Practitioner Volunteer Roles in Co Durham

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in your community? Do you have expertise in finance and a desire to contribute to a cause that positively impacts lives? If so, we invite you to join our team as a Finance Trustee for our esteemed charity which is going through a period of renewal! We are developing a series of social enmterprise hubs across the country.

At Toc H, we are dedicated to serving local people through our social enterprise hubs across the country. Our organisation has been serving the community for over 100 years, providing essential services and support to those in need.

Role Description: As a Finance Trustee, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial integrity and sustainability of our charity. Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the financial management and reporting processes.
• Reviewing and approving budgets, financial statements, and financial policies.
• Providing strategic guidance on financial planning, and risk assessment.
• Collaborating with the finance team and fellow trustees to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Representing the charity at finance-related meetings and events.

Qualifications:

• Strong background in finance, accounting, or related field.
• Previous experience serving on a board of trustees or similar governance role preferred.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial management practices and regulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the charity.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Why Join Us:

• Make a meaningful impact: Your expertise will directly contribute to advancing our mission and helping those in need.
• Professional development: Gain valuable experience and expand your skill set in nonprofit governance and finance.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow trustees, staff members, and community partners who share your passion for making a difference.
• Fulfillment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your contributions are making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Join us in our commitment to creating positive change and building a brighter future for our community.

We are hiring! Trustee vacancy

• Time Commitment: typically, 4 hours per month, for a term of 3 years (initial 12-month period)
• Location: Board meetings are held 4 times per year, and we work to find times that are accessible for Board members, which could include evenings and weekends. We meet twice a year in person in Oxford, and twice a year via Teams
• Renumeration: this is a voluntary role and reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

About Us

An independent charity, The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH) has been leading efforts to incorporate the values of environmental sustainability into the health sector since its establishment in 2008. Our work is underpinned by CSH’s Principles of Sustainable Clinical Practice: prevention; patient empowerment; lean care systems; low carbon alternatives.   

CSH has a particular focus on:    

• engaging those on the front line of patient care and promoting the concept of ‘sustainable clinical practice’ 
• enabling the use of the natural environment at NHS settings to be used as ‘nature-based solutions’ in healthcare.    

As a trustee of our charity, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in shaping our organisation's future direction. The Board culture is friendly and lively, with an openness to creative ideas and input. There is a focus on core mission and values to inform decision making processes.  The meetings will be focused, effective and inspiring, and led in line with CSH’s overarching aim to transform healthcare for a sustainable future.  The Board values diversity and welcomes applicants from a range of backgrounds.  

About You

We particularly welcome new trustees who could bring skills and experience in financial management or legal and IP transfer. Though please do not be put off from applying if you do not have any of these skills or if you have never been a Trustee before.

How To Apply

For an informal conversation about the opportunity, please contact us. 

To apply, please send an up-to-date CV (or Linkedin profile) and simple covering letter answering two questions:

• why you’re interested in supporting CSH
• what you hope to bring to the Board

Or if you prefer to record your cover letter, verbally or with video, that’s also welcomed. Please contact us if you have any other accessibility needs or if you would like help with applying.

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.

Help tackle loneliness and isolation in your Community. As a Volunteer Befriender, you will visit an older person in their own home once a week for a chat and to provide companionship. 

Our Befriending service supports older adults by alleviating loneliness and isolation, supporting independence, and increasing self-confidence, by making weekly or fortnightly visits to a client living in the borough of Croydon.

We place emphasis on making the right match for you and the client to ensure an enjoyable and rewarding experience. One of the befriending team will work closely with you during the match process and accompany you on your first visit to introduce you to the client.

You will be assigned a line manager who will support and encourage you. We provide a befriending induction along with training and ongoing support to ensure that you are fully equiped and ready for what will be a rewarding and positive experience. Feedback from our clients and volunteers show the huge impact on wellbeing that an hour a week can make.

What will I be doing?

• Visiting an older person in their own home once a week maybe for a cup of tea and a chat.
• Providing companionship.
• Other activities mutually agreed by the Client and the Volunteer such as reading together and puzzles.

What we ask for:

• Good listening skills.
• An open-minded and non-judgemental attitude.
• An ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Realiability.
• Willingness to adhere to Age UK Croydon's policies and procedures

HR MANAGER - VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are looking for a volunteer to join us at Unlock YOUR Potential in the volunteer role of HR MANAGER (Remote), where you will lead on Unlock YOUR Potential's HR aspects and function, ensuring an amazing organisational culture and team spirit.

About Us:

Unlock YOUR Potential is a dynamic and impact-focused startup charity committed to empowering individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our mission is to provide meaningful programmes that span employment, education, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and holistic support. We believe in building new pathways for those seeking positive change.

Role Overview:

As the Volunteer, HR Manager, you will play a crucial role in setting up and managing our human resources, with a focus on recruitment and retention of volunteers. This is a remote position, with meetings done via telephone or online via Zoom or other platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Setting Up the HR Department: Establish HR systems and processes tailored to a startup charity.
2. Ensure compliance with legal requirements.
3. Onboarding and Offboarding: Welcome new team members and manage their transition. Handle offboarding processes professionally.
4. Develop and implement HR policies and procedures and address team members’ queries related to HR policies.
5. Organise interviews and recruitment processes and support the recruitment process by creating job/role descriptions and preparing interview questions.
6. Implement a learning and development policy and foster talent growth and succession planning.
7. Drive HR strategy in alignment with our overall mission.
8. Contribute to organisational success through effective HR practices.
9. Other duties required of a HR Manager.

Qualifications and Experience:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. We are especially interested in candidates who have:

• A recognised UK HR qualification and relevant experience.
• Experience developing and implementing HR policies and procedures.
• Ability to Set Up an HR Department: Proficiency in establishing systems and processes for a startup charity.
• Collaborative Approach: Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to the vision and values of Unlock YOUR Potential.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 6 hours per week (flexible). This can be spread over evenings and weekends.

Join Us:

If you are ready to make a lasting impact, drive positive change, and lead with purpose, we invite you to apply. Together, we can unlock potential and transform lives.

Unlock YOUR Potential is an equal opportunity organisation.

We are looking for trained Clinical Supervisors who have been practising for over 3 years to lead supervision sessions with our volunteer Mentors. We hold these bi-weekly in groups of 3-4 over lunchtime or evenings online.

What will you be doing?

All Been There Mentors who work with our Mentees have monthly group supervision. Usually there are four volunteers in a group. Supervision can take place in person or on zoom.

Commit to supervising a minimum of two groups per month (approx 5 hours in total).

Key Responsibilities:

• To safeguard the wellbeing of the Mentors and ensure that their needs are being addressed.
• To ensure the quality of Mentor support work with Mentees
• To ensure that Mentors are supported and developed, are participating in continued training and are not left to carry difficulties and problems alone.
• To provide regular opportunities for Mentors working with clients to reflect upon both the content and process of their work.
• To develop personal awareness, skills and knowledge relevant to the Mentor’s role within Been There
• To provide a source of general communication, updates and concerns.
• To enable the Mentor to receive information and another’s perspective concerning their work.
• To identify development needs and opportunities.

Insurance costs are covered and the role is fully remote so will not incur any expenses.

What are we looking for?

We’d love to hear from you if you’re passionate about improving the mental health of our Mentees and your qualifications and experience fit the criteria below.

Qualifications and experience:

Essential:

• Qualified Psychologist or therapist
• Qualification in supervision at level 6
• Current or recent experience (within 2 years) as a supervisor 
• Have your own experience of being supervised

Desirable:

• Have experience of supporting clients who have been through body image, eating distress or Body Dysmorphia

BeenThere is committed to equal opportunities and anti-discrimination practices and we positively encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are particularly interested in attracting applications from applicants from diverse groups.

What difference will you make?

The impact you can have is huge, as we are such a small charity we rely on the good will of volunteers to support our work. Our Mentors are unicorns! Rare and very special and we want to look after them as much as we can. 

Having a confidential setting where they feel safe, supported and heard is integral. This gives the Mentor an opportunity to be open and honest about their own wellbeing and anything that is going on with their Mentees. 

Overview: As a Charity Trustee, you will play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of Tilehouse Counselling, a Hitchin based mental health charity providing free or subsidised professional counselling to people aged 13+ living in our charitable area. Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the charity is effectively managed and fulfils its objectives in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

We are actively seeking trustees from diverse racial backgrounds, faiths, genders, sexualities and traditions to join our Board. We believe that diversity strengthens our ability to fulfil our mission and serve the diverse needs of our community effectively. We welcome individuals from all walks of life, including those who bring unique perspectives, experiences, and expertise to our board. If you are passionate about making a difference and contributing to positive change in North Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, we encourage you to apply to become a trustee with us.

We are particularly looking for prospective Trustees with;

• Global Majority heritage
• Lived experience of mental ill-health and /or counselling and therapy
• Professional experience in HR, legal, safeguarding, marketing or fundraising fields
• Lived experience of the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals
• Hindu, Muslim or Jewish faith

Board Responsibilities:
The below responsibilities are collective and an individual Trustee may feel more or less able to lead on any particular area. You don’t need experience of all these in order to become a Trustee and training is available.

1. Strategic Planning: Collaborate with fellow trustees to establish the charity's mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
2. Governance Oversight: Provide effective oversight of the charity's governance structure, policies and procedures to comply with relevant laws, regulations and best practices.
3. Financial Management: Review and approve the charity's annual budget, financial statements and financial policies. Monitor financial performance and ensure proper stewardship of resources.
4. Risk Management: Identify and assess potential risks to the charity's operations, reputation and financial health. Take proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure the charity's sustainability.
5. Fundraising and Resource Development: Support the development and implementation of fundraising strategies to secure funding for the charity's service. Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors and funding partners.
6. Service Oversight: Review and evaluate the effectiveness of the charity's counselling service in achieving its mission and objectives.
7. Community Engagement: Represent the charity in the community and build relationships with stakeholders.
8. Ethical and Legal Compliance: Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity in all aspects of the charity's operations to comply with relevant laws, regulations and ethical guidelines.
9. Board Development: Participate in board meetings and any relevant training and development.
   
   

Qualifications:

1. Commitment to the Mission: Demonstrated passion for the charity's mission (find out more here) and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
2. Integrity and Accountability: Strong ethical values, integrity and a sense of accountability for the effective governance and management of the charity.
3. Time Commitment: Willingness to commit time and effort to fulfil trustee responsibilities, including attending meetings, reviewing documents and participating in board activities.

Could you be an Action for M.E. Trustee?

Are you impatient for change, passionate and have time to spare to make a positive impact?  Around 1.3 million children and adults in the UK with M.E. and M.E.-like symptoms following Covid-19 urgently need people like you.

Action for M.E. is the only UK charity support children and adults with M.E., through information, support, advocacy and healthcare services while working to secure change for the future. Over half of our Board of Trustees have direct experience of M.E.

We are a small organisation that regularly punches above its weight, working on a national and international scale and are delighted to be working with staff, volunteers and our Board of Trustees team who are passionate, dedicated and determined. We have high aspirations and ambitions and believe that Action for M.E. can, and will, make a major contribution to creating the change that is so desperately needed.

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in guiding Action for M.E. to deliver critical services to meet present needs, while working to secure change for the future.

You will work as part of a dynamic Board of Trustees, helping to shape the strategic direction of the charity, bring fresh ideas and perspectives, ensure effective governance and financial stewardship and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

We're looking for up to three individuals, from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We have a particular need for those who bring skills in either one or more of the following areas: research, science, local/national government, policy/advocacy and communications. These will complement the skills we currently have on the Board.

Are you committed to making a difference? Do you want to accelerate change? If you are ready to contribute your time and expertise to this worthwhile cause, we want to hear from you.

Join us in our mission to transform lives. Become our Charity Trustee today!

Please review the application pack attached for further instructions on how to apply to become our next Action for M.E. trustee.

We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome any reasonable adjustment requests required to take part in this recruitment process. 

The closing date for applications is 30 April 2024, with interviews happening on a rolling basis. 

Joining Respond as a Trustee  - January 2024 

Background Information

Founded in 1991, Respond is a national charity that seeks to transform the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced trauma. We are committed to bringing about positive change for our clients and their families, enabling them to lead richer and more resilient lives.

Respond's services for children, young people and adults are:

• Survivors' psychotherapy 

• Family support services 

• Advocacy, including ISVA and domestic abuse services.

• Training, consultancy and reflective practice

Respond supports charities that campaign for equality and inclusion with the aim to prevent abuse and equip individuals and their families to come to terms with their experiences and live more positive lives. 

Our specialist training, supervision, reflective practice and consultancy equips agencies and health / social care providers to deliver trauma-informed services. This includes responding to and providing consultancy and training for significant events such as institutional abuse.

Our income base is diverse with trust funds and grants continuing to be a vital part of maintaining core services Respond offers, alongside donations from trusts and foundations. We also continue to have larger ongoing or spot contracts for our work for NHS commissioners and local authorities.

It is a good opportunity to join Respond's Board at this time, following our restructure and as we move towards the last year of our current strategy for 2022-25. Following a challenging period due to changing funding landscape and closure of some services, we will be focused on consolidation and improving impact measurement to secure long-term financial sustainability. 

The role of the Board of Trustees

The Trustees (or 'Board members') are trustees of the charity and directors of the limited company. They are responsible for the governance, setting the strategic direction and monitoring the implementation of the strategy. The Board ensures that the charity acts in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

The Board has responsibility for: 

• ensuring the charity acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and is providing public benefit and meets its legal obligations; 

• making decisions in the best interests of the charity; 

• developing the multi-year strategy; 

• monitoring the management of the finances and resources of the organisation (operations, budget, property, workforce and tenders); 

• monitoring performance, quality and impact;

• appointing and appraising the CEO. 

Who we’re looking for 

Following a recent skills audit within the current Board, the Board is seeking trustees with the following skills or experiences;

• Finance - This person will have a financial qualification and will enable the Board to ensure the sound financial health of the charity. The person will collaborate with the Finance Director to ensure that the organisation has systems that meet sector best practice and ensures financial accountability. This trustee will be the Treasurer and chair the Finance Committee.

• Human Resources (HR) - This person will have experience in working in HR roles, preferably in the voluntary sector. This person will help review and strengthen Respond’s HR policies, set up and lead the people committee and guide the Leadership team in dealing with complex HR issues including change management. 

• Fundraising, Marketing and Comms – This person will work closely with our Head of Development and Commissioning on our income strategy and communications strategy.

• Psychotherapy /working in a trauma informed setting – As an organisation providing psychotherapy and arts therapies for autistic people and people with learning disabilities, we are looking for a trustee with experience of working as a therapist with a systems-psychodynamic approach.

The Board wants to ensure that the charity's 'beneficiaries' are represented in its governance. We encourage applications from people who have lived experience of autism, learning disabilities and/or trauma-informed work (either directly or through family members).  How the Board carries out meetings will also be reviewed to accommodate adjustments requested by new trustees with learning disabilities or who are autistic. (Please refer to a separate document if you or someone you know with lived experience may be interested) 

Person Specification 

The following knowledge, experience and skills are essential for the role: 

• a commitment to the mission of Respond;

• senior experience, ideally including one or more of the following areas – finance, human resources, fundraising/marketing, legal, compliance, hard-to-reach communities, caring/social care, psychotherapy, commissioning.

• ability to identify creative solutions to problems within limited resources; 

• good analytical skills; 

• ability to think strategically; 

• independence and flexibility in thinking; 

• ability to communicate efficiently and connect with a wide range of people, internally and externally; 

• a willingness to meet the minimum time requirement (see below);

• an understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship set out in the Charity Commission's 'The Essential Trustee'; and

• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to make decisions for the good of Respond.

Trustees will be expected to demonstrate the following personal attributes: 

• good interpersonal skills including listening; 

• commitment to excellence and high expectations of self and others; 

• values people and the contribution of all stakeholders; 

• sound judgment;

• team-oriented with a supportive approach. 

Respond is dedicated to developing opportunities for Trustees to be appointed reflecting greater and varied diversity among our Board of Trustees, so we welcome applications by suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital or parental status, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We particularly welcome applications from Black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented on the board.

What we offer 

New trustees will:

• Receive induction and training;

• Develop new skills and competencies; 

• Meet new people and develop professional networks;

• Contribute to ensuring that the charity offers high quality effective services to autistic people and people with learning disabilities who have experienced trauma, who are in need;

• An annual appraisal

Time requirement - What is involved? 

Trustees attend eight Board meetings per year approximately every six-eight weeks currently on a Tuesday evening 5:30pm to 8pm. Meetings are in London, and remote access is available for trustees who live/work outside London.

Each Trustee is expected to be an active member of the Respond community, committing 5 to 10 hours per month to the charity which may also involve being on a sub-committee such as; Finance Committee, Clinical Governance and Safeguarding Committee each of which meets four times per year, typically during normal office hours online or in London.

Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Respond prior to their first Board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings. Other meetings are away-days over a weekend.

Trustees are invited to the annual general meeting, which takes place typically in November.

Trustees may claim expenses incurred in effectively carrying out their duties, in accordance with Respond’s Trustee Expenses Policy. 

Papers are distributed one week in advance of meetings. In addition, Trustees are expected to review documents and communicate with other board members and senior staff between meetings. Every effort will be made to ensure that trustees with learning disabilities or who are neurodiverse have access to documents in formats that they can understand or have the support available for them to fully participate as trustees.

Occasionally, circumstances may require urgent meetings (either face-to-face or virtual) to examine strategic issues or items requiring Board approval 

Duration of the role 

Board terms are for a five-year term following which the person can be elected to serve another three years.

Role title: 

Volunteer Classroom Assistant (Online) – English, Maths, Science  

Where: 

Online (Zoom) / Nova New Opportunities, 2 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL

When: 

Immediately, minimum commitment of 3 months. 

Support 1-2 classes a week (45 minutes per class). 

English classes are currently held on Mondays and Wednesday between 16:30 and 19:15. 

Maths and Science classes are currently held on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 16:15 and 19:45.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by:  

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Purpose of role: 

Support the Nova Family Programme tutors in facilitating online home school sessions.

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering online English, maths and science classes (for young people at Key Stage 2 and 3). With the disruption of Covid-19, many families have been thrown into the unknown world of home schooling – made even more challenging when your own education isn’t up to scratch or English is your second language. We are delivering a free programme of online home school support to those who have been most negatively impacted by being out of school. Now that Schools have reopened, we will be continuing these sessions to ensure that learners do not fall behind as Schools focus on catching up on lost learning. The aim is to support children who may be falling behind with their studies and mitigating as far as possible the widening attainment gap. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with breakout groups of learners who need additional help 

• Facilitate the zoom classroom as required 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with Maths/ English 

• Experience of working with young people 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

Main point of contact/supervisor: 

Matthew Barnett 

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.