Charity Suppliers Volunteer Roles
New Governor (Trustee) vacancy
Are you interested in making a positive difference in Islington; helping to effect change and tackle issues related to poverty and inequality?
- Do you have experience in finance, investments, endowments and/or impact investing?
- Can you help amplify the voice of those we work with, through your personal or professional experience?
- Could you bring additional diversity to our board so that we better reflect the community in which we work?
- Do you have volunteering or charity experience?
- Are you able to commit the time required to make the most of joining us?
If any of the above apply to you, then becoming a Governor of the Cripplegate Foundation may be the right opportunity for you. Full induction and support would be provided, so don’t let a lack of experience of being a trustee or governor deter you from reading more…
Cripplegate Foundation is a grant making foundation focused on poverty and inequality and operates in the London Borough of Islington and a small part of the City of London. It is a pioneer of the place-based giving movement, building on a decade of innovative partnerships and grant programmes.
Please see information pack attached for more of an in depth view of the role.
Deadline: Expressions of Interest by 3rd May 2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Essex Sight is passionate about improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people and we are now looking for additional trustees to strengthen our dynamic and committed board.
What will you be doing?
Essex Sight in the trading name of Essex Blind Charity. We have been operating across Essex since the 1920s and our purpose is to provide practical and emotional support and advice to enable blind and partially sighted people to enjoy a full and active life in the way they want to. Following the sale of our care home last year, we are now focussing on our community services. This includes: information, advice and guidance; assessment services; home visiting; and social activities, all with the aim of helping people to improve their independence and wellbeing.
We are in the fortunate position to be partly self-funding for the foreseeable future as we look to invest the funds from the sale of the care home in the continuation and development of our community services. We also operate under a contract for Essex County Council.
We are looking to appoint several new trustees to support our succession planning process and to bring additional skills to the board. We are keen to hear from people with a range of skills and experience but we are also looking for people with some of the following specific skills, knowledge or experience (we don't expect to final all these skills in one person):
1: Finance
2: Marketing and Digital
3: Service Delivery/Charity Management
4: Lived experience
Our trustees typically meet 10 times per year and generally serve a three year term with the option to extend for another term.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a range of skills and experience but, in particular, would benefit from experience in the following areas:
1: Finance - to bolster our ability to scrutinise, manage, report and make effective decisions based on our financial situation, including managing our investments. This person will develop good relationships with our management accountants, auditors/independent examiner and investment advisors.
2: Marketing and Digital – to help us build our reach and amplify our impact with the visually impaired community, volunteers and local and national networks including employers and other charities.
3: Service Delivery/Charity Management – to help us ensure that the services we develop and deliver are based on a good understanding of existing needs and services and are managed in the right way. This might include experience around charity management, volunteer management and/or safeguarding.
4: Lived experience - to ensure we build lived experience of vision impairment into all our work and reflect that experience in what we do.
What difference will you make?
You will need a real passion for our work and a high degree of personal integrity, playing a key role in developing the charity as we evolve and grow. You will have a chance to help improve the independence and wellbeing of blind and partially sighted people across Essex, the opportunity to use your existing skills and knowledge to make strategic decisions, and the opportunity to develop new skills.
It is estimated that there are more than 50,000 blind and partially sighted people living in Essex and our services can make a vital difference to people's ability to live the lives they want to lead. This is an exciting time to be part of our work as we look to develop and expand our existing community services. We are looking for candidates who share our values and can help us deliver our purpose.
Before you apply
Please apply through Reach in the first instance, attaching your CV with a supporting statement detailing why you would like to work with Essex Sight and what attracted you to the role. Candidates will then be invited to interview with some of our existing trustees.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We need a Treasurer/Trustee to support the Board of Trustees in achieving on-going Good Governance of of an unincorporated charity transitioning into a CIO
What will you be doing?
The new Trustee/Treasurer is needed to give advice on the Society’s strategic plans at a time of increased uncertainty about the level of support for our national activities.
In past years the Society has held very successful annual events but now, due to uncertainty about the current and future level of support for these events - organised by ambitious, experienced volunteers. Consequently the board members now need support and guidance to ensure confidence in the financial viability of on-going plans and to ensure that funds are properly managed.
What are we looking for?
Experience in accounts preferably with awareness of charitable governance, analysis and evaluation skills, ability to communicate and explain financial information, people handling and leadership skills
What difference will you make?
A sympathetic, knowledgeable and reliable professional will give the inexperienced trustees confidence to make informed decisions on the financial governance of the society and the reassurance that efficient oversight is in place.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
If you have extensive experience of fundraising, there is a volunteer opportunity here for you which offers a chance to make a difference at Ampleforth Abbey in its mission to the Church and society in the 21st century.
What will you be doing?
The Ampleforth Abbey Trust wishes to appoint a trustee with fundraising expertise and experience who will be able to align fundraising with the charity’s overall Strategic Plan and ensure effective income generation.
As the specialist fundraising trustee, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Ampleforth community by setting and monitoring the Trust’s strategic direction to ensure sustainable delivery of core objectives.
Main duties:
- Fundraising strategy: provide expertise, advice and guidance to align fundraising within the charity’s overall Strategic Plan to ensure effective income generation
- Fundraising Steering Group: work with the Chair of the board and invited experts on a Fundraising Steering Group
- Donor engagement: collaborate with the monastic community and the board of trustees to develop and monitor a donor engagement plan
- Compliance and Risk: ensure compliance with legal requirements, assess risks in fundraising planning, alerting the Board of Trustees in a timely manner about any concerns
- To report to the Board at a strategic level on the successes and challenges of the fundraising strategy.
What are we looking for?
- Clear demonstrable and evidenced empathy with support for Ampleforth Abbey Trust’s mission and ethos;
- Experience of participating in the oversight or management of organisations and an understanding of organisational operational and effectiveness issues;
- Experience (professional or non-executive) in strategic philanthropic development and fundraising and an understanding of the key opportunities for the Trust in this area;
- Willingness to use different experiences to support the Trust, and to act as an ambassador;
- A capacity for independent thought, judgement and expression - balanced by influencing skills with an ability to advise and challenge on a constructive and open basis;
- A warm, collegiate and diplomatic style with the ability to take tough decisions when required;
- Good interpersonal, communication and team working skills;
- Able to give sufficient time on a voluntary basis;
- Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, alongside a personal commitment to core principles of opportunity, openness, transparency and respect for others;
- Experience in a non-executive role.
What difference will you make?
Through your fundraising experience you will have a pivotal role in providing expertise, advice and guidance to align fundraising within the charity’s overall Strategic Plan to ensure effective income generation; collaborate with the monastic community and the board of trustees to develop and monitor a donor engagement plan; and report to the Board at a strategic level on the successes and challenges of the fundraising strategy.
Before you apply
Please provide a CV and a cover letter containing the contact details of two referees.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Our Charity is committed to transforming the wellbeing of the banking community – current and former bank workers, retirees, and their families, by working closely with the banks to promote the wellbeing of their staff.
What will you be doing?
We’re recruiting up to three Trustees and co-opted members to deliver our mission to support and improve the wellbeing of UK bank workers past and present, and their families. Our work seeks to support people most in need.
What are we looking for?
Investment management, legal, accounting and financial management and experience of working in the voluntary sector, in a service delivery or fundraising capacity.
What difference will you make?
Trustees are keen to add to the strengths of the existing Board with individuals who are strategically minded, with ability to focus on key organisational issues and long-term organisational effectiveness. Expertise in investment management, legal, accounting and financial management and those with an experience of working in the voluntary sector, in a service delivery or fundraising role are encouraged to apply.
Before you apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a personal statement stating:
- Why would you like to be a Trustee?
- What do you hope to gain?
- What do you hope to offer?
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Off the Record is a well-established and respected support agency for children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. Founded in 1994, OTR supports young people aged 11-25 in Croydon, Sutton and Merton.
What will you be doing?
We are currently looking for new Trustees with a fund-raising ability, legal expertise, financial expertise and with experience of working within the mental health field.
Treasurer:
Key Skills: financial acumen, analytical skills, communication, attention to detail, integrity and trustworthiness, strategic thinking, team collaborations, problem-solving, adaptability and time management.
Fundraising and Bid Writing:
Key Skills: communication, research, strategic thinking, creativity, relationship building, Results-oriented, financial acumen
Clinical:
Key Skills: clinical, safeguarding knowledge, leadership, communication, collaboration, advocacy, problem-solving, cultural competence, empathy, continuous learning.
Legal:
Key skills: legal expertise, analytical thinking, contract review, compliance management, risk management, communication, ethical decision-making, problem-solving, attention to detail.
Note: this role is not suitable for a short-term work placement or apprenticeship
What are we looking for?
Person specification:
- Finance, clinical, legal and fundraising expertise with a minimum of three years of experience in the relevant field.
- Interest in mental health issues affecting children and young people and the communities where we operate.
- Commitment to the charity’s objectives, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
- Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objectives and aims.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Passion for mental health advocacy and community well-being.
We invite applications from young individuals, and we strongly encourage representation from minority groups to enhance diversity on our Trustee Board.
We are actively working to broaden the Board's composition to better reflect the Croydon, Merton, and Sutton communities.
Your unique perspectives are crucial to our commitment to inclusivity and community representation.
What difference will you make?
Your role as a Trustee is a key element for our strategic plans to come to fruition. Your skills and expertise will help Off the Record to continue providing its invaluable mental health services to the children and young people in our community and expand our services to reach those who need our support.
What is in it for the volunteer?
You will join a friendly and dynamic organisation, where the mental health of young people from our local area is at the heart of our mission. We are a well-established local organisation with a powerful reputation in this area. Your involvement as a Trustee will allow you to highlight your skills and experience for the benefit of vulnerable young adults and children. We will organise for you to attend a training workshop in Governance at the beginning of your time with us.
Time commitment:
The Board meets five times a year, collaborating with the Directors to oversee the strategic direction of the organisation as well as taking care of the Charity’s financial, legal and employment responsibilities. These in-person meetings are held in Croydon on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:30. Additionally, trustees are encouraged to participate in two Charity days annually, held on Saturdays, where all staff get together (10:00 to 16:00 in April and October).
Some ad-hoc communications via email/telephone/Teams as required i.e., working on specific projects related to the trustees’ area of expertise. We estimate that this could be 3 – 6 hours a month.
Before you apply
Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience along with your CV.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lead the board of a newly evolved organisation, bringing together a group of like-minded charities across North West London with the aim to create access to responsive, fully-integrated, quality and culturally-appropriate support that reduce health inequalities and ensures residents stay independent and in control of their lives.
- Location: North West London
- Salary: Reasonable expenses paid
- Closing date: Monday 20th May
Who we are.
3ST – Third Sector Together – is a group of like-minded charities that have been working together since 2019 across the eight boroughs of North West London: Harrow, Hillingdon, Brent, Hounslow, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster.
Third sector organisations have long been valued, vital partners to the public sector in the delivery of support and services to communities and individuals, both in day-to-day life and in times of crisis.
The changing strategic and funding landscape is presenting new challenges and opportunities for the third sector. Alongside the widely recognised increased competition for funding, these changes are also bringing about more significant opportunities to influence future service development and forward strategy, particularly within the health and social care sector.
The increasing regionalisation of funding and strategic planning means that individual organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain effective relationships across the vast array of commissioners and organisations now present in the marketplace.
3ST has been formed primarily to provide a strategic and commissioning link between the voluntary and community (third) sector and the Integrated Care System within the NHS across the North West London region. 3ST aims to be a strong, recognisable group able to represent the sector’s voice and interests at a local and regional level and to maximise the opportunities presented by the NHS’s Long Term Plan commitment to increased sector involvement. Our ambition is to act as a contract vehicle for the sector to demonstrate the impact of social models and provide effective management. We foster closer working with the ICS through collaboration with grassroots organisations that can support reach activities and co-production. We are in the process of planning to host a VSCE conference which will grow the 3ST members.
About the role.
Our Board is looking to appoint our first Independent Chair to lead us through a period of growth, developing relationships and defining our future strategic vision. We are looking for someone who has led complex organisations, with strong communication skills with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, and who has experience of chairing complex meetings with an inclusive style.
Who we are looking for.
Our Independent Chair will be an ambassador for the organisation, proactively building relationships across NW London Integrated Care System and our members and promoting the third sector’s role in population health management alongside our executive team. It would be beneficial if our new Chair has experience in the health, social care or the voluntary or public sectors, whilst being commercial, strategic and a champion for the needs and views of NW London residents. Our MD, Fiona Hill and the executive team (leaders of our member organisations) will come together with our Chair and liaise to provide leadership, advice and guidance to ensure we are working collaboratively with our members, ICS, and residents at the heart of our decision making.
Our Board, including our legacy partners from H4ALL and our elected members, come together and meet six times a year for two hours plus an annual strategy day. We expect the overall time commitment to be the equivalent of c.2 days a month which will include, liaising with our MD and executive, working with our Board and Members, and building relationships with our ICS colleagues.
The eight boroughs we are active in are diverse in many ways, and we want to continue ensuring our Board represents our society and the people we work with every day.
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 Monday 20th May 2024.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a Volunteer YouTube Content Creator!
Are you enthusiastic about making a positive impact and using your creative flair to support a worthwhile cause? Mast Cell Action, a dynamic and influential charity committed to raising awareness and driving positive change, is in need of a Volunteer YouTube Content Creator. Your role will be pivotal in helping us spread our message, raise awareness, and inspire action through compelling videos.
Role Overview:
As a Volunteer YouTube Content Creator, you'll collaborate with our Volunteer Creative Multimedia & Equality Manager to craft captivating videos that showcase the essence of our organisation. Your creative storytelling skills will captivate audiences, translating intricate ideas into accessible content that resonates with viewers.
Responsibilities:
Utilise your proficient video editing skills to craft high-quality, visually appealing content.
Apply your expertise in camera equipment, lighting, and sound setup for professional video production.
Weave engaging narratives that emotionally connect with viewers and align with our mission.
Employ your exceptional communication skills to effectively convey our message through videos.
Utilise your knowledge of YouTube and social media best practices to maximise video reach and engagement.
Manage your time efficiently to meet deadlines and handle multiple projects concurrently.
Collaborate with fellow volunteers, staff members, and stakeholders to align video content with our objectives.
Uphold strong ethical standards in content creation, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and sensitivity.
Respect confidentiality and the privacy of individuals associated with our charity.
Requirements:
Proficiency in video editing software and techniques.
Demonstrated experience in video production and content creation.
Creative thinking and the ability to transform complex concepts into engaging content.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Familiarity with YouTube platform functionalities and algorithms.
Adaptability to changing priorities and evolving needs.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ethical standards in content creation.
Desirable Skills:
Experience in managing a YouTube channel.
Knowledge of animation and motion graphic techniques.
Proficiency in Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe Photoshop (or equivalents).
Time Commitment: 4-8 hours per week
Benefits:
Opportunity to make a tangible impact by supporting a deserving cause.
Develop and showcase your creative talents.
Gain experience in content creation and video production.
Collaborate with a passionate and diverse team.
If you're excited about contributing your skills to a purposeful cause and being part of a vibrant community of change-makers, we invite you to apply! Please submit your application, including your CV and a portfolio highlighting your past work.
Let's collaborate to create content that ignites change and raises awareness for Mast Cell Action's crucial mission. Join us today and make a meaningful difference!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Opportunity - Fundraising Senior Position
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a flair for fundraising and a drive to support important causes? We have an exciting volunteer opportunity for you!
Main Purposes of position:
- Support and develop a variety of income generation functions, including individual giving initiatives, community fundraising, grant-making, and corporate giving.
- Undertake ad hoc admin tasks to support income generation efforts.
- Facilitate the successful delivery and completion of fundraising campaigns.
Key Tasks:
- Utilise your skills to undertake a variety of processes supporting fundraising efforts. This includes setting up community fundraising campaigns on platforms like JustGiving, promoting individual giving, facilitating grant applications, and enabling online donations.
- Unleash your creativity and look for new income generation opportunities while also nurturing existing grant pipelines. Support and encourage community fundraisers with their ideas and plans.
- Engage with the MCAS community, providing support to fundraisers. Collaborate with the communications team to share fundraising opportunities on social media, and work on developing our stewardship plans.
Key Results/Objectives:
- Help us achieve increased income generation to support our mission and goals.
- Drive enhanced community engagement with our fundraising campaigns, making a real impact on important causes.
- Contribute to the establishment and expansion of additional income generation channels, such as corporate giving.
You will report to our Director of Operations, Engagement, and Services, who will provide guidance and support throughout your volunteering journey.
If you are ready to take on this vital role and be part of a vibrant and passionate team dedicated to making a difference, we want to hear from you! Join us in our quest to create positive change and leave a lasting impact on our community.
To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to [Email Address]. We can't wait to welcome you to our passionate team of changemakers!
Note: This is a volunteer position. We greatly value the time and commitment of our volunteers and will provide necessary support and training to ensure a fulfilling experience.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Empower Change as a Legal Advisor with Mast Cell Action: Championing Medical Support in the UK
Are you a dedicated legal professional looking to utilise your expertise for a cause that truly matters? Join the dynamic team at Mast Cell Action, a UK-based charity committed to supporting people with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Your legal skills can play a vital role in advancing our mission and providing much-needed assistance to those in need.
Position: Legal Advisor (Volunteer)
As a Legal Advisor at Mast Cell Action, you will be a crucial contributor to ensuring our operations align with UK laws and regulations. By providing expert legal guidance, you will enable us to navigate legal complexities and make informed decisions that drive our mission forward. In this role, you will:
Responsibilities:
Offer legal counsel on matters related to UK regulations, compliance, and policies.
Review and draft contracts, agreements, and legal documents to facilitate our initiatives.
Provide advice on matters of governance, organisational structure, and risk management.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure legal compliance in fundraising, advocacy endeavors, and community outreach.
Represent Mast Cell Action in legal negotiations, disputes, and external communications.
Qualifications:
Qualified solicitor or barrister with current registration in the UK.
Experience in healthcare law, nonprofit law, or related field is advantageous.
Strong familiarity with UK healthcare regulations, privacy laws, and compliance standards.
Benefits:
A unique opportunity to leverage your legal skills for a meaningful cause.
Collaboration with a passionate and dedicated team.
Remote work and flexible arrangements.
Satisfaction in contributing to improved support for individuals in the UK.
Application Process:
If you are eager to apply your legal expertise to drive positive change, we invite you to submit your CV and cover letter. Please highlight your relevant experience and your alignment with our charity's mission.
Mast Cell Action is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals affected by mast cell disorders.
Join us in championing medical support and empowerment for all. Apply today to be part of a transformative journey.
We are seeking to recruit two Non-Executive Directors from the business world, third sector, cultural sector and beyond who share our passion for theatre and the arts to support our collective responsibility to develop our vision and our people.
What will you be doing?
We’re a Theatre Without Walls, have imagination without limits and exist to make extraordinary, relevant theatre by, with and for contemporary Scotland.
As we continue our journey, we are seeking to recruit two Non-Executive Directors from the business world, third sector, cultural sector and beyond who share our passion for theatre and the arts to support our collective responsibility to develop our vision and our people.
We welcome a diversity of voices around the table, reflecting the audiences and communities we serve. Applications from divergent and collaborative thinkers are welcome, we offer a space in which to speak and be heard. We also encourage applications from candidates of colour, gender diverse people and disabled people.
What are we looking for?
In this instance, we are specifically looking for individuals with experience and skills in the following areas:
- Experience of HR practice and / or the legal landscape around HR within a thriving workplace.
- Experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds, encouraging the voice of young people in society, working with more disengaged youth to build confidence, agency and social mobility.
Skills and Experience:
- Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to command respect from, and communicate effectively with, a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders.
- An understanding of access, inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities issues.
- Experience of working effectively as part of a team, project group or committee.
- Good, independent judgement.
- An ability to think creatively.
- Awareness of risk and the need to balance ambition with sustainability
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of fundraising, or involvement in other networks of benefit to National Theatre of Scotland.
What difference will you make?
The statutory duties of a Non-Executive Director Board member are:
- To ensure that the company complies with its governing documents - Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- To ensure that the company pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
- To ensure that the company applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives - the company must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how ‘charitable’ and ‘worthwhile’ those activities are.
- To contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving firm strategic direction to the company, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
- To safeguard the reputation and values of the company.
- To ensure the effective and efficient operation and administration of the company.
- To ensure the financial stability of the company.
- To protect and manage the property of the company and to ensure the proper investment of the company’s funds.
- To appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor their performance.
- To hold the National Theatre of Scotland, as a registered Charity, “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:
- Ensuring that the Charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
- Being responsible for the performance of the Charity and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the Charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
- Acting as guardians of the Charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.
- Ensuring that the Charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.
Before you apply
Please apply with CV and covering letter to Kathy Khorrami, PA via the Reach platform.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Ridgegate Home was established in 1946. It is a charitable 23 bed residential care home for the elderly. It is a large, detached period building. The home is administered by a Board of Governors, who have an active role in running the home.
What will you be doing?
We currently have 3 trustee vacancies including Chair and Treasurer. The ideal candidates should have good leadership skills, organisational skills, people management skills and negotiation skills. The board meets 4 times per year to discuss the quarterly accounts, and update on operational and strategic matters. Interim meetings are held as required. The home’s registered manager communicates weekly regarding matters arising.
What are we looking for?
A background in Finance, HR, IT, Healthcare, Legal, Marketing or fundraising would be an advantage.
What difference will you make?
The work of our Trustees enables us to continue to make a difference to the lives of our residents, by providing strong leadership and ensuring that our organisation is in the best position to serve our community. Our Trustees know that it is extremely important that Ridgegate Home remains financially viable as a charity. We invite you to share your skills for a cause you care about, whilst building your network and cultivate new skillsets as leaders and make a meaningful impact on this community.
Before you apply
Please apply through Reach in the first instance. An informal chat with one of the existing trustees will then be arranged.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
HF Mencap supports people with learning disabilities, autism and developmental conditions. You will ensure high standards of governance and legal compliance but need not have previous experience as Company Secretary.
What will you be doing?
HF Mencap is the only disabilities charity in Hammersmith and Fulham that focuses solely on people with learning disabilities, autism, and other developmental conditions.
The Charity provides a wide range of service-user led activity, summarised in four projects: advocacy for families of young people with learning disabilities, a parent led forum for those with children and young people up to 25 with additional needs and learning disabilities, a youth development project for young adults, and a day service where the focus is on peer support and skills development through a range of inclusive activities.
As Company Secretary you will lead on maintaining high standards of governance and ensuring legal compliance.
As a Trustee you will help HF Mencap continue to provide the highest standards of professional, specialist support and care for the people who use our services and set a clear, ambitious direction for the charity’s future. The Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring the charity is well-run and meets legal requirements, charitable objectives, and those of good governance. You will use your personal skills and experience to help the Board reach structured and sound decisions.
What are we looking for?
Somebody based in London with a corporate governance, legal or business background. It is desirable but not essential to have previous Trustee and/or Company Secretary experience as appropriate training and mentorship can be provided. You do need to be organised, methodical, and able to ensure that HF Mencap fulfils its obligations both as a charity and limited company.
We are also very keen to hear from you if you have lived experience of a learning disability and/or autism or are a parent or carer of someone who does. Alternatively, you may have direct experience of working with people who do.
Whatever your circumstances you feel strongly about HF Mencap's cause and want to combine your expertise and passion to create a better world for those it supports. You are willing to bring your skills and experience to the table to help shape HF Mencap’s future. You are enthusiastic, able to commit time and effort, and enjoy being part of a team.
The role is voluntary, with any necessary out of pocket expenses reimbursed. Appointment is for a three-year term with the opportunity to be re-appointed for a period of up to three years.
Essential
- Based in London
- Expertise in one of the following areas: legal, compliance, corporate governance, accountancy or office and administration management
Desirable
- Previous experience of acting as a Trustee and/or Company Secretary
- Lived experience of having a learning disability and/or autism, being a parent or carer of somebody who does, or experience of working directly with people who do.
The following personal skills and attributes are needed:
- Commitment to HF Mencap’s support of people with a learning disability, their families, and carers.
- Excellent communication and co-ordination skills.
- Dependability in meeting deadlines.
- A keen eye for the accuracy of detail.
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team that makes collective decisions.
- Willingness to speak your mind while collaborating with others.
- Energy to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.
- Ability to undertake analysis, discussion and decision making at a strategic level.
- Sound, independent judgement.
- Ability to think creatively.
- Willingness to work in uncertain circumstances and be receptive to change.
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
What difference will you make?
The current social and economic pressures have put the needs of those living with learning disability further down the national agenda. You will be helping to keep their voice heard and enabling a local charity to take an even more active role in helping to address the inequality faced by so many of them. As Company Secretary you will help to underpin the charity’s credibility by maintaining high standards of governance and reporting.
Before you apply
Please provide a comprehensive cv with your full name and contact details by March 25th (at the latest), together with a supporting statement setting out why you are for applying for this role and how you meet the person specification. Details of the role and person specification are in the attached document.
Any appointment will be subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references and a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
Trustees will be expected to declare that they are eligible and willing to act as a Charity Trustee and Company Director and that they comply with the fit and proper persons test in relation to HF Mencap’s registration with HMRC as a charity for tax purposes.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Progress towards equality for autistic children and young people has been made and we’re proud of our role in this as a movement for change. But there is still more progress to be made. This is an opportunity to lead the board of a charity that is ensuring we live in a world where autistic children and young people can be themselves and realise their ambitions.
Location: London across several sites.
Applications close on Friday 31st May.
Who we are.
Ambitious about Autism is the national charity for autistic children and young people. We were established in 1997 by a group of families of autistic children who were concerned about the lack of appropriate provision for their children. Following a major capital fundraising campaign and a series of temporary locations and premises, Treehouse School and our charity moved into purpose-built accommodation in 2008, together creating the Pears National Centre for Autism Education. Since then, we have grown our education services opening Ambitious College, The Rise School and Spring School, and merging with St John’s College in September 2023, alongside extending our national influencing and enabling activities.
We run specialist education services and an award-winning employment programme, wherein children and young people are at the heart of our charity’s decision-making, policy work and campaigning. We also use our expertise to deliver training and consultancy to a wide range of organisations to improve awareness and understanding of autism. We want to help even more autistic children and young people to improve their quality of life and secure a fulfilling and rewarding future.
Even during the pandemic, we lived up to our name as we achieved so many goals and plans. We developed our Right from the Start toolkit, launched our Employ Autism campaign, and have grown and evolved.
We are experiencing an exciting period of growth. We were chosen to open a new school – Spring School which supports up to 90 pupils at capacity from ages 4-19 and we announced our merger with St John’s College. Although this is exciting, we have a battle on our hands as we call on the government to follow their solutions in the SEND Green Paper. We’re concerned that some of the proposals will make it even harder for autistic children to access education support and so we are asking for a public commitment from the government to fund support for children with SEND. There are more than twice as many children with SEND in schools and colleges now than there were in 2010, but the government has not set out what funding will be available to pay for the additional support they need.
We know there is an increasing need for mental health support across all schools. Everyone should be able to feel OK at school. But we know this isn’t the case for many autistic pupils. That’s why we created the Autistic and OK programme to empower autistic pupils to take control of their mental health and wellbeing, understand themselves and feel OK at school. Our guide is free for every single secondary school. But there is more for us to do, to continue to build and empower our communities to ensure autistic young people feel understood and accepted.
We recognise that there is still more to be done to grow and develop our important work, first outlined in our Time for Ambition 2021-2024 strategy and so we are extending this strategy for a further two years. Our aims continue to include ensuring autistic children and young people have an excellent and inclusive education, alongside striving for every autistic young person to have good careers education at school and in further and higher education, including experience of work. Autistic people need services that support good mental health by reducing isolation and so we want to ensure early intervention through signposting to specialist support. We aim to ensure peer networks are available alongside uplifting but realistic information tailored to autistic young people and their families. We also want to further develop our Ambitious Youth Network and continue to expand nationally to empower young people to connect with one another and to influence societal change.
Given we run schools, following a governance review in December 2019, we created our own Multi-Academy Trust – Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust (AaAST) which currently has two schools. We implemented several new changes to our governance including Joint Trustees and a joint committee structure wherein there are five trustees each of the Charity and Trust Boards and three Trustees who are Trustees of both Boards who serve as the joint Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer of the Charity and Trust. All Trustees of the Charity and Trust are members of a Joint Group Board Committee to ensure oversight of the Charity and Trust. How this works in practice is everyone meets together with a short meeting afterwards to discuss Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust.
Our new Chair.
Our current Chair, Neil Goulden, is approaching the end of his term in December 2024, and we are in search of our next Chair to lead our Board. We need a Chair who has extensive experience in modern board leadership, ensuring robust governance, and promoting collective strategic decision-making. We are looking for someone who is commercially astute, as we strive to drive our organisation’s continued growth, ambition, and development. We value a Chair who embodies credibility and adeptness in navigating complexity. The ability to work with others and build trusting relationships with a variety of stakeholders are key.
Our new Chair must be committed to making a meaningful impact and leading an organisation that empowers young autistic people during a pivotal period of change in our communities. We need a Chair who is an inclusive leader, fostering engagement, strategic thinking, and openness who will lead the board as an
exemplar of inclusivity. They must be supportive and challenging, creating opportunities for growth and positive impact.
It is vital that our new Chair works with the board to ensure that all voices are heard and will have an affinity for our mission to stand with autistic children and young people, champion their rights, and create opportunities.
The new Chair will work with an established board and ambitious executive team that is ensuring our organisation is sustainable, evolving, innovative and impactful, and leads change whilst providing outstanding education to young autistic people.
The Board meets once a term and has an annual strategy away day. We expect the time commitment for the Chair to vary, and we would expect the equivalent on average of circa two days a month across various activities such as preparation for board meetings, reading board papers, regular conversation with the Chief Executive, ad hoc discussions with board members and the executive team, and attending events throughout the year.
Our board is diverse in many ways, including autistic people, who are part of our board, alongside a balance of gender, ethnicity, and age. We want to continue ensuring our Board represents our society and the people we work with every day.
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 Friday 31st May.