Advocacy Volunteer Roles

Trustee

We’re looking for a Trustee to join our Board to help achieve our vision of London alive with nature, where everyone can experience and enjoy wildlife.

 We are also keen to hear from aspiring or existing trustees 30 years old and under. We know that diversity of both representation and thought is a powerful key to unlocking the full potential of London Wildlife Trust. Intergenerational perspectives are a key pillar to enabling better decision making and a high performing board.

Role & Responsibilities

Our Trustees serve as a vital pillar in our organisation, providing leadership, expertise and supportive guidance to ensure we achieve our aim and objectives.

We have a range of directorates from policy and planning, nature recovery, outdoor learning, visitor experience and retail. If you share our vision and have experience in any of the areas, my Trustee colleagues, we’d love to hear from you.

We are seeking Trustees who have experience in one (or more) of the below areas:

Visitor attractions: managing visitor experience and/or generating commercial income in a similar charity-led visitor attraction.

Retail: we have a longer term ambition to develop and online retail offering so experience in this area would be hugely beneficial

Outdoor learning: experience and expertise to strategically support our well-established outdoor learning programmes

Legislation and advocacy: an understanding of biodiversity policy and legislation, and an in-depth understanding of nature recovery and political advocacy at a national level, including the regional context of London borough councils, and Greater London Authority

Person Specification 

· A collaborative listener who works effectively as a member of a team. 

· Independent judgment, a willingness to share opinions and an ability to focus on making decisions. 

· Strong communication and relationship management skills. 

· A critical friend who empowers and constructively challenges the Chief Executive and senior management team. 

(Please see job description for full person specification)

Terms of Appointment

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Attendance at 6 yearly meetings plus an annual strategy session, half of which are typically delivered online

Occasional further contribution either in person or online to provide mentoring, advice and guidance

Trustees are elected at the AGM for a term of three years, which may be renewed for one further three-year term and then can be extended for up to two years if required.

Closing Date: Monday 6th May at 9am

Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!

Our vision is a London alive with nature, where everyone can experience and enjoy wildlife. In order to achieve our goal of engaging everyone in protecting London’s wildlife for the future, we know that our staff team needs to better reflect and represent all of London’s communities. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all. Alongside our inclusive Talent policy which outlines are commitments including giving fair opportunities to ex-offenders, we also offer an enhanced flexible working policy which is available to you from your very first day.

Read more about London Wildlife Trust’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion on our website.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

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 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.