Volunteer Roles

Alpine Garden Society President and Board Chair person 

Thank you for expressing interest in joining the Board of the Alpine Garden Society as our President and chair. You do so at an exciting time for the charity as it seeks to embed recent changes to thrive for another 90 years.

Since our founding in 1929 we have been a specialist interest society that has aimed to share our passion for growing and conserving alpine plants. With the increased pressures on society with smaller gardens and the advent of social media, alpines are enjoying a resurgence and so we wish to see the society grow from the strong foundations of the past.

The last five years have seen us adapt to change and develop to the modern society we are today. Our switch to embracing digital technology and use of modern communication has allowed us to harness the decades old love of our interest and bring it to new audiences on a global stage. We continue to indulge in traditional activities like garden visits, plant fairs and shows that we are renowned for by our loyal members.

The next chapter on our journey to our centenary sees consolidation of our operation and putting our membership at the heart of what we do to deliver our charitable mission. We wish to grow our membership from a stable base and seek new and exciting ways to inspire people through our passion for plants.

About Us

Welcome to the Alpine Garden Society! We are one of the largest specialist garden societies in the world. The Society has a wide interest in plants that encompass not only true alpine and mountain plants, but also small hardy herbaceous plants, hardy and half-hardy bulbs, hardy ferns, hardy succulents, and small shrubs. We are passionate about plants.

The Alpine Garden Society was founded in December 1929. The main purpose of the Society was, and still is to educate its members and the public on alpine plants, their cultivation and conservation. We achieve our charitable objectives through staging our National Shows, publishing our quarterly Journal, The Alpine Gardener and by organising talks, events and conferences. Ever since its inception the Society has also built displays incorporating alpine plants at various national Flower Shows.

We are passionate about the conservation of alpine plants and as a registered charity, we fund cultivation and conservation projects across the UK and abroad. We also encourage the development of knowledge and skills in the alpine field by funding the AGS Trainee Scheme.

Alpine Garden Society members enjoy exclusive benefits such as expert-led AGS Expeditions tours all over the world and access to one of the biggest seed exchanges in the world.

The Alpine Garden Society is governed by a Board of Trustees and run by a director alongside a small staff cohort and a team of dedicated volunteers.

We are located adjacent to Pershore College in Worcestershire, where we maintain a quarter of an acre alpine garden adjacent to our office. We have a network of AGS local groups located around the country who stage regional shows, talks and events.

Person Specification – who we are looking for

• An inclusive, empathetic, transparent approach to leadership
• A passion for alpine plants
• A balance of independent judgement and an ability to work effectively as part of a cohesive Board
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A diplomatic, clear, tactful approach, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• A demonstrable understanding of the role of charity Board Members

• Proven experience of working effectively with a Board, with an ability to make the most of the skillsets around the table
• Experience of non-profit governance, ideally in a board capacity
• Experience playing a key role in an organisation’s evolution and growth

Role Responsibilities and Duties (three year term)

The President/Chair of the Society has a dual role.  In addition to having the same responsibilities as any trustee they also have to act as a team leader with the extra duties and responsibilities that accompany this role.

General responsibilities of the President/Chair

Providing leadership for the board as it fulfils its governance duties and responsibilities toward the organisation, including :

• setting vision, values, mission strategy and high-level policy in accordance with charity regulations and the governing document
• monitor the organisation's performance against established targets
• securing financial stability for the organisation
• assisting the Treasurer to protect and manage organisation property and investments
• safeguarding the organisation's reputation and values
• must guide the Board to ensure that the Society operates in line with its charitable purposes
• must always act in the best interests of the organisation as a whole and not allow any personal interest to sway policy making
• making sure all organisational activities comply with regulations and the law
• reviewing major risks and making provisions for the organisation to respond appropriately
• appointing and managing the Chief Executive Officer (Society Director)
• organising and leading board development activities such as self-assessments
• delegating the above duties appropriately

Specific duties:

Meetings

· planning meeting schedules and setting agendas, in close liaison with the Society Director

· leading meetings and facilitating discussion, encourage all trustees to participate and prevent the more talkative members from dominating the debate

Board  leadership

· Alongside the society director, lead trustee recruitment and induction

· Ensure that the whole board is engaged - A Chair must not allow cliques or inner circles to form or allow cliques to influence policy to suit their own personal interests or those society activities in which they are interested.

· Utilise the skills and interests of all board members.

· To oversee the establishment and activities of the board committees, ensuring they are accountable and report properly to the board.

· Deal with conflict on the board

· Give direction to board policy -making.  Exercises leadership by setting priorities for the board and steering discussion toward strategic issues

· Monitor the implementation of board decisions

· Work closely with other Officers

Representing the organisation

· Represent the organisation at functions and meetings (both internally and externally), and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate

Financial & legal responsibilities

· The President must be prepared to be a signatory on the Society bank mandates and other official investment documents.

Limited Companies

· Act as a Director of each limited company and also a signatory on the bank mandate forms.

· Undertake the necessary ATOL training and pass the certification process to be the responsible person ATOL holder on behalf of the limited company.  This also involves ensuring that the necessary ATOL quarterly returns are accurately completed and submitted on time to the CAA.  In addition to ensure that the correct documentation and renewal forms are completed as part of the annual ATOL licence renewal process. 

· Ensure that the necessary insurance policies are in place with regard to AGS Expeditions Ltd.

· Assist and advise with the planning of AGS Tours.

Staffing

· Work closely with the Society Director who acts a the CEO to the Society.  Both the Director and the President should liaise regularly and work together as a team on behalf of the board.  They should jointly seek ways of improving board effectiveness.

· Recruitment - oversee the selection process when a new Society Director is appointed.  This will entail ensuring that an appropriate job description is produced, proper selection procedures are followed and also representing the board on the appointment panel. 

Renumeration

The position is a voluntary role although all reasonable expenses in pursuit of exercising the role will be covered

How to Apply

To apply for the president/chair role, please provide the following documents:

• An up-to-date CV.
• A supporting statement. Please submit a PDF document (maximum two pages) that outlines a bit about you, what you feel is your most relevant experience qualifying you to be our president, and why you’re interested in becoming president of the Alpine Garden Society. Moreover, we would like to understand how you perceive the role of Chair of a charity like Alpine Garden Society, how you might approach the relationship between Chair and CEO and what is your vision for the society.

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) is looking for enthusiastic volunteer ESOL teachers to support refugees and asylum seekers in in-person classes in Birmingham.

Who we are:

ACAA works to empower and support refugees and asylum seekers by providing vital services that enable successful integration. These include English classes, mentoring, drop-in advice sessions, a legal surgery, employment and education training, counter-extremism workshops and youth and women's engagement services.

Role Summary:

Working as part of a small dynamic ESOL teaching team, responsibility for lesson planning and delivery will be shared between yourself and more experienced teachers. You will have the opportunity to shadow teachers and gain practical teaching experience before leading lessons. This is alongside training sessions for CPD (continued professional development), as you progress in the position you will take on more responsibility and develop your role. Classes meet both in-person and online and all days of the week (except Sunday), meaning you can teach any day that fits your schedule.

Duties will include:

• Preparing and delivering lessons to students of different ages and abilities
• Preparing classroom and coursework materials, homework assignments, and weekly hand-outs
• Assessing students' class work and assignments
• Creating an engaging and fun teaching atmosphere
• Ensuring all our students engage in academic learning despite their ability, to achieve their highest potential whilst developing personal and employability skills
• Setting effective targets to monitor students’ progress
• Supporting and motivating students to allow them to grow and enhance their own skills by both achieving qualifications and becoming ready for work

Personal requirements:

• Previous teaching experience is desirable, but not essential as support is provided
• ESOL qualification or equivalent experience
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Good listening skills
• DBS checked or willingness to be
• Planning and organisational skills

We're here to make sure children and young people with cancer get the right support at the right time. We do this through tailored psychosocial support and by making their voices and unique needs heard and understood. We believe they should have the same opportunities as everyone else.

You can be a key part of this by joining our friendly team where you will be able to utilise and develop your skills learning the nuts and bolts of what it takes to be a high functioning Operations Team in a very ambitious charity. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to develop further, or who wants to use their existing skills to contribute to something important. 

 As well as making sure our amazing supporters are thanked for their fundraising efforts and donations, you will provide valuable administrative support and assist a small friendly team. There’s lots to get involved with and you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in an area that interests you most.  

What will you be doing? 

• Assisting the team with a range of administrative tasks such as filing, data entry and cleaning. 

• Processing income from supporters and our charity shops. 

• Using our database to record income. 

• Logging mail and processing. 

• Sending thank you letters/e-mails to supporters. 

• Helping with Archiving and other ongoing projects as required. 
   

You will be organised and methodical and be keen to learn new processes and have good written and verbal communication skills.  If you have some basic IT skills that would be great, although we will provide training, so you are fully equipped for your role. 

We are looking for volunteers who can commit 6-10 hours per week during office hours of 9am-5pm and can be flexible to fit in with your other commitments.  This role is primarily based in our Bristol Office (BS1 2NT), however remote working can be arranged for certain tasks. 

We will provide full training for the role and the support of a dedicated Volunteer Manager.

Become a GamCare Online Peer Supporter

Make a difference by using your own experiences

For over 25 years, GamCare has been there for people experiencing gambling harms, whether that be people who gamble themselves or someone impacted by someone else’s gambling. We offer support over the phone, face-to-face or online and our treatment is free, flexible and confidential.

We are currently recruiting for Online Peer Supporters, to provide one-to-one and group support to both individuals who gamble and those affected by someone else’s gambling. Using their own experiences of gambling-related harms, volunteers will support others digitally as part of our Online Support Services and will include email support as well as facilitating our Forum and Chatrooms.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided to enable you to use your lived experience to work with our team as an Online Peer Supporter, providing support to all of those affected by gambling.

We believe that peer support is essential in the recovery journey. It provides:

• Shared understanding
• Reduces stigma
• A non-judgemental environment
• Practical insights and tools
• Continued motivation and hope

Our online platforms are designed to provide social connection to those who could be isolated or feel they have no one else to talk to. People accessing our services have identified that receiving support from someone who has had similar experiences can really benefit them when overcoming the challenges they may face on their recovery journey. It also provides a sense of community and belonging and contributes to the long-term support of those accessing these services.

Training

A comprehensive training programme will be delivered by our Lived Experience Volunteering team to provide you with the skills and confidence to use your experiences to support others while protecting your own recovery. Training includes:

• Safeguarding
• Motivational interviewing
• Facilitation skills

Role Responsibilities

Online Peer Supporters will:

• Navigate and guide contacts through existing services at GamCare and the National Gambling Support Network.
• Use motivational interviewing skills while drawing from their own lived experience to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space for those affected by gambling harms.
• Facilitate discussions via our online support services, including:

Email – you will be paired with an individual for regular email correspondence (up to 3 emails per week for 6 months)
Chatrooms – you will facilitate group discussions and supporting conversation between people at various stages of recovery
Forum – you will initiate discussions, respond to posts, and provide encouragement, signposting and support to forum users

• Help individuals set aims and goals to move to a more positive, sustained recovery whilst also providing resources to support people with these plans.
• Recognise the purpose and remit of our service and signposting to other internal and external support where appropriate.

What can I expect from GamCare?

In return, GamCare will:

• Provide a full, comprehensive induction and training programme
• Give you access to a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator
• Offer and arrange 1:1 and group supervision
• Fully support your own wellbeing and recovery journey
• Give ongoing training and development opportunities
• Provide access to some internal job opportunities within our services team
• Provide a reference after 3 months of regular volunteering

Role Requirements

For any of our volunteering roles we ask that you have lived experience of gambling-related harms. This includes being affected by someone else’s gambling (friend or family member).

We ask that you’ve been in positive, sustained recovery for at least one year before volunteering with us.

This role is completely remote, so you’ll need access to a reliable internet connection, a computer and a confidential space.

For full role requirements, please see the Role Profile on our website.

Please note that this role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please do not let that deter you from applying as all applications will be considered.

Availability & Commitment

We ask that you have availability at a regular time for around 1-2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Before volunteering with us, you will need to complete a mixture of self-directed online training and live online group training sessions delivered by our Volunteer Coordinators over a period of approximately 4 weeks.

Full details of the induction, including the next available dates will be sent to you by a member of the team within one week of receiving your application.

Ref: V227 | Community Connector | Carmarthenshire, Wales. 

We’re looking for multiple Community Connectors over the age of 18 years old, based across various locations across Carmarthenshire.  

You’ll be volunteering : Dates and times to be agreed with volunteer.

The volunteers could be:

• Providing a valuable support to our teams based within the region.
• Build relationships with people, and organisations to raise awareness of stroke and the Stroke Association.
• Engaging with your local community to represent the Stroke Association, this could include the delivery of presentations or talks either face to face or digitally. 
• Sharing your knowledge and experience of stroke to others.
• Researching and gathering information relating to life after stroke services.
• Supporting the process of volunteer recruitment and training.
• Attending fundraising events, including donation collections.

*Whilst we would be delighted if you could perform all of these tasks, we will be happy to accept enquiries from you if you can provide suitable selective support.

What the role can offer you personally:

• Learning and developing new skills. 
• Meeting new people, building a network and engaging with your local community.
• An opportunity to get together (either face to face/digitally) with other volunteers from the East of England. 
• Invitations to join national volunteer events to network and share experiences.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role description for the Community Connector role.

If you are interested in this role please complete our application form and send it to  Carla Williams, Community Connector Coordinator on email.

We want to reduce barriers to inclusion. Help us understand who’s applying for and getting roles with us by completing our Equal Opportunities Form. This helps us continue to identify anything that’s getting in the way for people looking to join us. This information does not form part of your application.

If you would like further information please contact Carla Williams, Community Connector Coordinator on email.

About Us

Stroke Association. Rebuilding lives after stroke.

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.

We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there.

We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

We’re working to improve the diversity of our team.  Because we know that individuality leads to a richer experience for our people and better support for those affected by stroke. 

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And we’re particularly looking to increase the number of applications from those with lived experience of stroke and those from under-represented communities. 

Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives. Help us rebuild them and join our team.

In 2019, we developed a bold new corporate strategy so that we can rebuild more lives after stroke and make a bigger difference to people’s lives.  

To help us deliver our strategy and make a real difference, we are looking to recruit talented people to a number of new roles.

If you would like to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, we want to hear from you!

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.

Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

• Reliable and friendly
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Passionate about customer service
• Interested in learning about and supporting the work of Sense

Volunteering in one of our Sense Shops will involve a variety of tasks that you can get involved with. These include:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• 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 new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. This is why it is important to us that our volunteers feel supported and rewarded. Here is what we can offer you as a volunteer:

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Location: Surrey and Sussex

Who we are

YMCA DownsLink Group operates across Surrey and Sussex helping children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. Each year we support thousands of children and young people up to the age of 25, providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional and mental health and well-being.

With a turnover of approximately £17million, 370 people and 80 volunteers we offer supported housing and sustaining accommodation, specialist information, advice and support and emotional health and well-being services.

Children and young people are at the heart of our thinking, and we are acutely aware of the challenges they face in our post-pandemic and economically uncertain world. Our services are needed now more than ever before, and our current three-year strategy will see us focus on ensuring we are strong, agile and responsive to meet their increasingly complex needs.

As we continue to focus on supporting positive change for children and young people, we seek two new Trustees to join us and actively contribute to this stage of our journey.

About the roles

Bringing your expertise and values that align to our own you’ll be energised by our strategic priorities of delivering psychologically informed services, amplifying youth voice and leadership and continuing to ensure we are a great place to work.

We are looking for two trustees; one who brings experience in a regulated housing environment and the other who is a strategic finance professional and financially qualified.

Alongside your professional expertise, you will be committed to ensuring children and young people’s voices and experiences help us in decision-making at all levels, are committed to learning, will ensure we continue to be an effective and financially sustainable organisation and are equitable, diverse and inclusive.

We welcome people of all faiths and those of none, although applicants must be prepared to respect and promote the founding Christian principles of the organisation.

Please click 'Apply via website’ 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 3rd June 2024.

Change young lives: Join Speech and Language UK's Education Committee

Do you have a passion for education and a heart for children facing challenges?

Speech and Language UK, a leading charity supporting the 1.9 million children with speech and language challenges, seeks dedicated volunteers for its Education Committee. This committee acts as the governing body for our two special schools.

Make a real difference:

• Strategic impact: Contribute to shaping the educational future of children with complex speech and language challenges.
• Direct influence: Provide guidance and support, acting as a critical friend, to ensure our schools deliver the highest quality education.
• Flexible commitment: Meetings are held online, 5-6 times a year for 2 hours each, allowing you to volunteer around your schedule.

We value diversity:

We actively encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those, disabled, working class, LGBTQ+, or from the Midlands, North, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

We especially welcome those with personal or family experience of speech and language challenges.

Your skills matter:

Prior experience in education leadership (schools/multi-academy trusts) is a plus.

Knowledge of Health & Safety or Facilities Management is also valuable.

Most importantly, we seek your passion, fresh perspective, and willingness to learn.

Leave a lasting legacy:

Join a dedicated team shaping the lives of children with speech and language challenges.

Contact:

For more information, please contact Neil Maslen, Director of Education.

Who are Speech and Language UK?   

For at least 1.9 million children in the UK, learning to talk and understand words feels like an impossible hurdle. We work to give every child the skills they need to face the future with confidence. We design innovative tools and training for thousands of nursery assistants and teachers to use in their classrooms. We give families the confidence and skills to help their children. And we put pressure on politicians to prioritise help for speech and language challenges. 

We demand a country in which every child with challenges in talking and understanding words has the skills they need to face the future with confidence. Together we can achieve it.  

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Marjon Students’ Union (MSU) is seeking external trustees to join their trustee board.

MSU strives to be the Student Voice of a unique educational establishment and to further enhance student experience and cater to student needs, from representation, recreation, resistance, entertainment, to welfare. Its continuity, financial stability and academic and welfare services have served the institution and its students resolutely over the years and aspire to do so for many years to come.

You will be supporting older people through weekly visits to their home. The role involves providing short term (6-8 weeks only) practical support (no personal care) to vulnerable adults.

· Support can include low level support such as having a cup of tea and a chat, light shopping, light snacks.  

· Support with companionship and support to rebuild confidence to regain or develop independence.   

Some clients may require additional support for tasks such as digital inclusion which volunteers (if they want to be) can be trained to provide.

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.

Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

• Reliable and friendly
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Passionate about customer service
• Interested in learning about and supporting the work of Sense

Volunteering in one of our Sense Shops will involve a variety of tasks that you can get involved with. These include:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• 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 new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. This is why it is important to us that our volunteers feel supported and rewarded. Here is what we can offer you as a volunteer:

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.

Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

• Reliable and friendly
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Passionate about customer service
• Interested in learning about and supporting the work of Sense

Volunteering in one of our Sense Shops will involve a variety of tasks that you can get involved with. These include:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• 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 new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. This is why it is important to us that our volunteers feel supported and rewarded. Here is what we can offer you as a volunteer:

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Trustees - The Royal Society of Asian Affairs (RSSA)

Approaching its 125th anniversary, The RSSA want to strengthen its Board with individuals with strong backgrounds in marketing and communications, ideally in the education sector. Up to two positions are available.

The RSSA was founded in 1901 as the Central Asian Society. Its journal, Asian Affairs has been published continuously since 1914.

The RSAA’s objective is to advance knowledge of Asia through its worldwide networks, its public events, its publications and its support to research. It is an open, active and internatiuonal network for informed debate about Asia, engaging experts, policy makers and the wider public with experience, analysis and scholarship.

Bring your financial expertise to our engaged and committed board of trustees 

Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support and that is testament to the talents of our dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and trustees. Through listening and engaging with people who face difficulties because of their criminal records we have an impressive track record of identifying issues, finding solutions, and putting them into practice. We also influence policy and create systemic change. 

We have an opportunity to join our engaged and committed board of trustees as our treasurer. 

About the role 

Trustees play an important role in the leadership, strategic direction and governance of Unlock. 

Alongside this, the treasurer’s role is to maintain an overview of Unlock’s finances, ensure our financial viability and to ensure proper financial records and procedures are maintained. 

About you 

Can you bring the following attitudes and skills to our board? 

• Financial qualifications and experience. 

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship. 

• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences. 

• Willingness to be available to staff for advice on an ad hoc basis, with “hands on” involvement where necessary. 

• Commitment to the vision, values and mission of Unlock. 

While experience in charity finance is desirable, we are happy to train and support a successful candidate without this previous experience. So if you’re looking to step into the charity sector, don’t let that hold you back from applying. 

We’re committed to increasing diversity across the organisation, including our board of trustees. We’re especially keen to appoint people who have themselves met with and overcome the disadvantages of having a criminal record. 

If you’re excited by this opportunity to support, and drive, the work of a small criminal justice charity with an impressive national impact, we’re looking forward to hearing from you. 

How to apply 

Read the full Treasurer application pack. 

Download and complete the application form.