Voluntary Volunteer Roles in East Of England

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.

About GNDR

We are the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR). Established in 2007, we are now a network of more than 1,800 organisations in over 130 countries. We work together to prevent hazards like floods, droughts, earthquakes and infectious diseases from becoming disasters where people lose their lives, incomes and assets. We listen to communities that are most at risk, strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations, and advocate for risk-informed development and localisation.

The day-to-day management of GNDR is carried out by a Secretariat of 32 employed staff, led by the Executive Director, currently based in Teddington, South West London, with two thirds of the staff located in regions around the world. It is a registered charity and company under UK law and has five trustees. Meetings with the GNDR Global Board of Regional Representatives occur on a quarterly basis. Trustee meetings are held online three times a year, and trustees do not have to be UK based. We are looking for an additional trustee with finance experience to join the governance of this exciting network.

Main purpose of the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of GNDR, ensuring it is solvent, complying with UK charity law and delivering its objectives, as detailed in GNDR’s Articles of Association.

More information can be found in the GNDR Governance Manual available on our website.

Overall scope of the role

Each trustee member is recruited for their particular skills and perspectives and they should be proactive in supporting the Trustee Board, the Global Board and the Secretariat by using those skills. Trustees serve a minimum of three years.

Individually, trustees have the following responsibilities:

•  To be true to the values of GNDR and act as a role model while serving as a trustee.
•  To safeguard and reflect GNDR’s vision and ethos, strategy and policies at all times.
•  To build strong, collaborative working relationships with other trustees and Global Board members
•  To remain aware of the duties of a charitable trustee as outlined by the Charity Commission
•  To sign a Declaration of Interests each year
•  As appropriate, to make introductions for GNDR staff for promotional and fundraising purposes
•  As appropriate, to speak for GNDR at events, whether in-house or public, whether at GNDR’s request or on the back of the trustee’s own engagement

For this particular trustee role, we are especially keen to hear from individuals from a risk and finance background – ideally with an accounting or finance qualification.

Person Specification

Essential criteria:

• Experience of successfully dealing with strategic issues
• Sound judgement and ability to think corporately and strategically; ability to handle competing priorities and making informed decisions
• Interest in international development and relief, with a focus on disasters
• Experience of working with international accounts, risk management or fundraising

Desirable criteria:

• A good knowledge of relevant general legislation and statutory requirements, including charity law, employment law and/or health and safety law
• A thorough knowledge of financial management, accounting best practices for UK and compliance with the associated regulation
• UK-qualified Chartered Accountant
• Good networker and able to leverage professional networks in support of GNDR objectives when required, in particular for contract development and funding opportunities

Remuneration

The post is not remunerated; i.e. it is a voluntary and unpaid position.

Expenses

All out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed; this will include reimbursement of travel costs to all meetings, mobile or home telephone calls on trustee business, printing and photocopying costs at home on trustee business and all other reasonable costs incurred whilst carrying out the duties of being a GNDR trustee.

Trustees may, at their discretion and without setting any precedent for future activities, choose not to claim expenses if they wish to support the charity in this way.

GNDR will also pay for trustee indemnity insurance.

Terms of office

The term of office is three years. Trustees may serve additional terms of office, subject to agreement from the Board of Trustees.

Expected time commitment

The time commitment for this post is expected to be at approximately five days per annum plus preparation time, including attendance at all trustee meetings (three meetings per annum of 2-3 hours each) and Global Board meetings (four meetings quarterly including a three-day face-to-face meeting), and membership of one of GNDR’s working groups (either Finance and Audit or Resourcing, depending on expertise, meetings 1/4 day each, four per annum). 

Optionally, attendance at our bi-annual global summit (two days plus international travel), at trustee training events (circa one day per annum) and other one-off events, meetings and planning days as required.

Training and development

GNDR will provide an induction programme for all new trustees, as well as an opportunity to meet Secretariat staff.

Our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion

At GNDR, we are committed to fostering a truly diverse and inclusive culture based on our core values of openness, trust, accountability and mutual respect. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities without discriminating against any characteristics. This includes ethnicity, race, gender, religion or belief, language, abilities, nationality or citizenship, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, marital or partnership status or any other status. 

Find out more about our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

How to apply

Please follow the link to our website below. We will require you to submit a brief cover letter and CV outlining how you meet the criteria described in the job specification.

Why Apply for Our Trustee Role?

Make a Difference: By joining us, you’ll directly impact lives. Your decisions will shape our programs and services.
Strategic Influence: As a trustee, you’ll guide our vision, ensuring we stay true to our mission.
Network and Learn: Connect with fellow trustees, industry experts, and community leaders.
Personal Growth: Develop leadership skills and gain a sense of purpose.
Flexible Commitment: We value your time and understand your other commitments.

What’s in It for You?

Purpose: Fulfilment through meaningful work.
Connections: Expand your professional network.
Learning: Gain insights into governance and non-profit management.
Impact: See tangible results from your contributions.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today!

We are aiming to respond to and acknowledge each application that we receive. However, providing individual feedback may not always be possible.

If you haven’t heard from us after two weeks from the closing date, please assume that, on this occasion, your application was unsuccessful.

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.

We are looking mechanical Automobile engineers 

What is the purpose of this role?

Panellists will inform and influence the support we offer to older people and help us deliver services that older people need and value.

What impact does this role have?

Our Panellists will help us to shape our services and our strategy. They will support us to make sure that people know about our charity, that our services have a positive impact on the lives of older people, and that we are a valued, local resource for older people to rely on.

What are the responsibilities of the role? 

• To support our charity and its aims and to act as an ambassador for our services and projects and the wider Age UK network.

• To ensure our charity is aware of emerging needs and issues related to older people in the City and County that could influence future planning.

• To represent the wider community of older people and their interests – including topics such as social, health, wealth, and longer-term needs.

• To develop an understanding of customer service within the charity and how it can be improved for older people.

• To maintain a positive commitment to, and active promotion of, Age UK Notts’ Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy.

What are we looking for?

• Integrity

• A commitment to the charity

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Good, independent judgement

• A willingness to speak their mind

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

What is the time commitment?

• The charity holds four meetings per year (Including the AGM), with each meeting lasting around 2 hours.There will be a mix of in-person and online meetings.

• In addition, Panellists need to set aside a minimum of 1 hours reading time before each meeting.

• Depending upon agreed actions, Panellists may be asked to dedicate some time to activities within the community, or for the charity outside of the meetings.

• Should exceptional circumstances arise, there may be a need for additional meetings, but this will be a rare occurrence.

• A chair and vice-chair will be elected by the members every 3 years and holders may serve a maximum of 6 years in total in either role.

What training will you be given?

You will be given a basic induction to the Charity and some basic compliance training to allow you to undertake your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to influence the largest, local charity providing support for older people. It’s a chance to bring your views, experience and knowledge to the table as well as building new relationships and meeting new challenges.

Please note the following key information

• You must be at least 18 years old

• You must agree to be properly appointed by our robust volunteer recruitment process (including references and DBS check).

• The role of a OPAP Panellist is voluntary and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

About us

Sense is a national charity dedicated to supporting children and adults who are deafblind or have complex disabilities, along with their families, to lead fulfilling lives. We believe in inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their disability, has the opportunity to engage fully in life's experiences.

As a Trustee of Sense, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation and amplifying our impact. We're seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise to join our dynamic Trustee Board.

We're particularly interested in candidates with experience in:

• Fundraising, Communications and Branding
• Finance and Accounting
• People/Human Resources
• Safeguarding

Why become a Sense Trustee

As a Sense Trustee, you'll embark on a rewarding journey where you'll:

• Gain insight into the challenges faced by individuals and families with disabilities.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making processes, including setting our five-year strategy.
• Serve as custodian of Sense's values and long-term vision.
• Scrutinise our activities to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
• Act as an ambassador for our organisation.

Time Commitment

Our Board of Trustees meets a minimum of four times a year, with meetings alternating between Birmingham and London. Meetings typically last 4-5 hours, including breaks. Additionally, you may be invited to participate in sub-groups, with time commitments discussed beforehand.

We're looking for 

• Possess professional skills, life experience, or personal qualities that align with Sense's mission.
• Share our values and aspirations for the disabled individuals we support.
• Are eager to develop their skills and knowledge through training opportunities.
• Have the confidence to engage in discussions, express diverse viewpoints, and champion inclusivity.
• Demonstrate a commitment to listening to the voices of disabled individuals, their families, and carers.
• Show dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Recruiting timelines

First Round Interviews: 16th July 2024

Informal Discussions: End of July 2024

Recommendation of Appointment: 26th September 2024

Sense values 

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.  

Volunteering opportunity: The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is seeking new Trustees 

Join us as a Trustee at The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain! As a registered charity, we’re seeking dedicated individuals to guide us in fulfilling our mission with integrity and passion.

Responsibilities include shaping strategic direction, safeguarding the organisation’s values, ensuring financial stability, and actively contributing to board decisions. Trustees play a key role in promoting openness, honesty, and leadership.

We’re looking for committed individuals with a love for brass banding and youth music, and expertise in areas like arts management, funding development, audience development, marketing and communication.

We hold four trustee meetings a year - three online (typically 2-3hrs) one in person (full day). Estimated annual time commitment 20hrs per year. You are also encouraged to attend performances and events.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, join us on this exciting journey! We are seeking applications from a broad range of backgrounds and ages. Don't be put off if this is would be your first charity trusteeship - to develop greater youth voice, applications from under 25s are also welcome.

Do you speak Albanian and are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To engage in conversation in Albanian
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support

them in doing so whilst building their confidence

• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based

on their identified goals

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues thatimpact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Do you speak Twi and are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To engage in conversation in Twi
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support

them in doing so whilst building their confidence

• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based

on their identified goals. 

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job

applications

• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues thatimpact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

We are building a team of enthusiastic and personable community liaison volunteers to help us raise the profile of Mental Health Resource within the local community, strengthen relations with local companies and promote and gain support for the charity.

We need community liaison volunteers to provide an active presence at local community events on an ad hoc basis: talking to people to promote our services and encourage engagement with Mental Health Resource.  The sort of tasks that may be involved in the role are: preparing and serving refreshments; taking donations by cash and card; running activities, distributing leaflets and delivering promotional materials to local companies.

We are looking for volunteers with good interpersonal skills who are prepared to volunteer in a variety of settings, at various times.  We require volunteers to have a personal interest in mental health issues and a commitment to Mental Health Resource’s mission and values.  Please note that this role requires the use of a car to travel to events and transport promotional materials.

The Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership is a great local charity looking for a volunteer to work as Assistant Treasurer supporting the financial operations of the charity. We provide practical and emotional support to refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants in our community. We have a pool of around 80 dedicated volunteers helping a caseload of around 150 individuals and families affected by immigration issues at any given time. 

Treasurer role description

What will you do?

• complete an introduction for your role.
• maintain an awareness of how the Partnership operates.
• Maintain the accounting records of the Partnership to include the following:
  • Arrange payment of all expenditure items through online banking and bank any income received by way of cash or cheque;
  • Maintain a detailed record of all income and expenditure split between restricted and unrestricted and analysed under appropriate headings;
  • reconcile the bank account at regular intervals but at least monthly;
  • prepare the monthly payroll including all PAYE and NIC requirements;
  • submit the monthly returns to HMRC and to the pension provider;
  • maintain record of all gift aid donations and submit gift aid reclaim to HMRC at least twice a year;
  • prepare regular management accounts for presentation to the trustee board; and
  • prepare a simple budget each year.

• read papers for trustee meetings and attend each meeting.
• explain, guide and advise the trustees on the key assumptions and financial implications of the Partnership’s budgets, operational and strategic plans.
• ensure that the Partnership has an appropriate reserves policy and a realistic budget that meets the needs of the Partnership.
• ensure that annual accounts are prepared in compliance with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) Accounting for Charities and submitted by the deadline to the Charity Commission and make arrangements for them to be audited or independently examined as required.
• present accounts at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in an accessible way for volunteers and staff.
• keep the trustee board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• monitor the Partnership’s income and expenditure position and present accessible reports to ensure trustees understand the accounts and implications.
• Ensure that the charity's financial integrity is sound.

• work together with other trustees and staff to further the strategic objectives of Partnership, including developing a fundraising strategy.

• take an active discussion during trustee meetings and work with other trustees to set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of the Partnership.

What do you need to have?

You’ll need to:

• have some financial experience.
• some knowledge or experience of charity finances, fundraising, financial consequences and pension schemes.
• be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own.
• have good listening, verbal and written communication skills.
• be able to exercise good independent judgment and if necessary to make difficult recommendations.
• good numeracy skills.
• be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way.

How much time do you need to give?

It is difficult to say how much time the role involves as the work fluctuates from month to month and during each month. However, on average we would anticipate an average of around 5 hours per week. In addition, the trustee board usually meets every other month in the evening. The role will be mostly remote however some meeting attendance is required.

Please send in your most current CV or you can complete the application form. For more information please get in touch.

Fundraising Volunteers

Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership are looking to recruit volunteers who are able to fundraise creatively in the local community and with businesses to support our charity.

Our aims

We offer practical and emotional support to asylum seekers and refugees in Watford and Three Rivers. Many of our clients are destitute, homeless and have no access to assistance from the government. Our mission is to provide access to advice and essential services until statutory services are in place.

Our needs

The Refugee Partnership is a volunteer-led organisation with a growing client base. We also continually need funds to support us in providing food vouchers for our clients as well as assisting clients in their basic living needs and the increasing cost of legal fees.

What we are looking for

We would like to establish a fundraising group of volunteers who will focus on promoting fundraising opportunities for the WTRRP.  It would be helpful but not necessary if you have some of the following skills;

• experience of organising events or an interest in doing this
• being able to work as part of a team
• experience of using social media to generate interest in fundraising
• ability to promote what we do by giving talks within the community
• experience of completing fundraising applications
• an interest in organising traditional fundraising events such as bake sales, collections etc.

What we offer

• an opportunity to make good use of your skills and also have a go at new activities
• a chance to become a part of a charity entering a new phase of its development
• membership of a creative team generating much needed funds
• working alongside an established Grants Team

For more information, please look at our website or call us. If you are interested in applying please send us your CV!

A Little Bit of Sunshine UK is seeking YOUNG TRUSTEES aged 16 to 25 years old to join our Board of Trustees. 

This is an important point in the charity’s development as we head into our second year of operation, supporting young people to be at the heart of decision making in support services. 

Role summary

Location: Remote - may require travel to London/other agreed location where necessary

Closing date for applications: 30th June 2024

Expected Commitment: 

About A Little Bit of Sunshine

A Little Bit of Sunshine is the youth-led charity uniting young voices with decision-makers to tackle the mental health crisis. Our mission is to secure a brighter future for young people by creating a platform for them to shape the services they access. 

At A Little Bit of Sunshine, we believe in the power of youth voice and the importance of users of a service having a voice and feeling listened to. We are working to ensure that young people have a seat at the table when it comes to designing and delivering services to support their mental health and wellbeing.

Together, we champion meaningful change for a world where every young person feels valued and empowered to seek support when they need it. We want to help young people have a say in decisions that affect them.

About the Board

Our Board is youth-led and this round of appointments is only available to applicants aged between 16 and 25 years old. 

Trustees are accountable for the proper and effective operation of the charity, giving strategic direction to the Chief Executive and the charity’s leadership team, ensuring the financial health and good financial management of the organisation, ensuring that the charity has sufficient funds to support its activities, and protecting the charity's reputation and independence. 

We now have a number of trustee vacancies we wish to fill, to complement our existing Board and guide our successful and growing organisation into the next phase of development. We are therefore seeking someone who:

• has experience of fundraising, or

• has charity management or volunteering experience, or

• has marketing experience, or

• has finance experience

If you have a passion and commitment to support a value-driven organisation, strategic vision, independent judgement and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort, we would be delighted to hear from you. Any travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. However, please note that this is a voluntary and unpaid position. 

We are open to applications from people who have not served on a board before and will offer mentoring and support in skills development to enable full participation as a trustee. We understand that people can have different needs and will always work to accommodate them.

Application Process: Please complete the expression of interest form within the Trustee Information Pack by 30th June 2024.

Please read the attached document which gives additional details, and includes a link to what being a charity trustee involves, eligibility requirements and the main duties and requirements of trustees.

The Registration Advisory Panel are therefore seeking an Independent Regulatory/Practice member of this panel. The Registration Advisory Panel are responsible for strategic oversight of the Wider Psychological Workforce Register and reports directly to the Board of Trustees with the following role and remit:

1. Provide assurance that competency, safe practice and high standards are maintained for the Wider Psychological Workforce Register and that the register continues to fulfil its objective of public protection

2. Ensure that voluntary register functions are carried out fairly, effectively, proportionately and transparently and in line with the standards set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA)

3. Engage with relevant stakeholders and work in partnership with other bodies where appropriate to ensure registrants continue to meet the required standards for entry and maintenance on the Wider Psychological Workforce Register

The panel aims to hold the society to account against standards set by the PSA and its own policies on areas such as complaints, register developments, audit and accountability and reporting.

Members of the panel as representatives of the wider psychological workforce will:

Possess significant knowledge and understanding of at least one of the roles on the register including the services they operate in and the scope of practice of the role:
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
- Children's Wellbeing Practitioner
- Education Mental Health Practitioner
- Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (Scotland)
- Clinical Associate in Psychology

4. Be an accountable professional responsible for your own professional actions and adherence to professional codes of practice.

5. Be aware of the challenges and workforce issues within psychological service delivery.

6. Be considered an objective thinker who can quickly understand a complex and varied landscape of psychological practice across all four nations.

Members will work closely with the Panel Chair, CEO, Head of Legal and Governance, representative of the Practice Board and independent members and report to the Board of Trustees, playing a key part in the overall strategy and direction for this arm of the society activity.