Vocational/Services Volunteer Roles in North West

We know that thousands of people in need of bereavement support are waiting to access ongoing bereavement support. We are now recruiting for additional volunteers, if you would like to know more about volunteering for this popular service, we would love to see you at our UYBO Open Day. 

The Understanding your Bereavement (UYBO) Project is managed and delivered remotely, offering one-off bereavement support to clients via Zoom. The sessions are delivered by bereavement volunteers, the service runs alongside other Cruse services such as the National Helpline and Local Cruse Support Services. We offer bereaved people the opportunity to access support promptly, irrespective of the time of bereavement, geography or work/life commitments. By attending a session, a client can learn more about their bereavement and in doing so may not require further support.

You don’t need to have previous experience to become a bereavement volunteer. We look for people who are good listeners, resilient and are empathetic and supportive.

Join us for an Open Day on Monday 13th May 2024 (2:00pm to 4:00pm or 6:00pm to 8:00pm) to learn more, talk to current UYBO volunteers and find out about our training programme and the support we offer volunteers.

A bit about this role

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food– and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection, we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
• Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
• Transporting equipment to and from events

We are looking for someone who knows the CSA / CMS system to either do some on-line advice sessions or to be on the board readily available to answer CSA questions. This is an on-line role so needs access to facebook and an email address will be provided

Join Us in Shaping the Future: Bring your passion for eye care and diverse expertise to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. Become a Trustee of Vision Care for Homeless People!

• Are you passionate about ensuring everyone has access to essential eye care services, regardless of their circumstances?
• Are you eager to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness?
• If so, we invite you to consider becoming a Trustee at VCHP, where we're dedicated to providing vital eye care to those in need.

About Us

At VCHP, we believe that everyone deserves the right to clear vision and eye health. Since 2003, we've been on a mission to provide comprehensive eye care services to individuals experiencing homelessness across the UK. From eye exams to prescription glasses, we're committed to ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to their vision. Now, as we look to the future, we're seeking dynamic individuals to join our board and help guide our strategic direction.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Do you know how to positively challenge the status quo? At VCHP, we're on a mission to provide essential support to those experiencing homelessness, and as we move forward, we recognise the importance of having a diverse and skilled board to guide our efforts effectively. We're currently seeking individuals who can bring specific expertise to address the existing skills gaps on our board. We're particularly interested in candidates who possess one or more of the following skills and experiences:

• Board Experience: To provide strategic leadership and governance oversight.
• Digital Skills: To navigate the digital landscape and leverage technology for organisational growth.
• Cybersecurity: To ensure the security and integrity of our digital infrastructure.
• Lived experience of homelessness or experience as a service user: To offer firsthand insights into the needs and challenges of our service users.
• Charity Law and Compliance: To ensure that we operate in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Policy Development: To develop robust policies that align with our mission and support our organizational objectives.

By adding individuals with these specific skills to our board, we aim to enhance our capacity to fulfil our mission and serve our community more effectively. For the full role description, which outlines essential skills and responsibilities, please contact us.

Why Join Us

• Make an Impact: As a Trustee, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve and contribute to positive change in our community.
• Professional Development: Joining our board offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, including leadership development, networking, and learning from experienced colleagues.
• Be Part of Something Meaningful: Join a dedicated team of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference and creating a brighter future for VCHP and those we support.

How to Apply

If you're ready to embark on this rewarding journey and help shape the future of VCHP, we'd love to hear from you!

To apply, kindly detail your alignment with the desired skills and experiences and articulate your motivation for seeking the role of trustee at VCHP within a concise response of no more than 2 pages. Please accompany this with your CV, if you have one.

If you want to learn more or have questions before applying, please contact Anna, who will be happy to assist you. Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact Anna who will be happy to advise on this.

Closing date for applications: 31st May 2024, with the possibility of interviews conducted on a rolling basis.

Interview dates: July 2024. While this role can be carried out remotely, please note that there will be one annual face-to-face meeting.

Responsibilities:

• Updating the events calendar

• Planning events in advance - particularly face-to-face events

• Promoting events through email

• Assisting with the monthly newsletter, including the latest events and liaising with IT to get it sent out

• Creating graphics on social media for events and partnerships with other organisations

• Liaising with the social media team, ensuring that events are promoted on Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

• Thinking up new event ideas

• Working to ensure the smooth running of the monthly book club

• Identifying new organisations and individuals who are queer Muslims and allies to collaborate with

• Contacting organisations and venues

• Working with others in the team to arrange in-person events

• Sending thank-you emails after all events

• Updating contact/partner database

Experience/skills required:

• Working in a team but also independently, using initiative

• Organisation and time management skills

• Ability to use OutSavvy, Google Suite (including Google Calendar and Google Meet), HootSuite and Discord (or willingness to learn)

• Familiarity with social media platforms (or willingness to learn)

• Teamwork and collaboration with other individuals and organisations

• Strong communication

Reporting to: Programmes Officer

Our Trustees are a team of volunteers who use their diverse skills, experience, and perspectives to set the strategic direction of the charity and make sure it’s doing what it was set up to do in the best possible way. 

For families facing tough times, a holiday is a much-needed break from the day to day, as well as giving space and time to breathe, think differently. A holiday is essential for building wellbeing and hope for the future, especially when the present is challenging.

About you

You'll have the energy, integrity, passion, and skills to work with the Board of Trustees, our CEO and staff team, and our community, to drive forward a successful and dynamic future for our charity and the families we support.

We’re particularly looking to add the following professional skills and experiences to our team.

• Developing digital products, tools and/or services.
• Directly supporting children and/or families on an ongoing professional basis.
• Fundraising in a charity through voluntary donations or commercial income.

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before, but you do need to be willing to do some training to help you understand the role and the responsibilities that come with it.

We actively encourage applications from under-represented, marginalised and racialised groups, and those with lived experience of any of the barriers families face to having time away together. That’s things like mental or physical ill health, disability, domestic abuse, being a young carer or living on a low income.

We will make adjustments to our schedule and processes to ensure new trustees can be included and supported in the role.

More diverse perspectives on our Board help us make better decisions for families.

What we offer you

The biggest thing we have to offer is the chance to put your skills and experience to good use making the lives of families who are having a tough time better.

You’ll join a team who really care about making a difference and approach it with real openness and drive. Right off the bat we’ll connect you with the other Trustees and staff so you can get to know everyone, and we’ll buddy you up with another Trustee, so you’ve got someone to help you navigate it all as you settle in.

Expenses

You won’t get paid for your time, but we’ll make sure you aren’t out of pocket by covering the cost of your travel to meetings, childcare or other care if you need it, and a range of other expenses you might have while doing the role. We’ll book and/or pay for these in advance if you prefer.

How to apply

When you click 'Quick Apply' you'll find a link to upload your CV and answer a couple of screening questions.

We will make adjustments to the recruitment process wherever possible to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged for any reason. 

• Monday 20th May - Applications close at 9am
• w/c 3rd June and w/c 10th June  -  First interviews with a panel of current trustees 
• w/c 17th June - Second interviews with Jackie our Vice Chair of Trustees

After the interviews we’ll contact anyone we’d like to join the Board with an offer subject to references and checks.

If you accept, we’ll take up your references, do a DBS check and confirm your eligibility to act as a Trustee. If that’s all ok, you’re in! We’ll introduce you to the rest of the Trustees and get started with your induction.

Formal appointment happens at the next Board meeting which is on Thursday 5th August.

We are hiring! Trustee vacancy

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

About Us

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

CSH has a particular focus on:    

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

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

About You

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

How To Apply

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

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

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

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

Transform lives through education by coordinating impactful workshops and mentoring programs. As the Education and Skill Development Programme Manager at Barawak, you'll foster economic empowerment and skills advancement within our community.

Introduction to the Education and Skill Development Programme at Barawak

At the heart of Barawak's mission to empower and uplift the Afro-Hebrew community is our Education and Skill Development Programme. This vital service line is a direct response to our core objective of fostering economic empowerment through education and skill enhancement. By providing access to aspirational, transformative and essential learning resources, practical workshops, and mentorship opportunities, this programme aims to unlock the full potential of our community members. This programme is integral to achieving our vision of a thriving Afro-Hebrew community with access to opportunities that empower them to overcome socio-economic challenges. By offering workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, job skills, mentoring, and work experience opportunities, as well as sponsoring educational resources like school supplies and private tuition, we directly support our mission to uplift those in need. This programme not only aligns with Barawak's objective to foster economic empowerment but also embodies our commitment to providing the tools and knowledge necessary for personal and community growth and success.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Plan and execute the Education & Skill Development strategy and service line:

• Workshop Coordination: Organize quarterly workshops on key topics such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and job skills, ensuring these sessions are informative and engaging for the community.

• Mentoring and Work Experience: Facilitate biannual mentoring events, pairing community members with experienced mentors. Arrange work experience opportunities to enhance vocational skills and job readiness.

• Resource Distribution: Oversee the annual sponsorship of educational resources, such as school supplies and private tuition, to support the educational development of community members.

2. Measure performance: Keep accurate count of the number of workshops held; the participant satisfaction rates; and the number of educational resources sponsored. Provide this data to the Governance Team and Trustees on request.

3. Collaboration with Verticals Teams: 

• Partnership Development & Collaboration Team: Coordinate with this team to identify and establish alliances and partnerships with local, regional and global organisations, businesses, councils, and thegovernment to acquire education and skill development resources, speakers or information.

• Fundraising & Financial Management Team: Collaborate with this team to conduct fundraising activities and financial planning for the Education and Skill Development service line. Identify diverse revenue streams, such as grants, donations, corporate sponsorships, fundraising events for the Education and Skill Development service.

• Volunteer Engagement Team: Work with this team to recruit, train and manage volunteers to support the Education and Skill Development service delivery.

• Marketing Outreach & Advocacy: work with this team to enhance visibility of the Education and Skill Development service across social media, press, andcommunity events. 

4. Governance Team Interaction: Provide regular updates and reports to the Governance, Secretariat & Performance Reporting team. Ensure programmealignment with Barawak policies, procedures, strategyand objectives. Collaborate on monitoring and evaluation efforts to assess Education and Skill Developmentservice impact and effectiveness.

Person Specification:

• Skills: Strong organisational and leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and adept at working in a collaborative environment. Eagar to learn new skills.

• Attributes: Deep understanding of the challenges faced by the Afro-Hebrew community in the UK. Commitment to Barawak's values of helping out, sticking together, and staying strong. Ability to work flexibly and respond to evolving community needs.

• Commitment: Passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families dealing with poverty. Innovative thinker with a focus on creating sustainable, long-term solutions.

Important: This advert is for a voluntary role, which is unpaid and not subject to reimbursement of expenses. Any agreement with the successful candidate is not intended to be a legally binding contract between us and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. By applying for the role, candidates agree that neither of us intend any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.

The reserve is over 500 acre of stunning habitats including wet grassland, reedbed, woodland and hedgerows.  We manage each of the habitats to benefit the wildlife that relies on the reserve.  25% of wetland plants and animals are at risk. One of the best parts of volunteering on the reserve is seeing the results from the work we have done.  This can be tawny owls using the boxes we’ve put up, Marsh Harriers nesting in the reedbed we managed or Common Terns nesting on the gravel we put out.  We could not do this without volunteers.

Volunteers play a crucial role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people.  

This role involves:

· We survey everything at Martin Mere don’t worry if you are worried about your ID skills we can teach that but the role will involve counting birds, insects, plants etc.

· Lots of practical outdoor work is really varied and includes cutting down trees in the reedbed, cutting and raking the wildflower meadows and pulling Himalayan balsam.

· We love to explain to visitors what we are doing and explaining to them why we are surveying or cutting something.

· We have a herd of English Longhorn Cattle that are really important for managing the wet grasslands, the role involves check them and helping move them between fields.

· In the mornings we need to get the reserve ready for the visitors this involves opening the hides checking everything is in order, filling up the birdfeeders, looking for any exciting birds to put on the sightings pages.

This role will suit you if:

You enjoy getting outside no matter the weather, like to get involved with a wide variety of tasks and enjoy working in a team

We want everyone in the UK to be able to access wetlands that provide amazing experiences and inspire support for conservation.

It is a great feeling showing a visitor a bird they’ve not seen before or helping them to tell the difference between 2 species they’ve been struggling on for ages.  That spark of enthusiasm can make such a difference.

Volunteers play a crucial role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people.  

This role involves:

· Being welcoming in the discovery hide and bird Observatory helping point out to the visitors what wildlife they can see

· Surveying the marsh harriers and avocets during the breeding season

· Walking around the other hides birding and talking to visitors.

· Updating the sightings board and letting the information desk team know about any exciting sightings.

· Keeping the hides clean by litter picking and sweeping

This role will suit you if:

You love birding and sharing your enthusiasm with others

Raising Futures Kenya supports young people in Kenya to become self-reliant and live free from poverty, through technical vocational training and business skills courses, and specialised support such as counselling.

We are looking for three new Trustees to join our UK Board. We are a small, award-winning charity who are actively shifting power to our Kenyan partner NGO. With three Trustees coming to the end of their term this year we are looking for skilled, enthusiast, committed individuals who are passionate about what we do, to become part of our Trustee team.

We are specifically looking for the following roles on our Board;

• Chair of Trustees
• Secretary to Board
• Someone who has experience in either corporate networking, partnership development, mental health and wellbeing, HR or in technical vocational training and entrepreneurship/business skills training.

Passion for our work is our number one recruitment factor though so please do get in touch if you have other skills to offer.

We are in Year 2 of our 5 year Strategic Plan, where the focus is on shifting the decision making power to our partner NGO in Kenya. Ultimately our long-term goal is to not be needed, but we realise the funding landscape is a long way off that at the moment.

As one of our Trustees you'll be part of an award-winning small charity who is leading the way in ethical development, primarily by actively shifting power and decision making to our incredible partner NGO in Kenya. We're a small charity but we definitely have a big impact and want to share our learning and knowledge with other NGOs who want to follow the same path of shifting power. We don't just talk about what we want to do, we get it done.

Please see the three detailed role descriptions on our website for more information about our charity and what the role entails. We look forward to hearing from you. 

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as a Volunteer for Community Events. In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact by attending and facilitating community events for LGBTQIA+ Muslim groups in Manchester. Some of the responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:

● Assist the Community Trustee in researching and planning events for the hub in Manchester, London and Scotland

● Communicate with members on our Discord channel to coordinate attendance and activities

● Liaise with speakers, performers, and workshop facilitators to ensure their needs are met and their contributions align with the goals and values of the community.

● Set up and take down meeting rooms including workshop materials, refreshments and other ops as required

● Engage with attendees, volunteers, and stakeholders during events to ensure a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

● Record attendance collect feedback and evaluate the success of each event, making recommendations for improvement.

● Assist workshop leaders and Trustees in delivering activities

● Assist with special projects and initiatives as directed by the Trustees

How much commitment is required?

We are flexible around your schedule. However, the following commitments are in place for volunteers.

● Attend monthly meetings to update on tasks, progress etc.

● Aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary

● Attend all Hidayah Hub events

● Attend other Hidayah events where geographically possible

● Add to and maintain the administration of our file-sharing system ‘Google Drive’ to ensure it’s up to date with clear records, templates and forms

● Check and respond to emails in a timely manner

● Contribute to the communications group (via Discord) and stay up to date with Hidayah developments

● Keep up to date with Hidayah communication and organisational developments

What do we expect from a volunteer?

Qualities:

● Strong commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA+ Muslim individuals.

● Knowledge or understanding of the specific challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ Muslims in Manchester.

● Excellent organizational and time management skills.

● Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

● Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

● Flexibility and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the community.

● Previous experience in events or coordination is preferable but not mandatory.

● Join Hidayah Membership and Hidayah Discord server

● Participating and contributing to discussions on the Hidayah Discord server

● Read all Hidayah policies, keeping up to date with any changes

● Read, understand and agree with the constitution of Hidayah (available on our website)

● Working knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft, as well as project management, web and comms tools 

Personality:

● A self-starter who can volunteer with minimal supervision

● Friendliness, enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah

Personal Skills:

● Confidence taking the lead with plans and ideas at Trustee meetings

● Ability to resolving conflict situations if needed

● Professionalism in all situations

Please ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.

Benefits to volunteering with Hidayah

Volunteering with Hidayah brings a range of a benefits such as:

● Contributing to Hidayah’s cause

● Supporting vulnerable communities

● Connecting with like-minded, passionate people

● Experience working in community events

● Development of professional networking skills

●       Travel expenses reimbursed (capped at £20)

Would you relish the opportunity to use your skills and experience to improve the lives of one million older people in financial hardship?

Independent Age is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. If you’re passionate about our cause and want to help shape the future of our Charity, we’d love to hear from you.

Across the UK, more than 3 million older people are living with limited financial means and experiencing inequalities. At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. That’s why, by 2027, the charity’s goal is to have improved the lives of one million older people. Through our policy, campaigning, information and advice and grant-making we improve lives by increasing the financial well-being of older people in financial hardship, enabling greater choice and independence.

We are seeking to appoint new Trustees to our Board. Board members serve on at least one of our Committees, which oversee our finance, risk, governance, services, and policy work. We estimate the time commitment for trustees to be around one day per month on average. 

We are particularly looking for skills and experience in one or more of the following:

• Fundraising strategy and performance
• Service delivery and performance 
• Grant-making strategy and evaluation
• Impact measurement 
• Investments (experience of social/impact investing would be a bonus)

If you have the passion to support our cause and strengths in any of these areas, we would love to hear from you.

For more information about Independent Age and the role of our trustees, please see the Candidate Pack below. To apply for this role, please visit our website. The application process will require the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) that outlines what attracted you to Independent Age’s mission (detailed in the Candidate Pack) and how your skills and experience relate to the role of Trustee.
• A completed diversity monitoring form (optional - link included below).

We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. 

Beacon Counselling are looking for enthusiastic volunteer counsellors to deliver across children and young people’s services within the organisation.

The role will require you to deliver across our community counselling children and young people services.

Appointments for services are delivered onsite however on occasion remote sessions may be offered

We are working to bring greater diversity in all areas of our workforce and are taking action to encourage applications from people of colour and other racially minoritised communities, people with a disability, and people who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or older people (aged 50+), to improve the representation of colleagues from these communities, and are a Disability Confident employer.

We particularly want to encourage people from minority backgrounds to apply. If you are unsure about applying or have any questions then please contact us directly and we will be happy to have a conversation with you.

If you have any questions or would like further information regarding the role before applying, please do not hesitate to get in touch.