Safeguarding volunteer roles

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

As a Community of Practice Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication. As a Community of Practice Officer, you will: Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community. Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice. Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects. Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement. Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members. Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

We are looking for people with excellent interpersonal skills to join our Safeguarding team. Safeguarding is central to the work of St John Ambulance because it ensures that the diverse range of services we provide to children and adults at risk of harm, are delivered safely. Safeguarding Team Members do this in a number of ways e.g. by monitoring the implementation of the safeguarding policy, by responding to questions regarding and giving guidance etc.

 Learning is at the heart of St John Ambulance and we offer a very large range of learning and developmental opportunities to our volunteers, including the full professional training that is essential for our Safeguarding Team Members:

·  Safeguarding Awareness

·  Safeguarding in Practice

·  Working safely with Children and Adults at Risk of Harm

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act.

The role involves volunteering during weekday evenings and very occasional weekends.

The closing date for this vacancy is 14th July 2025.

Join the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth as a Safeguarding Committee Member

We are seeking skilled and experienced professionals who are passionate and committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people, to contribute to the work of the Safeguarding Committee for the Diocese of Portsmouth.

Time Commitment

The Safeguarding Committee meets 5 times a year with a mix of ‘online’ and in person meetings. Members are required to attend a minimum of 3 meetings a year.

About the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth and Safer Recruitment

Portsmouth Diocese adheres to the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency safer recruitment policy and procedure. Protecting people and safeguarding is a priority.

As a Diocese, we work in accordance with the eight national safeguarding standards and are a regulated affiliate with the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA).  As part of our regulatory agreement, we are subject of independent audit and review. 

We are governed by the Bishop of Portsmouth, Bishop Philip Egan. We belong to the One, Holy, Catholic Church, which is led by the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo.

Our Diocese is spread across five counties on England’s South Coast, and the Channel Islands. We are the local Church for the whole of Hampshire, Berkshire, the Isle of Wight, Jersey, and the Bailiwick of Guernsey as well as the Southern Part of Oxfordshire and the Eastern part of Dorset.

We are made up of 87 Parishes in 24 Pastoral Areas, for a total of 136 Churches. We have 115 priests, 40 Deacons, 35 houses of religious brothers and sisters, and a Catholic population of more than a quarter of a million.

We belong to the province of Southwark, which covers the whole south coast from Kent to Cornwall. Our Metropolitan is the Archbishop of Southwark. Our province also includes the Archdiocese of Southwark, the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, and the Diocese of Plymouth.

Role Profile and Person Specification

You will have a role in providing scrutiny and oversight on the work of the Diocesan safeguarding office, ensuring the arrangements are appropriate, continuously evaluated and developed.  Accordingly, you will be required to demonstrate skills and experience in the field of safeguarding, whilst being sympathetic to the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.

For more information, please refer to the attached Role Profile and Person Specification: Safeguarding Committee Member.

Safer Recruitment

Please refer to the attached Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency: Safer Recruitment Policy.

More Information

To arrange an informal chat with a member of the Diocese Safeguarding Team, or for more information about the role. Please find our contact details on the attached Role Profile and Person Specification: Safeguarding Committee Member document.

How to Apply

If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and contribute to the work of the Safeguarding Committee for the Diocese of Portsmouth, we would love to hear from you.

Please provide a CV and covering letter, detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role. Please apply via Charity Jobs, or apply direct to the Diocese of Portsmouth, contact details stated on the Role Profile and Person Specification document.

Your application will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal meeting with a member of the Diocese Safeguarding Team, to have the opportunity to find out more about the role and to discuss your application further.

Applications Close: Sunday 31st August at 11pm

We are recruiting a volunteer to join our Board of Trustees

• Time commitment: 6–10 hrs a month
• Location: meetings held in person in Southampton/Virtual
• Salary: Unremunerated, but expenses paid

What will you be doing?

City Catering Southampton (CCS) is proud to be the UK’s first charitable catering company. We are all about improving people’s lives through the delivery and promotion of wholesome, nutritious food. We are skilled in delivering delicious meals for the city’s vulnerable adults and school-age children across Southampton – meals that support their wellbeing, their growth and development, and therefore their ability to truly thrive. We have an outstanding track record and are proudly accredited by Food For Life for our school meals.

Our ‘why’ is to help support Southampton’s health and wellbeing, through the services we provide and the surplus that we generate and as such our vision and our business model is unique in the industry.

We are established as a strong, flexible, and profitable independent business, and are now seeking committed individuals to join our existing Board of talented Trustees. Our desire is to further expand the range of Trustees skills that we can draw upon, to help lead us through this exciting next stage in the company’s development. As such this opportunity is for a Trustee with experience in Safeguarding and preferably, some knowledge in HR.

We are looking for people who wants to make a difference by contributing their skills, enthusiasm and lived experience of the challenges facing our beneficiaries to our existing Board. We need you to help us turn our aspirations into reality.

We need Trustees who will join our Board ready to contribute actively and make a real and positive impact on the organisation’s future. We need Trustees that will give strategic direction; help set overall policy; help define goals and set targets; help evaluate performance; and help ensure the charity’s effective and efficient administration and financial stability. We need Trustees who fully understand the importance of being able to access a nutritious meal.

We want a wide range of people from different sectors and communities on the Board and seek to be representative of the diverse population of Southampton. We are an equal opportunities employer, and we value diversity – we would welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are particularly keen on bringing a Trustee onto the Board with knowledge or experience in Safeguarding and HR – as one of the key areas of focus for good governance.

What are we looking for?

We are particularly keen on bringing a Trustee onto the Board with knowledge or experience in Safegurding and HR – as one of the key areas of focus for good governance.

There is no need to have trustee experience to apply; your passion, enthusiasm and dedication is what we value most.

What difference will you make?

Trustees are expected to prepare for and attend up to six Board meetings a year, plus our AGM; Trustees also need to be available to contribute advice and support on an ad hoc basis, as needed by the business, and get involved in committee meetings, focusing on People, Audit & Risk, Finance, and Charitable Impact

Becoming a charity trustee is an amazing way to give back to the causes you love, connect with your community, boost your career, confidence, happiness, and health.

There is no need to have trustee experience to apply; your passion, enthusiasm and dedication is what we value most.

As a Trustee, you will have

• Induction, access to training, and reimbursable expenses

• Opportunities to make strategic decisions and develop new skills

• Opportunities to network with senior professionals

• Influence to shape innovative projects

• The chance to improve the nutrition of people and communities

Before you apply

Before you apply

• Please apply through Reach in the first instance and provide a covering letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience Shortlisted candidates will be asked to have an informal meeting with the Chair of the Board of Trustees and our CEO. 
• Please contact us via Reach with any questions.

Join Our Board – Make a Lasting Impact!

As part of our ongoing commitment to strong and effective governance, we are actively seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in shaping our organisation’s future and making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.

We are particularly looking for individuals who can:
✅ Help address the current challenges in social housing
✅ Provide continuity in financial expertise to support sustainable growth
✅ Strengthen our governance, regulation compliance and safeguarding knowledge and practices to protect those we serve

By joining our welcoming and inclusive Board, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals, influence key decisions, and contribute to a cause that truly matters.

Our Trustee application pack is now available on our website, and we are actively in the process sharing this opportunity across our social media channels, including LinkedIn.

Together, we can create positive change. Thank you for your support!

Can you support our trust in its innovative approach?  Do you share our values of inclusion, innovation & impact? Are you excited about Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter? What would it mean for you?

What will you be doing?

EMAT needs a committed and enthusiastic trustee, with experience in holding senior leaders to account whilst sharing their professional experience and expertise.  Our recent skills audit shows our board to have a broad and deep skill base and we are now looking to build upon that with colleagues that have specific interest and or experience in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. 

Any new governance #EMATters will ideally be local to, or have strong links to Northamptonshire and / or Milton Keynes and will have capacity to attend at least 6 x 2 hour meetings in person at our central office in Grange Park (Hybrid attendance is available when necessary).   We would particularly welcome those that have additional capacity to then attend opportunities throughout the academic year, to really get to know the trust, it's academies and all those that work and learn within them. 

What are we looking for?

We would welcome applications from committed and enthusiastic members of our local community (Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes) who have a passion for education and opportunities for young people.

We are particularly interested in those with lived or professional experience of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. Previous experience of governance is not a pre-requisite but is welcomed. 

Trustees must be confident to speak within a group and express their opinion and share their expertise.

What difference will you make?

As a member of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose that every child will be the best that they can be. 

In joining a well established and effective board you will contribute to supporting our trust in its innovative approach. We have exciting projects focusing on inclusion and equality, that will benefit from your experience as well as an ongoing cycle of continuing improvement and pursuit of Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter?  What would it mean for you?

Our trustees have a trust level responsibility but are strongly encouraged to network and interact with our local advisory boards so that they have a strong understanding of each of our academies when discussing and challenging finance, risk, safeguarding, teaching and learning and 'beyond the classroom' services.  

Before you apply

Please express your interest through Reach in the first instance.  We can then have an informal conversation, either in person or on teams about the role, before we ask you to complete an application form and our safer recruitment process. 

The Board of Aston Community Education Trust, comprising 12 schools primarily centred in Sheffield, is recruiting up to four new Trustees possessing a range of skills – including finance, risk and audit; marketing; safeguarding, curriculum and standards; and legal/procurement. The Trust supports 5,000 young people and has an annual budget of c.£40 million.

Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) operates 12 schools, primarily based in Sheffield, with offices in Holderness. Established in 2011, ACET was an early adopter of the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) model. The Trust includes nine primary academies—most of which received ‘Good’ or better ratings in their latest Ofsted inspections—and three secondary academies. Of the secondaries, one is rated ‘Good’ while the other two are judged as ‘Requiring Improvement,’ though both are progressing well according to Ofsted monitoring.

ACET runs an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit at Thurcroft Juniors, which has been rated ‘Outstanding’. From September 2025, all junior schools within the Trust will transition to full primary schools, expanding their intake to include Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils. ACET is a well-established, medium-sized Trust known for its robust leadership and transparent governance, with regular audits and Ofsted reviews publicly shared online. The Trust is firmly embedded in the urban heart of South Yorkshire.

ACET operates under clearly defined Articles of Association and a revised Scheme of Delegation that guides its governance. It maintains strong working relationships with Sheffield, Rotherham, and Derbyshire local authorities. The Trust actively engages with DfE-funded English and Maths Hubs for curriculum and teacher training support.

Its secondary academies collaborate with Wales High School in Rotherham, and all schools participate in teacher training placements for PGCE and QTS qualifications through partnerships with Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield. The primary schools benefit from a collaborative hub model, with professional development and leadership training available across all academies.

Currently, ACET is not seeking immediate expansion in terms of adding new schools to the Trust. The strategic focus is rather on converting its junior schools into full primary settings and strengthening outcomes across its secondary phase. The CEO’s senior leadership team includes a range of school improvement professionals working across both phases, supporting leaders with inspections and improving educational outcomes.

The Trust serves approximately 5,000 pupils and employs around 750 staff. Its academies serve a diverse demographic, predominantly from lower socio-economic areas of Sheffield. Two schools—Listerdale and Waverley Primary Academies—have more balanced socio-economic intakes. A defining characteristic of the Trust is its focus on supporting disadvantaged communities, including families with intergenerational unemployment. The Trust leadership is deeply committed to using education as a transformative tool and views ACET as a central community anchor.

Financially, ACET’s 2023/24 outturn aligned with expectations. All academies operated within their original budgets, and the Trust maintained an annual income of approximately £40 million. The 2023/24 external audit report confirmed ACET’s compliance and effective management of DfE funding. The Trust holds reserves in line with DfE recommendations, indicating prudent financial stewardship. Nonetheless, like many Trusts serving disadvantaged populations, ACET faces growing budgetary pressures. High SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) needs and poor attendance rates among secondary students are particularly impactful on financial and academic performance.

The Trust’s Requirements

ACET’s Trust Board currently comprises eight Trustees, though several retirements are anticipated within the next year. The Trust aims to recruit at least four new Trustees to maintain governance capacity and expertise. Specifically, the Trust seeks individuals with skills in:

1. finance, risk and audit;
2. marketing;
3. safeguarding, curriculum and standards;
4. legal/procurement.

There may also be a need to appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair within 12 months, so candidates with Board leadership experience and ambition to assume such a role within the Trust are especially welcome.

Succession planning is underway, and the Trust is working to ensure Board resilience during this transition. All Trustees have the option to operate remotely if required.

In terms of governance structure, ACET has four members – an ‘eyes-on, hands-off’ role akin to that of the shareholder – and completed an External Trust Review with the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) in March 2023. A follow-up action plan is currently in progress.

Trustee time commitments are clearly outlined: the full Board meets up to six times per year, while sub-committees meet at least once per term. Trustees usually join one or two committees aligned to their expertise.

Meetings are scheduled for late afternoons and offer both in-person and remote attendance options. Local candidates from Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, or Derbyshire are especially encouraged to apply, provided they bring relevant expertise.

New Trustees will complete a structured induction that includes face-to-face and online sessions, mentoring, and engagement with senior leaders, including the CEO, CFO, and academy heads. Trustees are expected to contribute beyond regular meetings by joining committees, participating in review panels, attending key Trust events, and, where appropriate, helping to appoint senior leaders. Committee meetings are held termly and typically last around two hours.

ACET has a well-developed governance infrastructure. It employs a Lead Governance Professional, a Financial Director, and a team of School Improvement Directors who support the CEO in preparing reports and maintaining oversight. The Trust places high importance on safeguarding and has a dedicated Safeguarding Governance Group led by executive staff and supported by designated safeguarding leads across academies. A safeguarding Trustee is nominated annually, and all Trustees are required to complete safeguarding training and remain familiar with statutory guidance, including the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE). Safeguarding is monitored rigorously, with data shared regularly with the Board and included in the Annual Report.

ACET supports its Trustees through partnerships with the National Governance Association (NGA) and CST, enhancing professional development opportunities. The Trustee role is seen as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to educational and social impact in South Yorkshire. The Trust is described as forward-thinking and led by a second-generation CEO committed to sustainable growth over the next five years. Every decision is anchored in ACET’s values of excellence, equity, integrity, empowerment, and esteem, all of which place children at the heart of the Trust’s mission.

We drive, shop, provide companionship and carry out light gardening for over 200 members who live in Kew (West London) to help them live as independently as possible. We are looking for Volunteer Companions. The aim of KNA's Companionship programme is to provide social, emotional and practical support, and relief from isolation for local Kew people who are mostly older people with mobility issues. The objective is to offer support on an on-going basis through friendship.

As long as we can find a willing volunteer, we can help our members.

Benefits to volunteer:

So many people don't have family who live close to them. We connect people who want to help, with people who need help. It's a win, win. Those who volunteer feel more engaged with the people within their own local communities. And those people who ask us for help are able to get to appointments, see their friends and get out and about.

Two Rhythms is an accessible arts charity that changes lives through music and movement. Utilising our unique, therapeutic programmes, we deliver long-lasting health and wellbeing benefits to people with profound disabilities, enabling expression, connection and joy.

We are looking for new Trustees to join our board and help lead the charity through an exciting new phase.

From our base in the Wales Millennium Centre, we welcome people of all ages with a broad range of physical and mental health needs. We support them with breathing techniques, massage, music, dance, and relaxation. Every session is unique and tailored to the needs of our guests. We love what we do and the difference we make. 

In late 2024, Two Rhythms opened and expanded to a second site in Cardiff, and is focused on growing its impact as well as developing its income generation potential, forging collaborations and taking advantage of new opportunities.

The board is particularly keen to hear from candidates with specialisms in Finance and Safeguarding though we welcome applications from all professional backgrounds. Knowledge of the arts and culture or health and social care sectors is advantageous but not essential. All Trustees are expected to advocate for the charity and our goal of enriching the lives of disabled people through music, movement, touch, light, and colour.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter using the contact details provided. If you would like an informal discussion with the CEO prior to your application, please get in touch.

We’re seeking a trustee with finance experience to join our board. This is an exciting opportunity to help lead Big LeafFoundation in the next phase of its development and to use your skills and experience to make a lasting difference to the lives of displaced young people in Surrey.

We are seeking an individual with:

o financial management experience;

o commitment to our vision, mission and values;

o excellent teamwork and leadership skills and effective decision-making;

o willingness to commit time and effort to the role;

o good, independent judgement, strategic vision and ability to communicate ideas;

o history of impartiality, fairness and commitment to promoting equality and diversity;

o charity sector experience (preferred)

Duties of a trustee with finance experience

○ Chair the Finance and Fundraising sub-committee of the Board.

○ On behalf of the Board, to oversee the production of Big Leaf Foundation’s annual budget, management accounts and annual financial statements.

○ Provide advice, scrutiny and support to the finance coordinator and Board.

○ Act as the Board lead on scrutiny of financial strategy and risk.

○ Ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.

○ Advise on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans.

The statutory duties of a trustee are to:

○ Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document.

○ Ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.

○ Ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives – the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how 'charitable' and 'worthwhile' those activities are.

○ Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

○ Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.

○ Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

○ Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.

○ Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation's funds.

○ If the organisation employs staff, to appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor his or her performance.

In addition, with other trustees to hold the charity “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:

○ Ensuring that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.

○ Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

○ Acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.

○ Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.

About Us

My Black Dog is a charity that offers anonymous, peer to peer mental health support through our web-chat service. We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health in the UK as we tackle an epidemic that millions of people face.

We were founded on the motto "talk to someone who gets it". We want to connect people who share lived experiences to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space where everybody understands how it feels to experience mental health struggles.

Position Overview

Our web-chat service is run by our Volunteer Pack, each of whom have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. In addition, each shift has a 'Leader' and a 'Mentor'. These are Volunteers who carry out specific roles during the shift and, together, ensure its success:

• Leaders - Managers of the shift. There to ensure the shift runs as it should. They support and guide Volunteers through chats and follow safeguarding processes when an alert is raised. They escalate safeguarding alerts to the shift’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (a trained professional). They also complete a 'Shift Handover' document once the shift is completed.
• Mentors - There to support and guide Volunteers through chats. Will take over from the Leader if there are safeguarding issues that need the Leader's attention and/or if the Leader needs a break.

As My Black Dog looks to expand our opening hours, we are looking to recruit additional Leaders who can run shifts and provide cover when necessary.

Leaders will be assigned a shift based on your availability and preference. The expectation is that Leaders and Mentors will form a ‘pair’ and, together, will do one shift at the same time each week. This is to provide stability, predictability and to encourage community-building between Volunteers. Shifts are usually 3 hours long. We may ask you to cover another shift when we are short, but you will never do more than 6 hours per week.

Training will be provided and you will be supported on shift by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will manage all safeguarding issues.

The work you will do as Leaders will ensure we provide the best possible service to our Guests. You will also be helping our Volunteer Pack to do what we do best: helping those in need by speaking to someone who 'gets it'.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for people who have experienced their own journey with mental health and are in a strong position to support others. We ask that our Leaders:

• Are strongly committed to helping others
• Have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to those seeking help
• Are collaborative and enjoy working with others
• Are encouraging and supportive
• Are organised and can monitor several things at once
• Can remain calm and focused during busy times and when safeguarding alerts are raised
• Are 18 years and over 
• Can commit the time to a regular weekly shift

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are available to run a shift on the following days/hours:

• Monday to Sunday, 5pm-7pm
• Thursday to Saturday, 7pm-10pm

Role Responsibilities

1. Supervise and support Volunteers whilst on shift with general enquiries, positive feedback and signposting.
2. Assist with general volunteering enquiries whilst on shift. Provide time for guidance, instruction and de-briefing for Volunteers if required.
3. Follow Leaders processes including unexpected absence reporting, Volunteer check-in and check-out, and completing Shift Handovers.
4. Monitor web-chat conversations and ensure all chats are tagged.
5. Maintain ability to listen, remain calm and provide intervention if necessary.
6. Be able to have difficult and often complex conversations about mental health, including Guests experiencing crisis and first-stage intervention support.
7. Work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when safeguarding risks are identified.
8. Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information, conveying sensitive information in a timely manner to necessary individuals.
9. Provide written follow up of shifts via handover, ensuring all necessary information is handed over at the end of the shift.
10. Adhere to all standards, policies and procedures of My Black Dog.

Please note: An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this role. If you do not have one, My Black Dog will arrange the DBS Check for you.

www.myblackdog.co

Hive is a community arts charity in Shipley, Bradford. We deliver arts and crafts courses, workshops and projects from our centre in Shipley and across Bradford District. We believe that creativity contributes to good health and wellbeing and helps to bring communities together.

We're seeking new Trustees to join our board to oversee our vision and leadership and our legal and financial responsibilities.

Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the charity carries out its activities for the public benefit, in line with its charitable objectives and powers.

The Trustees take collective responsibility and have a legal duty to:

• comply with the charity’s governing document and the law
• act in the charity’s best interests
• manage the charity’s resources responsibly
• act with reasonable care and skill
• ensure the charity is accountable.

In particular we are currently looking for people with experience or skills in HR, finances, safeguarding and governance, but you do not need any special qualifications or previous experience of being a Trustee.

All Hive Trustees should:

• be committed to Hive’s charitable objectives:
  • the advancement of education for the public by the provision of vocational and other training courses; and
  • the provision of facilities for recreation and leisure time activities for people who have need of them by reasons of age, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances with a view to improving the conditions in life of such persons.​
• be passionate about creativity and the creative arts
• have a positive, non-judgemental attitude to working with people of any ethnic background, culture or religion, gender, family status, sexual identity or who may have a disability.
• approach challenges and problems positively and creatively
• have good independent judgement
• be willing to speak their mind openly but sensitively, and to listen to others
• show empathy towards others
• demonstrate strategic vision
• understand the need for, and be committed to, confidentiality and safeguarding
• work well as part of a focused team, and be prepared to adopt collective decisions
• be willing and able to devote sufficient time and effort to the role
• be enthusiastic and reliable
• follow Nolan’s seven principles of public life:
  • selflessness
  • integrity
  • objectivity
  • accountability
  • openness
  • honesty
  • leadership.

Clinical Trustees

We have a vacancy for clinical trustees who have worked in health or social care to join our board of trustees, to be part of the full board and our clinical sub-committee. We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic to support the organisation with their skills and knowledge to continue to deliver a service that is safe and meaningful to its service users. We are particularly keen to meet a candidate who has experience in community neurological services and safeguarding.

We are a charity with 30 years’ experience of providing physical, emotional, and social support to adults with long-term neurological conditions in Richmond and neighbouring boroughs. Our passionate, professional service helps individuals and their carers to achieve a greater quality of life, enhancing their long-term well-being. INS has up to twelve trustees and has three subcommittees Clinical, Finance and Fundraising and Marketing.

 We are looking for a trustee who is initerested in

Working with fellow trustees to shape, drive and monitor the charity’s strategy.

Commited to attending 3 Clinical Committee meetings per annum (on average lasting 1.5 hours), as well as four full board Trustee meetings (1-2 hours) • Prepare for and participate fully in board and sub-committee meetings.

Ensuring the proper management and administration of the charity.

Using any specific skills, knowledge or experience you have, to help the board of trustees reach quick and sound decision by leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Reviewing funding applications, agree the allocation of funds and have oversight of the progress of funded projects.

Promoting the work of INS externally

Participating in sub-committees.

Ensuring that the charity’s mission, values, and the principles of best practice are upheld in the delivery of its objectives. 

Help children as Trustee of an innovative, enterprising Tees Valley Charity that is increasingly supporting children in care through fostering and a planned residential provision. Join an agency that transforms children's lives.

What will you be doing?

You will join us at an exciting time as we pursue growth of fostering and residential services, as well as growth of our early help offer. 

You will work across the Charity and the subsidiary fostering company (which we will amalgamate back into the parent Charity). 

You will have a particular focus on helping the fostering agency drive growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver excellent care for children and support for foster parents. You will provide support and challenge to the management team.

You’ll contribute 2 to 6 hours a month. The Charity board meets every 8 weeks (shifting to quarterly after September) and the fostering board meets every 8 weeks. 

You’ll join a Charity that’s brought £millions of investment into Tees Valley and that helps over 1000 local people a year. We’ve been runners up at the national Charity Governance Awards and ‘community’ winners at the Hartlepool Business Awards. 

We are looking for experienced professionals who share our values and want to help. 

What are we looking for?

At this time we are specifically looking for Trustees with some of these areas of skills or experience:

Business development 

Safeguarding management

Fostering or children's residential care or childrens social work management 

Financial management 

What difference will you make?

We want to help children and family members heal from trauma, primarily through helping them develop a network of nurturing, loving and appropriately challenging relationships with people in their close and wider communities. Any small surplus we make from helping children in care will be diverted into work to help families stay together and thrive. You will join a team that strives to make this difference. You will help ensure the Charity keeps a strong focus on children and young peoples needs whilst being sustainability and ensuring the agency manages the risks associated with growth and investment in new services. 

Before you apply

After expressing an interest through the site, we'd welcome an initial conversation with our CEO and/or Chair. After that, we usually  take applications to the Board for consideration. This is usually quite a quick process. 

Why we want you

A court sentencing can be a very stressful time for families. Pact’s new Side by Side service provides wraparound support for families, starting at the court, progressing to the prison, and then supporting post-release.

As a Side by Side Court Volunteer, you will spend most of your time (ideally one shift a week) based at Maidstone or Canterbury Court.  Here you will provide much needed practical and emotional support to families and friends who are experiencing a loved one going through the court process. Your presence and support will ensure families have the strength needed for their loved ones and that they have access to information and advice as required.

Additionally, you may be asked to support families on their first visit in the instance their loved one is sentenced to one of our partner sites (HMP Elmley or HMP Rochester) or make the appropriate introductions if you are unable to attend.

The vision of this project is that families are supported by Pact team members at all stages, so the consistency of support (either by yourself or via a successful and warm handover of information) is crucial.

What you will be doing

· Engaging with families in Maidstone or Canterbury Court, particularly those with loved ones transitioning to HMP Elmley or Rochester (either on remand or sentenced) 

· Providing advice and support on what to expect when a loved one is in prison, particularly in the first few days, and how to navigate prison systems (such as booking visits, contact etc.)

· Referring on to other support services (such as benefits, financial aid, etc.)

· Supporting the family’s transition over to Pact’s Family Services teams at HMP Elmley & Rochester, who will provide additional support for both them and their loved one

· Developing good, working relationships with staff at the court (clerks, ushers, list-callers, and other professionals) to promote Pact's service to them

· Ensure there are sufficient materials about Pact's service available and visible, throughout the court

· Adhere to policies and practices relevant to this role: Confidentiality, Health & Safety, Child Protection and Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, Court and Prison security rules, etc.

· Report any incidents and concerns related to Health and Safety or Safeguarding to a member of the Pact staff team

The skills you need

· Non-judgemental and empathetic attitude

· Ability to deal calmly and sensitively with individuals and families in a court environment

· Ability to work independently and alone within the courts, with the confidence to approach families and friends

· Ability to work well as part of a small team

· Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

· Punctual, organised and able to use your own initiative

· Good understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality

What's in it for you

· Feel connected to those you are helping in your local community

· Develop skills and enhance your experience for future volunteering / employment opportunities

· Develop experience and knowledge of the Criminal Justice System

· Full training and induction provided with regular ongoing support

· Out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our expenses policy

Disclaimers

· This role is subject to the completion of Pact's mandatory training and checks which our staff will be on hand to support you through.

· As this role may require occasional travel to HMP Elmley and HMP Rochester, a vehicle is required.

Training

Online Safeguarding, Professional Boundaries, Equality and Diversity, Data Security, and Health and Safety training is required for this role, in addition to virtual and/or in-person induction training related to the role. We anticipate the initial virtual training will take between 10-12 hours to complete in total, of which most can be completed in your own time. You will also have access to a range of other training opportunities throughout the year.

Checks

· 3 years of employment history or other activities (e.g., studying, travelling)

· Enhanced DBS check (Disclosure & Barring Service)

Because of the recruitment process, which can take several weeks, Pact expects you will commit to volunteering with us for a minimum of 1 shift a week (3-4 hours) for at least 6 months from when you start.