Volunteer lead volunteer roles in ashford, middlesex

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)

Founded in 2011 by Sophie Hayes, a British woman trafficked into sexual exploitation, Sophie Hayes Foundation’s work has always been centred around sustainable freedom. This means freedom from exploitation, slavery, and trafficking, and also the freedom to look to the future with renewed confidence, rebuilt skills, and a sense of purpose for survivors. Our mission of sustainable freedom has continued over the last 13 years, however, the forms of exploitation, as well as the landscape of support to survivors, have changed beyond recognition. To respond to this, we launched a new strategy in 2024, which set out how we will ‘meet survivors where they are and take them to where they want to be’

Sophie Hayes Foundation aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner. The Chair plays an important part in setting the tone and bringing all stakeholders together.

Governance and Culture: As Chair, you provide appropriate leadership, oversight and support to the Board and management team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities. The Trustee Board is made up of a diverse group of people, each bringing their own ideas, skills and networks to support the executive team. A new CEO joined the charity about 18 months ago. She has worked to build a strong team and achieved a great sense of community amongst staff, volunteers and programme participants. She worked closely with the Board in the development of a new strategy, is building strong relationships with donors and supporters, and continues to oversee the management of the day to day - with an eye on both long-term needs and immediate challenges.

Development: We rely on support from foundations, key donors and the public, and as Chair, you will be an important representative of the organisation, working with the CEO and other Trustees to build and maintain strong relationships.

Advocacy: Sophie Hayes Foundation is working to improve understanding of the Modern Slavery sector, enhance understanding of the issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers. As Chair, along with other Trustees, you may be called on to assist the CEO with advocacy and to build our brand.

Commitment: We have a bold vision to increase our impact through a combination of direct programming with survivors and through advocacy to build awareness and support. You will need to have the time to contribute to our growth strategy by chairing Board meetings, supporting Committee Chairs, Board officers, and our small but mighty management team, and represent Sophie Hayes Foundation to key stakeholders.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The PR is responsible for the preparation of a press kit and outreach communications to send to journalist and media companies to publish our news on their blogs, sites, socials etc.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will create a pool of contacts on excel spreadsheet to use for press releases and media outreach on behalf of the organisation

Creating stories for several projects that are of clear benefit to the organisation including our films, music productions, acting for film workshops, artist development workshops for young people from different boroughs in West London. This role will work closely with project stakeholders, including young people organisations, funders and partners, probation officers, as well as collaborate with our Research and Performance and Collective Action departments to learn from our work and embed best practice.

This role will work closely with the Managing Director and project manager colleagues to lead our delivery portfolio through your story creations.

You will also promote our projects, recruit volunteers to support our promos and promote our programmes through the online platform such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The PRO  will be responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating the success of online promotional programmes. They will work closely with a portfolio of partners to design meaningful online interventions for our beneficiaries, as well as leading on the recruitment of volunteers to promote programmes and the evaluation of programmes using the One Place vision of change.

KEY SKILLS

Understanding and experience of marketing and online promotion of projects such as films and music with experience of promoting effective projects on a regional scale preferred but not essential, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and a passion for making a difference to the lives of young people and organisations purpose. We are looking for someone who is proactive, inclusive, inspiring, highly organised and uses their initiative to find creative solutions and manage multiple priorities.

Ready to help shape the future of students’ lives?
Middlesex Students’ Union (MDXSU) is looking for three new Trustees, including a new Chair of the Board, to join our vibrant and values-driven organisation.

At MDXSU, we empower Middlesex University students to shape their lives, build their futures, and create change—together. Through student communities, campaigning, events, and independent advice, we help turn a good education into a transformative one. 

About the Role

We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about education, social justice, and the power of student-led change. As a Trustee, you’ll help shape MDXSU’s strategic direction, scrutinise finances, and ensure we’re fulfilling our charitable purpose.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds—particularly those with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Membership-led or student-led organisations
• Finance or legal oversight
• HR and organisational development
• Higher education policy
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Fundraising and income development
• Charity governance
• Community connections in North London

About You

We're seeking individuals who are:

• Proactive, collaborative and strategic thinkers
• Committed to MDXSU's values and mission
• Confident communicators who can support and challenge effectively
• Passionate about student voice and social change 

For the Chair role, we're looking for an experienced leader to guide the Board, support the CEO, and help drive the organisation to new heights. If interested, please indicate this in your application.

Time Commitment & Expenses

• Approx. 5 board meetings per year (in-person in London)
• Optional involvement in sub-committees (4 additional online meetings annually)
• Occasional away days or events
• All reasonable expenses covered, with travel and accommodation booked by MDXSU

How to Apply

To apply, send your CV and a one-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience matches our needs. Please apply by midday on Thursday 31st July 2025 to be considered for our next round of interviews in early August. Applications will remain open until all positions are filled.

Who we are 

ECA offers a Social Centre that serves as a place for people to reconnect with old friends and meet new people in a secure and inviting setting. While activities are primarily aimed at elderly and vulnerable adults in the local area, the centre is open to everyone.

Our current programme includes

• Social gatherings at the Elleray Social Centre.
• Arts, crafts, educational talks, and workshops.
• Exercise Classes, Gentle fitness classes tailored for seniors, both indoor and outdoor.
• Counselling and support groups.
• Outings

Services like hairdressing, chiropody, and daily hot lunches

How we operate 

The Social Centre is managed by a Centre Manager, Administrator, Activity and Volunteer Coordinator, and a cook. They are supported by a team of approximately 40 volunteers who assist in the office, gardens, café, and facilitate daily activities. The organization operates as a Charitable Company regulated by the Charities Commission and has eight Trustees on the Board of Trustees. The Trustees meet six times a year, with additional meetings as needed.

To discuss the role further, please contact the current Chair, Joan Barnett.

Chair Role Description 

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that ECA achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the Centre Manager and team to achieve ECA’s mission.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and ECA’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for ECA.

What we are looking for

• Ideally previous experience of being a trustee.  
• A keen sense of strategic purpose.
• Governance and committee experience in a charity or business setting.
• Strong in execution and managing transformation projects, including leading the charity in the new ECA building setting.  
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and ability to constructively negotiate and collaborate with various institutions, entities, and personnel.
• Affinity with and commitment to the local SW London and Teddington area.
• Business experience and awareness across finance, risk, IT, and people management, would be desirable.    
• An inclusive leadership style, able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.  
• The ability to listen and engage effectively, comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.  
• In advocation, be able and willing to champion ECA’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.  
• Be available, responsive and flexible to advise, support or give consent to, as needed.

Terms of office  

• Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending [6] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are generally held in person at the ECA building.
• Periodic meetings with the Centre Manager and management team, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad-hoc issues.
• Other meetings, including on potential strategy and other charity-related issues.  

In addition to the above, the Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees 

• Support and provide advice on ECA’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.  
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation. 
• Oversee ECA’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.  
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation. 
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively. 
• Review and approve ECA’s financial statements. 
• Provide support and challenge to the ECA’s management team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. 
• Keep abreast of changes in ECA’s operating environment. 
• Contribute to regular reviews of the ECA’s own governance. 
• Convene and attend Board meetings, and be prepared to contribute to discussions and lead on proposed outcomes.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect ECA’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests. 
• Contribute to the broader promotion of ECA’s objects, aims, and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.

Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees 

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and act in the best interests of the charity. 
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgment, and work effectively as a board member. 
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.  
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. 
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission. 
• Willingness to lead according to the ECA values.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

The Elleray Centre

The Centre will be fully accessible, featuring a lift to the first floor. It includes a large hall that can split into two rooms and two additional activity rooms upstairs. A café and lounge will also open onto a garden with outdoor seating.

The funding for the new centre comes from Richmond Council, acknowledging ECA's local contributions over three decades. The future centre is leased from the council.

Deadline 31/10/2025

Application includes CV and brief covering letter 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

We are recruiting a new Trustee!

Training Link, a small friendly charity based in Somers Town, near the British Library, is looking for a new trustee to join our Board.

Becoming a trustee for Training Link is an exciting and fulfilling role. The role of a trustee is to ensure that our charity fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries through contributing to the strategic development, effective governance and financial management of the organisation.

About Training Link

Training Link is a small and welcoming charity based in the St Pancras and Somers Town ward of the London Borough of Camden where 18% of residents have no qualifications. We provide a range of IT training, accredited vocational training, employability support, ESOL, one to one literacy support and advice and advocacy, mainly around benefits and immigration. The aim is to help people gain employment or to move on to further education, training or volunteering.

Training Link is a registered charity No 1051662 and a company limited by guarantee.  It is a well-established organisation, set up forty years ago and with a good local reputation. 

Our Team 

There is a staff team of six, mainly working part time for one or two days per week.  There are six regular volunteers and a further twelve or so volunteers providing ESOL (English as a second language) support.  Training Link is run by a Management Committee consisting of the Trustees, Director and three Management Committee members.

The role of a Trustee 

Training Link is governed by a Management Committee which currently consists of five Trustees and three others who support the Trustees. The management committee members make sure that the charity does what it was set up to do and that it is run effectively. The management committee meets approximately every two months.  In between meetings there are smaller sub-groups which meet to address specific tasks such as finance and fundraising.

 The trustees are legally responsible for overall management and decision-making and must act with integrity, openness and honesty.  They need to be willing to give their time to take an active part in running Training Link and they must be committed to Training Link’s diversity and inclusion policy and practice. All trustees are expected to attend at least 75% of Management Committee meetings per year.

Reimbursement of expenses

Trustees and Management Committee members can be reimbursed for expenses such as travel linked to Training Link activities but will not be paid simply for being a Trustee or for carrying out tasks for Training Link.

Becoming a Trustee

To apply, please e-mail us your CV and a short covering letter to Tanya Buynovskaya saying why you want to be a Training Link Trustee and what skills you can bring to our organisation.

The first step is an informal conversation with Training Link’s Director.  You will be given an overview of our current work and will be given further information about our governance, policies and financial situation.

The second step is a formal interview with trustees which will take place in September. If selected, you will be invited to join our Management Committee and will receive a proper induction from both the Director and the Chair of the Board.

You will also be required to give your permission for us to apply for a DBS check for you and you must let us know if you joining us would involve any conflict of interest.

Rewards of Trusteeship

While being a trustee does involve time and commitment, the satisfaction and sense of achievement that you gain from the role more than makes up for this.  We do make a real difference to people’s lives through improving their confidence and skills and providing the opportunity to get accredited qualifications.  And of course, being a charity trustee can open the door to other opportunities.

How to Apply

To apply, please e-mail us your CV and a short covering letter saying why you want to be a Training Link Trustee and what skills you can bring to our organisation. The deadline for applications is Monday 11th August 2025.

Wekume

Wekume is a comprehensive mobile app designed to provide university students in Uganda with seamless access to reproductive health services, including counseling, testing, products, and health education, while also offering personal development resources like business incubation and career-building opportunities

• Limited Access to Reproductive Health Services: Many university students in Uganda face barriers such as stigma, limited health resources, and lack of awareness, which prevent them from accessing essential services like family planning, STI testing, and HIV prevention.

• Stigma and Misinformation about Sexual Health: In my Ugandan community, discussions about sexual and reproductive health are often taboo, leading to misinformation and fear.

• Youth Unemployment and Lack of Opportunities: Beyond facing rigid access to reproductive health, there's a lot of unemployment among student

• Inclusivity for Vulnerable and Minority Groups: These marginalised groups include refugees and students with disabilities.

Wekume provides:

Convenient Access to Reproductive Health Services: Wekume provides a centralized mobile platform that enables students to easily obtain sexual and reproductive health information without the need to visit healthcare facilities in person. This includes:

• SafeChat: Anonymous virtual counseling services aimed at reducing stigma and promoting open discussions about reproductive health issues.

• QuickTest: A feature that allows students to schedule HIV testing and receive their results quickly.

• ARV Corner: Offers information and support regarding anti-retroviral treatment for students living with HIV.

International Fundraising Manager (US & Europe-based candidates)

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Wekume is a youth-led movement empowering students to reach their full potential by breaking barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) through collaboration, empathy, innovation, and community. Our core product — the Wekume app — provides university students with trusted, discreet access to lifesaving tools like SafeChat, QuickTest, ARV Corner, and SRH product ordering. Together with our on-campus engagements and social media platforms, Wekume helps students protect themselves and rewrite the narrative around SRH in Uganda.

Role Summary Wekume is seeking a Volunteer International Fundraising Manager to design, build, and lead our international fundraising efforts. This is a key leadership role, critical to growing partnerships with corporations, individuals, businesses, organizations, and allied nonprofits to help fund Wekume’s transformative work. You will recruit, guide, and mentor a team of experienced fundraisers and gift officers, working together to secure the support needed to:

1. Develop and launch our new and improved Wekume app
2. Fund vital programs, SRH product access, marketing, transportation, volunteer support, leadership salaries, and more
3. You will also help share Wekume’s story globally — inviting the world to stand in compassion and purpose alongside our innovative Ugandan team, and to advocate for hope, dignity, and the power to protect oneself.

Note: Wekume has 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship through Give to Africa, enabling U.S. donors to make tax-deductible donations. Additionally, Friends of Wekume is a non-profit charity awaiting 501(c)(3) status to provide US-based fundraising support to Wekume in Uganda.

Key Responsibilities

1. Build and manage Wekume’s international fundraising team
2. Develop and lead strategies to engage corporations, foundations, high-net-worth individuals, and other partners
3. Strengthen Wekume’s global donor network through storytelling, outreach, and relationship building
4. Ensure consistent progress on both major gift and grassroots international fundraising efforts
5. Collaborate closely with Wekume’s leadership, grants team, and marketing team to align messaging and goals
6. Mentor and inspire your team, fostering growth, accountability, and excellence

Required Qualifications

1. Significant experience in non-profit fundraising, donor engagement, or major gifts (international experience a plus)
2. Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring teams
3. Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
4. Passion for Wekume’s mission and the drive to help reshape futures alongside our Ugandan team
5. Strategic thinker, able to set vision and translate it into action

What You’ll Gain

1. A leadership role building the foundation for Wekume’s global fundraising success
2. The opportunity to make a transformative impact on young lives in Uganda
3. Experience leading international fundraising in a dynamic, start-up non-profit

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Haringey group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Haringey area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

A New Icon

We level the playing field for athletic sponsorships enabling more athletes to reach their full potential.

Large brands and agencies dominate the sports sponsorship marketplace. As a result, many athletes, including female, disabled, and LGBTQ+ athletes from various ethnicities or lower socioeconomic backgrounds, are often left without sponsors and access to what they need to reach their potential.

In addition, many sponsors need help finding and developing a genuine connection with an athlete, which leads to issues connecting with their audiences. There is no way to search for sponsors or athletes directly without involving costly agencies. Transparency and self-management are crucial in democratising the marketplace. The opportunity to make this sector more equitable is now.

We have built an innovative self-managed athlete-sponsorship platform focused on unique connections between sponsors and athletes. Sponsors, athletes, and fans can sign-up. Athletes create a public profile page with information and media about themselves. Sponsors create campaigns which athletes & teams search and apply for. In addition, all users can follow athletes who post on our social feed. Negotiation steps are in-built before the contract is confirmed; secure payment is taken for the sponsorship amount and held securely. As milestones are reached, an athlete's payment percentage is released, protecting both sides. our latest build has developed our campaign area, where marketing assets are now auto-generated in the brand and athlete voice through AI and ML implementation. Once a campaign has gone live, there is now a dashboard that shows its engagement success and delivers the data points you would expect to understand for each campaign alongside a social value calculation that maps to the SDGs and other CSR markers. 

Grant and Competition Writer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

We are looking for someone who loves to craft outstanding applications for grants and competitions. Strong writing and research skills are required to raise our profile and fundraising efforts over the next 6 months while we take our new platform to market and gain traction.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

As Donor Communications Officer at Roots Academy, you will lead the development and delivery of tailored communication strategies to engage, retain, and grow our donor base. This role is central to building lasting donor relationships and advancing Roots Academy’s mission through effective, values-driven communication.

Key tasks

• Defining and maintaining donor personas to ensure targeted, relevant messaging.

• Mapping the end-to-end donor journey and delivering timely, mission-aligned communications at each stage.

• Creating and sending monthly updates to new and recently lapsed donors to  encourage continued support.

• Collaborating with the content and fundraising teams to create compelling email content to attract and convert new donors.

• Developing and executing re-engagement strategies for lapsed monthly donors.

• Collaborating closely with the Marketing and Design teams to align messaging and visual content across campaigns.

What we’re looking for

• Passion for Islamic education and the development of young Muslims. 

• Excellent written communication skills with a warm, authentic tone.

• An understanding of the donor experience and the importance of relationship-building

• Strong attention to detail and an eye for clear, concise, and emotionally resonant copy.

• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and take initiative.

• Prior experience in communications, copywriting, fundraising or customer service (desirable but not essential).

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Professional development and practical experience in design and digital marketing.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah (personal & spiritual development) sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy. 

Trustee of North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Our Charity

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Historically the service was provided as part of Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West). We have operated as an independent charity since April 2024 (charity number 1203855) and this is an exciting time to help shape the strategy and direction of the organisation.

The board currently comprises of nine trustees and we are looking to appoint another trustee with experience of strategic HR and/or cultural change.

The Role

The duties of a trustee are as follows.

·Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

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

·Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public

·Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

·Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

·Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

·Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

·Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

·Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive and other staff members

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. 

Person specification 

·A commitment to the organisation 

·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort 

·Strategic vision 

·Good, independent judgement 

·An ability to think creatively 

·A willingness to speak their mind 

·An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

·An ability to work effectively as a member of a team 

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

Laurence’s Larder is a food aid charity based in Brondesbury Park, Brent. Every week we offer food parcels, sit-down hot meals, a clothes bank, social activities, and access to a wide range of vital support services. We are non-referral and open to all. We bring people together, alleviating both loneliness and food poverty, utilising surplus food that would otherwise go to landfill.

Laurence’s Larder is seeking a new Chair of the Board — someone who can bring energy, strategic thinking, and people skills to help guide the charity into its next phase. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to lead a well-respected, fast-growing charity that’s deeply embedded in its local community.

Role: Director of Local Operations

Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Director of Local Operations to develop and lead its Local Operations Departments (England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland) in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to have an impact at a local level through commissioned research projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring these Departments produce high-quality research projects which meet the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations and grow Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach in line with its strategic policies. Working closely with the COO and the Policy and Ethics Departments, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively guide and strengthen the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

● In line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, to lead the Local Operations Department in designing, developing and implementing impactful research and project objectives.

● To line manage the Head of Local Operations (England and Wales) and the Head of Local Operations (Scotland and Northern Ireland), supporting them to effectively manage their own teams and to develop and implement the frameworks necessary for producing top quality research projects based around both desktop research and fieldwork.

● To work with HR in creating a strong Local Operations Department composed of individuals with the appropriate skills and expertise. To ensure these volunteers are appropriately supported and trained during their period of service.

● To work alongside the Policy Department to source potential commission and project opportunities, shaping the focus and output of the Local Operations Department accordingly.

● To develop short- and long-term strategies in relation to the Department’s activity, ensuring that these align with the wider strategies of the organisation.

● To liaise with the Policy and Ethics Department of the organisation on an ongoing basis, ensuring that their advice is incorporated into Departmental decisions and output.

● To take responsibility for relationships with key external stakeholders, at all times representing the organisation positively and professionally.

● To work on an on-going basis with the other members of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team in determining its strategic priorities and incorporating these into the Department.

● To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategies and the Local Operations Department’s activities.

● To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Department in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.

● To create blogs and articles on related issues and to find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

● To support the Chief Executive Officer in presenting local operations strategies to Youth Advantage’s Trustees.

Requirements:

● Experience in research and planning, leading key campaigns or programmes.

● High-level understanding of carrying out quality desktop research and related fieldwork, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities.

● Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to effectively disseminating research results.

● Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members.

● Excellent writing and speaking skills.

● IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

● Ability to work well independently and in a team.

● Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

● Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits

● Gain valuable experience in leading a research and project team.

● Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.

● Flexible working hours.

We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our East Berkshire group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the East Berkshire area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.