Volunteer roles

The Great Friendship Project is looking for a dynamic and committed Chair of Trustees to guide our Board, support our CEO, and champion our mission to tackle loneliness and build real-world friendships across the UK.

As Chair, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role, helping steer the charity through its next stage of growth.

You’ll lead a passionate and capable Board of Trustees, ensuring strong governance, sound financial oversight, and strategic clarity - all while acting as a critical friend to the CEO and a powerful ambassador for our work.

This is an exciting time to join, with high-profile campaigns, powerful partnerships, and growing national recognition, we’re looking for someone who can bring wisdom, challenge, and vision to our leadership team.

What are we looking for?

What we're Looking For

• Proven leadership experience, ideally in a non-profit, public, or purpose-driven organisation.
• Strong understanding of governance, charity finance, and strategic planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead with clarity and empathy.
• A commitment to inclusion, transparency, and social impact.
• Passion for tackling loneliness and championing authentic human connection.

Board Leadership & Governance

• Chair Board meetings every 1–2 months, setting clear agendas in collaboration with the CEO.
• Ensure meetings are purposeful, inclusive, and outcome-driven.
• Lead the Board in evaluating its performance and decision-making.
• Provide 1:1 support and mentorship to the CEO, fostering leadership development and succession planning.

Financial Stewardship

• Work alongside the Treasurer and CEO to oversee financial health and sustainability.
• Review quarterly management accounts and long-term forecasts.
• Support robust financial planning, risk management, and reporting.
• Present the Annual Accounts to the Board and ensure legal compliance.

Strategy & Development

• Guide the Board in shaping and reviewing the charity’s long-term vision and strategic direction.
• Monitor delivery against objectives and ensure mission alignment.
• Lead trustee recruitment, induction, and development to maintain a high-performing, diverse Board.

Risk & Compliance

• Lead quarterly review of the Risk Register and oversee the review of key policies.
• Ensure the charity meets all legal and regulatory obligations.

Reporting & Impact

• Oversee the creation of the Trustees’ Annual Report and support the CEO in developing an annual Impact Report.
• Ensure the charity is delivering meaningful results across programme impact, financial sustainability, and fundraising.

Your background might be within a federated charity operating nationally or globally; you might work within a not-for-profit which delivers its impact through a network model or membership body; or you might operate in a corporate setting, perhaps operating franchises to reach your customers.

You will instinctively understand what it is to lead a like-minded movement of organisations, who together are far more than the sum of their parts.

You will be ready to get stuck into understanding what makes our local services tick and how best we can help them to have the voice, capacity and impact to change the world for unpaid carers.

More generally, we’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader, someone who can challenge and champion our direction and bring fresh ideas. Your insight could shape where we go next and help steer how we develop our network relationships and local delivery.

If you love collaborating with ambitious teams, challenging the status quo and finding smart, inventive ways to make an impact – this could be the perfect role for you.

We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader to join our Trustee Board - someone who can challenge and champion our fundraising direction, who brings fresh ideas, a creative edge, and isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Your insight could shape where we go next and help ensure we’re investing in the right opportunities.

Carers Trust is a £13 million charity, leading a £150 million network of local carer organisations. We have a fundraising team that consistently punches above its weight.

If you love collaborating with ambitious teams, challenging the status quo and finding smart, inventive ways to make an impact – this could be the perfect role for you.

Ready to shake things up for a great cause?

Trauma Foundation South West (TFSW) help refugees and people seeking asylum who have suffered trauma, oppression and war, and those working with them. We are seeking a finance professional to join our Board.

What will you be doing?

Our Trustees work collaboratively to meet our legal responsibilities to govern the charity, including:

• Defining TFSW’s long-term direction and furthering its charitable purposes.
• Ensuring it is effectively and properly run with legal and other obligations met and being accountable to those with an interest or ‘stake’ in the charity.

We use board meetings to agree and oversee our strategic priorities, monitor risks, ensure sound financial management and confirm the charity’s assets are being used appropriately. All TFSW Trustees additionally bring individual skills and experience that are much valued. 

As well as different skillsets, there are three defined roles on the board: Chair, Finance Lead and Fundraising Lead, and three Trustees chair the sub-committees (they may be the same people who undertake the defined roles).

As the Finance Lead, you will oversee the charity's finances to ensure regulatory and legal responsibilities are met and comply with charity accounting practice and returns.

This is a voluntary role, but we can pay Trustees’ expenses. The time commitment for all Trustees is approximately 22 hours per year (under 2 hours per month).

What are we looking for?

Essential requirements for all Trustees are:

• Enthusiasm for contributing to TFSW’s purpose and able to commit the required time.
• Able, or willing to learn, to carry out the responsibilities of being a Trustee.
• Commitment to TFSW’s values, clients and to working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• A specific skillset that enhances the Board’s overall skills. In this case we are seeking Finance experience, ideally with financial or accountancy qualifications. We value and respect qualifications from outside the UK.

We have a committed and supportive board with a diverse skillset and are currently recruiting to meet areas where we need to enhance our overall skillset. In addition, we strive to be a board more representative of the diversity of the communities we serve and as such we warmly and actively welcome those with lived experience of the asylum or refugee resettlement process to apply. To be more representative of gender and ethnic diversity more broadly, we would also welcome applicants from the Global Majority and male applicants.

We are an extremely supportive team and, as you will see reflected in our person specification, your commitment and capability are more important than a long list of experiences and qualifications. You do not have to have experience of being on a board; we can support you with training in your responsibilities. If you have any learning differences or styles that will require adjustments during this learning process, we will be happy to discuss and support your needs.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Trauma Foundation South West with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. 

To apply please submit your CV/LinkedIn Profile, along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join TFSW, the skills and experience you will bring to the board and what you would hope to get out of the role. If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to speak with you. We will also be holding an information session for potential candidates as a chance to hear more about TFSW and what it’s like to be on the board. Please let us know if you’d be interested in joining the session.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY AND IS NOT OPEN TO STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

What is the purpose of this role?

The Sybil Levin Day Service is a specialist SPECAL-Led day service supporting people with dementia and their carers using the SPECAL method.

What activities might you be involved in?

• Assisting centre attendees to engage in activities.
• Serving meals and drinks.
• Helping to set up and clear away activities.
• Engaging in conversation with centre attendees.
• Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

• People with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of people with dementia.
• A friendly, sensitive and kind approach.
• Being comfortable in small groups or on a one to one basis.
• People with a commitment to using the SPECAL method at all times whilst at the centre.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The centre is open from Monday to Friday and would like volunteers to commit to a morning or afternoon at least once a week as a minimum.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role.  This will include a thorough Charity induction and a departmental induction to provide further information about the role.  You will also be given access to our online training library to complete the training modules that are mandatory for your role.

You will receive SPECAL training prior to commencing your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

• The chance to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia.
• Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.
• A comprehensive training programme.
• The opportunity to learn new skills.
• Experience to add to your CV.
• The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
• Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Receptionist/Administrator

Voluntary

Part-time (15 Hours a week days to include  Monday, Wednesday and Friday)

Location: 50E Blaby Road, Wigston

Job description

The Helping Hands Community Trust provides a free independent, fully inclusive advice, care and support service to people whose lives are in crisis, are vulnerable and those disadvantaged by circumstance.

Reporting to the Advice Centre Manager, yours is a key role helping to ensure the smooth running and organisation of our services, providing the first point of contact with clients, stake holders, partners and funders who visit our South Wigston Advice Centre and Outreach Surgeries.

Our core services are delivered ‘face-to-face’, where first impressions are vitally important in helping people feel welcome and valued. An essential part of your work is exploring, understanding client needs in order to prioritise access to the most appropriate advisor.

You will be working with an enthusiastic team of paid and volunteer staff and your duties and responsibilities include: 

· To greet clients and visitors with a positive, caring and helpful attitude.

· Provide a service that is based on sensitivity and respect in responding and determining the needs of clients.

· Help ensure workplace security by maintaining client /visitor logs.

· Ensuring impartiality and confidentiality is preserved.

· To liaise with outreach team members at our Oadby and Wigston surgeries and partner locations.

· To receive, forward and screen incoming telephone calls and enquiries and make call backs.

· To liaise with advice staff regarding support for and the referral of individual clients.

· The entering of client details onto our AdvicePRO data base.

· Maintaining our online diary, entering details of clients, appointments with advisors utilising Office365 Bookings software.

· Confirming with clients that they are attending appointments.

· Announcing the arrival of clients / visitors to their advisor / appropriate team member.

· To facilitate online video calls, appointments and conferencing.

· Assisting with a variety of administrative tasks including sorting and dispatching mail, copying of documents,        maintaining the supply of advice and information leaflets.

· Maintain a diary of room bookings.

· Attend meetings.

· Undertake training that is appropriate to the role.

· Carry out admin and support duties when required

Somebody goes missing in the UK every 90 seconds. Missing People exists to ease the heartache experienced by those missing someone, and to help people who are away from home find their way back to safety. 

What will you be doing?

Missing People's vision is for every missing child, adult and family left behind to find help, hope and a safe way to reconnect. We are a non-judgemental, highly skilled team of staff and volunteers working for everyone who needs us. We provide free, confidential support, help and advice by phone, email, text and live chat.

In our 30th anniversary year, The Trustees and Executive launched a new 2023-2028 Strategy 'From Crisis to Hope' in consultation with people with lived experience and key stakeholders. The three key goals are:

1. Going missing is understood as a crisis that can be a matter of life or death
2. All missing people and their loved ones get the right help at the right time
3. Fewer missing people come to harm.

The new Chair of Trustees must be passionate about Missing People, its purpose and its values. We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding. We are keen to further broaden thinking and perspectives and welcome applications from all areas of the United Kingdom, from all communities, which is important as missing touches every community. We believe diversity is important, and we aim for our board to have a mix of people, talents and backgrounds..

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding.

You will need to be aged over 18 and have:

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to your duties as the Chair of Trustees - approximately 2-3 days per month
• Leadership, strategic vision and creative thinking
• Ability to manage a trustee board and take decisions for the good of the charity
• Ability to chair board meetings effectively and manage diverse perspectives
• Strong communication, interpersonal and networking skills
• Independent judgment and be willing to speak your mind
• The ability to read, understand and question reports including financial plans and information
• The ability to follow the rules of governing documents and any professional advice
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and encourage team working
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices
• Prior experience of committee / trustee work (desirable) 
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the charity (desirable) 
• Wider involvement in the voluntary sector (desirable)

What difference will you make?

Our Chair of Trustees is integral to the mission and purpose of the charity, holding the Board and Executive Team to account for delivering the mission and achieving our ambitious goals. The Board of Trustees is made up of an experienced team of individuals who bring breadth of background, a range of deep skill sets, lived experience of the issue of missing and demonstrable empathy and passion for the work of Missing People. The Chair of Trustees will be responsible for the effectiveness of the Board of Trustees, planning and guiding meetings to ensure broad dialogue, good decision-making and clear actions.

Our Chair will work closely with the CEO and the Board to develop the charity’s strategy and to oversee its implementation and progress against its business plan. As part of this the Chair will provide support and challenge to the CEO and their senior team. 

As the Chair of Trustees at Missing People you will be driven by a powerful mission to be a lifeline when someone disappears. You will work closely alongside the Board, Executive team and Chief Executive in a collaborative way to lead the charity. The role provides a good opportunity to be involved in strategic planning in an organisation grounded in the issue of missing with a diverse group of committed and motivated Trustees.

Trustees meet quarterly at online and in-person meetings (usually in London). The Board has dedicated Committees for Finance, HR, Ethics, and Safeguarding, and Advisory Groups representing people with lived experience of the issue of going missing, policing, fundraising and policy. The Chair will attend and be a member of other committees or working groups and ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the charity.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach or the application form on the Missing People website, attaching your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 A4 pages) that demonstrates how you meet the criteria listed in the role description attached. 

On the 'Work for Us' page of the Missing People website you will also find a Letter to Applicants detailing more information about the role and the charity. 

Our Education Officer, Laura Chepner, coordinates the Vegan Campout Family Marquee each year and is looking for an enthusiastic assistant. This role begins with some remote administrative support and builds up to on-site assistance a few days before the festival. You would be required on site from Tuesday 26th August, supporting Laura, up to the morning of Friday 29 August when you will clock off. After that, you’re free to enjoy the rest of the festival from Saturday onwards (free ticket included). vegv

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in gaining hands-on experience in events or festival planning, while gaining an exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into one of the UK’s most successful vegan festivals. 

Why do we need you? 

Vegan Campout's Family Marquee is growing year on year and we want to ensure it continues to be a welcoming, engaging and successful space for children and families. To achieve this, we need a dedicated and capable volunteer to support Laura Chepner, our Education Officer, in preparing and delivering an event that gets better every year. As the marquee evolves and expands, so too does the work required behind the scenes – and your help will be vital in making this year the most successful yet. 

What does the role involve? 

In the months leading up to the festival, you’ll support Laura with various administrative tasks, including managing emails and maintaining Excel spreadsheets. This support will gradually increase as the event draws nearer. 

You may also assist in liaising with volunteers and artists, collecting and managing essential information such as DBS certificates and first aid qualifications. 

From Tuesday 26 August, you’ll be on-site helping with the physical setup of the marquee, coordinating deliveries, arranging activities and supporting logistical tasks. You’ll also help liaise with partners and sponsors to ensure everything is in place and ready for the opening day. 

What training and support is available? 

There is no formal training required. You will be working closely with Laura, who will guide and support you throughout the entire process. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

We are looking for a volunteer who is: 

• Proficient in administrative tasks 
• Confident using Microsoft Office, especially Excel 
• Organised, reliable and dependable 
• Friendly with strong people skills 
• Comfortable managing communications and coordinating information 

What does my availability need to be? 

*Non-negotiable – You must be available to arrive on-site at Campout from Tuesday 26 August and remain until the morning of Friday 29 August. Food and breaks will be fully catered for during this period. 

In the months leading up to the festival, there will be a few hours of admin support required each week. From May onwards and this will gradually increase, reaching a maximum of around 16 hours per week across June, July and August.

We are looking for volunteers available Monday- Friday.

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 600 shops. Our stores sell lots of great donated & new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

Our retail stores are the face of our charity on the high-street and in local communities. We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale!

Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us. We value the contribution of everyone who supports Barnardo’s.

You will be a friendly face of Barnardo’s by volunteering in one of our shops. It would be great if you could volunteer one shift a week (or even more if you want) but we’re always happy to be flexible to work around your availability.

Why we want you

Our amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers helps us run over 700 stores. Our stores sell lots of great donated and new goods to help raise vital funds to make a real difference to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Work on the till processing sales and returns
• Prepare stock, including sorting, steaming and pricing
• Create stylish window displays
• Replenish stock on the shop floor
• Stock-take and other administrative tasks

The skills you need

• Friendly and helpful
• Happy to be part of an amazing team of staff and volunteers
• Enthusiastic about the work of Barnardo’s
• Flexible and willing to do a variety of the shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Have fun and meet new people
• Develop skills for your CV including confidence, teamwork and problem solving
• Make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families
• Learning and development opportunities through our Volunteer Academy which includes access to Level 2 Qualifications and other accredited courses
• Full training and experience of working in retail as a volunteer

Location:

24 Collier Row Road, Romford, Essex, RM5 3NX, United Kingdom

Minimum age: 14 years

Please note: we only accept applications from those residing in the UK

One25 is a Bristol-based charity, specialising in supporting women to break free from street sex-work, addiction and other life-controlling issues and build new, independent lives. We provide night outreach (7 sessions weekly), a Health Hub and casework, giving person-centred support and advocacy to around 240 women each year.

One25’s outreach service is often how women first make contact with us, meeting us on our fully equipped outreach van. Three volunteers, one an experienced team leader, go out on the van at night and meet women’s basic needs by providing nutritious food, first aid, warm clothing, condoms, safety alarms etc. They provide the chance to talk and get advice in a safe space and encourage women to get more in-depth help by visiting our Health Hub or seeing a caseworker.

We are looking for volunteers to join our accelerated pathway to becoming a Van Team Leader. Van Team Leaders are responsible for leading volunteers during shifts, coordinating with One25 staff and external services, and making decisions in crisis situations.

Please note: It is an Occupational Requirement that applications for this role are open to women only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010. Enhanced DBS disclosure will be required.

Team Leader tasks will involve (but are not limited to):

• Organising jobs with volunteers prior to shift
• Contacting volunteers prior to shift to make arrangements.
• Leading the briefing and debriefing sessions.
• Explaining procedures to new volunteers and answering any questions they have.
• Supporting and mentoring other volunteers, offering coaching and guidance where appropriate.
• Being responsible for making decisions relating to safety on the van
• Feeding back to the Volunteer Manager.

This pilot project will be for people who have professional experience in the following areas:

• Domestic abuse
• Sexual violence
• Drug and alcohol
• Homelessness
• Social care
• Physical Health
• Mental health

To apply for this programme you must have/be:

• Experience in the above mentioned fields
• Able to commit to 2 nights per month and 1 evening per month during the 7-month training programme
• Able to commit to at least 1 night per month and 1 evening per quarter upon completion of the training programme
• Able to travel to and from St Pauls, Bristol after shift
• Reliable and punctual
• An understanding of the issues women involved in street sex work.
• Non-judgmental and compassionate approach.Empathy and ability to actively listen.
• Ability to be friendly, but professional.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and be firm about rules.
• Ability to take direction and learn from mistakes and progress in your role
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Be comfortable leading a team and providing on site feedback to volunteers

For more information on this role, please see the attached role description.

Applications by: 9am, Monday 7th July 2025

Interviews: Tuesday 15th July, Wednesday 16th July or Thursday 17th July

Induction date: Tuesday 22nd July (5pm until 9pm)

St Edmundsbury Cathedral became a registered charity on 2 May 2023 and has a Board of Trustees referred to as Chapter. Chapter is accountable for the governance, strategic direction and management of the Cathedral, and has ultimate responsibility for the care, maintenance and development of the Cathedral estate, all aspects of Cathedral activity, and for securing its long-term viability and financial sustainability.

The Risk, Audit and Review Committee will enable Chapter members to meet their responsibilities by providing independent oversight of the Cathedral’s systems of internal control, risk management and financial reporting, and through supervision of the quality, independence and effectiveness of both the internal and external auditors.

In this instance the Cathedral is looking at recruiting someone with relevant understandings and experience who would thrive as a Committee Chair.

The Committee must keep the activities and management of the Cathedral under review in relation to such matters as the Chapter has specified in these Terms of Reference.

The Chair is responsible for:

• Agreeing the agenda with the Chief Operating Officer for committee meetings
• Producing reports and ensuring they are submitted to Chapter in a timely manner.

The committee is responsible for:

• reviewing the annual report and financial statements, paying particular attention to accounting policies, areas involving significant judgement or estimation and compliance with financial reporting requirements and accounting standards, and recommending them to Chapter for approval;
• reviewing the scope and results of internal and external audit work, including the adequacy of management responses;
• reviewing the performance of internal and external auditors, including recommending the appointment and remuneration of internal and external auditors to Chapter when required;
• monitoring the processes for assessing, reporting, mitigating and owning business risks and their financial implications, including financial, governance and safeguarding risks;
• reviewing the risk register at least annually, and ensuring Chapter’s internal processes facilitate the prompt reporting of serious incidents, control failures and emerging risks;
• reviewing and recommending to Chapter the organisation’s policies for counter-fraud, anti-money laundering, whistle-blowing and cyber and information security; and
• reviewing arrangements by which staff may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties relating to finance or other aspects of the Cathedral’s operations to ensure that arrangements are in place for the investigation of such matters and for appropriate follow-up action.

Membership

• The Committee must have a minimum of six members and a maximum of ten members, provided that at least one member of the Committee must be a non-executive Chapter member.
• The Chapter shall appoint all members of the Committee, having consulted the Nominations Committee.
• Not all appointed members need to be Chapter members and should not be executive Chapter members.
• There must not be a majority of members in common with the Finance Committee.
• The members appointed should, collectively, possess appropriate knowledge and skills in accounting, risk management, audit, financial governance and any other technical issues relevant to the work of the Committee.
• The Dean must not be a member of the Committee but is entitled to attend any meeting of the Committee. If the Dean does attend, he or she may speak but may not vote.
• The chair of the Committee must be appointed by the Chapter. The person appointed to chair the Committee must: not be a member of the Chapter; and have recent and relevant financial experience.
• Each member is appointed for a term of office of up to three years.
• A member may be reappointed, provided that any member who has served more than two consecutive terms is not eligible for appointment as a member until at least two years has passed since the member last held the office.
• A Committee member may resign by notice in writing to the Chief Operating Officer and Dean. Any Committee member who ceases to be a Chapter member shall automatically cease to be a member of the Committee.
• The Chapter may remove a member of the Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes.
• Members must declare conflicts of interest or loyalty in accordance with the Chapter’s conflicts of interest policy.

Successful candidates must possess the following competencies and personal attributes:

• Professional Experience
• Have a broad understanding of the leadership and management needs of complex organisations
• Have experience of strategic planning and implementation
• Have a good general knowledge of the basis of faith within the Anglican community
• Be well informed of the responsibilities and obligations of Charity Trustees
• Have a good general knowledge of good operational practices in managing organisations
• Have proven professional expertise in audit and risk management, especially for Charities.

Proven expertise in one or more of the following areas is essential:

• Finance Legislation (especially auditing), Management accounting practices, Internal and external auditing, Financial risk management, Business risk management, Project risk management, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Property management, Strategic planning for finance and monitoring and evaluating culture / environment impact.

Desirable Personal Attributes and Behaviours:

• Ethically anchored – act with honesty and integrity; committed to act and behave ethically
• Intellectual ability – have the ability to obtain and analyse relevant data; use object reasoning
• Emotionally aware/resilient – are emotionally intelligent; remain calm under stress
• Team oriented/collaborative – actively seek the views and knowledge of others and adopt a collaborative approach
• Diligent/responsible – approach work in a conscientious way and take responsibility for their actions
• Faithful/discreet – honour the trust placed in them by others and be discreet in their conversations
• Humble/servant leader – place others’ needs before their own; not be self-seeking or status oriented
• Effective communicator – are able to express themselves clearly and concisely using relevant information

We're a not for profit Community Energy organisation operating in Southwark and Lambeth and has been established by members of the South London community to relieve fuel poverty by providing renewable energy locally. We have been set up as a Community Benefit Society, which means we are a business managed for the benefit of the community. It’s is run by its shareholders, and shareholding is open to everyone.

We were established in 2023 and received grants from four funds (Government, Mayor of London, Southwark Council, Centrica Energy for Tomorrow) and a fuel poverty alleviation contract from Uk Power Networks (Leaving No One Behind) in 2024 to set up our pilot projects. We have two part time paid managers running the fuel poverty activity and the overall programme.

Our pilot projects include a fuel poverty service delivering energy advice and support for those in need and we currently have five trained energy champions who work with us part-time. We are also running feasibility studies for four solar arrays on housing estates and we’re exploring different possible business models. If we can make this work then we will be setting a precedent for a model for renewables on mixed tenure estates and long term financial sustainable fuel poverty alleviation.

At this exciting and pivotal time at the beginning of our journey we are looking for a Treasurer to support our organisation by overseeing the financial affairs.

The Role

The Treasurer will be overseeing the work of Martin, our dedicated Lead Finance Volunteer, who is an accountant working in Government and has been supporting our work for several months. We estimate that the treasurer role will require an average of less than one day a month, including attendance at six board meetings a year and weekly half hour meetings as necessary to be a mentor to Martin. We hold board meetings every other month on Tuesdays 1-2.30pm. The majority of these are held online with occasional in person meetings in Southwark. The Treasurer will also be responsible for holding a general oversight of financial activities and ensuring that we are keeping in line with our financial responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial matters to ensure that the organisation is compliant with regulations and good practice
• Support the finance team and other members of the board to ensure that effective financial procedures are in place
• Support the team in maintaining accurate financial records and oversee the year-end and funders financial reporting processes
• Advise on finance related initiatives that could benefit the society and input to strategy
• Support the creation of financial prospectuses for community share offers

Essential Qualities, Skills and Experience

• Chartered accountant with at least three years experience
• Understanding of financial management in organisations
• Ability to communicate financial information in a clear and effective manner
• Interest in renewables, sustainability and Community Energy
• Willingness and ability to work as part of a team and build good relationships
• Willingness to mentor our Lead Finance Volunteer

Desirable Qualities, Skills and Experience

• Experience of Community Energy and/or the renewable energy sector
• Knowledge of social enterprise structures
• Experience of being on the board of a not for profit organisation
• Being a resident of or having a connection to South London

Are you passionate about ‘The Creative Arts’? At Bloomin’ Arts, we see and hear the difference made when ensuring disabled adults have opportunities to be artists and leaders within visual art, drama, dance, and theatre. As a Trustee you will share a responsibility to oversee how our charity is managed and run. Ensuring what we do is always in our participant’s best interest.

Do you recognising ‘art and culture’s’ place in society. Could you help us achieve our future objectives and impact our ability to empower the lives of disabled adults through the creative arts. As Chair, you will play a vital role in:

• · Supporting the development and growth of our charitable arts organisation.
• · Driving our commitment to disability provision and leadership within the arts.
• · Leading with empathy to tackle challenges and direct change where needed.
• · Leading governance and compliance in line with the charity commission.
• · Advocacy and support fundraising as an ambassador for the charity, leveraging your networks to advance the charity’s reach and influence.
• ·    Ensuring our values and disabled artists (participants) remain at the heart of everything we do.

We are seeking a candidate with:

• ·        Ideally experience of charitable sector and/or arts and culture management.
• · A strong connection to or lived experience of disability.
• · Ability to lead and inspire other trustees and our staff.
• · Dedication to the role to ensure your contribution and leadership makes a positive difference.
• · Ability to be in person at Trustee Meetings, held at our venue in RH7. 

Why it’s an exciting time to join us:

• · This is a time of growth for us as a charity.
• · The challenges we face, we approach positively and openly.
• · We are constantly working to improve awareness and build our relationships to increase our reach and impact.
• · We love finding people who share our passion and vision and will stretch our viewpoints.
• · We celebrate diversity and make inclusion part of what we do every day.

 Length of term and time requirements:

Chair to join ideally for a 3 year term and opportunity for a further two.

Approximately 4-6 hours per month inc preparation and attendance for trustee meetings.

Renumeration:

Your services are always hugely appreciated, but services are offered on a voluntary basis and receive no renumeration except expenses reasonably incurred.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind
• Access to Sense discounts and advice, including cashback and discounts on hight street brands, as well as 10% off at Sense charity shops.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.