Mental Health Volunteer Roles

Are you passionate about mental health and want to work with an organisation committed to helping people recover? Do you want to make a difference? The Company Secretary will perform a key role for our well-established team of Trustees. Candidates for this voluntary position as well having relevant eperience should demonstrate an interest in mental health and have the ability to attend in-person meetings in Hertfordshire alongside some work from home.

THE ROLE

Administration and compliance 

The Company Secretary (CS) of a charity, together with all other charity trustees are responsible for the proper conduct of a charity, particularly with regard to ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The role of the CS includes:

• Being familiar with the charity’s governing document, and the legal responsibilities of charities under the Charities Act 2006 and the Companies Act.
• To keep all trustees informed of key matters in relation to its legal responsibilities and to signpost trustees to training courses and content to maintain sufficient knowledge
• To support the induction of new trustees and patrons
• Maintaining statutory registers including the register of members, the register of trustees/ directors and secretaries, the register of trustees’ and secretary’s interests.
• Ensure relevant statutory returns and information are filed with the Charity Commission and Companies House e.g. annual reports, changes to the charity’s details and/or trustees’ details etc.
• Identify and implement best practice, ensuring that the Board of Trustees are aware of the requirements to comply with relevant codes such as the Charities Governance Code and Code of Conduct
• Ensuring that decisions and actions of Board meetings are accurately recorded, communicated and implemented.
• Together with members of the Governance and IT Board committee, tracking progress with the charity’s risk register, business plan and strategic plan.
• Working with the Chair and CEO to ensure the AGM is properly administered in line with relevant legislation.
• Willing to become a member of the Governance and IT Committee.
• To comply with the trustee pledges as varied from time to time which sets out the broad consistent level of commitments across all trustees.

Preparing for board meetings

The Secretary should assist the Chair of the Board with the planning and administration of Board meetings. This includes:

• To plan and prepare the board meetings and the AGM with others as appropriate – plan meeting dates, book room, send out notifications, minutes and other papers,
• Making sure the timetable of Board meetings for the year ahead is agreed.
• Sending out notification of Board meetings to Trustees (and others where applicable).
• Work with the Chair and CEO to set each board meeting agenda, including the management of any agenda items received from other Trustees.
• Circulation of Board papers / pack at least 4 days in advance of meetings.
• Checking that a quorum is present (and that it is present throughout the meeting if required).

Taking meeting minutes and recording actions or ensure that a minute taker is appointed

The role of the Secretary includes:

• Taking minutes at Board meetings and maintaining the records of all meeting minutes.
• Recording and keeping action tracker up to date
• Keeping a record of all issues discussion, decisions taken and any actions required to implement a decision.
• Working closely with the Chair to ensure that minutes are accurate.
• Issuing minutes and action tracker to Trustees after Board meeting.

Skills and experience

• Experience of working with boards or senior committees
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Charity Governance Code, Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2006.
• Strong communication skills including ability to present complex matters in an engaging and understandable way
• Ability to work as part of a team and recognise broad responsibilities of a trustee role beyond technical knowledge
• Minute-taking 

Person specification

• Proven record in working inclusively and collaboratively
• Effective planner
• Forward-looking
• Diligent

Embark on a rewarding journey as a volunteer Mental Health Coach, where your interest in mental health, passion for helping others, and intelligence are valued, regardless of your background or career aspirations.

We are a registered charity (Charity Number: 1191308), collaborating with WHO and leading global mental health charities. Our mission extends from supporting individuals in developing nations to assisting initiatives in high-income countries.

This could be an ideal position for: people looking to get into the field, recent graduates looking for experience, retirees seeking a new purpose, mothers with time on their hands, and individuals with personal mental health experiences.

Programme Highlights:

• Fully remote - work from the comfort of your own home
• Engage in meaningful work as a Mental Health Coach, providing support and guidance to those in need.
• Gain hands-on experience with clients under supervision, contributing to their well-being and your personal growth.
• Receive training in various therapeutic techniques to enhance your ability to make a positive impact.
• Collaborate with a supportive community of like-minded individuals, prioritising empathy, and compassion.
• Help us recruit more Mental Health Coaches.
• Make a difference globally by assisting a charity dedicated to breaking down barriers to mental health care.

Future Opportunities:

• Explore opportunities for paid involvement with our charity or similar organisations.
• Utilise your newfound skills and experience to support mental health initiatives in your community.
• Enhance your personal growth and sense of fulfilment through meaningful engagement.
• Attain a professional reference to support your future applications to work or study.
• Be an integral part of building a start-up charity.

What We're Seeking:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in mental health and a desire to help others, preferably with some knowledge of interventions.
• Intelligence and a willingness to learn and grow.
• English proficiency.
• Availability for full-time commitment during the 3-month term.
• Financial independence during the 3-month period.
• No prior qualifications or specific career goals are necessary. Your willingness to contribute and make a difference is what matters most to us.

*We take applications on a rolling basis, and have monthly cohorts which begin mid-month. Join us in making a difference in the lives of others.

About the Role

The Bridge Project is a well-established Bradford based charity with over 35 years’ experience delivering services and projects addressing a range of issues such as substance misuse, risk taking behaviours, relationships, housing, physical/mental health, and employment. We work with individuals, families, partners, and communities to improve people’s lives in a sustainable way, empowering people experiencing multiple barriers to achieve positive change.

We currently employ over 120 staff, 40% of whom are ‘experts by experience’ and have joined us through our volunteering programme.  We are recognised as being innovative and recovery focused, and our services have been highlighted nationally  as examples of best practice in the sector. Our portfolio of services and projects are constantly evolving in response to the changing needs of our service users and our local communities. Currently this includes recovery focussed drug treatment services, housing and resettlement support, access to education, training, and employment (ETE), volunteering programmes, support for people engaged with criminal justice services and befriending/mentoring services for people with significant barriers to recovery and community reengagement.

What will you be doing?

Our Trustees play a pivotal role in governing the Bridge Project.  They are responsible for setting our strategic vision and priorities, ensuring our financial sustainability, and providing guidance and oversight to our operations. Our Board is committed to excellence, and we are looking for new individuals to bring fresh knowledge and experience to join us in this important work.  We’re committed to creating a Board which is representative of the communities we support, bringing together those with a variety of skills and experiences, to help shape what we do and how we work.  We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates from ethnically diverse backgrounds and from woman, however, we would be pleased to hear from you if you feel you can add value to our Board and would like to help us to make a positive contribution.  This is a rewarding role and you do not need to have experience of been a Trustee before, as there will be a comprehensive induction.

As a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to bring commitment, energy and enthusiasm to the role with a passion for doing your best.  You will work alongside other talented Trustees, engage with our staff and stakeholders, and contribute to our collective mission of empowering people experiencing multiple barriers to achieve positive change.

Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that the Bridge Project achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that the charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the senior leadership team to enable The Bridge Project to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Time Commitment

We ask that you are able to devote time to attend 4 Trustee Board meetings per year, 4 Sub-Committee meetings per year and 1 Planning meeting.  These are a mixture of in-person meetings in Bradford and zoom meetings.  Meetings are currently held in the evening.  Trustees are also encouraged to visit our premises to meet with the staff team and meet the people we support.

What Difference will you make?

You will be joining a friendly, highly engaged, and passionate group of likeminded Trustees who are keen to deepen the impact of the Bridge Project in local communities.  As a Trustee, you will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic direction of the charity and directly contribute to these objectives.

You will collectively be responsible for ensuring that the Chief Officer and his team not only grow our services to meet everyone that needs them, but that the service we provide is of the highest quality.  Last year we provided treatment and support to 4,900 individuals.

You will also have an opportunity to expand your knowledge of the voluntary and community sector and give something back to the local community as well as developing new skills.

The Role:

With an ambitious development programme up and running, we need to expand our Trustee Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a crucial time of growing demand for our services.

About Us:

Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in mainly Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time. We deliver talking therapies to adults – online and in person. Our service delivers around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access counselling support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training, to organisations and businesses large and small.

What We’re Looking For:

Our Trustee Board is currently drawn from the counselling and therapies community, plus commercial and other charity backgrounds. Now, with crucial development of the CIO ahead, we are looking for new members to expand the Board to its maximum ten places and to gain skills and insight from an equal, diverse and inclusive group that takes in business skills, knowledge of charities, and experience of not-for-profit finances to make growth plans a reality.

The Board will keep us on track with good governance through oversight of our work, and will also help our keen new CEO to secure a sound financial base from which to grow our operations to meet the ever-increasing demand for our services.

We welcome applications from individuals with backgrounds in any of the following areas:

• Business strategy and planning
• Commerce/industry
• Governance
• Working within the charity/CIO sector
• Financial management
• Legal expertise
• Data protection/GDPR knowledge
• Adherence to the Nolan Principles of Public Life

Joining elop’s youth mentoring team, you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who values and appreciates volunteers and the benefit of supporting LGBTQ+ young people.
LGBTQ+ Trans and Non-Binary Youth Mentors Role Description
You will be an integral part in supporting trans and non-binary young LGBTQ+ with issues related to their lived experience. elop is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all volunteers to share this commitment.
In order to do this you will need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and provide two references.
Our Mentoring Volunteers provide support and are role models to the young people we work with, and must be responsible, reliable and committed to the mentoring relationship. You will need to be good at communicating, enthusiastic and have a desire to help LGBTQ+ young people.

Previous experience of working with young people would be beneficial but is not essential. No formal qualifications are required. You will need to commit to meeting with three young people on a one-to-one basis each for an hour a week for 6 months. This could be online or face to face in a designated location.Selection for interview will be based only on the information contained in the application form. When completing the application form please ensure that you include information about yourself that is relevant to these requirements
Volunteer LGBTQ+ Trans and Non-Binary Youth Mentors Role Description Duties and skills • Have relevant experience and training to support young people aged 12 - 24 in a 1:1 capacity.
• Understand the issues and lived experience of trans and non-binary young people.
• Have the ability to be non-judgemental, listen and support, and create a safe space for trans and non-binary young people to achieve positive outcomes from mentoring.
• Have the ability to plan and deliver mentoring sessions to support a young person with individual needs related to their identity.
• Have the ability to set professional boundaries with young LGBTQ+ people in
1:1 settings and adhere to elop policies particularly safeguarding and
confidentiality.
• Have the ability to accurately record written notes for mentoring sessions and
admin for the role as necessary.
• You must identify as trans or non-binary to apply for this role.
In addition, all volunteers need to meet the minimal essential requirements for the
volunteering at elop.
1. Applicants should have lived experience of the issues faced by LGBT+
people and communities
2. Understand the issues faced by different members of LGBT
communities.
3. Be able to work in a way that values and respects individuals and
cultural diversity
4. Understand the need to work within organisational policies and procedures
5. Understand the need for boundaries and be able to maintain them
within all aspects of your work
6. Be able to offer support to other volunteers.
7. Be able to work as part of a team
8. Understand that volunteering is commitment and that services may be
dependent on your involvement.
Induction and support
elop will provide an induction programme which will include induction to the
organisation, induction to the role of mentoring which will include, elop mentoring
programme, safeguarding induction training, use of materials, trauma informed
approaches, support available.
Volunteer mentors will receive line management support and supervision from an
elop worker once a month and group reflective practice 1.5 hours every other
month.

Joining elop’s youth mentoring team, you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who values and appreciates volunteers and the benefit of supporting LGBTQ+ young people. 

You will be an integral part in supporting young LGBTQ+ people of colour with issues related to their lived experience. elop is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all volunteers to share this commitment. In order to do this you will need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and provide two references.

Our Mentoring Volunteers provide support and are role models to the young people we work with, and must be responsible, reliable and committed to the mentoring relationship. You will need to be good at communicating, enthusiastic and have a desire to help LGBTQ+ young people. Previous experience of working with young people would be beneficial but is not essential. No formal qualifications are required. You will need to commit to meeting with three young people on a one-to-one basis each for an hour a week for 6 months. This could be online or face to face in a designated location.

Selection for interview will be based only on the information contained in the application form. When completing the application form please ensure that you include information about yourself that is relevant to these requirements

Duties and skills

• Have relevant experience and training to support young people aged 12 - 24 in a 1:1 capacity.

• Understand the issues and lived experience of LGBTQ+ young people of colour.

• Have the ability to be non-judgemental, listen and support, and create a safe space for LGBTQ+ young people of colour to achieve positive outcomes from mentoring.

• Have the ability to plan and deliver mentoring sessions to support a young person with individual needs related to their identity.

• Have the ability to set professional boundaries with young LGBTQ+ people in 1:1 settings and adhere to elop policies particularly safeguarding and confidentiality.

• Have the ability to accurately record written notes for mentoring sessions and admin for the role as necessary.

• You must identify as a LGBTQ+ person of colour to apply for this role.

In addition, all volunteers need to meet the minimal essential requirements for the volunteering at elop.

1. Applicants should have lived experience of the issues faced by LGBT+ people and communities

2. Understand the issues faced by different members of LGBT communities.

3. Be able to work in a way that values and respects individuals and cultural diversity

4. Understand the need to work within organisational policies and procedures

5. Understand the need for boundaries and be able to maintain them within all aspects of your work

6. Be able to offer support to other volunteers.

7. Be able to work as part of a team

8. Understand that volunteering is commitment and that services may be dependent on your involvement.

Induction and support

elop will provide an induction programme which will include induction to the organisation, induction to the role of mentoring which will include, elop mentoring programme, safeguarding induction training, use of materials, trauma informed approaches, support available. Volunteer mentors will receive line management support and supervision from an elop worker once a month and group reflective practice 1.5 hours every other month.

Joining elop’s youth mentoring team, you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who values and appreciates volunteers and the benefit of supporting LGBTQ+ young people.
LGBTQ+ Trans and Non-Binary Youth Mentors Role Description
You will be an integral part in supporting trans and non-binary young LGBTQ+ with issues related to their lived experience. elop is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all volunteers to share this commitment.
In order to do this you will need to undertake an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and provide two references.
Our Mentoring Volunteers provide support and are role models to the young people we work with, and must be responsible, reliable and committed to the mentoring relationship. You will need to be good at communicating, enthusiastic and have a desire to help LGBTQ+ young people.

Previous experience of working with young people would be beneficial but is not essential. No formal qualifications are required. You will need to commit to meeting with three young people on a one-to-one basis each for an hour a week for 6 months. This could be online or face to face in a designated location.Selection for interview will be based only on the information contained in the application form. When completing the application form please ensure that you include information about yourself that is relevant to these requirements
Volunteer LGBTQ+ Trans and Non-Binary Youth Mentors Role Description Duties and skills • Have relevant experience and training to support young people aged 12 - 24 in a 1:1 capacity.
• Understand the issues and lived experience of trans and non-binary young people.
• Have the ability to be non-judgemental, listen and support, and create a safe space for trans and non-binary young people to achieve positive outcomes from mentoring.
• Have the ability to plan and deliver mentoring sessions to support a young person with individual needs related to their identity.
• Have the ability to set professional boundaries with young LGBTQ+ people in
1:1 settings and adhere to elop policies particularly safeguarding and
confidentiality.
• Have the ability to accurately record written notes for mentoring sessions and
admin for the role as necessary.
• You must identify as trans or non-binary to apply for this role.
In addition, all volunteers need to meet the minimal essential requirements for the
volunteering at elop.
1. Applicants should have lived experience of the issues faced by LGBT+
people and communities
2. Understand the issues faced by different members of LGBT
communities.
3. Be able to work in a way that values and respects individuals and
cultural diversity
4. Understand the need to work within organisational policies and procedures
5. Understand the need for boundaries and be able to maintain them
within all aspects of your work
6. Be able to offer support to other volunteers.
7. Be able to work as part of a team
8. Understand that volunteering is commitment and that services may be
dependent on your involvement.
Induction and support
elop will provide an induction programme which will include induction to the
organisation, induction to the role of mentoring which will include, elop mentoring
programme, safeguarding induction training, use of materials, trauma informed
approaches, support available.
Volunteer mentors will receive line management support and supervision from an
elop worker once a month and group reflective practice 1.5 hours every other
month.

Main Purpose of role: Assist with the weekly Hearing voices group  

Key Tasks:  

To support the facilitation of groups for individuals who experience auditory and other hallucinations. This will involve delivering creative, engaging and inclusive group and activity support work that encourages and enables people to improve/maintain their mental wellbeing. 

·      To support service-users in accessing the group support offer. 

·      To encourage peer support within the group. 

·      To adhere to our inclusive way of working and support a diverse group of individuals. This will include supporting younger and older adults.  

·      To enable service-users to have access to information and signposting to other areas of support. 

·      To engage fully with the values and community of Mind in Somerset. 

·      To attend regular one-to-one supervision with your line manager. 

• To work in an inclusive and culturally sensitive way for all service-users; being responsive to individual needs and challenging stigma and discrimination. 

• To take prompt and appropriate action in a safeguarding situation. To clearly record all information and actions taken and to escalate to the Group Facilitator and Safeguarding Lead as per procedure. 

• To follow Health & Safety and Security procedures. 

• To cover leave and absences where required. 

Person Specification    

  Essential:  

• Positive team-working skills  

• Flexible approach   

• Willingness to learn (including independently) to extend their knowledge  

• Understanding of the need for good record keeping and GDPR  

• Good non judgmental listening skills  

• Experience working with people in mental health

Role: Mendip Hearing Voices Volunteer

Location: Shepton Mallet

Hours required: 2hours weekly + 1hr supervision monthly

Main Purpose of role: Assist with the weekly Hearing voices group

 Key Tasks:

To support the facilitation of groups for individuals who experience auditory and other hallucinations. This will involve delivering creative, engaging and inclusive group and activity support work that encourages and enables people to improve/maintain their mental wellbeing.

·To support service-users in accessing the group support offer.

·To encourage peer support within the group.

·To adhere to our inclusive way of working and support a diverse group of individuals. This will include supporting younger and older adults. 

·To enable service-users to have access to information and signposting to other areas of support.

·To engage fully with the values and community of Mind in Somerset.

·To attend regular one-to-one supervision with your line manager.

• To work in an inclusive and culturally sensitive way for all service-users; being responsive to individual needs and challenging stigma and discrimination.
• To take prompt and appropriate action in a safeguarding situation. To clearly record all information and actions taken and to escalate to the Group Facilitator and Safeguarding Lead as per procedure.
• To follow Health & Safety and Security procedures.
• To cover leave and absences where required.

Person Specification   

Essential: 

• Positive team-working skills 
• Flexible approach
• Willingness to learn (including independently) to extend their knowledge 
• Understanding of the need for good record keeping and GDPR 
• Good non judgmental listening skills 
• Experience working with people in mental health

We would love to hear from you if you have experience in IT support and would like to use your skills to support Mind In Somerset on a voluntary basis. 

Main Purpose of role:Assist with IT provision in Mind in Somerset

Key Tasks: User support of systems Including In-house and cloud-based systems.

Supplementary support of Microsoft Azure and 365 systems.

Potential to include user training as required.

Starters/leavers onboarding/offboarding Management.

Record and apply Hardware update/refurbishment/configuration.

Network management assistance including WANS< LANS, and WiFi

Project work e.g. expansion, upgrades, extensions etc.

Assistance with IT Strategy formulation

Responsibilities to Employees and Volunteers;  Provide effective IT support

Person Specification

 Essential: Demonstrable existing IT knowledge/experience beyond user level

Understanding of the need for record keeping

Analytic abilities

Ability to clearly support and communicate complex concepts to a range of staff/volunteers

Willingness to learn (including independently) to extend their knowledge

Ability to work alone or within a team.

 Desirable:  An interest in governance and standards

Mathematics/statistics skills at higher education level

About Us

We are the only national non-profit supporting people in the UK impacted by borderline personality disorder (BPD). We provide peer support, signposting, information and advice to individuals living with BPD, their families and carers. 

About the Role

Our busy support services team is seeking a reliable and organised volunteer to assist the signposting service. You will respond to queries from health and social care professionals and service users. In addition, you will provide administrative support to the team and processing referrals emailed into the service.

Responsibilities in this role include:

• Providing information and advice to health and social professionals and service users
• Processing new referrals
• Navigating and inputting information into our secure database, handling client data and sensitive information
• Explaining confidentiality to health and social care professionals and service users and seeking consent to store or share information where necessary
• Signposting and referring callers to appropriate alternative services as required

Who are we looking for?

The ideal volunteer will have:

• An understanding of the issues faced by people impacted by BPD, or willing to learn about this
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Good administrative and computer skills including proficient use of Microsoft Office
• A solid understanding of the importance of professional boundaries and confidentiality
• The ability to exercise a non-discriminatory, non-judgemental approach to supporting people
• A flexible approach to your work
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise

Please note you will need a DBS check (if you do not have one, we can do that for you)and two references for this role. 

What can you gain from this opportunity?

As part of this role you will have the opportunity to:

• Work as part of a national organisation to support people impacted by borderline personality disorder, and their families
• Develop skills in providing signposting, information and advice
• Gain knowledge of the support service options available to people in the UK
• Gain experience of multi-agency partnership working

We offer full volunteer induction and training, where you will be fully supported to understand, and carry out every aspect of the role. 

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for our volunteers. The service users we support come from all backgrounds and we want to reflect that in our volunteering team. We are happy to consider any adjustments you might need to support you in your role. If you would like to discuss this further with the volunteer team, please let us know. This will not affect your application.

We are a volunteer-run non profit which provides support and information to people across the UK who are living with borderline personality disorder, as well as supporting their families and carers. Our website provides information to thousands of people, not just those living with BPD but also their families, partners, friends and colleagues/employers. We also provide information to health and social care professionals. 

We are looking for a creative and passionate web developer to help us create a brand new website that will be user-friendly, mobile-friendly and enable us to support more people in need. 

Key Responsibilities

• assist with the redesign and development of current website
• develop new ways of presenting information effectively
• creating visually captivating pages with engaging visuals and multimedia elements
• developing ways of enhacing user experience
• eeping the website up to date with new information
• identifying potential opportunities for new content or engagement
• analyse interactions and site visits, creating comprehensive reports to help improve future strategies and campaigns

Personal Specification

• Proven experience of web design/development, with a porfolio of previous projects
• Familiarity with wordpress 
• Solid understanding of SEO best practices
• Excellent written, interpersonal and communication skills
• Committed to our values and mission
• Enthusiastic about using web expertise for a meaningful cause
• Able to work independently with good time management skills

Join our friendly volunteer team today and become the creative force behind our online presence!

Thank you for your interest in Phoenix Enterprises; we’re passionate in our mission to support people living with mental health issues and learning disabilities in Swindon. We are a small, friendly charity, with big impact.

We are looking to recruit a trustee to join our Board, a voluntary position which offers so much. Whilst the position is unpaid, you will feel the rewards of being part of a charity that is making a real difference. We are committed to our objective of building the employability skills of our service users. In the UK only 48% of people with mental health problems, and 17.6% of people with severe learning difficulties, are in employment, versus the national 75%. Mental health issues and learning disabilities can be financially debilitating and very isolating. In addition, those living with mental health problems often face complex and challenging issues ranging from wellbeing, managing the benefits system and finding accommodation. Good work and the right help make all the difference, and that’s what Phoenix is all about.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction and business continuity of the charity, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the Governing Document and legal and regulatory guidelines. Taking our responsibilities seriously requires a meaningful commitment and the ability to work as part of a small, friendly team.

Trustees bring different skills, experiences and perspectives, all really important and valuable in our work, ensuring a healthy approach and objective discourse. Previous board experience is not a pre-requisite, with a welcoming induction, mentoring and opportunity for training; we work as a team with a supportive approach.

Applications for this trustee role are invited from people who are based in or near to Swindon who would like to join our Board and have the capacity to be involved in our work. Trustees are expected to be able to attend the Board meetings and have the time to make an effective contribution to our work. Typically, there are 4 meetings per year. Occasional additional support will be valued for example at meetings with key stakeholders such as grant assessors and Swindon Borough Council.

We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve, particularly those with experience of living with mental health issues or disabilities. We look forward to hearing from people who can bring a new perspective and fresh ideas to inform our thinking.

The Chester Bluecoat Charity, the longest standing charity in Chester, is currently searching for inspirational individuals to join our board as a volunteer trustee to help steer the charity as it strives to raise the bar on the positive impact it has in the city and surrounding areas.

Under new leadership, 2024 is set to be a particularly exciting year as we develop and implement a new strategy to support more people than ever before and help the charity reach its full potential. In order to achieve this, we are recruiting new trustees who can help drive this transformation by bringing additional expertise to our dedicated team, specifically in the charity, community, social housing and legal sectors.

About the Charity

The Chester Bluecoat Charity helps to tackle the causes of poverty, disadvantage, and inequality across the city. As the city’s longest standing charity, we are proud to have been helping the people of Chester and surrounding areas for more than 800 years.

Based in the historic Bluecoat Building, in the heart of the City of Chester, we work to change the lives of people in need in three distinct ways:

• Grant Giving – We award grants to organisations that use education and community development to improve peoples’ lives.
• Rentable office and meeting room space at our Bluecoat Building – We offer third sector office space to local charities and voluntary organisations, as well as meeting rooms for hire to businesses throughout the city.
• Almshouses – We provide Almshouse accommodation for people in need in the 16 Almshouses that we own and maintain which are situated at rear of the Bluecoat Building.

At its core, the charity owns several properties in Chester which enables us to generate a rental income, and subsequently provide Almshouse accommodation and office space to Third Sector organisations. These funds also allow the charity to provide grants and support to organisations such as Blacon Beacon, Koala, KidsBank and Platform for Life, to name but a few…

Why should you become a trustee?

Are you passionate about Chester? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of those in our community who need our help? Do you want to be part of a team trying to do some good by making lasting change?

By becoming a trustee of The Chester Bluecoat Charity, you can do just that! In this role, you can shape and steer the city’s oldest charity and help it reach its full potential. This is an opportunity for you to give back to the city of Chester in a meaningful, rewarding role, whilst making new connections during an exciting time of transformational change in the charity.

What skills should I have?

The Chester Bluecoat Charity are looking for trustees with the following skills in particular:

• Charity and community experience.
• Social housing/housing association experience (Almshouses)
• Legal

In addition, trustees should be able to offer:

• Great communication skills
• Be able to contribute to strategic planning
• Independent, sound judgement
• Willingness to provide opinion and reasons for the conclusions drawn
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve
• Capable of working effectively as a member of a team

As we are focused on Chester and its’ surrounds, we expect our trustees to either be resident in Chester or have strong links with the city.

How will I make a difference?

As part of our trustee board, you will shape the work of The Chester Bluecoat Charity and provide support to the team to achieve our charitable aims. You will be part a charity that tackles the causes of poverty, inequality, and disadvantage in and around Chester by using our resources effectively to provide grants to other organisations and charities, amongst other work.

Our trustees dedicate around 5-10 hours a month to The Chester Bluecoat Charity by attending internal meetings and assisting the team in delivering our strategy.

When would I participate in trustee meetings?

The main board meet 6 times a year. Trustees are appointed for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of two further terms.

Trustee meetings are usually held at The Bluecoat on Upper Northgate Street, Chester, however these may also be joined virtually.