Are you affected by sight loss? Would you like the opportunity to attend Steering Group Meetings to network and discuss issues affecting you and others with sight loss in the county? We are looking for volunteers to attend these meetings to share ideas and be part of the decision making process to help develop and improve services for blind and partially sighted people.

Are you outgoing and confident with the ability to develop relationships? We are looking for someone to join our team and provide support, information and advice to low vision practitioners and members of our low vision support group.

Have you been affected by sight loss? Would you like to share your experience of regaining your independence? We are looking for volunteers to attend a series of training courses called "Finding Your Feet". The aim of these courses is to inform people who have recently been diagnosed with sight loss about safe and independent travel, shopping and money management.

SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE TO LIVE, LEARN AND EARN
We are seeking mentors from all over East and West Sussex to support a range of young people between the ages of 16-30 to develop their skills and confidence.

As a Mentor you’ll make a real difference to the lives of young people by providing them with one-to-one support, guidance, encouragement and inspiration. You will mentor each young person for three to six months, supporting them one-to-one and, in some cases, in half-day workshops.

You would do so by:

➔ Mentoring young people to build their confidence and help them to develop important life skills so that they can re-engage with or enter into education, training or work, or set up in business, meeting regularly and committing 4-8 hours a month. We would ask you to meet weekly or fortnightly with a young person for 1-2 hours in a public place to help them to identify and then move towards achieving their goals. 
➔ Optional: Deliver workshops and sessions to groups of young people, utilising your skills and knowledge to meet their needs
➔ Optional: Provide bespoke one-to-one support and guidance during sessions to young people with additional needs such as language, literacy and numeracy support. 

The benefits that you’ll receive will be:
> the opportunity to gain experience of working within the charity sector
> taking on a new challenge and meeting new people, becoming par tof the volunteer community in Sussex
> opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young people
> reimbursement of expenses in accordance with our volunteer expenses policy
> training and support to carry out your role

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED?
The Prince’s Trust is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all
sections of the community. You don’t need to have any experience to volunteer in this role, but
ideally you should be able to demonstrate:
> an understanding of the issues facing The Prince’s Trust target groups
> good interpersonal skills
> reliability
> good written and spoken English skills
> an ability to work as part of a team
> an ability to complete tasks effectively and efficiently
> willingness to uphold the values of The Trust. Our values are approachable, non-judgmental, inspiring, empowering and passionate.

To apply, please send your CV to the email address below. 

As a branch chair you will: 

• keep up to date about the news and developments of Parkinson's UK and actively share them with the group
• make effective use of the skills and strengths of other volunteers so that the group has the greatest impact in your local area
• engage with local staff and volunteers to meet the needs of local people with Parkinson's

As the branch chair you would have the opportunity to: 

• do something meaningful for people affected by Parkinson's within your local area
• meet new people and make new friends, both in the group and in the local community
• learn and develop valuable leadership, teamwork and people skills 

We are looking for volunteers who: 

• have strong leadership, organisational, communication and IT skills so you can work effectively with a wide range of people and leading the group
• are able to make balanced decisions taking into account multiple views in order to meet the needs of local people with Parkinson's
• have a positive attitude to make things happen in your local community 

About the role:

You will be providing support for people impacted by hoarding behaviour who may be facing a variety of situations including legal, financial, psychological and discriminatory abuse and neglect. You will be working with trained colleagues to alleviate housing, benefits, mental health and other problems experienced by HUK’s participants.

  The role consists of:

· Volunteering at HUK a minimum of a half-day (4 hours) each week.

· Providing accurate and timely support  to those using the service.

· Maintain a caseload of up to four clients at each advice session

· Taking responsibility for ongoing casework as required.

· Complying with HUK’s case-management procedures, training programme and other relevant policies and procedures.

Training on hoarding, advocacy and other relevant areas of advice will be provided.

 We are looking for:

· Experience working with vulnerable adults

· Experience of providing support in one or more of following areas: mental health; housing; social care; legal.

· The ability to work sensitively and professionally with people facing difficult circumstances

· A commitment to volunteering with us for one year.

· A commitment to values and ethos of HUK.

HoardingUK is an Equal Opportunities Employer.​  Applicants will not be negatively assessed if they request support for the application process. HUK promotes equality of opportunity for all, through diversity, giving each individual the chance to achieve their potential, free from prejudice and discrimination.

If you are interested, please email Ron Aitken, Advocacy Services Manager, for an application form/for further information.  For those who do not want to use the apply online feature, we have provided a copy of our expression of interest form.  This can be emailed or posted back.

If applicants need support they will not be negatively assessed, instead helped through the process.  Please get in touch.

Treasurer – Chair of the Finance Committee, Board of Trustees

Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of Trustees for Gingerbread in the key role of Treasurer. These notes are intended to assist you in completing your application.  The Board is keen to ensure that new Trustees strengthen the Board’s mix of skills, expertise and diversity, understand the expectations of the role and accept the Code of Conduct that all our Trustees are expected to adhere to.

Why join our Board
In this role you will be joining Gingerbread at an exciting time. We have recently celebrated our 100th year, launched our new three-year strategy and have committed to a strong focus on our fundraising and the way in which we engage with our beneficiaries and evidence the impact of that engagement.

Single parents make up about a quarter of all families with children. Despite the positive changes achieved over the past 100 years, inequality and disadvantage still stand in the way of single parents providing their families with the security they deserve and the opportunities to flourish.  Our mission is to champion and enable single parent families to live secure, fulfilling and happy lives.

We hope you will also find time to browse the website for further information.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a Trustee for Gingerbread who can take up the role of Treasurer.  The Treasurer is the Chair of the Finance Committee and plays an essential role on the Board of Gingerbread. The specific tasks and responsibilities of the Treasurer are described in the role description (below).

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing Gingerbread’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the Articles of Association as well as legal and regulatory guidelines. As a Trustee you have the following responsibilities:

• Ensuring that Gingerbread complies with its governing document (its Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that Gingerbread pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
• Ensuring Gingerbread applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be
• Contributing actively to the Board of Trustees' role by giving firm strategic direction to Gingerbread by: setting overall policy; defining goals; setting targets; and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Safeguarding the good name and values of Gingerbread and acting in its best interests
• Ensuring the financial stability of Gingerbread and managing its resources responsibly
• Protecting and managing the property of Gingerbread and ensuring the proper investment of Gingerbread’s funds
• Appointing and supporting the Chief Executive Officer and monitoring his/her performance.

Trustees generally meet for full Board which are held 4 times a year and also include 2 Board strategy half days. Trustees are expected to attend all meetings.

The Treasurer will chair the Finance Committee of the Board which meets 4 times a year and more frequently as required.  The Treasurer may also meet with the Finance team and the CEO as required.  Currently we are meeting with more frequency and any applicants should be able to accommodate this time commitment 

Trustees’ expenses (for travel to Board meetings and overnight accommodation where required) are paid, but the role itself is without remuneration.

How to Apply

Please read the full role description for the role below. The person specification sets out the skills and experience we are looking for. 

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee and would like to talk informally to someone first, please contact Victoria Benson, Chief Executive Officer who can answer queries or put you in touch with the Chair or a Trustee for a confidential conversation.

If you wish to apply please e-mail Victoria, providing a short statement outlining why you would like to be our Treasurer and what skills and experience you would bring to this role, as well as a short CV.

The Nominations Committee will interview candidates and will make recommendations to the Board. 

Equality and Diversity

We want to recruit people from a range of backgrounds. To help us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment, please complete a diversity monitoring questionnaire online. This data is completely anonymous, is stored confidentially by our HR team and will not be seen by the selection panel. 

Yours sincerely

Victoria Benson

Chief Executive Officer

Role Description

Job Title: Treasurer – Chair of the Finance Committee

Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Key responsibilities:

• Monitor all financial aspects of the charity and financial reports, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, to ensure Gingerbread’s short and longer-term viability
• Assist the Chair and the Chief Executive in ensuring that the Board of Trustees fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper financial governance of the charity.
• Liaise with external auditors on financial issues and ensure the charity’s finances are responsibly managed and invested.

Duties and tasks to fulfil the key responsibilities

Governance

• Lead the Board’s duty to ensure that Gingerbread operates with proper accounting records and responsibly controls financial resources and investments in line with the financial governance, legal and other regulatory requirements
• Ensure that the charity has adequate financial and internal audit controls and that these are monitored and reviewed regularly
• Liaise with the CEO and Head of Finance to ensure that intangible assets such as organisational knowledge and expertise, intellectual property, the charity’s good name and reputation etc. are properly valued, utilised and safeguarded.
• Chair the Finance Committee in line with the terms of reference and recommend and report findings /developments to the Board of Trustees.
• Identify and bring to the attention of the Board, any financial risks facing the charity

Budget & Strategic Financial Planning

• Scrutinise the proposed annual budget, and advise and guide the Board on the financial implications and risks accordingly
• Ensure that strategic financial plans/budgets are aligned to short and longer term objectives each year.
• Recommend (or suggest) alternative scenarios when evaluating strategic plans as part of the risk management process.
• Ensure greater transparency and accountability in the management and allocation of resources in line with Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) guidelines.

Reserves Policy

• To advise on and develop the Board’s Reserves Policy, and to ensure that this policy is reviewed and monitored regularly
• To keep the Board informed of its free reserves and advise on actions to cope with changing circumstances

Management Reporting

• Liaise with the Head of Finance to scrutinise management accounts, performance against budget etc., ensuring a high standard of management accounting is maintained, and to advise the Board accordingly

Audit /Statutory Requirements

• Liaise with the External Auditors on the auditing process and related representations to the Board
• Guide and advise the Board of Trustees on the approval of the Annual Report and audited accounts.

Person Specification

• Qualified accountant with experience of financial control and budgeting at a senior level, preferably with experience in the voluntary sector
• Commitment to the organisation
• Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good financial analysis skills
• Ability to communicate clearly
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

This fulfilling role will appeal to a community focused person with strong leadership and influencing skills.  You will need knowledge of good governance, a commitment to supporting the charity’s mission and the skill to build relationships.  

Michael Wangermann, current Chair of the Trustee Board said, “it has been an honour to serve as the Chair of Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk.  Unfortunately, due to work and family commitments I will have to stand down and go back to being a trustee.  I would like to thank the staff, volunteers and trustees at Citizens Advice for making it the great place that it is.

This is a crucial time for the community that we serve.  When new issues arise, we are prepared to help people with the advice that they need to find a way forward.

I would encourage anyone who is interested to apply. By providing strategic guidance to the charity, they will have the opportunity to make a positive impact for people in Mid Suffolk.”

For more information on how to apply download the application pack on our website

Volunteer re-homing team leader

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

At Cats Protection we will continue to find new homes for cats and kittens in need until our work around information, education and neutering reduces the long-term need for homing. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our rehoming team leaders support a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families.

What can you expect to be doing? 

• Being the first point of contact for home visitor volunteers
• Advising and answering questions from volunteer home visitors
• Responding to rehoming enquiries
• Matching cats with new homes in line with Cats Protection policies and procedures 

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by supporting a wider team of volunteer home visitors in their roles. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Basic knowledge of cats and cat care
• An appreciation of suitable homing environments
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Record keeping and administration skills
• Patience and the ability to deal with sensitive situations
• Willingness to be part of a team
• The ability to bring out the best in others 

Time expectation 

The rehoming team leader role is vital within our busy volunteer groups and centres. Our current volunteers spend around 10 to 12 hours per week in this flexible role, which can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

Additional Information

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. To make sure this is the case, we provide support and guidance both remotely from our National Cat Centre and face to face through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We also offer varied online and face to face training and have wide-ranging policies covering all aspects of volunteering. We hope the support we provide will ensure our volunteers have a great experience with Cats Protection.

You will be based across various sites throughout Lambeth and you will assist the wider MYadvice team at drop-ins by meeting and greeting clients and assessing their immediate needs. 
During the drop-in session, you will need to evaluate whether any clients need to see an adviser. If the assessment shows that the client can be helped in a more appropriate manner, then the Triage Adviser will do so.

Our Safe and Independent Living (SAIL) Project is a quick and simple way for people to access a wide range of local services which support people in maintaining their independence, safety and wellbeing. 
We provide a holistic, person-centred service supporting people to identify their personal support needs and together create an action plan. 

The role of the volunteer is to support the team complete four weeks follow up calls, record their feedback on our database and follow up with any agencies who are yet to make contact with our clients.

About the opportunity

Come and join a wonderful team of volunteers and staff at the Gateway community hub/café for the role of General Volunteer.

At the Gateway they offer a range of reasonably priced food for the local community and are in need of a volunteer that would kindly give some time to help in the Gateway hub/Cafe.

This is an unpaid role; however, we do offer support with training, development and support. You will ideally have good customer service experience in a front of house setting; however, training can be given.

Benefits

• Valued work experience and ability to fill in the gaps of unemployment.
• References for future work etc.
• Personal growth and training.
• Making a difference to the community.
• Working with a wide range of people.

There are many benefits in volunteering, and they want you to make the best of your own personal goals within this community scheme like; training, personal development, socializing to name but a few.

About GL Communities

Borne out of the first Neighbourhood Project in Gloucester, GL Communities works with people in the urban areas of Gloucestershire to create greater levels of economic well-being, build confidence, self-belief and motivation and helps empower the communities to build better futures. Initially established to tackle local issues related to poverty, unfit housing, crime and a lack of opportunities in one area, nine other communities based on social housing estates developed similar organisations. These made huge contributions to improve the lives of residents, their health and well-being.

GL Communities represents the coming together of 3 of the most successful of these neighbourhood organisations (White City Community Project, Matson Neighbourhood Project and Podsmead Neighbourhood Project).

It now provides advice and resources for the local community, recognising the skills, experience and talents of people and providing a space where they can grow. Services include Advice and Advocacy, Education and Employability, Community Inclusion and Well-being. Residents are helped to gain skills to aid re-employment and make the right choices about their own mental health and well-being plus resident-led organisations and initiatives are encouraged through mutual support and community action.

What are they looking for?

• Excellent customer and communication skills.
• Ability to ensure the smooth running of a Reception/Community Café Area including keeping it clean and tidy.
• Welcoming visitors and direct them to; sign in/out book, to laptops, telephone and appropriate contact for support.
• Ability to deal with customer enquiries and signpost where necessary.
• Have Health & Safety experience or a willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of using a photocopier/scanner/printer would be useful.
• A good team player that will uphold the values of GL Communities.

Practical Considerations

Induction and training will be provided, expenses will be reimbursed.

As a cafe co-ordinator you will:

• ensure the cafe gathering takes place on a set day and time, and that those attending are warmly welcomed
• use and work with the chosen venue effectively, which could include activities such as ordering, making and serving refreshments, or organising a raffle on the day
• provide updates and feedback to relevant Parkinson's UK staff members about how the cafe session 

As a cafe co-ordinator, you will:

• gain considerably from meeting new people and forging friendships and connections in your area
• enable those affected by Parkinson's to access support in their area
• gain valuable organisational and communication skills

In order to fulfil this role, you will:

• have excellent communication skills and a friendly attitude, as you will be working with a wide range of people
• be patient and empathetic, in order to deal with sensitive issues and topics
• be willing to listen and respond tactfully to the views and feedback of others, ensuring that it is shared with Parkinson's UK staff when appropriate

About our Service

Our Service provides home-based email and phone emotional support and practical information to help pet owners with feelings of grief and loss.  This may be as a result of death, illness, enforced separation or any form of loss of a pet. This year, we have supported pet owners for 25 years and also provide training to staff at Veterinary Practices and Guide Dog Centres.

What we are looking for 

• A good listener and communicator
• Warm calm approachable manner
• Computer literate
• Experience of pet bereavement
• Able to complete regular written information on calls for statistical purposes
• A commitment to working a minimum of 16 hours per month (4x 4 hour shifts)  1 shift per week on the telephone support line
• Must have a UK landline number
• Able to empathise with others
• Reliable
• Non-judgmental
• Home based working with a quiet and undisturbed area of the home to use
• Ability to undertake 8 week training course and submit written materials

What you will be doing:

• Committing to working 4 hour shifts once a week
• Listening and supporting callers
• Signposting to other helpful resources such as websites, GP or Samaritans
• Covering shifts where possible for illness and holidays
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Having monthly support sessions with your mentor
• Contributing to the service with new ideas

Benefits to you:

• Being part of Blue Cross
• Making a difference to someone at their time of need
• Flexible volunteering from home
• Learning new skills
• Being part of a vital team and feeling supported
• 8 week training course via e learning
• Supported by other volunteers.

The training is certified by NCFE awarding body. (The fee that they charge for the certificate is £15 per person. If you would like a certificate  on completion of your training you will be required to pay £15). You can also make a donation to help more pets if  you would like to.