Voluntary Practitioner Volunteer Roles
Backgrounds in:
finance and clinical and one with skills, knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- HR and organisational development
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Digital innovation
- Community involvement
- Voluntary sector
- Service transformation
- Performance management
Location: Blackpool
Salary: £13,500 p.a. (4 days per month)
Do you have the necessary skills and capabilities – not necessarily from the NHS - to support the delivery of the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for the populations of Lancashire, South Cumbria and the Fylde Coast?
Our Trust is situated on the West Coast of Lancashire and provides a comprehensive range of health and care services to the residents and visitors of Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre and North Lancashire. The Trust employs over 8,000 staff and has a turnover of around £648 million.
We operate in a rapidly changing NHS and health environment. This provides many opportunities, as well as uncertainty with the challenges facing the Trust and the NHS, can only be addressed through working in close partnership with the Trust’s health and care partners across the Fylde Coast and Lancashire and South Cumbria.
About the role:
Our Non-Executive directors work alongside other non-executives and executive directors as an equal member of the board. They share responsibility with the other directors for the decisions made by the board and for success of the organisation in leading the local improvement of healthcare services for patients.
Despite challenges, the Trust is in an exciting position, working towards its ambitious vision to be high-performing organisation, operating as part of an integrated care system that provides high-quality, safe and effective care across its communities.
Our Non-Executive Directors are appointed for an initial period of three years by the Council of Governors. Re-appointment for a further three-year period will be subject to satisfactory appraisal and agreement by the Council of Governors.
Your duties and responsibilities will include:
- Formulating plans and strategy
- Obtaining assurance and ensuring accountability
- Shaping the Trust’s culture and capability
- Ensuring that the Trust’s governance arrangements conform with best practice and statutory requirements
About You:
We seek experienced Non-Executive Directors - not necessarily from the NHS - who will provide challenge and support to enable us to innovate and improve the delivery of the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for our communities.
You will have an understanding of, and commitment to, NHS values of accountability, probity, and equality of opportunity, as well as the Trust, our values and the communities we serve. Your personal qualities include:
- Being prepared and able to make complex decisions, maintain an independent mindset and challenge constructively.
- A commitment to continuous improvement and delivery of high-quality services.
- Sound understanding of good corporate governance and risk as well as operating in a regulatory environment.
- Being a collaborative team player who participates and contributes effectively, bringing independent thinking and objectivity, and takes shared responsibility for decisions, outcomes and activities delegated by the Board.
- The ability to demonstrate local knowledge and an understanding and connectivity with the diverse. communities served by the Trust.
- Having the necessary time and commitment to fulfil the requirements of the role.
You will need to become a member of our Trust and live in one of the following areas: Borough of Blackpool; Borough of Fylde; Borough of Wyre or the wider Northwest.
The closing date for an application is Monday 29th April 2024.
We are partnering with our retained and exclusive recruitment consultancy, Peridot Partners, and for full details about the opportunity and how to apply, please follow the link to the recruitment microsite.
Come join our volunteering team to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q3 by Best Companies as the 6th best charity to work for in the UK, Medaille Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against modern slavery. Our innovative model is based on three principles: Prevent, Protect and Pursue. We are one of the UK’s largest providers of survivor services, with ten safehouses and six outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year. We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.
We know that wellbeing is hugely important for our service users therefore, we are looking for volunteers who can deliver ad-hoc sessions in wellbeing such as yoga, pilates, meditation, facials, arts & crafts etc. This would suit someone who wants to gain volunteer experience in this sector but is unable to commit to something on a more regular basis.
Tasks will include:
•Delivering wellbeing activities for service user participation.
•Helping service users to engage within a group setting.
•To offer a safe and comfortable experience for all service users, showing awareness of service users’ varying physical and mental well-being needs.
You must have relevant qualifications and experience in activities that you will be delivering, such as yoga, facials etc.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.
This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with female adults in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members to deliver the activities in line with agreed procedures and systems.
Volunteers need to:
•Be at least 18 years old
•Be female as this role is restricted for females under the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010
•Be able to get to the venue which is based in Hillingdon.
•Be computer literate and have a good standard of spoken and written English
•Be willing to have an enhanced DBS check
•Have knowledge and understanding of human trafficking issues or willingness to learn
•Have knowledge and understanding of mental health conditions or willingness to learn
•Have an understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role
•Have the ability to maintain confidentiality
For full details and how to apply please visit our website and complete an application form.
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We are seeking experienced complemnetary therapists, preferably trained massage therapists, to join our team of volunteers offering therapies to our clients affected by cancer here at our Centre in Isleworth, at other agreed local community venues in Richmond or Hounslow, or ad-hoc at local community events. We are particularly keen to recruit massage therapists but we will also consider applications from therapists for reflexology, EFT, acupuncture, shiatsu and reiki.
Applicants need to have spare time of a weekday and be able to travel easily to our area.
All our therapists need to be CNHC registered, have insurance and have or be prpeared to have an enhanced DBS check.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you live in Wales and want to gain valuable skills, have new experiences, and support vulnerable people?
We are offering 1 young person aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer for up to 11 months with the French Red Cross in Lille. The programme will run from September 2024 – August 2025.
You will be working on a range of projects, which will give you the chance to explore the different kinds of social action that the French Red Cross undertake in Lille. This is a great opportunity to get involved in these projects and find out what you are interested in. For more details on the role and the projects available, have a look at the role description. The main thing we want to see is your motivation for this placement!
The French Red Cross operates a project called “Mobile support programme for migrants” (DMSE) along the shores of northern France. This programme aims to “go towards” migrants and provide them support directly in the makeshift camps. The project offers three main services: access to care, maintaining and restoring family links and supporting unaccompanied children. The successful volunteer will likely spend 2 days a week in the field supporting migrants, 1 day in the office providing administrative and logistical support and 1 day will be dedicated to their individual Element project, a chance for the volunteer to develop their own project or cultural exchange activity. The remaining day will be treated flexibly and could see the successful volunteer supporting the French Red Cross on their other projects such as helping the FRC in launching first aid training for migrants.
Please note that only young people based in Wales can apply for this role. We are especially interested in applications from those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds, are carers or are care experienced, have accessed free school meals, are refugees or asylum seekers and those with disabilities or additional needs.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 1 May 2024.
Successful applicants will ideally satisfy any one of the following criteria:
- Low household income (under £26,000).
- Are carers/have experience in the care system.
- Have accessed free school meals.
- Are a refugee.
- Are currently seeking asylum.
- Are disabled or have additional needs.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
This is an opportunity to be involved with a pioneering project which seeks to use the historic North Wing building at St Bartholomew’s Hospital for inspiration, respite, and recovery.
Barts Heritage are looking to recruit four members to join their Heritage and Health Engagement Advisory Panel; two heritage or cultural professionals, a heritage and health practitioner, and an academic.
You will join an interdisciplinary team, which will include Barts NHS Trust staff, members of the Barts Heritage engagement team, and creative health practitioners. As a group you will:
- Act as critical friends bringing varied experience and expertise from heritage, health, arts, and cultural contexts to guide and challenge project development.
- Offer expert advice to ensure the project’s ambitions for innovation in approaches uniting heritage and health are met.
- Act as advocates, sharing the work of the project within your sector, and connecting the Sharing Historic Barts project team to relevant people within your networks.
- Play a part in ensuring the project’s work is sustainable and has a legacy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our weekly art class provides space and opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to express themselves through creative activities. The group has diverse interests and needs, and we are looking for a volunteer to join the sessions to support people to get the most out of each sessions.
Your role could include setting up activity areas, working 121 with individuals, or in small groups. The class is led by an experienced tutor, and some members of the group also receive support from their support workers.
We are based in a multi-purpose community centre near North Dulwich. You will be part of a small and friendly staff and volunteer team that are all committed to supporting adults with learning disabilities to fully participate in the activities that are important to them.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
We are an app-based charity that connects people over 18 with a vetted and trained Mentor (who has also 'been there') to help with body image issues.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
- Strategic Planning: Collaborate with fellow trustees to establish the charity's mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
- Governance Oversight: Provide effective oversight of the charity's governance structure, policies and procedures to comply with relevant laws, regulations and best practices.
- Financial Management: Review and approve the charity's annual budget, financial statements and financial policies. Monitor financial performance and ensure proper stewardship of resources.
- 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.
- 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.
- Service Oversight: Review and evaluate the effectiveness of the charity's counselling service in achieving its mission and objectives.
- Community Engagement: Represent the charity in the community and build relationships with stakeholders.
- 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.
- Board Development: Participate in board meetings and any relevant training and development.
Qualifications:
- 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.
- Integrity and Accountability: Strong ethical values, integrity and a sense of accountability for the effective governance and management of the charity.
- Time Commitment: Willingness to commit time and effort to fulfil trustee responsibilities, including attending meetings, reviewing documents and participating in board activities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Our wonderful charity team is expanding and we are looking to take on more compassionate, reliable and conscientious volunteers with an interest in walking and helping others. We are looking to take on volunteers across the UK for facilitating in-person events.
One of the most effective support events we provide is in the form of our short walking and talking get togethers for those who are grieving. We are looking to increase our in-person get togethers across the country and are recruiting some volunteers to help us do so.
What does it involve? We meet as a small group, grab a tea/coffee, and mosey along together. This could be in a local park, along a canal, in the countryside, etc. It’s pretty simple but can be hugely cathartic and effective for those who are really struggling with their loss and feeling isolated. We are passionate about offering the best possible care to an often-ignored population.
Walking volunteer roles involve facilitating a social get together / walk for people whose loved ones have died from cancer. This largely involves being the meet and greet person for those attending. Volunteers are welcome to design the get together (choosing a location locally) or we can help you do so. The walks are very informal and relaxed, and are targeted at bringing people together rather than having to cover many miles. Get togethers normally last 1-2 hours.
We will provide full training for the role and supervision, along with continued training opportunities. We ask for at least a 18-month commitment, which involves facilitating up to 4-6 walks a year.
Please submit a CV and cover letter with your application.
Please note that applications without a CV or cover letter will not be accepted.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer with Rahab and be part of transforming women’s lives
Do you have a desire to help vulnerable women grow into a life in which they feel safe, free, whole and capable?
At Rahab we work towards seeing the lives of at risk and vulnerable women affected by prostitution and trafficking transformed, supporting those who are sexually exploited with unconditional acceptance, compassion and dignity to rebuild their lives and achieve their own identity and freedom. We provide learning and development opportunities for women to engage in and offer a supportive environment as they explore ways to self-determine their onward journey.
We are a dedicated team of professionals, facilitating casework support, counselling, wellbeing and learning. As a Rahab volunteer, you will gain valuable and unique insight into not only our work but also some of the wider factors that contribute to the exploitation and abuse of women in and across London. But most importantly you will play a part in the transformation we work towards in the lives of individual women. Find out more about us and our work on our website
Your contribution
We are looking for Volunteers for a range of activities including befriending, pastoral care, outreach, teaching ESL, casework, admin and counselling. It’s an exciting time to join our team as we are implementing steps to expand our work to support more women.
We need volunteers who are willing to help, with a caring approach and sensitivity to the challenges involved in this work. All volunteers will receive training. Volunteer Counsellors must be qualified to a minimum of Level 5 Diploma or Degree level and be a member of the ACC, BACP or UKCP, and will receive supervision.
Please note that commencement of volunteer activities is dependent on placement and necessary onboarding for specific roles.
Time committment will vary for each placement, dependent on requirements, but generally this would be between 5 to 10 hours per month.
How to apply
We are also happy to have an informal chat if you are interested and would like to know more about the range of our activities and how best you can be involved as a volunteer. Please be in touch with us and we can answer your questions or arrange to speak.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Listening volunteers are there for anyone who needs support. By giving a few hours a week to speak to someone in distress, you can change the course of someone's life. In total Samaritan volunteers give over 1 million hours per year, join the Bradford Samaritans Hub and be part of our mission to provide support, hope, and encouragement to those who need it most
About Us
At Bradford Samaritans Hub, we provide vital emotional support to those going through difficult times. Our non-judgmental and confidential service is available 24/7, allowing individuals to talk openly about their feelings, thoughts, and concerns. We believe that everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and supported, regardless of their background.
We launched in summer 2022 and currently have around 30 volunteers who help deliver our service:
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Our listening volunteers are available day and night to respond to our callers
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Our support volunteers help with all aspects of running the hub
Why Volunteer with Us?
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Make a Difference: As a listening volunteer, you have the power to positively impact someone's life. Your compassionate ear and understanding can provide solace and hope to those who need it most.
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Embrace Diversity: Bradford is a vibrant and diverse community, and we strive to reflect this diversity in our team. We welcome volunteers from all cultural backgrounds and walks of life. By joining us, you'll be part of a team that celebrates and respects the unique experiences and perspectives of our community.
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Training and Support: We provide comprehensive training to equip you with the necessary skills to support individuals in crisis. Our experienced volunteers and staff will guide you through every step of your journey, ensuring you feel confident and capable in your role.
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Volunteering that fits with your schedule: We understand that your time is valuable, so we offer a range of shifts that can fit in with your schedule. Your contribution will make a significant impact.
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Personal Growth: Volunteering with Samaritans is a transformative experience. As you support others, you'll develop invaluable listening and communication skills, enhance your empathy and emotional intelligence, and grow as an individual.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role description
Africa Health Organisation (AHO) is setting up a pharmaceutical company to carry out research and produce drugs/medicines and vaccines for patients in Africa. Patients and healthcare providers are all dependent on pharmaceutical companies for the treatment of diseases. Over 80% of drugs/medicines and over 90% of vaccines used in Africa come from outside the continent. AHO is working hard to end this by setting up a new pharmaceutical company to produce drugs/medicines and vaccines in the continent. The purpose of the company is to study diseases, research, and invent new drugs/medicines and vaccines for the diseases. The companies require medical data and reports of patients for researching and discovering new drugs. This is made easier after medical records have gone electronic and are being stored after encryption through blockchain-based applications.
AHO is looking for Specialists in pharmaceutical science to help with setting up the company, registration, governance, board of directors, licensing, production, compliance, regulatory, finance, laboratory, human resources, and marketing.
Roles and responsibilities
- Start-up, registration, governance, licensing, financial, capital, business planning, and lobbying in the UK, US, EU, Asia and Africa.
- Clinical research/clinical trials
- Analysis and pharmaceutical quality,
- biotechnology,
- clinical pharmacology and translational research,
- drug design and discovery,
- formulation design and development and pharmacoengineering,
- pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and drug metabolism,
- physical pharmacy and biopharmaceutics,
- regulatory sciences, and
- social and behavioral pharmacy, pharmacoepidemiology, and pharmaceutical outcomes.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, pharmacy, biology, chemistry, medicine, engineering, epidemiology, or similar scientific subject if combined with further education and training such as the MSc Scientist Training Programme (STP) in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Business Studies such as MBA and Marketing.
- Registered General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Member or/& HCPC/ RPS or willing to register.
Desirable
- Technical qualification such as Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology, Quality Control, Engineering, Manufacturing.
- Post graduate certificate or diploma in a relevant pharmaceutical field.
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice and the regulations surrounding Pharmaceutical Manufacture.
- Knowledge of clean room design and functioning.
- Highly developed Professional knowledge, underpinned by theory and experience.
Desirable
- Specialist knowledge of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Processes including equipment and facility design, construction, validation and testing.
- Knowledge of:- o Aseptic preparation of medicines o Terminal Sterilisation processes o QA/QC services
- An understanding of medicines management procedures
- Knowledge of product licensing and medical devices registration
Experience
Essential
- Experience of product development
- Evidence of working within GMP/GDP guidelines.
- COSHH Regulations and Health & Safety at Work Act.
- Evidence of significant, relevant and on-going personal CPD
Skills
Essential
- Leadership and motivational skills
- Problem solving and analytical skills
- Planning and organisational skills; ability to prioritise demands on service and plan workload of self and others
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate with a range of people such as technicians, pharmacists, engineers, clinicians and customers
Desirable
- Change management
- Project Management skills
Other
Essential
- Capable team worker with ability to create and sustain good relationships.
- Able to deal with constant interruptions, multiple pressures and at times aggression.
- Methodical with attention to detail
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Purpose: Supporting the facilitation of Kids Matter parenting programmes in prisons, encouraging dads to grow in confidence, competence, and community.
Location: Within the prison (either HMP Brixton or HMP Wormwood Scrubs)
Time commitment: Minimum of 1 year, 4-8 hours per week, depending on prison placement
Main responsibilities
- Support Prison Facilitator (staff member) in the delivery of Kids Matter's prison parenting workshops
- Attend a Kids Matter family visit
- Engage with supervisory support from Prison Facilitator (staff member)
About Kids Matter's prison workshops
Kids Matter's prison workshops run for five weeks* (4x sessions followed by 1x family visit day). There will be breaks between each programme, and our goal is to run 3x programmes per year in each prison.
* Programme schedules may vary based on the prison location.
Before the programme starts
- Familiarise self with programme content
- Meet with the team
- Attend Kids Matter training
- Minimum 4.5 hours of bespoke training (depending on level of prison experience, it may be expected to attend more training)
- Complete prison security checks and training (where required)
During the programme
- 4x weeks of 2-hour sessions, plus set-up and set-down (roughly 4 hours per week)
- 1x 3-hour Kids Matter family visit, if applicable
After programme
- Review and debrief with team
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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:
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Survivors' psychotherapy
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Family support services
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Advocacy, including ISVA and domestic abuse services.
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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:
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ensuring the charity acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and is providing public benefit and meets its legal obligations;
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making decisions in the best interests of the charity;
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developing the multi-year strategy;
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monitoring the management of the finances and resources of the organisation (operations, budget, property, workforce and tenders);
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monitoring performance, quality and impact;
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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;
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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.
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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.
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Fundraising, Marketing and Comms – This person will work closely with our Head of Development and Commissioning on our income strategy and communications strategy.
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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:
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a commitment to the mission of Respond;
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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.
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ability to identify creative solutions to problems within limited resources;
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good analytical skills;
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ability to think strategically;
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independence and flexibility in thinking;
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ability to communicate efficiently and connect with a wide range of people, internally and externally;
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a willingness to meet the minimum time requirement (see below);
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an understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship set out in the Charity Commission's 'The Essential Trustee'; and
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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:
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good interpersonal skills including listening;
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commitment to excellence and high expectations of self and others;
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values people and the contribution of all stakeholders;
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sound judgment;
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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:
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Receive induction and training;
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Develop new skills and competencies;
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Meet new people and develop professional networks;
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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;
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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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.