Volunteer Receptionists Volunteer Roles
It’s fantastic that you would like to find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s. As a Project Support volunteer you will make a difference by supporting clients to engage with us in various ways. In this role, you will be supporting us with all or some of the following tasks: Supporting on reception by meeting and greeting clients and visitors, handling client and visitor queries, recording information as well as taking and redirecting calls and relaying messages. You will also help in our cafe where you will be serving free drinks and snacks to our clients while creating a friendly and safe environment for them to get engaged with the organisation and even make friends and develop life skills. This role will also involve providing additional support by guiding clients through the building when necessary, signposting them to the relevant team and participating in activities such as playing pool, arts and crafts.
Please see all locations and the time commitments we are currently recruiting for in this role:
- Bournemouth – Mondays-Fridays, 10am-1pm (minimum 1 shift per week)
What will I be doing?
As a Project Support Volunteer you will make a difference by supporting clients to engage with us in different ways. In this role, you will be supporting us with all or some of the following tasks:
- Reception and administration: meeting and greeting clients and visitors, handling client and visitor queries, recording information as well as taking and redirecting calls and relaying messages.
- Café: Serving free drinks and snacks to our clients while creating a friendly and safe environment for them to get engaged with the organisation and even make friends and develop life skills.
- Client activities: Guiding clients through the building when necessary and signposting them to the relevant team.
- Engaging with clients by playing pool, doing arts and crafts or just sitting down and talking to them.
- Adhering to St Mungo’s Policies and Procedures at all times.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have a variety of volunteer roles in our Sure Start Children’s Centres:
- Day-care assistant
- Reception/admin
- Group support worker
- Cook
- Domestic
- Caretaker
Volunteers play an important part in helping us to provide a quality service, while helping you build a portfolio of work experience and qualifications.
Why volunteer with us?
Make a difference
You can help create a positive and nurturing environment for our little ones to thrive.
Gain new skills
Gain valuable skills while working with an amazing group of like-minded people.
Community Connection
Join a community of compassionate individuals who share your passion for creating a better future for all generations.
Have fun!
Experience the joy of sharing laughter, learning, and special moments with our children and team!
What else do we offer?
- A wide variety of vacancies
- Advice and support
- Opportunity to develop new skills and gain experience in a work environment
- A placement with regular supervisions, guidance and feedback
- A professional working environment with well developed policies and procedures
- In house training if appropriate
- Paid expenses if necessary
- References for future employment
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We're extending the opening hours of our Family Support Centre, so families experiencing childhood cancer have access to more support services. We're looking for a volunteer to support the Family Support Team at the Weekend to deliver crucial support to our families.
Purpose of the Role and Key Activities
Families who have been affected by children’s cancer come to our Family Support Centre, known as The Square, to access a variety of support services. We’re looking for a volunteer to join the team and support our Family Support Coordinator make sure families feel welcomed and supported while at The Square.
- Making drinks for families and visitors
- Answering the telephone, transferring calls and taking messages
- Making bookings and updating our database
- Keeping the reception area clean and tidy
- Setting up rooms for meetings and events
We are looking for a volunteer who:
- Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Have experience of working in a customer service environment
- Are confident, friendly and approachable
- Have a fun and positive outlook
- Are proactive and able to use own initiative
- Have good IT skills and experience of using a database
- Are able to move furniture (tables and chairs) and boxes
- Are able to climb multiple flights of stairs
- Are able to maintain professional boundaries and follow Candlelighters Policies and Procedures.
This role is subject to an enhanced criminal record check, which is processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Support and Benefits
- Thorough induction & training to give you the confidence to perform your role well and to the best of your ability
- Opportunity to develop new and existing skills to help you beyond your involvement with Candlelighters
- Ongoing support from the Family Support and HR teams
- The opportunity to meet lots of new, friendly people
- The opportunity to expose yourself to new experiences
- Certain expenses to be reimbursed as agreed with your Volunteer Supervisor, in accordance with our Expenses policy
- Regular reviews with your Volunteer Supervisor to help you develop in your role
- Satisfaction in knowing you are making a valuable contribution to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer
- We can be a reference once you’ve volunteered for three months
- Access to a 24/7 mental health hotline
- Charity Worker Discount card
- Access to The Company Shop
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Client Support Volunteer
As a Client Support Volunteer, you will be an invaluable part of the East London Family Service team, supporting the Shelter London hub to deliver frontline services. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to the individuals we support. You’ll be developing your own knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of housing issues as well as providing practical support with form filling and providing a friendly, listening ear. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community.
The East London Family Service supports families with complex housing issues residing in Newham, Waltham Forest and Hackney.
Suggested Involvement: Approximately one day per week (can be flexible around your commitments) for a minimum of 6 months.
Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm
Location: Shelter London Hub - 26-28 Ramsgate Street, London, E8 2NA
Supervised by: Emma Butt
Why volunteer with Shelter?
A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now.
As a Client Support Volunteer, you’ll be supporting the day-to-day work of Shelter’s housing advisors as they provide advice, support and guidance to the people of Hackney, Newham and Waltham Forest.
Main tasks include
- Communicating with clients via phone and email to share updates on their case and to gather information.
- Assisting clients with form filling, paperwork and applications around housing and benefits. This will involve lone-working with the clients and their families face-to-face and over the phone.
- Supporting clients with digital skills, for example navigating online systems and forms.
- Signposting clients to relevant services and providing useful information.
- Covering reception and meeting and greeting people who are dropping into the office on an ad hoc basis.
- General administrative tasks (e.g. minute-taking, photocopying, scanning and filing).
Skills and experience required
- An interest in social welfare e.g. housing, welfare benefits, debt.
- Good communication skills (this may be through experience of working with the public).
- Ability to manage your own time and task load.
- Ability to collaborate with a team.
- Confident using IT including Microsoft Office programmes.
- Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including Volunteering, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Confidentiality and Data Protection.
Induction, learning & development
To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will
- Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures.
- Provide an induction into your role.
- Provide access to our learning on data protection, safeguarding, and screen wellness as well as other appropriate role specific training.
- Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy.
Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter
- Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness.
- Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV.
- Meet new people and be part of a great team.
- Build your confidence and develop transferable skills.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Heart diseases. Stroke. Vascular dementia. Diabetes. They're all connected, and they're all under our microscope. Our volunteers help us fund lifesaving science to improve the lives of families and loved ones living with heart and circulatory disease. If you can spare a few hours a week, or a couple of hours occasionally, we’d love you to join our volunteer team.
Are you calm, collected and happy to chat on the phone? Join the volunteer team at our new brislington furniture store. With support from the shop team, you will be the first point of contact for customers, helping them with any phone or online enquiries, arranging collections of donations via our local van teams and explaining our Gift Aid scheme. You will also be using our online collections request system to process online collection booking requests. This is a busy front of house role for those who like to be in the thick of it and makes a huge difference in helping us continue to fund lifesaving research.
Typical tasks include:
· Dealing with face-to-face, phone and online enquiries, supported by the team
· Reception and front of house duties, helping around the cashier desk
· Completing administration procedures accurately
· Arranging collections of donations via our local van teams
Volunteering with the British Heart Foundation comes with plenty of benefits too…
· A 25% discount on donated goods and 10% discount on New Goods in our shops
· Unlimited, free, and confidential support by Retail Trust
· Access to training and development
· Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed
· Refreshments available
· Volunteer certificates, references and long service awards provided
· Access to discounts with other retailers
Just so you know, we are unable to accept volunteers aged under 16 or with unspent criminal convictions. Please note this is an unpaid voluntary position in a friendly charity shop.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Brigstowe is looking for two Admin Volunteers to support our Office Manager for one day each, preferably on Mondays and Fridays.
The role will include:
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Admin for our peer support group – calling members of the group, recording attendance and client feedback
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General office admin (including front-of-house reception duties)
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Answering/making phone calls and transferring calls to colleagues
You will be working in the office alongside our committed and supportive staff team. You will be supervised and supported by Brigstowe’s full-time Office Manager. Full induction will be provided as well as ongoing training opportunities. In return, we require a minimum commitment of six months.
The role would suit someone with some admin experience who is comfortable with IT.
Brigstowe is a Bristol-based HIV support charity. We support people living with HIV and other long-term health conditions in Bristol and the surrounding areas and have been doing so for over 30 years.
Hours: One day or 2 half-days a week (preference for Mondays and Fridays)
Closing date: 1st April 2024, 9am
Brigstowe is committed to reducing inequality, valuing diversity and enabling inclusion. We welcome applicants with the appropriate skills of any background or identity. Candidates who are from underrepresented groups and have the right skills for this role, will automatically be shortlisted for interview.
If you would like to know more about the role, please call our office number and ask to speak with Sofia.
To apply for this role, please complete our Volunteer Application and Equal Opportunities Form and email to info at brigstowe dot org
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Administrative Support Volunteer
You can make a difference…Age UK Wandsworth is a small, local, independent charity that has been working with older people in the area since 1963. We rely on your support to keep serving the older residents within the Wandsworth community. We have a dedicated team of experienced staff and a large network of dedicated local volunteers. Our aim is to enable everyone to age well in Wandsworth. We would love your help to be able to continue to support older Wandsworth residents.
We are looking for reception volunteers to support our first contact staff at our office in Old York Road, Wandsworth. You will play a key role in creating a great first impression, greeting our visitors, answering the telephone and dealing with enquiries. You’ll be part of a friendly and caring team who work together to ensure that older people can ‘Age Well’ in Wandsworth.
About the service
You will have the opportunity to support staff with a wide range of desk-based and administrative and office-based tasks. Through managing and maintaining office systems that are essential to ensuring the smooth experience for all staff and service users. You will need to be confident on the phone and ideally have experience of using Outlook, Excel and Word although we can provide training if necessary. Most importantly, you will need to be reliable, a good timekeeper.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing general office support, handling telephone/email inquiries, and managing mail.
- Update and maintain accurate client information and data records.
- Scan, copy, organise and maintain physical files.
- Manage office equipment, supplies, and deliveries.
- Handle office phone calls and redirect as appropriate.
Skills required:
- A good communicator, a sense of humour, flexibility, and a team player
- Computer and telephone skills
- A commitment to confidentiality
- An understanding of professional boundaries, safeguarding and health and safety
- Reliability and good time keeping
Knowledge, training & qualifications
- IT-literate desirable
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in Wolverhampton which supports, empowers and advocates for women and children. We aim to actively encourage women to be self-reliant, through empowering them to identify their own needs, make their own choices and create their own solutions.
We offer short term home visits, counselling sessions, practical & emotional One to One support, Domestic violence groups, Awareness raising workshops and drop in or chat groups to help women facing crises or challenging situations.
Purpose
The effective provision of a welcoming client administration service for WFRC.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
1. Reception
To welcome clients and other visitors in person or on the telephone.
To answer the telephone and pass on messages to other WFRC staff and volunteers as well as signpost to other organisations where appropriate.
2. To assist the Office Manager to make reservations for and be the first point of contact for WFRC’s Chat group, events & other activities. To keep a record of all interested clients and send out relevant literature.
3. To assist with the purchasing and control of domestic matters, stationery, kitchen supplies and office equipment as requested by the Office Manager.
4. To assist in general recruitment activities such as writing, placing and updating adverts and undertake administrative duties to support WFRC Services.
5. To take the post to the central post office at the end of each day.
We welcome applicants on Placement, Work experience and charity worker visa sponsorship.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Organisation:
Shelter Housing Advice and Research Project
Organisation overview:
Shelter Housing Advice and Research Project was established in 1974 by Leicester Shelter Group. We provide much-needed advice, help and support for people who have been homeless or facing serious housing problems in the City of Leicester and Leicestershire. We are currently Lottery funded and as part of that we are offering volunteer work placements that will help people to secure paid employment or a route into further education.
Role Title:
Volunteer work placement training
Time commitment:
6-week placement
Location of position:
13 Welford Road,
Leicester, LE2 7AD
Responsible to:
Volunteer Coordinator
Summary of role:
To gain valuable work experience as well as assisting with the smooth and efficient running of Shelter Housing Aid and Research Project (SHARP), mainly through Administrative and Casework assistance. This will include covering reception and administrative duties as necessary, working alongside caseworkers to deliver cases and helping to research and update database information.
Skills gained from placement:
- Using the phone.
- Dealing with incoming and outgoing post
- Photocopying and scanning
- Being proficient in Microsoft Office databases and emails.
- Experience of using client database (Advice Pro)
- Comfortable working as part of a team.
- Not limited to the above
Criteria:
18yrs +
Not in employment
We will give priority to long term unemployed 3yrs +.
Be able to do Monday-Thursday for 6 weeks
Desirable criteria:
Good IT knowledge
Social media experience
Fundraising experience
Benefits of volunteering
As a volunteer you will benefit by gaining new skills, work experience, and increasing your confidence and self-esteem. To help towards gaining employment.
Training and support:
Induction to the organisation
Full training on all aspects of the role
Support, advice, and guidance from our Volunteer coordinator
Reimbursement of expenses:
Shelter will only reimburse the cost of return travel via bus.
Contact Information:
Deepa Bhogal
Volunteer Coordinator
Covid 19 measures
Social distancing in place, hand washing, access to hand sanitiser. Volunteer will have their own workstation.
You must be currently unemployed and be able to commit to volunteering Monday-Thursday for 6 weeks
Administrative Support Volunteer
As an Administrative Support Volunteer, you will play an essential role in the team, complimenting the work of the London Hub and allowing Shelter clients to receive the support that they need. The opportunity will allow you to make a difference in your local community as well as gaining hands-on experience in one of the UK's leading housing charities.
Suggested Involvement: A suggested minimum commitment of one day per week for six months
Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 10:00-17:00
Location: This role is based at 26-28 Ramsgate Street, London, E8 1LD
Supervised by: Hub Administrator
Why get involved with Shelter?
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We're here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.
Shelter volunteers are involved in our head office, services, shops, campaigns, events and our legal teams, and they all contribute their valuable time, skills and experience. We simply couldn’t achieve our goals without them.
Main tasks
- General administrative tasks (photocopying, scanning, and minute taking)
- Covering reception and meeting and greeting people who are dropping into the office on an ad hoc basis
- Supporting the delivery of Lived Experience Insight activities, by assisting setting up meetings & listening events, send reminder invites and forwarding other event information.
- Conducting client feedback calls
- Updating local resource documents, such as local authority information sheets
- Inputting information on to our case management system
- Supporting the team with resources for delivery of training
Skills and experience required
- Previous administrative experience or an interest in gaining administrative skills
- An interest in social welfare e.g. housing, welfare benefits, debt.
- Ability to manage your own time and task load
- Confident and professional telephone manner
- Good communication skills (this may be through experience of working with the public).
- Confident IT skills including Microsoft Office programmes.
- The ability to work as part of a team and value others
- Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies including Volunteering, Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity, Confidentiality and Data Protection
Induction, learning and development
To enable you to take part in this opportunity, Shelter will:
- Provide you with a Volunteer Handbook and all Policies & Procedures
- Provide e-learning including Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Data Protection, Environmental Awareness and Safeguarding
- Provide access to other appropriate Shelter training
- Provide a local induction relevant to your role
- Pay ‘out of pocket’ expenses in line with Shelter’s Volunteer Expenses Policy
Benefits of volunteering with Shelter
- Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
- Gain valuable work experience
- Be part of a great team
- Build your confidence and develop transferrable skills
- Enhances your CV
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help us to help local people in need
We are looking for several new volunteers to become Trustees to help us grow and develop our charity.
You don’t need to have been a Trustee already, be older, or have management experience. We are looking for people who can offer their time and are keen to help improve the service that we provide to local people in need.
We are keen to make our board more representative of the people we serve. We therefore particularly welcome applications from young people, people with disabilities, women, people of colour and anyone with an understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised communities.
What we do
Citizens Advice Runnymede & Spelthorne (CARS) provides valuable advice to over 6,000 people a year, helping them with issues such as housing, debt, benefits, employment and family. CARS is a local charity at the heart of our community. We are a team of around 50 employees and volunteers funded solely by grants and donations, and we are a member of the national Citizens Advice.
What a Trustee does
As a Trustee you will make sure that the charity is well run and help develop new ways to improve the charity’s services.
Who we are looking for
Above all we are looking for volunteers who are keen to help and have time to commit.
It may also help if…
You have had experience of or know someone who has used our services or those of a similar organisation and have an insight into the needs of marginalised groups and those who need help and advice.
We are also looking to bolster our fund-raising efforts and would like to hear from you if you have any knowledge or ideas in this area. This could be helping by using your contacts, preparing funding bids or raising donations from private or corporate donors.
As a new Trustee you will benefit from:
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Induction, training, and we will cover of out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. travel or child-care)
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Mentoring from an experienced trustee
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Opportunities to influence change and to make a difference
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Learning new skills and developing your personal networks
There are 5 Board meetings per year held in Addlestone, Surrey. They currently take place on a Monday, from 5.30 to 8.00 p.m. which can be attended in person or joined online. As a small charity, Trustees will have the opportunity to be involved in supporting the charity beyond Board meetings.
If you would like to apply, we can send you an application form. If you'd prefer, we welcome letters or short videos explaining why you are interested and how you feel you can help.
Join our passionate and committed board and help us continue providing high quality, innovative services to blind, visually impaired and those with profound disabilities across the West Midlands.
What will you be doing?
As the specialist fundraising trustee, you will play a pivotal role on the board of trustees in advancing the mission and objectives of our organisation. Your expertise in developing, implementing, and overseeing fundraising strategies and your commitment to improving the lives of adults with care and support needs will be crucial in securing the necessary financial resources.
Main Duties:
Fundraising Strategy: Provide expertise, advice and guidance in the development and implementation of our fundraising strategy.
Donor Engagement: Collaborate with the board and senior leadership team to develop and monitor the implementation of a comprehensive donor engagement plan that identifies and cultivates relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and partners who share our mission.
Grant Writing and Management: Provide expertise, advice, knowledge, and guidance regarding grant applications, work closely with the executive team to align grant proposals with organisational goals.
Fundraising Events: Contribute to the planning and execution of a community fundraising events program including mobilising volunteers and resources to ensure the success of these initiatives.
Major Gift Solicitation: Collaborate with the board and senior leadership to lead efforts to secure major gifts from high-net-worth individuals and corporate partners, leveraging your network and expertise in donor cultivation.
Online Fundraising: Provide oversight and guidance of our online fundraising campaigns, including crowdfunding, peer-to-peer fundraising and digital marketing initiatives. Monitor campaign performance and adapt strategies as needed.
Budget Oversight: Collaborate with the finance committee to develop and manage the fundraising budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial goals.
Compliance and Reporting: Ensure that Focus’s fundraising activities comply with legal requirements.
Advocacy and Public Relations: Act as an ambassador for Focus Birmingham advocating for the rights and needs of adults with disabilities. Assist in developing public relations strategies to raise awareness and support for the cause.
What are we looking for?
Strategic experience: Proven track record in fundraising at a senior level, with a deep understanding of various fundraising methods, including grants, major gifts, events, and online campaigns.
Passion for the Cause: A strong commitment to improving the lives of people with care and support needs and a deep empathy for the challenges they face.
Strong Networks in Birmingham: A skilled networker with strong networks in Birmingham and wider West Midlands area.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to strategically assist with grant writing, donor communications, and public speaking engagements.
Financial Acumen: Familiarity with budgeting and financial management related to fundraising activities.
Legal and Ethical Awareness: Knowledge of fundraising regulations and ethical considerations in the non-profit sector.
Team Player: Willingness to work collaboratively with other trustees and staff to achieve common goals.
Time Commitment: Availability to prepare for and attend board meetings (4 per year), committee meetings (4 per year), and fundraising events and other meetings as required.
We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse Board of Trustees and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
What difference will you make?
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people with care and support needs.
- Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and organisations.
- Professional development and experience in non-profit governance and fundraising.
- The satisfaction of contributing to a passionate organisation dedicated to making lives better.
If you are a dedicated fundraising professional with a passion for making lives better, we invite you to apply for this vital trustee role. Your expertise will be instrumental in securing the resources needed to enhance the quality of life and opportunities for people with care and support needs in our community.
The Reach TrusteeWorks team are supporting Focus Birmingham with their Board recruitment. To apply please submit a CV and a supporting statement.
Interested volunteers should provide a CV, together with a supporting statement explaining why you would like to become a Trustee of Focus. Please include how your skills and experience match the person specification and any other relevant details in support of your application.
For an informal chat about the role please contact the TrusteeWorks team who will be able to arrange this.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Kennedy Memorial Trust is seeking TWO new Trustees to join its Board from October 2024, one with university academic experience and one with operational management experience, to succeed Trustees who have reached the end of their terms of office.
The Kennedy Memorial Trust funds exceptional UK students to pursue graduate studies at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Set up as a ‘living memorial’ to President Kennedy following his assassination, the Trust has funded some 600 Kennedy Scholars since the first cohort departed in 1966. The strong trustee board is chaired by Sir Mark Walport.
The specific experience and skills we are seeking to recruit in these two roles are:
- Trustee 1: Current or recent experience as a an academic in a UK university, with insight into the landscape of postgraduate opportunities, outreach and selection, and good practice in supporting student welfare.
- Trustee 2: Experience and skills in operational management, covering issues such as IT, finance and HR systems, project oversight and risk management.
We are keen to strengthen the diversity of the Board and – reflecting the UK basis of the charity - hope to recruit at least one Trustee who lives or works in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. We encourage those with all backgrounds and characteristics to apply. If you need any support to make your application, please contact Beverley Turton. .
Time commitment and specific contributions sought
The time commitment for Trustees is:
- Attendance at and preparation for three 2-3 hour board meetings a year, in spring, summer and autumn. In-person attendance is encouraged at all meetings, especially the summer meeting.
- Participation in two days of interviews in person in London in January.
- Participation in at least one of the board’s sub-committees (2-3 meetings, usually online).
- Ad hoc and occasional support to the Board and to the executive team on issues within the Trustee’s skillset.
- Where possible, attendance at trust events such as the annual summer reception, the annual lecture, and other ad hoc alumni gatherings.
Terms of appointment
- Trustees are appointed for a five-year term of office, renewable for a further five years maximum.
- These are unpaid positions, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
For the full Trustee role description please contact Beverley Turton.
Application process
- Applications should be in the form of a CV and a covering letter which outlines why you are looking to become a Trustee with us and what skills you bring.
- Applications should be sent to Beverley Turton before 9am on 2nd April 2024. Face to face interviews will take place on 19th April 2024 in London , or - in exceptional circumstances - virtually or on another day.
- References will be taken during the process and candidates will be asked to confirm that they have not been/would not be disqualified as a Trustee.
- As part of the Kennedy Memorial Trust Trustee recruitment process, names will be submitted to No 10 for formal appointment by the Prime Minister.
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.
The Kennedy Memorial Trust is seeking TWO new Trustees to join its Board from October 2024, one with university academic experience and one with operational management experience, to succeed Trustees who have reached the end of their terms of office.
The Kenned Memorial Trust funds exceptional UK students to pursue graduate studies at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Set up as a ‘living memorial’ to President Kennedy following his assassination, the Trust has funded some 600 Kennedy Scholars since the first cohort departed in 1966. The strong trustee board is chaired by Sir Mark Walport.
The specific experience and skills we are seeking to recruit in these two roles are:
·Trustee 1: Current or recent experience as a an academic in a UK university, with insight into the landscape of postgraduate opportunities, outreach and selection, and good practice in supporting student welfare.
·Trustee 2: Experience and skills in operational management, covering issues such as IT, finance and HR systems, project oversight and risk management.
We are keen to strengthen the diversity of the Board and – reflecting the UK basis of the charity - hope to recruit at least one Trustee who lives or works in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. We encourage those with all backgrounds and characteristics to apply. Please do let us know if you need support to make your application.
The Trust
The Kennedy Memorial Trust funds exceptional UK students to pursue graduate studies at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Set up as a ‘living memorial’ to President Kennedy following his assassination, the Trust has funded some 600 Kennedy Scholars since the first cohort departed in 1966.
The Trust prides itself on the talent and service of the candidates it selects. Following their time at Harvard or MIT, scholars have gone on to play leading roles in the UK and across the world, in public service, the law, science/technology, health, education, business, charities, the arts and media. Alumni of the programme include Lady Mary Arden (Supreme Court Justice from 2018 to 2022), Lord Mervyn King (Bank of England Governor from 2003 to 2013). David Miliband (ex Foreign Secretary, now CEO of the International Rescue Committee), Dame Kate Bingham (Chair of the UK Government's Vaccine Taskforce), Zanny Minton Beddoes (Editor-in-Chief, The Economist), Sir Richard Moore (Chief of MI6) and Matt Clifford (CEO of Entrepreneur First and Chair of the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency).
Originally funded by public donation, the Trust has an endowment of around £16 million. It has developed a medium-scale fundraising programme over the last decade, and now intends to grow both its alumni activity and its fundraising, taking advantage of the forthcoming 60th anniversary of the first scholarships being awarded. An externally conducted feasibility study for the fundraising programme is underway at present.
The Trust is supported by a small administrative team. A new Director has just been appointed. The team is being strengthened to reflect plans for increased fundraising and alumni relations activity: a part-time executive assistant is in post, and a fundraising/alumni relations specialist will be recruited later in the spring.
The Trust is a registered charity overseen by a ten-person Trustee board chaired by Professor Sir Mark Walport. Many but not all of the Trustees are former Kennedy Scholars. The current recruitment is to replace Stephanie Flanders and Professor Fiona Macpherson, who will have served two five-year terms by Autumn 2024.
What Trustees do in the Kennedy Trust
As with any charity, Trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the administration of the charity. It is the role of Trustees to develop and update the charity’s strategy and oversee its work to deliver it. Trustees support and challenge the executive team to deliver on the charity's goals, oversee the charity’s finances, approve its policies, manage risks, and help to build its external networks.
In the Kennedy Trust, selection of scholars is a key annual activity: a number of Trustees are asked to be involved in the short-listing process, and Trustees also participate in two days of face-to-face interviews (currently in early January).
A recent Board Development Review has established a revised structure of sub-committees to handle detailed issues in a time-efficient way, and make more time for strategy within the Board itself. The new sub-committees are set out below.
Finance, operations and audit (Chair: Tilly Franklin)
- Financial strategy
- Budget planning and monitoring
- Business plan creation and monitoring
- Investments
- Report and accounts
- Operational systems (offices, IT, CRM, data protection, and related projects)
- Care of the Runnymede Memorial
Academic, scholarships, and welfare (Chair: Sir Mark Walport)
- Oversee competition, ad, stipend etc
- Conduct long- and shortlisting of applicants
- Review scholar feedback and recommend any changes in light of it
- Diversity
- Support handling of welfare cases
- Oversee means-testing
Alumni and fundraising (Chair: Moira Wallace)
- Alumni engagement
- Event planning (for alumni/donors/ stakeholders)
- Fundraising strategy, delivery, policies, donor recognition
- Impact report
- Website redevelopment
- External communications
Nominations, people, and board development (Chair: Mary Ann Sieghart)
- Board development and evaluation
- Articulation and review of governance framework
- Staff recruitment, remuneration, HR matters
- Trustee recruitment
- Chair recruitment (2025)
- Preparation of strategy session working with Chair and other sub-committees
Time commitment and specific contributions sought
The time commitment for Trustees is:
- Attendance at and preparation for three 2-3 hour board meetings a year, in spring, summer and autumn. In-person attendance is encouraged at all meetings, especially the summer meeting.
- Participation in two days of interviews in person in London in January.
- Participation in at least one of the board’s sub-committees (2-3 meetings, usually online).
- Ad hoc and occasional support to the Board and to the executive team on issues within the Trustee’s skillset.
- Where possible, attendance at trust events such as the annual summer reception, the annual lecture, and other ad hoc alumni gatherings.
Qualities and experience sought
For all Trustees we seek:
- Enthusiasm and energy to support the purpose and future of the Kennedy Trust and the Kennedy scholarships
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good judgement and work well within a team
- Experience of governance in a profit or not-for-profit setting
- Commitment to stay up to date with good practice in charity governance and in candidate interviewing
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to widening access for underrepresented groups in higher education
- Professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information about individuals
In addition:
For the academic trustee we are looking for
·Current or recent experience as a an academic in a UK university
·Someone who would make a good contribution to the Academic, Scholarships, and Welfare sub-committee, whose major task will be to conduct and oversee the shortlisting process each Autumn
·A good understanding of how study options at Harvard and MIT fit with the wider landscape of postgraduate opportunities elsewhere
·Extensive experience of candidate selection and good practice in shortlisting, interview, and selection
·The ability to add value to the Trust’s ambitions to further widen diversity of the scholar pool
·Insight into, and experience of, handling welfare issues for postgraduates and supporting candidates to make a success of their award.
·No academic discipline is ruled in or out. However, when the current Chair reaches the end of his term we shall lose our only Trustee with a medical background. This is therefore a gap we hope to fill at some point in the next few rounds of recruitment.
For the operational trustee we are looking for:
·significant experience of operational issues gained, for example, as a COO, CEO, project or programme director, operations director, or in a start-up
·someone who would make a good contribution to the Finance, Operations and Audit Committee
·proven experience in business planning, risk management, and project planning and management
·someone who can assist the Trust in some of the operational projects that lie ahead, such as modernising its administration, data-systems, website and records, and overseeing a move to more flexible office accommodation
Terms of appointment
·Trustees are appointed for a five-year term of office, renewable for a further five years maximum.
·These are unpaid positions, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Application process
Applications should be in the form of a CV and a covering letter which outlines why you are looking to become a Trustee with us and what skills you bring.
Applications should be sent before 9am on 2nd April 2024. Face to face interviews will take place on 19th April 2024 in London , or - in exceptional circumstances - virtually or on another day.
References will be taken during the process and candidates will be asked to confirm that they have not been/would not be disqualified as a Trustee.
As part of the Kennedy Memorial Trust Trustee recruitment process, names will be submitted to No 10 for formal appointment by the Prime Minister.
Applications should be in the form of a CV and a covering letter which outlines why you are looking to become a Trustee with us and what skills you bring.
Applications should be sent before 9am on 2nd April 2024. Face to face interviews will take place on 19th April 2024 in London , or - in exceptional circumstances - virtually or on another day.
References will be taken during the process and candidates will be asked to confirm that they have not been/would not be disqualified as a Trustee.
As part of the Kennedy Memorial Trust Trustee recruitment process, names will be submitted to No 10 for formal appointment by the Prime Minister.