Mental health volunteer roles

elop runs a programme of weekly and monthly LGBTQ+ social, support and wellbeing clubs, groups, meet-ups and events; provided by and for LGBTQ+ communities.

Joining our LGBTQ+ volunteer facilitator team you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team who value & appreciate the benefit of face-to-face socialising & networking, supporting LGBT people to come together in a welcoming, safe and supportive environment with opportunities to meet new people, form new friendships, gain peer support and much more. 

Each of elop’s dedicated clubs, groups or meet-ups run planned activities that supports shared interaction, positive LGBTQ+ identities and a feeling of being valued.

Volunteering in this role will give you opportunities to contribute & support the planning & promotion of group programmes, help in organising & facilitating sessions, along with supporting & enabling the involvement, voice & inclusion of all members attending, ensuring a welcome, supported, safe and comfortable environment for all.

Our clubs, groups, meet-ups and activities are delivered on various days and times across the week and weekends, plus during the day and evenings, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. 

You may already have some previous experience of activity facilitation, which is fantastic; however it isn’t necessary to come with all the skills & experiences already on board, just a friendly or outgoing personality with good communication abilities, the rest you’ll be supported to develop. 

Respecting diversity, understanding and upholding professional boundaries and confidentiality are of course fundamental to all of our work and you will be required support this. 

What you can expect as part of Team elop is to feel proud of being part of our dynamic team & volunteer community, to develop confidence, have enjoyment and know your contribution really does make a difference.

We know life can be busy, but ask all group volunteers to make a 6 month minimum commitment or around 2-3 hours a week average. 

All our volunteer facilitators must positively identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/ or trans (Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 applies).

Are you an Albanian speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!

Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Albanian-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By offering just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference by providing companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.

What is the Talking Bubble Project?

☎︎ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular phone calls, you’ll have the opportunity to build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and provide much-needed emotional support—especially for those who feel more comfortable speaking Albanian.

Why volunteer with us?

✔ Support members of the Albanian-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a meaningful impact on someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Enhance your own sense of fulfilment and purpose

Requirements:

✔ Volunteers must complete an online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—both fully paid for by the organisation.

How to get involved:

Simply apply through CharityJob’s website. No previous experience is required—just a friendly, compassionate nature and a willingness to listen.

✔ Open to UK residents only.

Help us spread kindness and connection within the Albanian-speaking community across the UK!

Ride High Children’s Volunteer 

Children's team seeking friendly, encouraging, supportive volunteers that are open to working with horses. No experience necessary. 

At Ride High MK, our charity helps over 120 children a week. These local children are referred to us for many reasons and could face serious challenges including poverty, mental health issues, and social isolation or be tackling issues such as grief, young carer responsibilities and bullying. With referrals from over 40 local agencies, including CAMHS, schools, and social services, Ride High plays a critical role in Milton Keynes’ social care and wellbeing landscape. We do this through a unique combination of equine-assisted learning and education.  

Every two-hour session for the children consists of one hour riding and horse care and one hour of clubroom work. The instructors at the riding school run the hour on the yard with our volunteers supporting the children and our skilled club leaders run the clubroom sessions. These include various projects and creative activities to work on personal and life skills. 

The Children’s volunteer role involves welcoming the children, helping to find their equipment, getting them out into the stable yard for their lesson on time, assisting with riding lessons where appropriate (no experience necessary) and clubroom activities, giving the children refreshments and helping to see that they get their transport home. 

We are looking for volunteers, aged 18 or over, who can commit to a regular weekly time to work with the children; helping to build their confidence, encouraging them to participate in sessions. Our greatest need is for volunteers who can help in the yard sessions, donating an hour of their time each week for the first hour of the session to help us keep the children safe and giving reassurance and encouragement so they get the most out of their session with the horses. The volunteers lead our horses while the children hone their skills and help them to understand and process directions from their riding instructors.

Timings:  

Monday to Friday (term-time only). 10:30am - 12:30pm 1:30pm-2:30pm or 2:30pm-3:30pm 

If you'd like to visit Ride High for a tour and to find out more about becoming a children's volunteer, contact Joanna

Would you like to support people in their time of need?

At our sanctuary (Finsbury Park, North London) for those in suicidal crisis, we offer a potentially transformative experience with a once-only 5 day (4-night) stay at our non-medical, family-style house. Through respite, time and space for reflection and compassionate and nurturing care, our Volunteer Befrienders and Lead Befrienders support an opportunity for the revival of hope and resilience.  

Volunteer Befrienders are key to Maytree and work alongside Lead Befrienders to provide an open and containing space for people who are feeling suicidal. 

Befriending is as it sounds: sitting alongside our guests as a friendly, compassionate and non-judgemental companion. Through active listening and human warmth our volunteers enable our guests to feel supported, explore their feelings in a confidential setting and discuss their options in their own way and in their own time. This face-to-face support is not therapy; it is about being calm and committed and not afraid of difficult subjects, including suicide.  

The Listening Place is a volunteer-led charity aiming to transform how we support people who feel suicidal.  Our trained volunteers are part of a team delivering face-to-face, confidential, ongoing support to thousands of people each year.  They help create the warm and welcoming environment that encourages people struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings to talk openly without being judged or given advice.   

Helping Volunteers are responsible for welcoming visitors onto our premises, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere (along with a cup of tea), and supporting our Listening Volunteers to help everything run smoothly.

We are looking for volunteers who have the empathy to greet distressed visitors, the willingness to undertake a variety of admin and other tasks and the resilience to support their team.  Our HVs need to be proactive, self-starters and team players with a basic understanding of IT. We ask for a weekly commitment of four hours for a period of at least six months.

We are primarily recruiting Helping Volunteers for our Hammersmith and Liverpool Street sites.

Become a Trustee with WCC and use your professional expertise to support Londoners affected by trauma, inequality, and mental health challenges. We’re looking for passionate, collaborative, and strategic thinkers with skills in finance or fundraising, who are committed to inclusion and improving mental health outcomes. As part of a dedicated and diverse board, you’ll play a vital role in guiding our growth and impact.

We are currently recruiting for two trustee roles:

Finance Trustee- One Role

In this finance trustee role, we are looking for a qualified accountant and member of recognised UK accounting body, so you will be an experienced financial professional preferably with knowledge of charity accounting. The finance trustee will be able to apply this strategically to support with budget forecasting and financial planning

Specific responsibilities of a finance trustee:

• Support and provide advice on WCC’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities

• Oversee WCC’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored, and controlled effectively

• Review and approve WCC’s financial reports and statements

• Provide support and challenge to WCC’s senior manager in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs

• Support the Finance Manager in ensuring trustees understand financial reports as it is a group responsibility of all trustees to understand and agree with the financial affairs of the charity

• Contribute to regular reviews of WCC’s governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect WCC’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member • Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion

• A strong personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

• Willingness to lead according to our values 

Fundraising Trustee- One Role

You will have the opportunity to use your fundraising skills and experience to support us in building fundraising plans and strategy, and to educate other trustees about this area. Your expertise in fundraising and communications will help us open up new funding streams and opportunities for growth, helping us to have an even greater impact on the lives of Londoners struggling with mental health difficulties and trauma.

We are looking for someone with skills and experience in charity fundraising or communications, including areas such as Trusts and Foundation funding, the National Lottery, community/corporate fundraising and individual giving. Ideally we are looking for someone with understanding of the fundraising challenges facing smaller charities.

Duties of a fundraising trustee:

• Support and provide advice on WCC’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities

• Oversee WCC’s fundraising plans and work with the CEO to monitor and evaluate progress

• Supporting the delivery of a realistic but ambitious funding pipeline

• Work with the CEO to identify new funding opportunities and income streams, and build new relationships

• Ensure that key funding risks are being identified, monitored, and controlled effectively

• Contribute to regular reviews of WCC’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect WCC’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member • Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion

• A strong personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

• Willingness to lead according to our values

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops and warehouses, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem. 

About the volunteer role

To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:

• Stock preparation volunteer
• Volunteer stock generation assistant
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
• Housekeeping volunteer

Key tasks

There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:

• If you are volunteering in one of our warehouses there may be some variation in your role
• We are looking for ebay listers, including researching items, help with processing and packing our online shop orders.
• Support with our van drivers, collecting and delivering stock to our network of shops and also helping with local street collections.
• Receiving donated items from members of the public
• Sorting, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
• Stock rotation
• Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock

About you

• Passionate about customer service
• Good communication skills 
• Friendly and helpful
• Respectful of others and their diversity

Experience & skills you will gain

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Retail experience 
• Stock organisation
• Selling skills 
• Customer service skills 

Our Commitment

We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

Are you passionate about health equity and social justice? Do you want to use your skills to make a real difference in communities across the North of England?

BHA For Equality is seeking new Trustees to join our Board as we continue our vital work challenging health inequalities and supporting communities to improve their health and wellbeing

About Us

For 35 years, BHA For Equality has been at the forefront of addressing health and social care inequalities. As a user-led charity with £2.4M turnover, we deliver essential services in HIV and sexual health, cancer prevention, TB, mental health, and community engagement across Leeds, Manchester, Wakefield, Liverpool, Coventry and Warwickshire.

The Opportunity

As a Trustee, you'll help shape our strategic direction, ensure strong governance, and champion our mission to amplify the voices of Black and minority ethnic, LGBTQ+, and marginalised communities in health and social care.We're Particularly Seeking

• Individuals from the communities we serve who understand lived experiences of health inequalities
• Professionals with legal or HR expertise to strengthen our Board's skill set
• Leaders committed to equity, inclusion and social justice

What We Offer

• Opportunity to influence real change in health equity
• Join a dynamic Board leading an established, impactful charity
• Support communities whose voices are too often unheard
• Professional development and networking opportunities

Time Commitment:

Quarterly Board meetings, occasional sub-committee involvement and one away day per year     

How to Apply

Send your CV/LinkedIn profile and a short covering note explaining your interest and what you'd bring to the Board to CEO Aydin Djemal

Prefer an informal chat first? Just email to arrange.Join us in our mission for health equality. Your expertise and passion can help us build healthier, more equitable communities.

#TrusteeOpportunity #CharityTrustee #HealthEquality #BoardDiversity #NonExecDirector #CharityGovernance #SocialJustice #VCSE

We’re Mind, the leading mental health charity. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We provide advice and support to empower anybody experiencing a mental health problem and we campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our volunteers are a fundamental part of our shops. Any time which they volunteer at our shops, help us be there for more people who are experiencing a mental health problem. 

About the volunteer role

To provide our volunteers with opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience, we offer them a range of volunteer roles to choose from, which include:

• Stock preparation volunteer
• Volunteer shop sales assistant
• Volunteer stock generation assistant
• Volunteer window dresser/Merchandiser
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (antiques and collectables)
• Specialist knowledge volunteer (books and entertainment)
• Housekeeping volunteer

Key tasks

There is a variety of tasks within the above mentioned roles that our volunteers get involved with, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers with their purchases, providing them with great customer service and a delightful shopping experience
• Receiving donated items from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated items for sale
• Creating visually appealing window and in-store displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, clean and coordinated
• Processing sales and serving at the till
• Signing up gift aid donors
• Stock rotation
• Identifying special or valuable items within donated stock

About you

• Passionate about customer servise 
• Good communication skills 
• Friendly and helpful
• Respectful of others and their diversity

Experience & skills you will gain

• Experience of working as part of a team
• Retail experience 
• Stock organisation
• Selling skills 
• Customer service skills 

Our Commitment

We are committed to becoming actively anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

Homeless Health Peer Advocate - Salford

Aim of the role

As a Homeless Health Peer Advocate, you will form part of our team helping those experiencing homelessness to achieve better health outcomes.

Homeless Health Peer Advocacy is a pioneering model of advocacy style support. It aims to work towards an inclusive health system where everyone has access to the healthcare they need; ultimately moving people out of homelessness. We want to make it easy for people to access healthcare and improve their health. We know that Homeless Health Peer Advocacy creates a foundation for moving out of homelessness.

Suggested time commitment

Flexible – this volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday: 9-5

Location

Home, Office (Manchester) and Community (Salford)

Supervised by

Ped Durling (Project Coordinator), Esther Baker (HHPA Peer Coordinator)

Main Tasks

This is a varied role, and you could do some or all the following activities:

• Arranging and committing to regular time each week to support clients to get help with their health needs.
• Acting as an advocate for the client, preparing for and supporting with appointments, results, letters and helping them to speak up for themselves.
• Updating your supervisor about calls to people experiencing homelessness and reporting any information/advice/guidance that has been requested
• Reporting any concerns about safety
• Providing feedback to help improve and develop the service
• Sometimes you may meet a client for a one-off appointment, or you might be working with a client over several weeks or months, depending upon their health needs. 

Skills and experience

We are looking for:

• People with lived experience of homelessness (all forms e.g., rough sleeping, sofa surfing, hidden homelessness)
• Friendly with good listening skills

• Able to listen and respond to information provided
• A positive, can-do attitude
• Good timekeeping and reliability

• The ability to communicate clear information

Induction, Learning & Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Shelter will:

• Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies and Procedures
• Provide training: including Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, and Safeguarding
• Provide access to our suite of internal training programmes and other appropriate Shelter training
• Provide on the job induction
• Pay out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

What you will gain:

• Experience in homeless health advocacy with a leading national charity working with people experiencing homelessness
• The opportunity to use your lived experience of homelessness to help develop trusting relationships with other people experiencing homelessness
• Access to progression support and reflective practice
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a team
• Equipment, like a phone etc to help you in your role
• References provided if required to potential employers if you are looking for work
• Regular catchups with your supervisor and opportunity to reflect on your input and role

Next steps:

Please complete an online application for this role. After you have applied, we will hold an informal recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

If you would like any more information on the role or advice on how to apply, please contact us.

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.

We are looking for pro-active, enthusiastic and motivated young professionals to join our board - you can help lead the strategic development of one of Dundee’s most promising and dynamic charities!

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who are young people with lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges.

THE DETAILS

Feeling Strong is an exciting Dundee-based charity with the ambition to improve the lives of young people living with mental health and wellbeing challenges by fostering the skills, confidence and aspirations they need to flourish. Our services are designed by young people, delivered by young people for the benefit of young people, and we believe that this youth-led/peer-led approach is our biggest asset in tackling issues around mental health and wellbeing. We support stable recovery journeys for young people, lead campaigns to tackle societal issues, develop quality resources based on our own research, and tackle the disparity they face in unemployment, underemployment and accessing opportunities like further and higher education.

YOUR COMMITMENT

Whilst the Trustee Board meets for formal meetings 6 times a year, successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the organisation more widely, taking part in fundraisers, external events, strategic planning and advising the staff team when needed. The average contribution expected of Trustees is around one - two hours per month.

Work-related travel costs will be reimbursed.

APPLYING

Training and induction will be provided so we are open to all candidates, and we expect them to develop skills once in post, but we would welcome candidates with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous board experience

• Business development and trading income generation

• Human resources

• Lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges

• Financial background

Are you motivated by the opportunity to positively impact the UK’s mental health at the highest level, and be part of an internationally recognised organisation improving therapy standards? You might just be the right person to join the UK Council for Psychotherapy team.

Who is the UK Council for Psychotherapy?

UK Council for Psychotherapy is the leading organisation for psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors in the UK. We believe that psychotherapy can help us in profound ways, solving immediate issues and transforming how we think, feel and behave. Alongside offering professional support for our members, we are the leading research, innovation and educational body working to advance psychotherapies for the benefit of all. We regulate the profession and speak up for the importance of psychotherapy.  

What matters to us

UKCP’s mission: We see first-hand the power of psychotherapy to improve lives, so we speak up for the importance of psychotherapy in national and local policymaking and represent the social value of psychotherapy in the UK today.

Our vision: A society that understands the value and impact of high-quality psychotherapy, the importance of making psychotherapeutic services available to those in need and the relevance of psychotherapy in improving lives.

And our all important values: Our values are central to us. We recruit according to them, appraise our people against them, embed them in our working practices with colleagues, ensure that our practice is continually informed by them and measure our impact against them. We encourage you to read the candidate pack to learn more about our values.

So what does life as a trustee at UKCP look like?

Are you looking for a voluntary role that is rewarding and offers you the chance to provide leadership with your HR or communications skills? Then here is a look at some of the key tasks you’ll be involved in as trustee. You will:

• help to embed good governance practices in everything UKCP, the trustees and officers, and staff undertake as well as promoting diversity and inclusion
• provide leadership and direction to the organisation in order to pursue UKCP’s vision, mission and strategic direction
• prepare for and attend Board and other meetings and contribute expert ideas and know-how
• provide your HR or communications expertise to support understanding and decision-making across the Board.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

UKCP is committed to doing more to reflect the communities we serve. The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – Belonging, Intersectionality, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (EDI-BIIDE) Committee plays a vital role within UKCP governance, driving the strategic management of equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for two trustees who share our desire to improve the UK’s mental health and an appreciation of the role of high-level oversight in achieving this. Having communications, PR or professional HR expertise, along with an understanding of the distinction between governance and management, will be key in these trustee roles.

If you have experience in working in an influential role and feel that you have good, independent judgement; can also act with impartiality, fairness and respect confidences; we believe that you may be a great addition to our board.

Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining UK Council for Psychotherapy.

Sounding good? Here’s how you can apply today.

Eastside People is supporting UK Council of Psychotherapy in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• why you are interested in the trustee roles at UKCP
• having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills you feel you would bring to this role. This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is Monday 24th November. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after, and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with UKCP shortly after this. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

A message from our Chair of Trustees – Andrew Carter

Thank you for your interest in joining the team at Off The Record South East Hampshire (OTR).

This recruitment pack provides the information you need to apply to be a Trustee including:

• Details of our vision, mission and values.

• Information about the work we do, our impact and our future plans

• An overview of our organisational structure

• Information about the role and expectations of our trustees

If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please advise in your cover letter and she can arrange an informal chat with me.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Best wishes,

Andrew

Chair of Trustees

OTR

A message from our CEO: Corniche Plumridge

As the chief executive,  my role and the trustees is all about teamwork and support. I'm here to bring Off The Record’s strategic vision to life by sharing accurate and timely information, making sure they have what they need to make great decisions. In return, the trustees provide valuable guidance and oversight, helping us stay on track with our organisation's mission.

ADVERT

Are you passionate about young people's wellbeing?

Off The Record (OTR) are looking for new trustees to join our Board of Trustees.

Our vision is to support young people’s mental health to fulfil their potential for a brighter future.

We believe that young people should have more control and influence in how services for them are managed and changed, by being part of the organisation that develops the services that support their community.

We particularly want to attract applications from young people, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent and disabled, and people of colour, because they are under-represented in our Trustee team.

Off The Record (OTR) is an independent charity based in the Havant Borough. We have been supporting young people and their families in Southeast Hampshire and surrounding areas since 1977.

We offer free 1-2-1 and family counselling, group work services for those 11 to 25 and support for their families, we deliver a young carer programme to young people ages 8 to 25.

This is an opportunity to really make a difference to the lives of young people in our community!

We are actively seeking trustees from all areas of life,

You will play a crucial role in guiding the governance of OTR. You will work collaboratively with other members of the Board of Trustees to ensure effective management and sustainability of our charity.

This is an unpaid voluntary position, requiring a commitment of approximately 4-6 hours per month. 

Our Trustee board meet every month; in-person bi-monthly for 2 hours with the months in between a shorter 1-hour online meeting. On occasion there will ad-hoc meeting to meet the needs of the organisation and to carry out the trustee role.

OTR embraces equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Responsibilities:

· Provide strategic guidance and expertise to support Off The Record's vision and mission.

· Actively participate in board meetings, contributing ideas, insights, and constructive feedback.

• Assist in the development and provide oversight of operational policies, procedures, and initiatives to further the organisation's objectives.
• Help oversee the governance of the charity in accordance with the Charity Commission’s published guidelines. 

· Promote the Charity’s work and values within your networks and wider communities.

· Collaborate with fellow trustees, staff, and volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the charity's operations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The statutory duties of a trustee

· To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

· To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document

· To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objective

· To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

· To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.

· To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

· To ensure the financial stability of the organisation

· To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds

· To observe and follow the latest version of the Charity Commission Guidance

Other duties

· Scrutinising board papers

· Leading discussions

· Providing guidance on new initiatives

· Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise

· Participating in working groups outside of Board meetings

Trustee person specification

 · Commitment to the organisation

· Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort – which could be several hours per week to keep up with incoming emails and correspondence, Monthly Trustee meetings and the Annual General Meeting.

 · Strategic vision

· Good, independent judgement

· Ability to think creatively

· Willingness to speak their mind

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Qualifications and Skills:

· A genuine interest in the well-being and mental health of young people.

· Previous experience as a trustee or in a similar governance role would be advantageous but not essential.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· Knowledge and understanding of the voluntary sector and charity governance or willingness to learn.

• Ability to promote the Charity’s work and values within your networks and wider communities.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: safeguarding, counselling, mental health, fundraising, finance, marketing, law, or HR would be desirable (but not essential).

Benefits:

· The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people through Off The Record (OTR).

· Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a governance role within a charity.

· Expand your professional network and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

· Gain satisfaction from being part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal. 

About us

You will be joining the charity at an exciting time.

OTR has been part of our community since 1977, our purpose has remained the same throughout, to

support young people’s mental health to fulfil their potential for a brighter future, however during this

time we have evolved, expanded and developed our services. We put young people at the heart of what

we do, by integrating youth voice into our services we are continuously evolving to meet current needs

of young people and their families.

You will be joining an amazing and established team.

A staff of 16 cover all bases, with an established admin and front-line group work and Young Carer

teams, and leadership team that oversee admin, therapeutic and youth services, business support,

volunteers, finance, safeguarding and clinical supervision. Our dedicated counsellors and volunteers

deliver the therapeutic services and information and support calls. Our trustees meet every month,

alternating between formal board meetings, and trustee ongoing development meetings.

You will be joining a safe and respected service, that is long standing and held dearly by our

local community.

Our policy and procedures ensure a high standard of operational and clinical governance across the

organisation, that is brought to life with an excellent induction and training programme, and varied and

topical CPD opportunities throughout the year. We are always reminded of our legacy by the continued

support from local community groups and businesses because of the difference our support made to

them or someone they care about.

You will be joining an inclusive and caring culture.

If you feel you have the expertise,please apply with the following:

· A full CV

· A covering letter detailing all of the below:

o What skills/knowledge will you be bringing

o Explanation of any gaps in your CV

Successful applicants will be invited for an informal chat with the chair of trustee and CEO prior to an interview being arranged.

As part of our commitment to safe recruitment, all appointments are subject to Enhanced DBS with

Barred List checks and references will be taken up.

OTR embraces equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that

represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our

work will be.

Please advise us of any requirements to support your application to us.

Details:

· Hours; 4-6 per month

· Location: Online and in person

· Application deadline: Ongoing

Want to support a good cause?

We offer:

· A team that really cares, supports and champions one another.

· Friendly environment and practices.

· Access to training.

· Social events to spend time with the team and have some fun!