Supporting Chapter Manager

Supporting Chapter Manager - Volunteer Role

About Make A Smile

Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Trustees and Officers are essential to keeping the charity running smoothly across the UK, helping us “bring smiles to the faces of so many children.” 

About the Role

The Supporting Chapter Manager plays a vital role in strengthening Make A Smile’s chapters across the UK. You will identify chapters that are struggling, assess their needs, and provide hands‑on support to help them rebuild, grow, and thrive. This role directly protects the continuity of the charity in key areas and ensures no chapter is left behind.

Key Responsibilities

You will take a proactive, leadership‑focused role in supporting and revitalising chapters. Responsibilities include:

● Assessing chapters regularly to understand their challenges and support needs.  

● Providing hands‑on intervention for struggling chapters, focusing on recruitment, events, and wardrobe.  

● Leading chapter overhauls when needed, including stepping in as temporary President if required.  

● Supporting committee members, rebuilding enthusiasm, and setting clear action plans.  

● Monitoring committee engagement and escalating concerns to the Chair when necessary.  

● Ensuring struggling chapters focus on the “Golden Triangle”: wardrobe, trained volunteers, and events.  

● Collaborating with the Wardrobe Manager, Recruitment Manager, and Events Manager for specialist support.  

● Encouraging an “upwards spiral” of volunteer engagement, recruitment, and event quality.  

● Reporting chapter progress and concerns at monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

This role suits someone who is proactive, organised, and passionate about helping teams succeed. You’ll thrive if you bring:

● Strong leadership and people‑management skills.  

● Confidence in motivating and supporting volunteers.  

● A solution‑focused mindset. 

● The ability to stay calm and structured when chapters are under pressure.  

● Willingness to step in hands‑on when needed. Posting on social media, organising events, messaging volunteers, etc.  

● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Act in the best interests of Make a Smile… Enjoy it!”). 

Time Commitment

Trustees and Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week to their role. This includes chapter assessments, communication, meetings, and hands‑on support.

Training and Support

You will receive:

● Full Trustee Training (online).  

● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).  

● Guidance from the Chair and other Trustees.  

● Access to the Supporting Chapter Guide and President training materials.  

● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity-funded training.

What You’ll Gain

● Leadership experience in a national charity.  

● Skills in team support, crisis management, and organisational development.  

● A meaningful role where your work directly keeps chapters alive and thriving.  

● The chance to shape the future of Make A Smile and support volunteers across the UK.  

● The joy of knowing your efforts help bring magical experiences to children.

Safeguarding and Eligibility

Trustees and Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send across your CV along with a short message outlining your experience and why you’d like to support our chapters.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.