Finance management volunteer roles

Are you passionate about supporting young people and giving back to your community?

Whether you have experience in fundraising, governance, building corporate partnerships, or simply a willingness to get involved and make a difference – we’d love to hear from you! 

About us 

We’re part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation empowering 12- to 20-year-olds through flying, adventure training, sports, and leadership development. 

West Mercian Wing supports over 900 cadets across 27 Squadrons in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the Black Country, and overseas in Cyprus. 

Each squadron has a Civilian Welfare Committee, a team of trustees who support the squadron by overseeing governance, fundraising, and building community partnerships. Trustees are vital in ensuring squadrons can continue providing incredible opportunities for cadets. 

Squadrons in this sector 

• 124 (Hereford City) Squadron, Suvla Barracks Army Reserve Centre, Harold Street, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 2QX
• 1002 (Ross-on-Wye) Squadron, Alton Lane, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 5NB 
• 151 (Leominster) Squadron, 115 Bridge Street, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 8DZ 

Why become a trustee? 

Volunteering as a trustee isn’t just about helping others - it’s about growing yourself too! 

• Gain valuable experience in leadership, governance, and fundraising. 

• Expand your network and become part of a supportive team. 

• Make a lasting difference to young people in your community. 

• Shape the future of an organisation with a rich legacy. 

What’s involved? 

Meetings are structured but friendly, typically every three months for around two hours. A typical agenda includes: 

• Updates from the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Squadron Commander 

• Funding requests and financial decisions 

• Future planning, upcoming events, and key priorities 

• Opportunities to contribute based on your skills and interests 

Beyond meetings, involvement is flexible depending on your availability and expertise. 

What we’re looking for 

We welcome all backgrounds and skill levels, but we’d particularly love to hear from those with experience in: 

• Fundraising 

• Governance & charity compliance 

• Corporate partnerships 

No military background or youth work experience is required—just enthusiasm, reliability, and a passion for making a difference! 

Opportunities for progression 

Trustees can take on leadership roles within their squadron, support squadrons at sector or wing level, or even contribute to regional and national RAF Air Cadets governance. Some trustees also transition into squadron volunteer roles, working directly with cadets. 

To join us, you’ll need to 

• Be 20 years or older 

• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years 

• Attend an evening meeting every three months (varies by squadron) 

• Bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to support young people. 

Typical joining process: 

1. Submit an expression of interest. 

2. We’ll invite you to visit your chosen squadron to learn more. 

3. Complete a simple online application if invited. 

4. Undergo a DBS and basic security check. 

This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on availability and checks. 

Ready to make an impact? 

If you’re excited about supporting young people and helping your local squadron thrive, we’d love to hear from you! 

About Children With Voices

Children With Voices (CWV) is a grassroots non-profit organisation dedicated to improving

the lives of children and families through community-driven programs. We run holiday clubs,

healthy lifestyle education, and intervention projects for children aged 5–11 to combat

childhood obesity, antisocial behaviour, and gang involvement.

Our goal is early intervention – giving children the tools to lead healthier, safer, and more

empowered lives.

The Role – Board Member (Volunteer)

We are seeking passionate, community-minded individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As

a board member, you will provide oversight, guidance, and strategic support to help CWV

grow its reach and impact. You don’t need previous board experience – just the drive to make

a difference and bring your unique skills, networks, or community insight to the table.

Key Responsibilities

•Attend and contribute to quarterly board meetings and occasional strategy sessions.

•Support the development of CWV’s strategic vision and community impact.

•Use your professional expertise or lived experience to inform board decisions (e.g.

education, youth work, business, legal, HR, marketing, fundraising, etc.).

•Leverage your personal or professional network to promote CWV’s work and connect us

with funding, partnerships, or opportunities.

•Ensure CWV operates in line with its charitable aims, legal obligations, and good

governance practices.

•Act as an ambassador for CWV at events, with funders, and across your networks.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome board members from a wide range of backgrounds. You may have experience

in:

•Community development or youth services

•Education, social work, or mental health

•Fundraising, business development, or marketing

•Finance, governance, HR, or legal

•Lived experience of the issues CWV addresses

•Or a strong passion for helping children and communities thrive

Commitment

•Time required: 6–10 hours per month (flexible)

•Location: Remote and/or London-based meetings (hybrid)

•Term: Minimum one-year commitment (renewable)

•Training and induction provided

What You’ll Gain

•A chance to help shape the future of a growing, impactful charity

•Experience in governance and leadership within the non-profit sector

•Meaningful connections with like-minded individuals

•Personal fulfilment from empowering children and families

How to Apply

Interested? Please email your CV or a short expression of interest to:

Subject: Board Member Application

Bring your voice to Children With Voices – and help us build healthier, safer, and stronger

communities.

Who we are

We are seeking trustees to work with a small non-profit family mediation service covering West and North Yorkshire.  The service has been in operation for 30 years, helping families that have experienced a breakdown to resolve their outstanding issues surrounding their children, property and finances with a view to avoid the trauma and expense of attending family court. Our mission is simple, by helping people resolve these issues we aim to reduce the mental health traumas incurred by both adults and children who have experienced a family breakdown whilst helping them to alleviate the financial hardship that so often follows a relationship breakdown.

We deliver our service to over a thousand clients annually both remotely and face to face from our main office suite in Bradford and from our satellite suites in Leeds and York.

We do have a small but active board of trustees who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the service and who provide the financial and operational oversight that the service requires. 

Who we are looking for

We are looking to expand the number of board members and would welcome expressions of interest from people who would like to be involved with the service and to help us on our mission to continually improve and grow. Whilst there is no specific criteria requested, we would welcome expressions of interest from people who have a legal background, or can help develop our business acumen, or who can aid us with marketing and promotion or who have experience in HR.

The involvement of our trustees in the strategic planning and oversight of the charity is absolutely essential to the success of the service.  We hold four trustee meetings each year, three of which are usually held remotely.

How to contact us

If you would like to get involved in the charity sector and have an interest in learning about family mediation then please contact our service manager, Gordon Laing.

Charity Lead  

About NACV 

Our work began 50 years ago with inner city children from the Borough of Lewisham and since then have provided residential, woodland experiences to over 50,000 disadvantaged children and young people. 

Who do we work with? 

Groups generally come and stay for a week or weekend in our Gloucestershire woodland and enjoy being outdoors. We have experience of working with SEN schools from Gloucestershire, London, Birmingham and the West Midlands and Oxfordshire; youth clubs, including XLP (who work across many London boroughs), Harrow Club, and Masbro Club; alternative Provision Services, an education for children who can't go to a mainstream school; and, with disability charities such as Sense and Mencap.

About the role 

We are looking for a Charity lead to work part time, initially part-renumerated /part-voluntary basis.  The role will be at least 2 days per week onsite . 

Renumeration & term - Initially a 6 month contract on a part voluntary basis with the aim that this will be converted to a permanent, fully renumerated position with renumeration commensurate with experience. 

About you  

Strategy & Finance 

Combine entrepreneurial energy and commercial acumen to lead the Charity 

Identify and develop growth opportunities in terms of users and funding  

Optimise site usage to deliver our Charitable Objectives

Maintain accounting records and liase with IE for accounts production 

Enhance and develop fundraising capability  

People  

Manage a small staff team of site management, administration and housekeeping 

Provide thoughtful and collaborative leadership both onsite and remotely 

Governance 

Understand and maintain Charity and corporate governance  

Knowledge and experience to manage & report to Charity Trustees to enable them to carry out their duties 

External relationships  

Develop and strengthen relationships with core user groups, stakeholders and grant making bodies 

Create new connections with funding sources and user groups. 

How to apply 

Apply online by sending your CV with a (max 1page) personal statement detailing your motivation for the role and demonstrating how you meet the capabilities required.

Time scales

Applications/ conversations and interviews July/ August 2025 

Role Overview:

The Chair will ensure that the board functions effectively, maintains high standards of governance, and that the charity's mission and goals are achieved.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Board Leadership:

   • Lead the board in setting and implementing the charity’s culture, direction, and strategy.

   • Ensure the board operates inclusively and effectively.

   • Chair board meetings, ensuring decisions are made and actions are followed up.

2. Strategic Direction:

   • Guide the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plan.

   • Ensure the charity’s activities align with its mission and goals.

3. Oversight and Accountability:

   • Monitor the charity’s activities and ensure high standards of governance.

   • Hold staff members accountable and support their professional development.

   • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (this includes Charity Commission and companies House requirements).

4. Close Supervision:

   • Ensure that all members of staff have adequate line management and supervision (not necessarily by the Chair as this may be allocated to another trustee).

   • Act as the primary point of communication between the board and the staff.

5. Direct Involvement:

   • Take a hands-on approach to day-to-day operations, as necessary.

   • Assist in tasks typically handled by additional staff due to the charity’s limited resources.

6. Enhanced Communication:

   • Ensure clear and consistent messaging between the board and the staff member.

7. Financial Oversight:

   • Oversee the charity’s finances, possibly taking on some treasurer responsibilities (currently the board has an appointed treasurer and an honorary accountant).

   • Ensure the charity operates within its financial means.

8. Volunteer Coordination:

   • Recruit and manage volunteers to support the charity’s activities as and when appropriate..

9. Policy Development:

   • Ensure the development, implementation and review of policies to ensure effective and legal operation of the charity.

10. Annual Review:

    • Lead the board in reviewing its structure, effectiveness, delegations, and key policies annually.

Person Specification:

• Leadership Skills: Proven experience in leadership roles, preferably within the charity sector.

• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and guide the charity’s direction.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial management and oversight.

• Commitment: Dedication to the charity’s mission and values.

• IT competency: Able to use cloud-based systems (currently Google Drive)

Thackray Museum of Medicine is the UK’s largest independent medical museum. We inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare of the past, present and future. Through play, creativity and experiences we celebrate our health heroes and inspire the next generation of big thinkers.

Thackray Museum of Medicine is looking for a new Board Chair to lead our dedicated and skilled Board of Trustees. Alongside the typical qualities expected for the role, the following areas of expertise are sought in particular: charity governance and experience leading a Board. 

The new Chair will:

• Ensure the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration and  approval of the strategy proposed by the CEO in support of Thackray Museum of Medicine’s mission and values.
• Ensure, with Trustees, Thackray Museum of Medicine operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil  its objectives.
• Ensure high standards of governance and risk management.

Job title: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Term of office: 3 years minimum, up to a maximum of 6.

Remuneration: Unremunerated. Out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of  duties may be claimed.

Time commitment: 3-4 days per month.

Location: Within travelling distance of Leeds 

How to apply:

If you would like to receive an Information Pack on how to apply, please send a CV in confidence to Nick Shanks via the apply now button. 

Closing date for applications: 9am, Wednesday 30th July 2025

Both Thackray Museum of Medicine and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Are you passionate about supporting young people and giving back to your community?

Whether you have experience in fundraising, governance, building corporate partnerships, or simply a willingness to get involved and make a difference – we’d love to hear from you! 

About us 

We’re part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation empowering 12- to 20-year-olds through flying, adventure training, sports, and leadership development. 

West Mercian Wing supports over 900 cadets across 27 Squadrons in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the Black Country, and overseas in Cyprus. 

Each squadron has a Civilian Welfare Committee, a team of trustees who support the squadron by overseeing governance, fundraising, and building community partnerships. Trustees are vital in ensuring squadrons can continue providing incredible opportunities for cadets. 

Squadrons in this sector 

• 63 (Bridgnorth) Squadron, Cadet Centre, Oldbury Wells School, Oldbury Wells, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 5JE 
• 83 (St Georges) Squadron, Territorial House Army Reserve Centre, Trench Road, Trench, Shropshire, TF2 8DY 
• 265 (Chetwynd) Squadron, The Lodge, Chetwynd Deer Park, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8EU
• 333 (Ludlow) Squadron, ATC Centre, Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1RU 
• 1130 (Wrekin) Squadron, Cadet Centre, King Street, Wellington, Shropshire, TF1 1NX 
• 2379 (Dawley) Squadron, Bridgman House Army Reserve Centre, Cavan Drive, Dawley, Shropshire, TF4 2BQ 
• 2497 (Cosford) Squadron, RAF Cosford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, WV7 3EX 

Why become a trustee? 

Volunteering as a trustee isn’t just about helping others - it’s about growing yourself too! 

• Gain valuable experience in leadership, governance, and fundraising. 

• Expand your network and become part of a supportive team. 

• Make a lasting difference to young people in your community. 

• Shape the future of an organisation with a rich legacy. 

What’s involved? 

Meetings are structured but friendly, typically every three months for around two hours. A typical agenda includes: 

• Updates from the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Squadron Commander 

• Funding requests and financial decisions 

• Future planning, upcoming events, and key priorities 

• Opportunities to contribute based on your skills and interests 

Beyond meetings, involvement is flexible depending on your availability and expertise. 

What we’re looking for 

We welcome all backgrounds and skill levels, but we’d particularly love to hear from those with experience in: 

• Fundraising 

• Governance & charity compliance 

• Corporate partnerships 

No military background or youth work experience is required—just enthusiasm, reliability, and a passion for making a difference! 

Opportunities for progression 

Trustees can take on leadership roles within their squadron, support squadrons at sector or wing level, or even contribute to regional and national RAF Air Cadets governance. Some trustees also transition into squadron volunteer roles, working directly with cadets. 

To join us, you’ll need to 

• Be 20 years or older 

• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years 

• Attend an evening meeting every three months (varies by squadron) 

• Bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to support young people. 

Typical joining process: 

1. Submit an expression of interest. 

2. We’ll invite you to visit your chosen squadron to learn more. 

3. Complete a simple online application if invited. 

4. Undergo a DBS and basic security check. 

This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on availability and checks. 

Ready to make an impact? 

If you’re excited about supporting young people and helping your local squadron thrive, we’d love to hear from you! 

Are you passionate about supporting young people and giving back to your community?

Whether you have experience in fundraising, governance, building corporate partnerships, or simply a willingness to get involved and make a difference – we’d love to hear from you!

About us

We’re part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation empowering 12- to 20-year-olds through flying, adventure training, sports, and leadership development.

West Mercian Wing supports over 900 cadets across 27 Squadrons in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the Black Country, and overseas in Cyprus.

Each squadron has a Civilian Welfare Committee, a team of trustees who support the squadron by overseeing governance, fundraising, and building community partnerships. Trustees are vital in ensuring squadrons can continue providing incredible opportunities for cadets.

Squadrons in this sector

• 24 (Market Drayton) Squadron, Hedley Way, Buntingsdale, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 2HA
• 28 (Shawbury) Squadron, RAF Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 4HL
• 79 (Whitchurch) Squadron, Old Drill Hall, Mill Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 1SE
• 1165 (Oswestry) Squadron, Drill Hall, Willow Street, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 1AL
• 1119 (Shrewsbury) Squadron, Bligny House Army Reserve Centre, Copthorne Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 8LZ

Why become a trustee?

Volunteering as a trustee isn’t just about helping others - it’s about growing yourself too!

• Gain valuable experience in leadership, governance, and fundraising.
• Expand your network and become part of a supportive team.
• Make a lasting difference to young people in your community.
• Shape the future of an organisation with a rich legacy.

What’s involved?

Meetings are structured but friendly, typically every three months for around two hours. A typical agenda includes:

• Updates from the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Squadron Commander
• Funding requests and financial decisions
• Future planning, upcoming events, and key priorities
• Opportunities to contribute based on your skills and interests

Beyond meetings, involvement is flexible depending on your availability and expertise.

What we’re looking for

We welcome all backgrounds and skill levels, but we’d particularly love to hear from those with experience in:

• Fundraising
• Governance & charity compliance
• Corporate partnerships

No military background or youth work experience is required—just enthusiasm, reliability, and a passion for making a difference!

Opportunities for progression

Trustees can take on leadership roles within their squadron, support squadrons at sector or wing level, or even contribute to regional and national RAF Air Cadets governance. Some trustees also transition into squadron volunteer roles, working directly with cadets.

To join us, you’ll need to

• Be 20 years or older
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
• Attend an evening meeting every three months (varies by squadron)
• Bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to support young people.

Typical joining process:

1. Submit an expression of interest.
2. We’ll invite you to visit your chosen squadron to learn more.
3. Complete a simple online application if invited.
4. Undergo a DBS and basic security check.

This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on availability and checks.

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re excited about supporting young people and helping your local squadron thrive, we’d love to hear from you!

The Guildford Institute is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to serve as Chair of its Board of Trustees. This important role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a charity that has been a pivotal part of the community for over 130 years.

Based in our beautiful Grade II listed building since 1892, we provide the local community with accessible cultural education and opportunities to build meaningful connections with others.

We’re seeking a distinguished leader with the following qualities: 

• Leadership & Governance

• Passion for the Arts, Education & Community

• Strategic Thinking

• Financial Acumen

• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion 

Play a vital role in guiding The Guildford Institute to continue to grow, secure its longevity and thrive.

Additional Documents:

Please read our Candidate Brief to find out more about us and the role of the Chair.

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the rare disease community?

Are you interested in supporting the growth of a thriving charity that is expanding its reach and ambition?

If so, Beacon for Rare Diseases is looking for at least two new Trustees to help shape our future and strengthen our support for individuals and families affected by rare conditions.
 

About Beacon for Rare Diseases

Beacon for Rare Diseases is a small but growing charity dedicated to transforming outcomes for those living with rare diseases by building a united rare disease community with patient groups at its heart.

Patient groups are a lifeline for rare disease patients and their families. When a rare diagnosis is made, many people are simply handed a one-page Google printout of the condition and told to go home and live their lives as best as they can. No one knows anything about the condition. There is no treatment. There is nothing anyone can do. The alarming lack of knowledge, support and understanding from the healthcare sector propels these individuals and families into isolation with more questions than answers.

Patient groups break this isolation by connecting people with shared conditions, helping them share experiences, answering questions, and driving change in neglected rare diseases. At Beacon, we help these patient groups form, grow, and professionalise – helping them be the best they can be to support the whole rare disease community.  

Since founding in 2012, we have expanded our programmes and outreach, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and support services across the UK and beyond. In this time, we have supported over 400 rare disease patient groups. As such, our patient group Empowerment Programme continues to drive our organisation’s core mission: we have over 600 users on our e-learning platform, The Resources Hub, and had 296 live training event attendees in the last year.  

This core patient group training is now supplemented by a leading role in the European REMEDi4ALL consortium for drug repurposing, and a role in the Hub for LifeArc’s new Translational Centres for Rare Disease. Our growing project diversity and impact is driven by our enthusiastic and committed team, which has grown from three people in 2018 to a peak of 12 staff in 2024-25. This charity also benefits from a stable leadership group, with our CEO and COO spending 10 and 9 years respectively at Beacon.

“Beacon helps make what seems impossible, possible.”

The trustee role

As we enter an exciting new phase of development under a new Chair of Trustees, we are looking for Trustees who can bring fresh expertise to our board.

We are particularly interested in recruiting:

• A Trustee with lived experience of a rare disease or of patient group leadership, to help ensure our work remains grounded in the real needs of our community and to guide patient-centred decision-making.
• A Trustee with financial expertise, to review and advise on our financial reporting, oversight, and strategic financial planning.
• A Trustee with fundraising and investment experience, especially someone able to help Beacon broaden its network and build long-term relationships with funders keen to support the charity on a sustainable basis.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will help set the strategic direction of Beacon for Rare Diseases, oversee the organisation’s activities, and support its ongoing growth. Your responsibilities will include ensuring compliance with charity regulations, financial stewardship, and working with the team on fundraising and partnership development. There will also be opportunities for advocacy and raising awareness about rare diseases at a national level, both through Beacon’s own events and projects, and representing Beacon in the wider rare disease community.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of a charity that is expanding its reach and capabilities nationally and internationally, helping us to better serve our community and increase our impact.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Attend quarterly board meetings.
• Provide strategic advice and guidance to the CEO and staff.
• To provide oversight on the charity’s finances and governance – including the review of management accounts and contribution to the annual accounting process.
• To attend an annual day-long strategy meeting with the board and employees, and at least one Beacon event each year (reasonable travel expenses where in-person attendance is required will be covered).
• To provide support, advice or training for Beacon’s patient engagement events on an ad hoc basis and based on your experience.
• To advocate for Beacon and rare disease patient groups through your work and network, offering connections that support the organisation’s goals, and represent Beacon, our mission and interests at external events with the support or guidance of the CEO, board and Beacon team.
• To help ensure the sustainability of Beacon as an organisation and the fulfilment of our mission, to ensure no one walks their rare disease journey alone.

About You

We are looking for individuals who are committed to improving outcomes for people with rare diseases and who can bring fresh perspectives and expertise to our Board. Specifically:

• For the lived experience role: personal experience of a rare disease or patient group leadership and a passion for advocacy and patient support.
• For the financial role: experience in financial management, reporting, auditing, or strategic financial planning.
• For the fundraising and networking role: experience in large fundraising campaigns – whether charitable or corporate investment – a diverse network, and success engaging with high-net-worth individuals.

You should be an enthusiastic team player, comfortable with governance and strategic discussion, and eager to help Beacon navigate its next chapter of growth.

Benefits of Joining

This is a voluntary role, but with potential to guide the continued growth and development of an ambitious charity, well positioned in the field of rare diseases – an issue likely to grow in importance and relevance with the rapid advances in genetic science, and the increased focus on health equality and equity in the UK and beyond.

You will get the opportunity to:

• Contribute to a pioneering, expanding charity with a vital mission.
• Gain governance experience and develop leadership skills.
• Be part of a passionate community making a real difference to lives affected by rare diseases.
• Play a key part in shaping the future direction of Beacon for Rare Diseases.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to the email in the full job description. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to equality and inclusion.

The deadline for applications is 4th August 2025. Shortlisted candidates will first be invited for a phone conversation, followed by a formal interview process including the opportunity to meet the team and observe a Trustee meeting.
 

FAQs

What is the time commitment?
Trustees typically meet quarterly, with additional time required for committee involvement and specific projects. We estimate around 4–6 hours per month, adaptable to your availability.

How long is the term for a Trustee?
Beacon does not currently have a fixed term of trusteeship, though trustees are required to resign and seek re-election by the board every two to three years. We may explore more fixed term appointments in the future and would look for at least a two-year commitment from any new trustees.

Where are meetings held?
The majority of meetings are held online using zoom. In person strategy days are generally held in Cambridge, close to the train station, though locations in central London may also be explored for face-to-face meetings in the future.

Do I need to be a UK citizen, or based in the UK?
No. Beacon is open to appointing trustees from outside the UK, but, as a UK registered charity we need to retain a majority of our board and our focus within the UK. If you are seeking to apply for this position from beyond the UK, we recommend you contact Beacon to discuss your application in advance.

I have no prior experience as a trustee – can I still apply?
Absolutely. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will provide support and resources to help you succeed in the role.

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack. 

Communications and Administration Co-ordinator

Hours: Either 5 days a week, 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday or reduced hours to suit but covering the core hours of 9am- 3pm, Monday to Friday.

Salary: FTE from £35,327 p/a

Location: CDS UK London Office

OVERVIEW

This is an exciting opportunity to join our small, friendly team and to use your skills to develop our administration and communications function which is central to the smooth running of the organisation as it continues to grow. You will be working with a committed group of people, including clinicians working in all areas of the country, and making a real difference to the lives of patients.

CDS UK (the Clinic for Dissociative Studies) is a specialist psychotherapy service established in 1998, offering assessment and long-term specialist outpatient treatment to people with dissociative disorders, in particular dissociative identity disorder (DID - formerly called multiple personality disorder). Our patients have often suffered the most extreme forms of abuse and represent one of the most vulnerable and complex client groups. Whilst many of the tasks involved in the role are straightforward, there can be some emotional impact from working in this difficult field, so resilience is important.

CDS UK is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and an Independent Provider to the NHS and is subcontracted by NHS commissioning organisations nationally on a discretionary per-patient basis, where local mental health services are unable to provide appropriate treatment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

To act as a first point of contact for CDS UK and to support the smooth running of the administrative function within the organisation. Your role will also focus on ensuring a high quality of communication with our associates, patients, existing and prospective commissioners. You will provide support ranging from answering patient enquiries sourcing rooms for patients, greeting visitors to the building and registering new referrals as well as taking simple minutes of our weekly clinical meeting. Additionally, you will be responsible for ensuring that our website is up to date, compiling internal communications such as our newsletter and building our external company profile by increasing our LinkedIn presence.

Key Duties

Enquiries

· Acting as first point of contact when dealing with enquiries from potential patients and referrers and responding in an appropriate and timely manner using standard response templates where possible.

· Distributing telephone and email messages as appropriate and using initiative to pass these promptly to the appropriate member of the team, using judgement on urgency.

· Demonstrating an understanding and reassuring manner when dealing with patients and those related to their care.

· Ensuring a good understanding of CDS UK confidentiality policies and maintain these in all interactions with patients, professionals and other external parties.

Referrals

· Logging all new referrals onto CDS UK’s filing system and completing associated administrative tasks - e.g. creating an electronic folder, patient information sheet and sending acknowledgement letters.

· Ad hoc obtaining of additional medical records relating to referral patients (in liaison with Project, Office and Referrals Manager).

Assessments and Treatment

· Ensuring timely sending of all outcome measures, logging when these are received, and forwarding on to research team.

· Sourcing and confirming rooms needed for both one-off assessments and those needed for weekly therapy sessions.

Recruitment and Onboarding

· Setting up interview panels: finding dates; confirming with attendees; providing copies of relevant documentation and filing confidential information appropriately.

· Managing the onboarding process: ensuring new staff and associates have DBS checks; taking up and circulating references; administering new starter forms; ensuring contracts are in place.

Communication

· To support the Business & Operations Director in the development of a communication and public relations strategy and assist with implementation.

External communication (Online presence)

· Ensuring all content on the website, is accurate and up to date. Regularly spot checking to ensure that the website is functioning properly. Escalating appropriately to identify if changes need to be made.

· Ensuring any new material to be sent externally is CDS branded and of a high standard.

· To manage the CDS LinkedIn account and any future suitable other Social Media sites, to ensure that regular, relevant, high-quality content is posted to raise awareness of the work CDS does to both Commissioners, potential new Core Staff & Associates, other Health Care Professionals and people who may experience DID.

· To manage the LinkedIn account followers, connecting with relevant professionals to increase our reach.

Internal Communication

· To support the engagement of both core staff & associates by ensuring regular communication such as the newsletter is compiled and sent out in a timely fashion

· To support with the planning of staff team building sessions and CDS organised team social events when asked to. Sourcing venues, inviting associates and ensuring that the planning does not exceed the stated budget.

Agenda-setting and minute-taking

· Organising and circulating the agenda for weekly clinical meetings.

· Taking concise and accurate minutes, circulating to colleagues and filing appropriately.

Electronic filing

· Ensuring electronic files are correctly structured and up to date.

· Undertaking a data cleansing role to ensure quality, consistency and accuracy of information in line with CDS UK’s data retention policy.

General Administration

· Warmly welcoming patients, professionals and visitors to the building, showing them the facilities and offering refreshments.

· Sorting and distribution of all incoming post.

· Typing and editing reports/letters for clinical staff.

· Attending monthly internal business meetings and maintaining an action log.

· Arranging refreshments for meetings as required.

· Booking travel and accommodation where needed.

· General office duties including filing and photocopying as required.

Projects

· To support the Business & Administration team with projects as and when required during seasonally quieter periods.

Other Duties

· Along with other admin staff, ensuring the building is clean, tidy and well-organised.

· Covering for the Executive Assistant when they are absent.

We look forward to hearing from you.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Living Reasons – What we are planning, who we are and where we are now:

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Who are we?

Well, it is a small operation at this point, there are three people that are working to set up the charity, but we are all neurodivergent and have disabling aspects to our lives and experienced lack of opportunity or presumed ideas based on others perception of us. We are just people who care in reality and want to make a true change in society for everyone we work with.

Where are we now?

We are ready to become a CIO; we want to go straight to a fully incorporated charity so that we are able gain the most support as possible and open up opportunities for growth from day one as well as ensure people know they can trust us.

We need 3 trustees to start and understandably, two of us don’t want to be trustees due to personal reasons, so we need at least another two, maybe more, trustees to start up. That is hopefully where you come in!

We have our governing document, and we are still completing the further documents we want to launch with. We hope that new trustees will add to the plan and bring fresh ways of us working and how communicate the message of the charity.

The charity objects

· To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.

For the purpose of this clause ‘socially excluded’ means being excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of one or more of the following factors: unemployment; financial hardship; youth or old age; ill health (physical or mental); substance abuse or dependency including alcohol and drugs; discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, disability, ethnic origin, religion, belief, creed, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment; poor educational or skills attainment; relationship and family breakdown; poor housing (that is housing that does not meet basic habitable standards; crime (either as a victim of crime or as an offender rehabilitating into society).

· The relief of financial hardship, either generally or individually, of people living in England and Wales by making grants of money for providing or paying for items, services or facilities

· The promotion of equality and diversity for the public benefit by conducting or commissioning research on equality and diversity issues and publishing the results to the public; advancing education and raising awareness in equality and diversity and promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds.

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

So, who are we looking for?

The answer to this is complex. What we are looking for in a trustee is someone who is passionate about creating equity for everyone while sustaining equality, someone that has lived experiences that would mean they can relate to the objects of the charity, whether that be personally, as a support for someone that does or has struggled to be given equity in society or someone that works or has worked in an industry that has played a part in restricting others in society and want that to make real change.

We think this covers a large number of people.

The role of trustee in Living Reasons will always be a remote role, meetings will be held online as standard as we would like to have trustees that are from all areas of the UK and that anyone can be a trustee, regardless of any accessibility requirements.

Additionally, to the personal experiences, the below are also necessary for all trustees of all charities:

1) Must not have an unspent conviction

2) Must not be barred from working with children or vulnerable adults

3) Must not be in undischarged bankruptcy, or other debt management programme

4) Must not be barred from being a trustee or company director

The requirements of skills and understanding of the undertaking of trusteeship with Living Reasons:

1) Being a trustee comes with requirements and responsibilities in terms of acting in the best interest of the charity at all times in line with the law and the charity’s governing document, which will be supplied to all trustees before agreeing to be a trustee and will be discussed with any person selected to be a trustee before they agree to be a trustee.

2) An understanding of financial information is required, this is to ensure that financial reports are assessed correctly and that any anomalies are highlighted, this does not mean you need to have in depth accounting or finance experience by any means, but it is important that you are able to analyse financial reports and risk as they arise.

3) Specific to Living Reasons, you will need to be someone that thinks creatively and is not scared of challenging traditions and pre-existing ideas and open to hear from a wide audience to make informed but innovative changes that are sustainable, realistic but also dynamic and challenging the current societal norms.

Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Volunteer Case Worker (DA) you will provide specialist support services for young people affected by domestic abuse.

Why volunteer with us?

• Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.
• Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.
• This is an ideal role for anyone looking to gain experience working for a charity or who has an interest in a career working with young people and people affected by domestic abuse.
• Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
• Access to reflective practice, peer support and mentoring.
• One to one support provided by a designated line manager, who will offer coaching and case supervision.
• Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.

Volunteering with Victim Support and our STREET programme in Gloucestershire  

As a Volunteer in Gloucestershire your role will include:

• Supporting young people who have experienced domestic abuse
• You will receive specific specialist training around domestic abuse and supporting young people
• Work closely with our partner agencies such as GDASS and SARC
• Opportunity to attend events to represent Victim Support and our STREET service
• Being able to work from our office in Gloucester or from home depending on the need
• Training around our case management system
• Access to a Victim Support laptop and phone to enable you to update our systems and use a victim support email account to communicate with clients and referral partners

What do we ask of you?

In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or over.
• Be able to volunteer for at least 7 to 14 hours per week, for at least 12 months. Ideally, we are looking for someone who can commit to two fixed days a week.
• Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes eleven virtual training days (including our core, safeguarding, children’s and domestic abuse training) as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.
• Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
• Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.

Expenses

• All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.

Diversity Matters

• VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
• VS is also a Disability Confident Employer, and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
• We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.