Advocacy Volunteer Roles
Charity Appeals Advisory Committee Members
Specialist areas: Disability
International Development
Could you lend your skills to help the BBC’s work with charities?
We are recruiting 2 new members to the BBC’s Charity Appeals Advisory Committee (AAC) which is made up of independent experts from the charitable sector. The AAC is a voluntary body which advises and supports the BBC’s Executive Board in matters relating to good governance and effectiveness of BBC charity appeals.
Role Responsibility
AAC members advise on policy, scrutiny, the allocation of broadcasting time and the strategic development of the BBC’s relationship to appeals. These include BBC Children in Need, Comic Relief, the Radio 4 Appeal, BBC One Lifeline, appeals in the Nations and English Regions, appeals on behalf of the Disasters Emergency Committee and other projects where funds are raised for charities.
The Ideal Candidates
We’re keen to hear from people who are, or who have been in a senior leadership role in a charity and who can bring expertise in charity governance and management. In particular we’re looking for people with specialist knowledge in one of the following sectors:
· Disability
· International Development
We’ll also need you to be able to demonstrate expertise in at least 2 of the following: social policy, fundraising, finance, grant making, legal issues, monitoring and evaluation.
The appointment will be for three years, renewable for a further three years by agreement. The position is unpaid but reasonable expenses will be met.
For more information please see the full advert here (LINK TO FULL AD) .
Closing date: 12 May 2024
Interviews are expected to be held w/c May 20th 2024.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
At Equal Lives we care about breaking down barriers for people with lived disabilities, we want to create more opportunities for a fairer, more accessible world. Our Benefits Advisers provide essential support to those who lack the skills or kknowledge to deal with benefits claims or appeals on their own, the people in our community who rely on this vital support in order to live as normal a life as possible. Together with your help we can extend our support to more vulnerable people within the local community and ensure they get the help they so rightfully deserve.
Our volunteer Benefits Advisers support clients with disabilities in Norwich (NR1-NR7 postcodes). This is a great opportunity for you to learn all about PIP benefits, from finding out about conditions of entitlement to learning how to make the best case for a client. Whether you already have some knowledge and you want to make use of this to help others, or if you have no experience and are keen to learn, this role could provide you with an interesting and challenging volunteering opportunity.
The Benefits Adviser role will involve assisting our clients with the following:
• Assisting them to make claims, including support with form filling
• Offering information by telephone or email
• Signposting or referring clients on to other organisations where appropriate.
• Keeping accurate and up to date case notes
• Ongoing learning to ensure knowledge is kept up to date and accurate
Full training is available to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to carry out this.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for dedicated, energetic and engaged people for the RE Museum’s first independent Board of Trustees.
We have vacancies for up to six Trustees who will join us at a truly groundbreaking time, as we transition into a Charity Incorporated Organisation.
We are building a Board of Trustees with a diversity of backgrounds, skills and experience; ensuring that we are best place to realise our ambitions, improve our public offer, our care for the heritage of the Corps of Royal Engineers and ultimately the positive impact we have on the lives of our growing audiences.
Further information is available to download in the Trustee Recruitment Pack. We hope that you are keen to apply for the role and thank you for your interest.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - VOLUNTEER ROLE
Unlock YOUR Potential is on the lookout for a visionary leader to join our team as our Chief Operating Officer (COO) in a volunteer capacity. This remote role is pivotal in steering our operations, fostering an exceptional organisational culture, and amplifying our impact.
About Us:
Unlock YOUR Potential is a vibrant, impact-driven startup charity dedicated to uplifting individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are committed to delivering impactful programmes that encompass employment, education, life skills, mentoring, personal development, and comprehensive support. Our goal is to carve out new avenues for those in pursuit of positive transformation.
Role Overview:
As the COO - VOLUNTEER ROLE, you will be instrumental in overseeing our operations and ensuring the smooth execution of our mission. Your leadership will be key in nurturing our team and advancing our strategic objectives. This role is remote, with collaboration conducted via telephone or online platforms like Zoom.
Key Responsibilities:
- Guide the charity’s operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects.
- Collaborate with the CEO and board to set ambitious yet achievable goals.
- Streamline processes to enhance productivity and resource allocation.
- Lead our passionate team, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Implement robust systems to track progress and drive organisational success.
- Work closely with the finance department to safeguard the charity’s financial health.
- Ensure adherence to legal standards and proactive risk mitigation.
- Foster strong relationships with partners, donors, and the community.
- Be an ambassador for Unlock YOUR Potential, advocating for our mission and values.
- Carry out of duties that support the running of Unlock YOUR Potnetial and your role as COO.
Qualifications and Experience:
We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill sets to apply. Ideal candidates will possess:
- Proven track record in a management role, preferably within the non-profit sector.
- Demonstrated ability to oversee complex operations and drive strategic initiatives.
- Understanding of financial management principles and budgeting.
- Exceptional ability to communicate and engage with various stakeholders.
- Dedication to the ethos and aspirations of Unlock YOUR Potential.
Time Commitment:
The role requires a commitment of approximately 8-10 hours per week, which can be accommodated during evenings and weekends, offering fantastic flexibility to fit around your life.
Join Us:
If you’re eager to make a significant contribution, inspire change, and lead with conviction, we welcome your application. Together, let’s unlock potential and enact meaningful change.
Unlock YOUR Potential is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) is here for people working to make lasting change, whether in their community, across society, or for our planet.
We support change-makers by sharing the latest thinking and advice. We connect the campaign community to grow solidarity, share ideas, and find common cause. And we act as a powerful champion for the right to campaign.
We are looking for 3 new Trustees to join our Board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
EqualEdge Seeks Passionate Non-Executive Directors to Join its Board
EqualEdge is a for-profit company with a social mission to enable Manchester-based Disabled Peoples Organisation, Breakthrough UK to provide services to disabled people, to increase their opportunities to be employed and to reduce any social isolation. We're passionate about inclusion and diversity in the workplace, and we're expanding our horizons to revolutionise Workplace Personal Assistants, funded by Access to Work and in the future Personal care services in the UK.
The idea of a Workplace Personal Assistant (WPA) agency was conceived by Breakthrough UK, a disabled people’s organisation majority led by disabled people. Breakthrough UK discovered through lived experience that it was extremely difficult to hire and retain WPA’s in the United Kingdom and so the idea of solving the problem through EqualEdge was born.
EqualEdge believes in a world where disabled people have equal access to meaningful employment, thriving in inclusive work environments, and reaching their professional aspirations. Our mission is to bridge the gap between disabled people and their career goals by offering tailored workplace personal assistance services, fostering inclusion, and enhancing professional opportunities.
To achieve this ambitious vision, we're searching for experienced and enthusiastic non-executive directors with expertise across various sectors to join our board and help us shape the future of our company.
About the Role
As a non-executive director, you will play a vital role in providing strategic guidance and oversight to our executive team. You will also be a champion for our mission of fostering a more equitable landscape and launching innovative personal care services within the UK.
We are particularly interested in candidates with strong experience in:
- Recruitment (HR): You have a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams. You understand the intricacies of talent acquisition, particularly within the recruitment and personal care sector or a similar service industry.
- Marketing: You have a deep understanding of brand development and implementation of successful marketing strategies. You're passionate about reaching new audiences and driving growth in a competitive market.
- Personal Care: You have extensive knowledge of the UK care sector, its regulations, and best practices. You're a visionary leader with a passion for improving the quality of life for those who require personal care services.
- Finance: You have strong financial acumen and experience in overseeing financial performance. You can provide strategic guidance on resource allocation to support both national expansion and the launch of our new service line.
We are also open to applications from experienced professionals in other sectors who share our values of inclusion and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Have a good black book of connections to allow us to build our client base and reach the people who need us most.
- Provide strategic guidance and advice to the executive team on a range of issues, including business development, marketing, and operations, with a specific focus on national expansion and the launch of our personal care services in the UK.
- Oversee the company's financial performance and ensure that we are on track to meet our financial goals, considering the resources needed for national growth and the launch of a new service line.
- Serve as an EqualEdge ambassador and help us build relationships with key stakeholders in new markets and within the UK care sector.
- Attend board meetings and actively participate in discussions, bringing a national perspective and insights relevant to your area of expertise.
You would be a great fit for this role if you have:
- A proven track record of success in a senior leadership role
- A deep understanding of the business landscape, with transferable skills applicable to our areas of focus
- A passion for inclusion and diversity, with a national mindset
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
EqualEdge is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We recruit, select, train and promote personnel based on their skills and abilities.
We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marital status or civil partnership, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, age or disability.
We expect to have board meetings every month for the first year, the meeting is expected to last 1 hour. This is a voluntary role however expenses are paid.
We plan to have interviews by the end of April.
Join us and be part of shaping a more inclusive future for workplaces and revolutionising personal care in the UK!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Responsibilities:
- Execute a results-driven social media strategy;
- Develop and curate engaging content for social media platforms;
- Assist in the creation and editing of written, video, and photo content;
- Attend events and produce live social media content (as applicable);
- Maintain unified brand voice across different social media channels;
- Collaborate to create a social media calendar;
- Monitor social media channels for industry trends;
- Interact with users and respond to social media messages, inquiries, and comments;
- Review analytics and create reports on key metrics;
- Assist in the development and management of social media marketing and influencer marketing strategy.
Qualifications / Skills:
- Passion for women's human rights;
- Expertise with social media and proficiency with major social media platforms and social media management tools;
- Proficiency with editing tools/digital media formats;
- Ability to understand historical, current, and future trends in the digital content and social media space;
- Strong copywriting and copy editing skills;
- Top-notch oral and verbal communication skills;
- Impeccable time management skills with the ability to multitask;
- Detail-oriented approach with ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- 2+ years experience with social campaigning, social media marketing or content development;
- 2+ years experience with donor campaign platforms;
- Direct experience using social media management tools;
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook);
- Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premier Pro) or equivalent digital media editing tools a plus.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Responsibilities:
Executive Director Assistance
▪ Provide direct support to Executive Director to ensure IWI meets organisational goals and targets;
▪ Ensure staff reports and assignments are submitted timely & completely;
▪ Day-to-day management of Executive Director’s meeting schedule;
▪ Liaise with potential partners and donors at a high-level on behalf of the Executive Director;
▪ Support Executive Director during preparation of presentations, media interviews;
▪ Keep the Executive Director in on key organisational issues with diplomacy and discretion.
Partner & Donor Management
▪ Assist with preparation of proposals and enquiries;
▪ Assist with preparation and management of contracts/agreements;
▪ Support with the coordination of pipeline and work-flow.
Requirements:
▪ Experience of working at Executive Assistant level with senior management;
▪ Ability to manage complex and highly confidential information;
▪ Comfortable working autonomously and across multiple tasks and reporting into different project working teams and staff members;
▪ Knowledge of advanced MS office applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook;
▪ Excellent social skills, able to operate with diplomacy, tact and empathy;
▪ A high degree of personal organization and self-management;
▪ Comfortable with deadlines;
▪ Ability to think proactively and laterally to maximize opportunities to promote the work of IWI.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The role is for a Befriender in our Tenancy Sustainment Teams in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth and we’re now recruiting for volunteers. We would particularly like to hear from you if you live in or near the above boroughs.
The Tenancy Sustainment teams support people on their first steps from homelessness to independence – providing accommodation and support to assist people off the streets.
We work with people who are have experienced rough sleeping and, once accommodated, SPEAR then works with people on a housing pathway and assists them to link into various support services, tailored to the challenges an individual might face.
SPEAR is looking for self-motivated, outgoing, and empathic people who could volunteer to provide support to vulnerably housed, rough sleepers, or anyone using homelessness services in the London boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth, Sutton, and Kingston.
The volunteer will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone providing befriending support to the clients. The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)
It would be desirable if you had a driving license.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Diverse City is looking for a Chair to the Trustees who will be responsible for leading an effective board, managing the Executive and representing the organisation as an ambassador and advocate.
Diversity is central to our name, our art, and our values. We believe that theatre with its roots in diversity helps us imagine a fairer world, so that we can make one.
The company collaborates on the development and touring of nationally significant work to create equal representation in the performing arts. Our flagship collaboration is with Cirque Bijou. Together we lead Extraordinary Bodies a company that creates bold, provocative new circus performance.
Our mission is to fight for equality in every artistic arena. The boardroom, the audience, backstage and centre stage should all be truly representative, and we’re here to make that happen. We know that career pathways into the arts are only open to the few. This means, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, D/deaf and disabled people, and people from the global majority are all underrepresented in arts organisations, including ours. We want to change that. So, we particularly encourage applications from people from underrepresented groups.
We are a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), supported by Arts Council England.
We are entering an exciting period, and the Chair will be key in turning the page to the next chapter for the Company. The Board has recently been revitalised, and the Chair will be critical in driving the governance and Company forward. So, if you have experience and commitment to collaborative working, nurturing the voices and perspectives of all, social justice and the value of the arts, we could well be looking for you.
The key areas the Chair is responsible for are:
- Leading the Board, stakeholder management and organisational governance. Including:
- Setting the Board agenda, ensuring legal and financial governance duties are met effectively.
- Effective operation of the Board in all its areas and responsibilities.
- Build and maintain positive relationships including existing and potential funders.
- Represent the organisation at outside events
- Develop the Charity's vision and strategy
- Line manage the Executive
- Support the Executive in fundraising and encourage Trustees to do so.
We are looking for candidate with the following skills and experience
- Record of engagement in arts & culture
- Commitment & understanding of equality, diversity & inclusion.
- Experience of governance, or other organisational leadership, particularly in arts & culture, a non-profit, charity or public sector setting.
- Familiarity with reviewing or managing budgets.
- Effective, confident & enabling approach to convening & facilitating meetings Experience of chairing or facilitation in both in-person & remote settings.
- Skilled at building & balancing relationships with stakeholders including Arts Council England.
- Enthusiasm & empathy for vision, mission, values & work of the charity.
- Commitment to trustee duties & openness with the charity's team & Trustees.
- Ability to work in a team, accept decisions & be tolerant of other views.
- Commitment to being informed about - and act as a champion for - the charity.
- Ability to treat sensitive information confidentially.
Our candidate pack outlines the responsibilities of the role as well as the skills and experience needed. The candidate pack is available as Audio and BSL versions. Other versions available on request.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
NEON is recruiting for new board members and co-chairs. Shape and support NEON’s work with social movements by joining our board.
NEON supports over 1600 organisers and campaigners across the UK working on social, economic and climate justice. This could be anything from anti-racism, to environment and housing activism, and grassroots community organising. We work together to accelerate social movements through training, relationship-building and infrastructure support. We’ve helped a wide range of organisations, campaigns and organising groups win change through building their mobilising, communications reach and messaging.
NEON is looking for two new co-chairs and an additional two board members to join our board as we build and implement our new strategy.
Our board members should be excited and motivated by NEON’s vision and approach, as well as offering the time, experience and energy to help NEON thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Company Description
Minazi Consulting is a non-profit research, design and engineering consultancy specialising in human-centred design and sustainable development. We work with social and public sector organizations to develop innovative product solutions that promote social equality, gender equality, and good health and well-being. We've worked on sustainable development projects around the world, such as Rwanda, Ghana and India.
Role Description
This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to build their skills in communications, marketing and content writing. The communications lead will be a pivotal part of the team as they would be directly involved in generating engagement and new social media content.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Manage social media and engagement content on LinkedIn
- Develop strategic communications plans
- Work with business units and internal stakeholders to ensure the website is up to date.
- Write insight articles on LinkedIn/Website
- Maintain and monitor an annual calendar of conferences, events and awards and facilitate company’s participation.
- Manage and maintain the Communications email inbox
- Be creative and develop new social engagement campaigns
About You
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and engaging individual, looking to make a real difference in a small, start-up environment.
- You should have Communications experience and experiencecd in creating social media content
- Communications experience and knowledge of science/engineering/STEM is beneficial
- Alignment to company goals, vision and mission is necessary
- Self-starter and autonomous
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
- A strong attention to detail, high level of digital skills and creativity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is looking for four members of the Conservation Advisory Committee.
Conservation Advisory Committee provides independent insight, advice and guidance to our Council of Trustees and Executive Board on conservation strategy, approaches, policy, and programmes, and advises them on positioning, risks and opportunities related to specific projects or policy issues.
In addition to making an important contribution to the work of the RSPB, through shaping its strategy and direction and influencing key decisions affecting its delivery of conservation outcomes, participating in an advisory committee can provide excellent networking opportunities, an opportunity to acquire practical experience of committee functions, decision-making process and further development of leadership skills, knowledge, and experience.
About you
We are looking for individuals with relevant experience to join our committees to provide independent, objective, challenging advice to support the Executive Board and Trustees in development and shaping of RSPB strategies.
Essential skills, knowledge, and experience across one or more of the following areas:
1. Knowledge of conservation delivery on land, including through agriculture and/or partnerships
2. Knowledge of conservation delivery in marine environments, policy, or operational context (including energy / fisheries sector)
3. Experience of effecting positive environmental change at in the public, private or not for profit sector
4. Experience working for or alongside the not-for-profit sector.
5. Understanding of delivery in International Operations and/or the UK Overseas Territories
6.Conservation Finance
7. Understanding of climate and social justice; working with diverse communities, people of colour and indigenous communities
8. Data Management and Analysis
Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the RSPB website, where you can find full details of the role and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role closes 30th April.
Our purpose is to advance the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and the natural world, by protecting and restoring habitats and landscapes.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Trailblazers has been providing mentoring services to people in prison since 1998 with ultimate aim to to reduce re-offending. We provide support to men between the age of 18 - 35 that have 6 months left of their prison sentence and through gate into their own community for a maximum of 12 months. Services are delivered in Wolverhampton in HMPYOI Brinsford, HMP Featherstone. In London HMP Brixton and HMPYOI Isis. We are looking for volunteer mentors in all priosn porjects that can spare half a day per week to support men to change their life through inspirational role models and goal setting. Mentoring sessions usually last 1 hour per week, to allow enough time for travel and liasing with Trailblazers staff this will take about half of your day. We are actively looking for people to join our mentoring community with lived experience of the criminal justice system, under represented groups from BAME community, creative arts, business skills, wellbeing - whatever your skills and background we are open to hear from you to support our diverse group of men.Out of pocket expenses are covered as well as training to equip you for your role. Email us for an application form.
• To provide a positive role model for people in prison and in their own community, to be empathic and to have a desire and commitment to support people to fulfil their potential.
• To attend and participate fully in the initial and ongoing mentor training.
• To attend group support/supervision meetings and review performance within mentoring relationships.
• To complete mentoring session notes relevant to the mentoring service for monitoring purposes.
• To take part in introductory meetings with mentees and set ground rules and boundaries.
• To report safeguarding concerns immediately
• To follow relevant policies and procedures
• To perform your role in line with the aims of the organisation
• To meet with and actively develop a supportive relationship with mentees
• Be prepared to travel and undertake visits for mentoring sessions
• To make the necessary practical arrangements to meet the mentee on a weekly or fortnightly basis
• Assist the mentee to celebrate their achievements
• Support the mentee to meet identified goals
• Develop an understanding of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a volunteer mentor
• Be committed to the project for a minimum of 18 months
• Regular communication with Trailblazers staff in support of your mentee
Skills/behaviours/knowledge required
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and challenges faced by mentees (Desirable) full training will be given
• Awareness of own professional boundaries and the ability to report any concerns within the mentoring relationship that could be pertinent to risk to the mentee, or to others
• To be an advocate for a mentee and to actively seek opportunities for mentees for resettlement back into their own community in conjunction with Trailblazers staff
• To be non-judgmental, focus on the person rather than the offense
• Professional but relatable with strong communication skills
• Awareness of adversity and how to overcome barriers to build a supportive network around the mentee
• Basic IT skills
• Be able to take advice and guidance from Trailblazers staff
Criteria
• Over 21
• We encourage applications from those with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System but you must be off licence for a minimum of 12 months, and not in crisis yourself
• You cannot apply to a project if you have been a resident in the same prison yourself
• A good level of fitness to able to move around a prison at fast past that does include stairs
• Due to security checks at the prison you must be a British citizen
• Not committed an offense where you are barred from working with vulnerable adults or children
• Live within a 30 mile radius from the prison you would like to volunteer at
Email for an application form
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
As a community engagement volunteer you and your fellow branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.
What you will be doing
- Organising and attending awareness and fundraising events within the community
- Identifying new fundraising and awareness opportunities
- Helping at events
- Delivering presentations to community groups, schools, etc through
- SSAFA’s speaker programme
- Event administration
- Social media marketing
The skills you need
- Friendly and approachable
- Happy to help
- Basic IT skills would be an advantage
What's in it for you
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
- Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
- Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.