Volunteer Roles in Europe

Job Title – Children’s Advocacy Helpline Volunteer

Contract - Volunteer

Hours - Minimum 1 day a week for minimum of 1 year post training period, Helpline opening hours Monday to Friday 10am-6pm

Salary – Out of pocket expenses for travel (up to £10 per day) and Lunch (up to £5 per day)

Location – Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ

About Coram Voice

Coram Voice exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold the system to account, to challenge and support it to do its job properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own lives.

About the role

Our volunteers champion the rights of young people in care and on the edges of care, support them to access advocacy and make their voices heard. Training is provided. Whether you are currently studying, recently graduated, working part-time, retired or between jobs, volunteering with Coram Voice is a great opportunity to make a difference at the same time as gaining experience of working for a national children’s rights charity.

Our Helpline Supervisors will support you to develop valuable advocacy skills and knowledge of children’s rights and we offer specialist training in safeguarding, equality and diversity and advocacy. This training and other resources will help you to prepare for the role. You will be joining a team that provides quality support to young people in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our volunteer team is integral to our service and we could not provide the service we do without them, particularly in terms of the support we offer to homeless children.

We believe this role will be of particular interest to anyone looking to develop a career involving giving advice, advocacy, children’s and human rights, legal work, social work or youth work; or for professionals in those fields who want to use their experience to support the work of a children’s charity.

Please see our candidate information document for more information about our organisation and the training provided.

We ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this position. We have chosen to recruit directly as this helps us to minimise our recruitment costs, ensuring that funds are not diverted from the children and young people we help.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application, please note we do not accept cvs.

Closing Date: 2nd June 2024 23.59pm

Interview Date: Candidates will be interviewed as they apply

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Our vision is of a world where health and well-being decisions are based upon timely, trusted and relevant evidence.

The Cochrane Collaboration (Cochrane) is an international network of researchers, health professionals, patients, carers, and people passionate about improving health outcomes who share a common purpose to gather and summarise the best evidence from research to inform decisions about health and care.

Treasurer

Unremunerated (Travel costs and reasonable out of pocket expenses are covered.) 

Remote with occasional travel 

Time Commitment – approx. 15 days per year. 

Cochrane is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join the Governing Board.  In this key role you will advise and support at both Board and Executive level to ensure that the organisation is making informed and considered financial decisions, continues to be financially healthy and guide the Board in fulfilling all its financial duties and responsibilities. 

As Cochrane is a complex, global organisation operating in a rapidly changing area, this will suit a highly motivated, dynamic and experienced strategic leader, who brings:   

· Significant leadership experience, including reporting to/contributing to decision making at Board level with strong influencing, advocacy and communication skills

· Substantial experience of management accounting and a good understanding of the UK charity regulations and third sector governance

· A track record of success in contributing to the success of a complex organisation, including experience in providing financial advice, support and guidance to an organisation undergoing significant change

· Understands and can example good practice in corporate governance

The successful applicant should be available to take up the post before the current Treasurer steps down in September 2024.

Cochrane is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Cochrane welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability. 
 

Recruitment Timetable 

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 5th June

Interviews with Cochrane: w/c 24th June  

Available for start:September 2024

Could you use your communication skills and to support a group for people looking to make changes to their alcohol or drug use?  The Pier Road Project is jointly delivered by Humankind, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and St. Giles, to support people in Bexley to reduce or stop their drug or alcohol use.

 We help people with:

· one to one support and group programmes

· support to improve mental and physical health

· methadone or buprenorphine prescribing and community alcohol detox

· needle exchange

· recovery community

· advice on benefits, housing and finances

· friends and family support

Details of the role:

This role involves assisting the team to support people in group settings, by co-facilitating a group alongside a staff member, either remotely or in person.  A number of groups are delivered in a hybrid way, with some people joining online via video call, and we would love some help to ensure these people feel engaged.

There is flexibility around the groups the volunteer could support; these include:

Harm Reduction Group – Monday 11.45 – 13:00
Motivation to Change – Tuesdays 13.15 – 14.30
Relapse Prevention – Fridays at 13.45 – 15:00

There is also the opportunity for the volunteer to experience and get involved with other parts of the service, depending on own goals.

Activities may include:

• Co-facilitating a group session for people seeking to make changes to their substance use
• Helping to make sure people can access and engage with the group via Zoom / Microsoft Teams, if a hybrid group
• Generally listening and being empathetic to others, and speaking positively about treatment / recovery
• Signposting to other activity / support the service and partners offer

· Liaising with staff and service users to gain feedback about the service which helps inform decisions and support

· Adhering to policies related to areas such as safeguarding, information governance and health and safety

Timings: Pier Road Project is open Monday – Friday 9.30 – 4.30, there is flexibility in the timings of this role as there are a number of groups a volunteer could support.

Location: Pier Road Project is a short walk from Erith train station, in the borough of Bexley

Training: Volunteers have access to Humankind’s training platform, Learningkind, and will be asked to complete some training modules within their first 3 months, most of these are e-learning modules.

We would love you to bring to this role:

• Clear verbal/written communication skills
• A confident and friendly approach
• Moderate confidence at using Zoom and IT – we can help you build on skills
• An understanding of the importance of guidelines and procedures relating to key areas such as safeguarding and information governance
• Be respectful and non-judgemental
• Willing to attend and complete relevant training
• To participate in regular supervision sessions with your supervisor

What Volunteers can expect from Humankind:

· Regular supervision and support

· Induction and access to training

· To learn and practice new skills within a team-work setting

· To feel part of a team and the wider Humankind organisation

· Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey

Our workplace values are:

· Honest: we are open and realistic, building trusted relationships in which we challenge, collaborate and change.

· Committed: we are passionate about being the best that we can be, and we do this by keeping people at the heart of everything that we do.

· Inventive: we are ambitious, drawing together skills and resources to innovate and adapt in determined pursuit of our mission.

Job Title: Volunteer E-Learning Designer

Location: Camden, London (Remote option available)

Duration: 3 months

Hours: Approximately 20 hours total

About the Role: We are currently seeking a volunteer E-Learning Designer to assist in the creation of a transformative anti-racism teacher training program. This program is designed to support educators in fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments. As a volunteer, you will play a crucial role in designing and refining a series of e-learning modules using Articulate Rise 360.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with our team to transform written content into engaging and interactive e-learning modules.
• Design and integrate interactive elements, visuals, and multimedia components to enhance learning and retention.
• Assist in the completion of the final three modules of our curriculum.
• Revise and enhance the first five modules based on feedback and best practices in instructional design.
• Ensure all modules are coherent in style, effective in content delivery, and aligned with our educational goals.

Requirements:

• Experience in e-learning development, preferably with Articulate Rise 360.
• Strong design skills with an ability to create visually appealing and interactive educational content.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently from a remote setting or within our office.
• A commitment to anti-racism education and a passion for creating impactful learning experiences.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to contribute to a significant and impactful educational project.
• Experience in a collaborative project that bridges educational content with innovative e-learning solutions.
• Flexibility to work remotely and accommodate your schedule.

Application Process: Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience with e-learning platforms and your interest in anti-racism education. We look forward to learning about your background and how you can contribute to this important initiative.

This volunteer position offers the chance to gain unique experience in the field of e-learning and contribute meaningfully to the education sector's efforts to combat racism. If you have the skills and the passion, we encourage you to apply.

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

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food– and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
• Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
• Transporting equipment to and from events

A bit more information about this role and the team

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 providing transport assistance to local volunteer groups and teams. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good organisation and time management skills
• Knowledge of the local community
• A current driver’s licence
• Either access to a vehicle or happy to drive a Cats Protection van (subject to availabilty)
• The ability to carry out some heavy lifting

Time expectation

Our transport volunteers usually spend two to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Role Summary:

To provide peer support at resilience group sessions for expectant and new mums (pregnancy up to 1 year) at Children & Family Centres across the London Borough of Bexley, or online via Zoom.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Successfully complete a training course for Mindful Mums Peer Support Volunteer. You will be fully supported during this time and on successful completion will understand different mindfulness, wellbeing, resilience and coping techniques and be confident in leading the peer support within these groups.

2. Prepare for and lead the peer support for a minimum of three Mindful Mums groups (over 5 consecutive weeks). Group dates and times will be discussed with you in advance.

3. Liaise with the Project Coordinator regarding sessions that need volunteers.

4. Contribute to the development of the content of the Mindful Mums sessions based on your experience as a parent.

5. Report any concerns arising from the sessions to the Project Coordinator and, where appropriate, the contact at the venue.

6. Participate in catch-up meetings with the Project Coordinator, group volunteer meetings and training on Safeguarding Children and Adults.

7. Take part in some Mindfulness practise.

8. At all times work in accordance with the organisation’s policies regarding Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding Children, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Confidentiality & Data Protection.

Person Specification

To undertake the role of Mindful Mums Peer Support Volunteer, you must be able to show that you have the following:

o Experience of having felt stressed, low, anxious or have struggled with your mental or emotional wellbeing in other ways during the perinatal period (pregnancy to 1 year).

o Ability to communicate well with other mums.

o Skills to effectively facilitate sessions.

o Good interpersonal skills.

o Ability to work well in a team.

o Understanding of the pressures and stresses facing pregnant and new mums.

o Willingness to engage in some Mindfulness practise. 

o Willingness to talk from your own experience in an appropriate way.

o Ability to maintain appropriate and professional boundaries.

o A commitment to attend training, support groups and to deliver 5-week programmes in Children & Family Centres across Bexley, or online via Zoom.

Benefits of getting involved

·Being part of a team of local mums, who have all experienced perinatal mental health issues and who want to help pregnant and new mums build skills to manage their mental health in a positive way.

· Delivering an exciting and innovative project that really makes a difference to pregnant women and new mums.

Other Information

Successful applicants will be required to provide details of two references and agree to submit details for and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check.

The majority of courses will be run during school term times.

Free crèche facilities are sometimes available at the Children & Family Centres.

International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) is a UK registered charity founded to create a better future for animals in need. What began as a desire to help one dog in the rainforests of Borneo in 2009 has since developed into a range of projects and support programmes that has supported over 41,000 animals around the world.

IAPWA's Individual Giving team work hard to raise one-off donations from animal lovers to fund our general work, as well as to help individual dogs and cats in need of urgent veterinary care after being rescued from the streets.

The team are now seeking Fundraising Volunteers to take the lead on maximising income from our individual patient appeals (usually ran via JustGiving) by going out into their networks and asking people to donate, as well as seeking new audiences (online and offline) to boost donations. Each month you will focus on helping one individual animal who has been rescued from the streets, meaning your efforts will contribute to this animal getting the veterinary treatment and support they desperately need to have a bright future.

What we're looking for:

You don't need to have any prior fundraising experience. In fact, you may be wanting to break into the charity sector, or just have a desire to help animals. Either way, all you need to succeed in this role is grit and determination, plus a passion for helping stray animals who have nobody else to rely on. The more donations your appeal receives, the more good it can do. It's as simple as that.

If this sounds like the volunteer role for you, please get in touch with Rebecca, Head of Individual Giving at IAPWA, today by clicking the 'How to Apply' button. Thank you.

Make a difference to local mums by delivering support groups across Bexley.

As a Mindful Mums Volunteer Facilitator, you will co-deliver our 5-week programme providing a safe, non-judgemental space for women and birthing people to share their experiences, meet others and discuss the challenges that come during the first year of motherhood.

Your personal experience of managing the pressures, stresses and emotional difficulties of pregnancy and post-birth periods will help you to build confidence and resilience in new mums.

We particularly want to hear from women and birthing people who have managed their own mental wellbeing during pregnancy, birth and post-birth periods.

We ask that you:

· have good communication skills.

· appreciate the pressures and stresses facing women and birthing people during pregnancy and as new mums.

· can talk from your own experience in an appropriate way.

· are reliable, consistent and dependable.

We will provide training and support including regular 1:1 and group supervision which will equip you with all the knowledge, skills and confidence you need.

To get involved in this exciting opportunity to develop your own skills as well as supporting local mums to look after their mental wellbeing, we are asking you to:

1. attend our centres for two days’ in-person training (during school hours), and complete online safeguarding training.

2. deliver at least three, five-week programmes in Bexley borough (sessions are 1.5 hours per week for 5 weeks).

Points to note:

· Groups take place during term time during school hours.

· You must be available to deliver a full five-week programme.

· Antenatal groups are held online via Zoom. Postnatal groups are held within Children’s Centres across the London Borough of Bexley (details below). You must be able to attend these venues on designated days:

 

Benslow Music is looking for new Trustees to join the charity’s Board of Trustees.

Now is an exciting time to join the organisation as it continues to shape and develop its programme. Following the arrival of a new Chief Executive at the beginning of the year, the organisation is entering a period of strategic renewal and building towards its centenary in 2029. 

Benslow Music’s Trustees have legal and financial responsibility for the charity and are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the organisation in partnership with the Chief Executive. Day to day management of the organisation is delegated to a professional administrative team led by the Chief Executive. Trustees are also ambassadors for the charity, supporting the team in fundraising and developing networks that will enable Benslow Music to realise its ambitions.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, lived experience and professional knowledge. Following a recent skills audit, we are keen to hear from individuals with experience in the following areas:

· Professional experience in the cultural/music education sectors

· Finance

· Marketing and communications

· Fundraising

· Strategic development

· Health & Safety and/or building/estate management

· HR

· Charity governance

Application timeline:

Opportunity launched 24 April

Deadline for applications 22 May

Conversations with potential Trustees 3-17 June

Appointment July

Please see the How to Apply section for further details.

About Benslow Music

Benslow Music creates music learning experiences for people of all ages. We support individual development, inspire curiosity, celebrate creativity, and share all the life-long benefits music brings. We do this through a programme of residential, day and online music courses, a concert series and an instrument loan scheme.

At our campus in Hitchin, we welcome and provide learning opportunities to adult musicians of all abilities. We support everyone from late-starters to early-career professionals in unlocking their potential. We offer around 150 short courses throughout the year, covering genres from classical to jazz to folk, and opportunities to explore solo, small and large ensemble playing. Through regular concerts we provide a platform for emerging and acclaimed artists.

Benslow Music is home to the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme, which holds a collection of over 800 string and woodwind instruments that are lent to young musicians aged 7-25. Each year over 500 loans ensure that borrowers, regardless of background, are able to grow and develop as musicians.

 

Benslow Music began as the Rural Music Schools Association in 1929, offering musical education to people of all ages who were outside urban centres. In 1952, the four-acre Victorian estate in Hitchin was bequeathed to the RMSA and has since developed into a lively campus for music activity, with two recital halls, practice rooms and accommodation for around 50 people. Renamed Benslow Music Trust in 1986, the Trust subsequently took responsibility for the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme.

Plans for the future include ongoing development of creative music activities for all ages, an expanded online offer, additional collaborative and partnership working, and further development of our site facilities and accommodation. In short, Benslow Music weathered the pandemic and is now poised for continued evolution and diversification to reach new audiences in each area of activity. This is an exciting time at which to be joining the organisation, as we look towards our centenary celebrations in 2029.

About the Trustee role

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring that Benslow Music is able to achieve its vision and charitable objectives, providing critical challenge and oversight. The Board is a collective body. All Trustees share responsibility for decision making, being expected to act in the best interests of the charity.

Trustees have several areas of responsibility, some of which are defined by the Charity Commission. Additionally, Trustees are expected to:

· Ensure that the organisation uses its resources to pursue its charitable objects

· Oversee the strategic direction of the organisation, supporting its development through good governance

· Ensure that the organisation complies with legal requirements, particularly in the areas of finance, health and safety, and safeguarding

· Use personal skills, expertise and time to support the organisation’s development

· Actively participate in board meetings, committees and working groups as required.

· Act as an ambassador for Benslow Music

· Undertake tasks required by the Board from time to time

Time Commitment

The expected commitment is roughly equivalent to one day per month, although more may be required from time to time.

The Board meets four times per year, plus an Annual General Meeting held in June. These meetings are hybrid, and can be attended virtually or in person at Benslow. Where possible we encourage Trustees to attend meetings in person. Time will also be needed to read meeting papers.

Alongside, further informal meetings are held online, designed to give Trustees more space and time to discuss additional strategic areas. Trustees will usually be allocated to committees and working groups with delegated responsibilities based on their expertise and interests. Trustees are also expected to attend events at Benslow as their time permits.

Terms

Trustees are subject to periodic re-election by members on a rotational basis, typically every three years. There is currently no limit to their total length of service but this is under consideration by the Board. All Trustees are required to sign a declaration that they understand the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee and meet the eligibility requirements. All Trustees are also required to complete an enhanced DBS check.

Being a Trustee is a voluntary role, however reasonable expenses are paid to Trustees to ensure they can effectively participate in Board meetings. This may include expenses such as travel or a contribution towards childcare.

About you

We are seeking individuals who are forward-thinking, fair-minded and committed to the continued development of the organisation. You will be enthusiastic about the work of Benslow Music, sharing our values and vision and excited to join an organisation going through a period of change.

We are keen to hear from individuals who can show:

· Commitment to Benslow Music and its values

· Curiosity

· Openness and integrity

· Ability to make sound and informed decisions

· Creative and strategic thinking

· Ability to collaborate and communicate with a team

· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

· Strong advocacy skills to act as an ambassador

· Understanding of the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee

 

We would like the Board to represent a broad range of skills, knowledge and lived experiences to help with its critical and strategic oversight. We are open to hearing from all professional backgrounds, in response to a recent skills audit we are keen to appoint Trustees with experience in:

· Cultural, music or music education sectors

· Finance

· Marketing and communications

· Fundraising

· Strategic or business development

· Health & Safety and/or building/estate management

· HR

· Charity governance

There is no requirement to have previous Trustee experience and training will be given to first-time Trustees.

We welcome all applications from people of all backgrounds, in particular from those who will diversify the lived experience of the Board, for example in terms of gender, disability, age and ethnic background.

Organisation structure

Benslow Music is a group of three entities led by Benslow Music Trust, a registered charity (313663) and a company limited by guarantee (408404). Trustees are both Trustees of the charity and Directors of the company. Benslow Music Trust is the corporate Trustee of Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme (BMILS), a registered charity (313755). Benslow Music Enterprises (registered company 10967344) is a trading subsidiary of Benslow Music Trust through which we conduct non-charitable activity.

The Board of Trustees currently numbers 11, with a number of Trustees due to retire at our next AGM. The Board is a welcoming and collaborative group which enjoys discussion and debate. Trustees act as critical friends to the organisation while meeting their legal and governance obligations.

Management of the organisation is through the professional staff team. This is led by the Chief Executive with support from senior management team (Heads of Finance, Music, BMILS, Operations and Development) and the wider staff team in administration and hospitality, numbering around 40 people in total.

How to apply

To apply, please see our website for details, which details where to send the following:

· Your CV

· A supporting statement (max 2 pages of A4) explaining why you are interested in becoming a Trustee of Benslow Music and how your skills and experience will support the strategic oversight of the organisation. Please state in the letter that you are eligible to become a Trustee and your willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check

· A completed equal opportunities monitoring form (this is anonymous and will be stored separately from your application)

Deadline for applications: 10am on Wednesday 22 May

Applications will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee of current Trustees, who will shortlist candidates to invite for further conversations during 3-17 June to be held via videocall.

We anticipate that selected candidates will be invited to attend and observe a Board meeting before being formally appointed as Trustees.

If you would like to arrange an informal pre-application conversation to discuss the role further, please email Michael Duffy.       

We are keen to ensure that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you have any access requirements or barriers to application, please contact Michael Duffy to discuss how we might make reasonable adjustments to the process.  

Remuneration: Unpaid but reasonable expenses can be reimbursed

Restore has been supporting individuals across Oxfordshire since 1977. Members can attend recovery groups weekly for up to two years and receive one-to-one coaching. People are supported towards their own mental health recovery goals, such as moving-on to employment, volunteering or training. Restore is also home to the Oxfordshire Recovery College for therapeutic peer learning, and Restore are expert providers of formal mental health training.

Restore benefits thousands of people each year, directly and indirectly. 5,600 attendances at recovery group sessions with 510 individuals benefitting. Hundreds of individuals receive coaching from specialists and around 1,000 are trained in Mental Health First Aid.

Our Values;

• Recovery: Enabling people to recover from illness and manage their own mental health and wellbeing
• Support: Providing the opportunities to help ourselves and each other
• Hope: Offering a positive future where everyone can fulfil their potential
• Empowerment: Helping people to believe in themselves and what they can achieve
• Respect: Accepting without judging as each person is unique

We are now looking for additional Trustees to join our board. Are you passionate about mental health and keen to dedicate your skills to improve the lives of others? Read on…

What will you be doing?

Our trustees work effectively together to hold Restore “In Trust” for those who it is intended to benefit. Trustees play a critical role at Restore as they are the people who make sure the charity does what it says it will.

There are five main things that trustees are responsible for:

• Ensuring that Restore has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focussed on achieving these
• Being responsible, with the other trustees, for the performance of Restore and its culture
• Ensuring that Restore complies with all legal and regulatory requirements
• Being guardians of Restore’s assets, taking due care over their security and proper application
• Ensuring that Restore’s governance is of the highest possible standard

You can read more about the nature of a Trustee’s role in the Charity Commission Guidance.

Time Commitment 

You’ll need to be able to:

• Attend board meetings once per quarter from 4:30pm, which rarely exceed two and a half hours.
• Attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) once per year.
• Join one of our subcommittees, linked to your skill set, in order to get a proper feel for what is going on and contribute to discussion and decision-making.
• Get involved in other activities depending on your skills/interests/preferences.
• Make visits to our recovery groups and head office teams to ensure we all stay close to the services we are providing
• Correspond by email to discuss items and make decisions between meetings.

Our meetings are currently hybrid, where attendance can be in person or online. We are aware that people who are working full-time or have family/other responsibilities may not always be able to travel to the meetings in person. It is important that Trustees are able to visit services, attend at least some meetings in person and have a connection with the community to which we deliver services. With this in mind, it’s unlikely that you will be based outside of Oxfordshire and its surrounding counties.

Trustees are appointed (at the November AGM) for a three-year term at a time which can be extended twice, meaning a maximum of nine years.

Specialist skills

We are particularly keen to talk to people with the following specialist skills:

• Property/architecture/planning/surveying/large building project experience
• Clinical expertise in mental health
• Public sector/health sector experience

Don’t see yourself above? No problem - we are currently looking to talk to potential trustees with a wide variety of skills so please do contact us irrespective of whether you hold any of these specialisms.

Diversity

We have been a fairly diverse board over the years and are still looking for ways to improve. We recognise the need to be entirely representative of the community we serve in Oxfordshire and with this in mind, we’re keen for our board to reflect it. We would like to hear from adult applicants of all ages, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, religion, neurodiversity and lived experience.

Interested in applying?

If you wish to apply, please send a CV and demonstrate how you meet the criteria by answering the questions attached to this application form.

It is important to note that pre-appointment declarations will be requested to ensure that candidates have not been disqualified by law from acting as a trustee.

We will consider all applications and respond to candidates promptly. 

Please download the full role specification.

Do you want to help stop needless deaths from sepsis and help improve recovery of those affected by Sepsis. UKST are looking to recruit additional Trustees to its established Board

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that affects 245,000 people in the UK every year. At least 48,000 of those people lose their lives to the condition. We believe that earlier diagnosis and treatment across the UK would save thousands more lives a year.

The UK Sepsis Trust (UKST) was founded in 2012. Founder and Executive Director, Dr Ron Daniels BEM, is an NHS Consultant in Intensive Care:

“We seek to save lives from sepsis, and improve outcomes for survivors, by educating healthcare professionals, raising public awareness, providing support for those affected by this devastating condition and political lobbying. We will protect people by enabling the prevention of severe infection and the treatment of sepsis, whist helping to ensure antibiotics are used responsibly.”

The UK Sepsis Trust has ambitious plans to increase awareness, educate wider networks beyond direct care health professionals and provide support to an ever-increasing population of survivors and bereaved. We are seeking to diversify the existing Trustee Board by gaining access to broader and deeper skills, backgrounds, and experiences. Our Trustees work in partnership with our Chairman and Chief Executives to ensure our resources are applied to maximum effect to achieve our purpose – through a clear vision and strategy, whilst exercising stewardship to operate an appropriate framework of governance.

We are particularly interested in candidates from various backgrounds including:

• Clinical/Sepsis
• Finance & Charity governance
• Corporate Fundraising engagement
• Digital, web and apps

Key Tasks and Responsibilities will include:

• Working with the Chairman, fellow Trustees and Management Team to ensure UKST’s cultural values and ethos are fully understood and adhered to throughout the organisation
• Encouraging team-working and collaboration across the charity’s activities including supporters and volunteers
• Along with fellow Trustees, making decisions that will best enable the charity to carry out its purposes. Contributing to balanced and informed decisions about the long term as well as the short-term requirements for UKST
• Ensuring the Charity’s assets and resources are only used to support it carrying out its purpose
• Providing ad hoc advice to the Management Team on specific topics relevant to their skills and knowledge
• Keeping up to date with Charity Commission legislation changes
• Continually monitoring the Trust’s progress to determine if strategic priorities need to be adjusted

Person Specification

• Significant leadership experience and commitment to our purpose
• Ability to drive organisational change and navigate growth
• Willingness and ability to understand responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees of a Charity
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement, and work effectively as a Board member
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion, and numeracy to the extent required to understand the financial records and accounts

Time Commitment

The time commitment of the Trustees is variable but as a minimum they are required to attend the following:

• The Trustees have four formal meetings each year with the management team (2 of which are in person in either Birmingham/London).
• In addition there are four informal meetings with the management team along with regular Trustee only meetings which are all held virtually
• The Finance and Governance Trustee would also be required to attend four finance and audit committee meetings per year.

If you are interested in joining the team please apply with a cover letter and CV. 

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Choice International is a non-profit organisation promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK and overseas. It researches, develops and implements development projects for disabled people and other disadvantaged people in the UK and overseas.

We are seeking a Fundraising Volunteer to support with writing funding proposals, completing funding applications to trusts and foundations as well as contacting corporates for sponsorship for events and one-off projects. You will work form our office based in East London to support with raising funds for our events and organisation in the long term.

Your Key responsibilities will include:

- Assisting with researching and approaching corporate entities, national and international, for event sponsorships, partnerships, Charity of the Year partnerships, and donations from corporate foundations

- Assisting with writing and delivering compelling presentations and proposals for funding to trusts, foundations and other institutes

- Writing emails and speaking with potential partners over the phone about the work of Choice with the aim of securing funds for the organisation.

You will have the following skills and experience:

- A good level of  written and oral communication

- Experience of writing funding proposals and working in fundraising would be an advantage

- Knowledge of corporate fundraising techniques including Charity of the Year, sponsorship, donations, marketing would be an advantage

- An ability to present and engage potential partners/sponsors in a compelling way

We are seeking a motivated and talented volunteer to support us in this role.

Working in a small team, you will be supporting Choice Directors, and will have responsibility for corporate, major donor and other fundraising. You will get involved with some of the largest grant funders in the UK, including the Big Lottery, Comic Relief, London Council and others.

The ideal candidate must have good written communication skills, with experience of writing funding proposals, as well as being motivated to develop a career in fundraising for a good cause.

Further, you should be able to work under your own initiative. We provide a wide array of training, development and guidance for our volunteers. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to support development projects to improve the quality of life of marginalised people.If you are passionate about equality, diversity and international development and keen to gain valuable, hands-on experience, then we would like to hear from you.Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid position, with a possibility of contributing to the cost of travel from your home to our office.

Please note due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to respond to all applicants, hence only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered.