares our commitment to improving the lives of children with disabilities across Palestine
• Can think strategically while offering practical advice and support where appropriate
• Is willing to provide constructive challenge and fresh ideas
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a small, committed Board
• Understands the opportunities and challenges facing small charities
• Is willing to champion ABCD Bethlehem within your networks where appropriate

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. We particularly encourage applications from people whose experiences and perspectives are currently underrepresented in charity governance.

If you're excited by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of ABCD Bethlehem and use your skills to create lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Puppy Raiser Volunteers Needed in Cheshire and Lincolnshire

Are you able to welcome a puppy into your home and support them during the early stages of their development? 

Autism Dogs Charity is seeking dedicated puppy raiser volunteers to provide safe and loving homes for puppies as they begin their early training in the Cheshire and Lincolnshire areas.

Placements can be up to 8–10 months when a dog is placed as a puppy. During this time, you’ll help with day-to-day care, routine, socialisation and gentle early learning, with guidance from our team.

We’re based in Cheshire, but puppy raisers can live anywhere in England.

What’s provided?
Food, essential equipment and key supplies are provided, along with support from Autism Dogs Charity.

Could you help?

We are a Manchester based dementia support charity, looking to recruit a team of Volunteer Minibus Escorts, to accompany our drivers onboard our two Together Dementia Support minibuses - helping to pick-up and drop-off our service users before and after groups.

Drivers and Escorts are a key part of our service user experience – you’ll be their first and last contact with Together Dementia Support each week, so we rely on our escorst  provide a to be positive, supportive and enjoyable experience.

Volunteer Escorts will board the minibus with our drivers in the morning (at the Kath Locke Centre, M15 5DD) ready to pick service users up and transport them to the group, which will run for 2 hours. Depending on your availability, once the group has ended there is an option to finish your volunteering shift, or support members on the minibus for the return journey – finishing back at the Kath Locke Centre. We may also ask you to begin your volunteering shift at the group, and then support on the return journey.

You’ll be responsible for our service users boarding and disembark the minibus safely, and engaging with them throughout the journey. You also be expected to stay in good contact with our service users and carers around pick-up times, delays or issues. You’ll also stay in good contact with our office and the group Dementia Support Co-ordinator around any issues or problems.

All volunteers are also expected to adhere to the following Together Dementia Support policies – Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality Diversity & Inclusion, and any other policies deemed relevant.

Minibus Escorts will recieve comprehensive Induction Training, and Moving & Handling Training. You will also have to understake a DBS Check, which we cover the cost for.

Perks & benefits:

• Travel expeneses covered
• On site, free parking available
• All training provided - no experience necessary
• Great experience of working within a health and social care environment
• Opportunity to learn more about dementia, and how it affects those living with the condition
• Opportunity to join a diverse volunteering community, and support local people living with dementia to live better

Benefits:

• Free or subsidised travel
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers. 

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a Till  Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Provide a warm, friendly welcome to customers.
• Provide great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience.
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public.
• Processing sales and serving on the till.
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives.
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community.
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers.
• Following health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers. 

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

Join the pack. Lend a hand. Change lives. Join your local fundraising group as a volunteer.

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity where you can meet new people and raise funds that will change lives?  Join a Guide Dogs group near you for fun, fundraising and four-legged friends.

Did you know it costs £102,000 to raise, train, and support a guide dog from birth to retirement.

We have a range of roles from being a group member, to taking on a lead role such as Group Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, Treasurer, Merchandise Coordinator or Collection Box Coordinator.

Why become a fundraising volunteer:

As well as making a huge difference to people’s lives, volunteering with your local Guide Dogs fundraising group is a great way to spend some of your free time and give back.

• Inspire people to support Guide Dogs and make a difference to someone with sight loss.
• Have fun finding new events and places to volunteer at.
• You’ll meet lots of special dogs – from young puppies in training to incredible guide dogs in partnership.
• You’ll empower others to get involved with Guide Dogs.
• You’ll learn new skills and we’ll provide all the training you need for your role.
• You can take on as much or as little as you want, and you can fit the role around your other commitments.

Who you are:

We appreciate our volunteers’ passion and energy, but we also value your unique skills, perspectives and personalities.

• Inspire others: Do you have lots of ideas that could motivate others? We need more inspirational volunteer leaders and fundraisers who can bring their energy and unique perspective to our local fundraising groups.

• Bring your skills: Could you help organise a calendar of events, take care of ordering merchandise, or count the funds raised by your local team? We need more volunteer treasurers, secretaries, and merchandise coordinators to support our fundraising groups.

• Help take Guide Dogs into your community: Are you well connected or do you love going to new places and meeting new people? We need more volunteer fundraisers to help at our events and spread the word about our work.

Training and pre-agreed expenses available.

Visit our webiste to see what roles are available where you live, by clicking 'redirect to recruiter' at the top or bottom of this page.

Are you a dog lover with room in your home to look after a dog during evenings and weekends? This could be the perfect role for you!

As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog. You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.

What you’ll be doing:

In this rewarding role, your support for a guide dog in training will include:

• Doing the school run for your dog in training! This will typically involve dropping them off and picking them up at an agreed time Monday to Friday at one of our regional centres or community teams, however, some sites may vary. There are some locations where we will be able to collect and return the training dog from your home. 
• Caring for your dog in your home such as feeding, grooming, free running and playing, following the advice of our expert staff.
• Helping your dog keep up with their training by reinforcing the techniques at home from our first-class training programme.
• Making sure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. If you’re planning on going on holiday, let us know at your initial phone call so we can plan alternative cover for your future life changer.

Can I foster a dog?

If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:

• Being close to one of our regional centres or community teams so that your dog can get to their training. 
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
• A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet.

However, we try to be flexible – for example, you’ll still be able to foster a dog if you live in London, even if you don’t have access to outside space. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction in knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of seeing your dog learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• An insight into our bespoke world-class training programme so that your dog’s training stays consistent at home, which can also help you train your own dogs or advance in a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, dog food costs and other materials needed for your dog’s training.

Minimum age for volunteer is 18.

We also have a respite fosterer role available in some areas, where a dog would stay with you full time before moving on to the next stage of its journey.

Please check out our website by clicking 'redirect to recruiter' at the top or bottom of this page to see what roles are available where you live.

If you have space in your home and heart, for a guide dog mum who will be bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world, then this could be the role for you! A role where you can care and nurture for a guide dog mum and plenty of little puppies when they arrive. 

This role is available in areas of Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.

What you’ll be doing: 

• Providing a loving home for a guide dog mum who will be at least 12 months old, for around six years whilst they are in the breeding programme (with the option to re-home after this, once the guide dog mum retires at around 7 years-old.) 
• Giving a guide dog mum the care and support that our canine companions need, like feeding and grooming.
• Creating a safe environment for the guide dog mum when they are giving birth within your home and helping with the birth of future guide dogs, which usually happens once a year. (You don’t need any previous experience of breeding or having dogs – we have expert staff who will help you!) 
• Providing care and support for the newborn puppies for at least 6 weeks while they are still in the nest, including socialising them to the new sounds and first-time experiences in your home.

Can I care for a guide dog mum? 

If you want to care for a guide dog mum, here's what we ideally look for:

• A loving home with a secure garden.
• Access to a car, to support with any appointments needed for the guide dog mum.
• Live within an hour’s drive of the National Centre in Leamington Spa.

Guide dog mums can happily live with other dogs or children, however we wouldn’t place them with a male dog that has not been neutered. To determine whether you are suitable, we will conduct a home visit as part of the application process. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding experience of bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world and caring for their mum.
• Our volunteers have access to our bespoke training techniques to implement with their guide dog mum a great bonus for any dog owners! 
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

Our volunteers also receive lots of support from their volunteer managers to help them implement the training modules, as well as managing the birth of new-born puppies. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to the litter or your volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs or any specialist breeding equipment.  All you may need to buy is a bed and grooming equipment.

Minimum age of volunteer: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top or bottom of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities. 

Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you! 

As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.

What you'll be doing:

• Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
• Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her. 
• Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
• Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
• Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
• Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
• Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.

You'll ideally have:

• A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
• Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
• Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home. 
• A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.

What you'll get:

• The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
• The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:

• Food manners
• Greeting new visitors
• Being home alone
• Settling in new environments

You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques. 

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.

Minimum age of applicant: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top or bottom of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities.

Why we need you 

Our Voice Board brings together members of our community to help shape everything we do as a charity, making sure the voices of children, young people, and their families with lived experience of cancer are at the heart of our work. We’d love to hear a wide range of perspectives and applications are open for young people who have or have had cancer, as well as parents, carers, partners and siblings (applicants need to be 16 or older). If you’re passionate about improving the lives of children, young people and families affected by cancer and want to help influence decisions at Young Lives vs Cancer, we’d love to hear from you. 

By joining the team, you’ll take on the role of Voice Board Member for 2 years during which you’ll have the chance to build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with others who have been affected by cancer. After the 2 years on the Voice Board has finished there is also the opportunity to become a Voice Champion, helping to shape and deliver voice work across the organisation. 

What you’ll be doing 

As a Voice Board Member, you’ll use your experiences and ideas to help shape our work and make a real difference for the children, young people, and their families affected by cancer. 

Take part in key conversations 

• Join 4 Voice Board meetings each year to talk about important topics that help shape what we do 

• Take part in optional monthly online discussions about projects and areas of work 

 Work with others 

• Work with other Voice Board members and staff across the organisation 

• Work in partnership with the Voice Team to help shape our voice work 

• Share your views and experiences to help develop ideas and create change 

Use your voice 

• Share your honest thoughts, feedback and lived experience 

• Speak up about the issues that matter most to you and others 

• Help influence decisions, including decisions made by Trustees and Directors 

Get involved in shaping our work 

• Take part in a range of opportunities across the charity, including face-to-face training meetings twice a year to connect with other members and staff 

• All travel and accommodation is provided, and we’ll talk with you about any extra support you might need, including bringing someone with you or joining remotely if you’re on treatment 

• Get involved in optional, ad hoc activities and opportunities to share your story, help design services, and improve how things work 

• Choose how you get involved in a way that suits your time, interests and energy levels 

Help us learn and improve 

• Support us to understand what’s working well and what’s not 

• Share feedback regularly to help us 

Role Description

Treasurer/Finance Lead Trustee

Remuneration: The role of Treasurer is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Key relationships: Chair, Trustees, Head of Finance & Central Services, CEO

Location: Southampton

Time commitment: Board and Committee meetings

Objective

The Treasurer will oversee the financial matters of the charity in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements. The Treasurer will ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, and are appropriate for the charity.

Principal responsibilities

1.1. Oversee and approve budgets, accounts, financial statements and financial reports to the Board of Trustees after discussion with the Head of Finance & Central Services.

1.2. Seek assurance that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs and are within the charity’s objects

1.3. Instrumental in the development and implementation of appropriate financial, reserves and investment policies

Main duties:

1.4. Liaise with the Head of Finance & Central Services to ensure that the charity’s annual accounts are compliant with the current Charities SORP.

1.5. Ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place

1.6. Overview insurance to confirm that the organisation is fully covered, ensuring that equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured

1.7. Advise on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans

1.8. Chair the Finance & Fundraising Committee

1.9. Liaise with the charity’s auditors where appropriate

1.10. Keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

1.11. Contribute to the fundraising strategy of the organisation

1.12. Make a formal presentation of the Accounts at the Annual General Meeting, drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way

1.13. Sit in on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required

Person Specification

Role Title: Treasurer

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

All trustees should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustee in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

Experience:

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with Rose Road’s Visions and Values and an understanding of its work.

· Experience of working in finance (preferably with a financial qualification)

· Successful experience of operating within a board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation

· Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives

· Proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making

· History of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences

· Track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

· Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort – typically 8 meetings per year as well as ad hoc meetings and events. 

· Prepared to challenge decisions, with a willingness to speak their mind when necessary

· Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

· Good, independent judgement and strategic vision

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

· Understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive

About the role

While financial matters are the responsibility of all trustees, the Treasurer is instrumental in guiding the CEO and the Board with advice, guidance and reassurance on all aspects of the charity’s financial management and reporting and controls.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with relevant expertise and experience to join our Board of Trustees, initially as an Ordinary Trustee, but with the aim of taking over the Treasurer role upon completion of induction and handover

You will form part of our Board of Trustees, accountable in the UK with the following responsibilities:
1. Ensure the charity complies with charity law and does not breach any requirements or rules set out in our governing documents.
2. Provide strategic oversight and input into the running of the organisation.
3. Contribute towards securing a sustainable funding base for the charity.

4. Oversee and present budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board,
advising on specific issues during the annual audit process.
5. Lead in the Board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled and spent, and adequate reserves are maintained.
6. Oversee the design of financial controls and adherence to systems; leading the financial risk‐management process.
7. Act as a signatory on Able Child’s bank accounts.
8. Actively participate in and steer the Resources Sub-Committee of the Board

About You

You will live the values of Able Child, keeping the best interests of our staff and beneficiaries at the heart of decision making. You will have the capability to support our Strategic Plan, working closely with the CEO to ensure the organisation remains well governed and at the forefront of our sector.

As Treasurer, you will have background knowledge and understanding of the voluntary sector and the specific charity finance, including but not limited to, accounting for restricted and unrestricted funding, full cost recovery from grants and managing foreign exchange. We are especially interested in hearing from women for this role, although applications from all qualified candidates are welcomed

Experience
1. A recognised professional qualification (e.g. CIMA, ACA, ACCA or CIPFA) with demonstrable post qualification experience (greater than 5 years) and a thorough practical understanding of management accounting principles and techniques.
2. Experience of working within a charity finance function (desirable).
3. Previous (or current) experience as a trustee (not essential).

Skills and Technical Competencies
4. Proven ability to make and act on strategic and critical decisions.
5. Some knowledge of charity governance, administration and regulations.
6. An ability to foster positive working relationships with a diverse range of people.

Qualities
7. An understanding of, and commitment to, Able Child’s vision, mission, values and approach.
8. Lived experience of disability or from the African community/diaspora (desirable, but not essential).
9. High level of personal integrity and commitment, with highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, resilience and gravitas.

Trustee of the Rose Road Association Charity – Voluntary Position

The Rose Road Association has been working with children, young people and their families from across Hampshire and the surrounding counties since 1952. The children who attend The Association have profound and multiple learning difficulties and physical disabilities. The charity currently employs around 200 staff and has a turnover of c£5m

The range of services provided includes activity schemes, residential short breaks, family information and advice services and community support to over 300 families in Hampshire and surrounding counties.

We are looking for people passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of young disabled people – could you become part of our dedicated Trustee Team?

Commitment

6 meetings annually in addition to occasional one-off events. All of our Trustees hold a lead role for a certain aspect of the organisation, this could include occasional additional meetings with Officers.

Purpose

Charity Trustees hold the responsibility for the strategic governance of the charity.  This includes, but is not restricted to:

· Safeguarding of service users and staff

· Oversight of financial planning and management

· Charity performance against the Business Plan key performance indicators

· Monitoring regulatory compliance

· Guardianship of reputation and ethos

Following a recent skills assessment of existing Trustees, we are now looking for new Trustees with strengths in the following areas to join our experienced, lively and committed Board:

· Health and/or social care quality standards

· ICT

·       Human Resources

·       Project Management

The position will be responsible to the Chair of the Board of Trustees