Volunteer volunteer roles in south oxhey, hertfordshire

Do you have experience with UK employment law as an HR Manager, HR Director or equivalent? 

Connection Support are seeking a Trustee that will support us in our vision of being a thought-leader in the prevention of homelessness, mental ill-health, and leading innovative services that prevent crises from happening. 

About us

At Connection Support, our team of staff and volunteers work alongside people to overcome life’s challenges.  We do this through our values of empowerment, collaboration, compassion and taking a personalised approach in all aspects of our work. 

We believe in a future where people are free from crisis, and effective prevention is the key. But for times when crises do happen, we’ll be there to help every step of the way. 

About the role

The trustee will support the board, the CEO the Head of HR and wider senior team with advice, guidance and sharing their experiences specifically related to: 

• Contributing to existing projects. 

• Maintaining good relationships with relevant agencies and potential partners.

• Advising on Human Resources issues affecting Connection Support staff and volunteers. 

• Assisting the tendering process for existing and new contracts. 

• Guiding the board on addressing employee needs and advising on potential strategies that enable Connection Support to grow in the sector. 

This is an exciting time to join Connection Support as we start our new three year strategy. 

Time commitment

The anticipated time commitment for a Trustee is up to a day a month. Approximately 2-3 hours per month in person, and then 2-3 hours of supporting with projects which can be from home. 

Trustee positions are not paid but travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed.

About you

Our values are extremely important to us, so it is essential that your personal values align with ours, and you are passionate and motivated by the impact you can have by being part of Connection Support. We would also like you to have the following;

• Experience of UK employment law as an HR Professional at Manager or Director level. 

• Creating and implementing staff and organisational development programs to support career development and staff wellbeing.

• Provide guidance on a myriad of HR topics e.g.; TUPE, remuneration, benefits, disciplinary, recruitment and training. 

If you are not sure if this role is for you, we can arrange a no obligation chat with a member of the board or the CEO. 

Previous experience as a Trustee is not necessary as we provide a full induction. We pair new Trustees with an experienced member and offer training opportunities to Board members. 

How to apply

Please submit the following documents to our recrutiment department, informaiton can be found in the recuritment pack.

• We want to know why you’re interested in becoming a trustee. Please send us a cover letter or email telling is why you want to join the Board of Trustees, and your experience as outlined above. If you would like to share your experiences with us in a different way, please let us know and we are happy to support. 

• We want to know more about you! Please send us an up to date CV of your career history, key responsibilities and achievements. If you do not have a CV, you can send us an email with a summary of your experience.

• We need to know what others say about you. Please send us two professional references(only contacted with prior consent). If you have any difficulty with references, please contact us and we can discuss alternatives with you.

Interviews

Interviews will be held as suitable people apply, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the opportunity and would like to discuss the role informally, please contact us and we will arrange a no obligaiton chat with the CEO or a member of the board.

Further information can be found in our Board of Trustees Recruitment Pack. 

Overview

Children with Voices, a dynamic children's charity based in Hackney, London, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Operations Manager to join our team. This pivotal role involves overseeing day-to-day operations, developing and optimising processes and systems, and supporting digital transformation initiatives to enhance organisational efficiency. The Operations Manager will work closely with the CEO, staff, and volunteers to facilitate smooth operations, modernise workflows, and drive the growth of the charity.

Responsibilities

Operations and Coordination

Coordinate day-to-day operations to ensure the smooth functioning of the organisation.

Provide guidance, support, and feedback to staff and volunteers to maximise their effectiveness.

Act as a liaison between different departments to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.

Process and Systems Development

Create and refine processes and systems to improve efficiency, using digital tools where appropriate.

Lead the implementation of digital transformation initiatives to modernise workflows and enhance operational effectiveness.

Monitor and assess existing systems, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Leadership and Training

Collaborate with the CEO to discuss organisational priorities, challenges, and opportunities.

Identify training needs for staff and volunteers, facilitating skill development in collaboration with the HR Manager.

Support the team in adopting new systems and technologies, providing training and guidance as needed.

Policy and Strategic Development

Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.

Assist in shaping strategic plans and initiatives to achieve organisational goals, with a focus on leveraging digital tools and methods.

Monitoring and Reporting

Track progress on delegated tasks to ensure timely completion.

Evaluate the impact of new processes and systems, reporting on successes and areas for improvement.

Promoting Organisational Values

Uphold and promote the values and ethos of Children with Voices in all interactions and activities.

Qualifications

Previous experience in an operational or coordination role, preferably with experience in process improvement or digital transformation.

Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms to streamline operations (e.g., project management software, cloud-based systems).

Strong organisational and time management skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Proactive attitude and problem-solving abilities.

Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Commitment to the mission and values of Children with Voices.

Benefits

Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.

Flexible hours suitable for retired individuals or those seeking part-time work.

Access to training and development opportunities, including in digital systems.

Joining a supportive and passionate team dedicated to empowering young individuals.

If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the skills and qualities outlined above, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

HiDDEN are looking for an inspiring, forward-thinking Independent Chair to lead our growing network of heritage organisations into an exciting new chapter.

Job Description

HiDDEN is a dynamic and supportive network that champions Greater Manchester’s rare, overlooked, and underrepresented heritage. 

This voluntary leadership role is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic, mission-driven network that champions the hidden stories of Greater Manchester — stories that deserve to be uncovered, celebrated, and preserved. As Chair, you will bring strategic vision, support strong governance, and act as a key advocate for the network at both regional and national levels. You’ll play a vital role in steering our growth, deepening our impact, and ensuring that inclusion, integrity, and collaboration remain at the heart of everything we do. 

Key Responsibilities

• Governance and Oversight Ensure alignment with HiDDEN’s purpose, vision, and values.
• Oversee the adherence to the HiDDEN Code of Conduct.
• Facilitate the annual review of the members’ agreement and the Code of Practice.
• Meeting Facilitation Chair bi-monthly HiDDEN planning meetings, fostering inclusive and balanced discussions. Guide decision-making processes to achieve majority consensus in line with network objectives.
• Strategic Leadership Lead the development and refinement of HiDDEN’s strategic initiatives. Advocate for the network’s sustainability, identifying opportunities for growth and impact.
• Collaborate closely with Manchester Histories, the identified organisation for project management, to ensure effective implementation of strategies and initiatives.
• External Representation and Advocacy Represent HiDDEN at national and regional conferences, events, and within the heritage sector.
• Act as an ambassador for HiDDEN, promoting its mission and objectives to external stakeholders. Build and maintain relationships with key partners and funders.
• Conflict Resolution Mediate disputes within the network, ensuring fair and transparent resolutions.
• Provide impartial guidance and support to members to maintain positive relationships.
• Evaluation and Reporting Report on network activities and outcomes at planning meetings to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Lead the process for reviewing and adjusting network goals and strategies based on the needs of the network 

Person Specification

Experience: 

• You may have gained experience in leadership, governance, or planning through a variety of paths — including study, early career roles, volunteering, activism, or community engagement. 
• A background in the heritage, cultural, or nonprofit sectors is helpful but not essential.  We value lived experience and insight into the challenges and opportunities facing small or underrepresented organisations. 
• Skills and Attributes:  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  Ability to facilitate inclusive discussions and achieve consensus. 
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to act impartially and mediate conflicts. 
• Passion for heritage and a commitment to HiDDEN’s values of inclusivity, knowledge sharing, and environmental responsibility. 
• Commitment:  Willingness to commit 1-2 days per month, including participation in bi-monthly planning meetings. 
• Enthusiasm for working with a network of small to medium organisations to achieve shared goals.

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation. 

Kickstart SUNSHINE – Join Our Fundraising Committee!

Are you a fundraising dynamo ready to ignite transformative change? We’re launching SUNSHINE—a soon-to-be registered charity dedicated to building community bonds and combating isolation—and we need your expertise to raise the funds that will bring our vision to life.

Who We Are

SUNSHINE is a vibrant, new initiative set to spark community connection and combat loneliness. As we lay the foundation for our official registration, our mission is to create innovative projects that bring warmth and belonging to everyone we touch.

Your Role on the Fundraising Committee

We’re assembling a powerhouse committee to develop and execute fundraising strategies that propel us from start-up dreams to impactful action. Your role will be crucial in ensuring SUNSHINE has the financial fuel it needs to launch and grow. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Fundraising Planning: Craft creative campaigns that align with our mission and generate essential support.

• Campaign & Event Management: Organise, lead, and inspire fundraising events and initiatives that resonate with our community.

• Networking & Partnership Building: Forge meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, local businesses, and community leaders.

• Grant Writing & Sponsorship Negotiation: Identify funding opportunities and develop persuasive proposals to secure vital resources.

• Financial Oversight & Sustainability: Collaborate with our leadership to ensure smart financial management and plan for long-term stability.

What We’re Looking For

We need passionate individuals who bring:

• Proven experience in fundraising—whether through events, grants, or strategic donor outreach.

• A creative, entrepreneurial spirit capable of transforming ideas into tangible results.

• Exceptional communication skills to build lasting relationships and inspire confidence.

• A deep commitment to community impact and the belief that every connection can change a life.

• Flexibility and resilience to navigate the dynamic needs of a start-up charity.

Why Join SUNSHINE’s Fundraising Committee?

Becoming a part of our fundraising team means more than just raising funds—it means being the driving force behind a movement. By joining us, you will:

• Empower Change: Directly influence the launch and growth of a transformative charity.

• Grow Professionally: Enhance your fundraising skills, expand your network, and gain invaluable leadership experience.

• Create a Lasting Legacy: Lay the financial groundwork that will enable SUNSHINE to thrive and make a sustained impact.

• Experience Fulfillment: See firsthand the difference your efforts make in the lives of individuals and within communities.

Ready to Ignite Change?

If you’re eager to channel your expertise into a cause that sparks hope and fosters connection, we’d love to have you on board. Join our Fundraising Committee and help turn passion into action—together, we’ll raise the funds needed to bring SUNSHINE to light and transform communities.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—Let’s light up London together!

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Treasurer for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.

Travel Radar is a passionate media organisation committed to making travel more meaningful and accessible for everyone. Since 2015, we've grown into one of the leading online sources for aviation and air-travel news, reaching over 20 million people worldwide.

Powered by a diverse, fully remote team of 50+ volunteers and contributors, we provide around-the-clock coverage of global travel developments. Our mission is to change the way people experience travel — helping them make every journey more enriching, informed, and enjoyable through timely news and helpful insights.

Join us in reshaping the future of travel and making a global impact through the power of storytelling and information.

We're on the lookout for a Social Media Manager to head up a range of exciting work including:

• developing creative and engaging social media strategies for our platforms;
• managing the day-to-day handling of all social media channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube, adapting content to suit different channels;
• overseeing, planning and delivering content across different platforms using scheduling tools such as Buffer and Meta Business Suite;
• developing, launching and managing new competitions and campaigns that promote Travel Radar and the brand;
• forming key relationships with influencers in the aviation and air-travel space across the social media platforms;
• managing and facilitating social media communities by responding to social media posts and developing discussions;
• researching and evaluating the latest trends and techniques in order to find new and better ways of creating and measuring social media activity;
• managing, motivating and coaching junior staff such as social media executives or assistants;

We're looking for a passionate and creative individual to lead and grow Travel Radar’s presence across social media. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the voice of one of the most engaged aviation communities online and create impactful content that inspires millions of travellers worldwide. We already have a strong foundation and loyal following — now we need someone who’s ready to take it to the next level. Whether you're a recent graduate full of fresh ideas, an experienced social media pro seeking a meaningful new challenge, a travel and aviation enthusiast, or a current student eager to gain hands-on experience — we care more about your passion and creativity than your CV.

If you're excited by the idea of building community, creating compelling content, and being part of a mission-driven team, we’d love to hear from you!

✨ Perks of Volunteering with Travel Radar:
(Please note: This is a voluntary, unpaid role — but we make it worth your time!)

�� Flexible workload – Contribute as and when you’re available each month
�� Fully remote – We can provide a laptop, desktop, or virtual machine if needed
�� Lunch & travel expenses covered – For in-person events, conferences, or meetings
✈️ Exclusive discount program – Access deals with 3,000+ retailers, from travel to insurance
�� Professional training – Fully funded CPD Level 3, 5, or 7 accreditation included and access industry leading support and mentoring
�� Latest tech tools – Free access to Office365, Grammarly Premium, Adobe Photoshop, Canva Pro — for both Travel Radar and personal use

Commitment per Week: 5hrs per week

Reports to: Chief Content Officer

About Us

My Black Dog is a charity that offers anonymous, peer to peer mental health support through our web-chat service. We are committed to making a positive impact on mental health in the UK as we tackle an epidemic that millions of people face.

We were founded on the motto "talk to someone who gets it". We want to connect people who share lived experiences to provide an empathetic, non-judgmental space where everybody understands how it feels to experience mental health struggles.

Position Overview

Our web-chat service is run by our Volunteer Pack, each of whom have their own lived experience of mental health challenges. In addition, each shift has a 'Leader' and a 'Mentor'. These are Volunteers who carry out specific roles during the shift and, together, ensure its success:

• Leaders - Managers of the shift. There to ensure the shift runs as it should. They support and guide Volunteers through chats and follow safeguarding processes when an alert is raised. They are also the first point of contact for the shift’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Mentors - There to support and guide Volunteers through chats. Will take over from the Leader if there are safeguarding issues that need the Leader's attention and/or if the Leader needs a break.

As My Black Dog looks to expand our opening hours, we are looking to recruit additional Leaders and Mentors who can run shifts and cover additional shifts as necessary.

Leaders and Mentors will be assigned a shift based on your availability and preference. The expectation is that Leaders and Mentors will form a ‘pair’ and, together, will do one shift at the same time each week. This is to provide stability, predictability and to encourage community-building between Volunteers. Shifts are usually 3 hours long. We may ask you to cover another shift when we are short, but you will never do more than 6 hours per week.

Training will be provided and you will be supported on shift by a Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will manage all safeguarding issues.

The work you will do as Leaders and Mentors will ensure we provide the best possible service to our Guests. You will also be helping our Volunteer Pack to do what we do best: helping those in need by speaking to someone who 'gets it'.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for people who have experienced their own journey with mental health and are in a strong position to support others. We ask that our Leaders and Mentors:

• Are strongly committed to helping others
• Have experienced mental health issues in order to relate to those seeking help
• Are collaborative and enjoy working with others
• Are encouraging and supportive
• Are organised and can monitor several things at once
• Can remain calm and focused during busy times and when safeguarding alerts are raised
• Are 18 years and over 
• Can commit the time to a regular weekly shift

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are available during the following hours:

• Monday to Sunday, 5pm-7pm
• Friday and Saturday, 7pm-10pm

Role Responsibilities

1. Supervise and support Volunteers whilst on shift with general enquiries, positive feedback and signposting.
2. Assist with general volunteering enquiries whilst on shift. Provide time for guidance, instruction and de-briefing for Volunteers if required.
3. Follow Leaders & Mentors processes including unexpected absence reporting, Volunteer check-in and check-out, and completing Shift Handovers.
4. Monitor web-chat conversations and ensure all chats are tagged.
5. Maintain ability to listen, remain calm and provide intervention if necessary.
6. Be able to have difficult and often complex conversations about mental health, including Guests experiencing crisis and first-stage intervention support.
7. If a Leader, work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) when safeguarding risks are identified and, if a Mentor, take over responsibility for shifts when Leader and DSL have to address a safeguarding crisis.
8. Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information, conveying sensitive information in a timely manner to necessary individuals.
9. Provide written follow up of shifts via handover, ensuring all necessary information is handed over at the end of the shift.
10. Adhere to all standards, policies and procedures of My Black Dog.

Please note: An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this role. If you do not have one, My Black Dog will arrange the DBS Check for you.

Our ambition is to continue to develop outstanding services that meet the needs of our community; if you want to be part of our future, we would love to meet you to discuss this further.

Becoming a trustee for Home-Start Southwark (HSS) is an exciting and fulfilling role. The role of a trustee is to ensure that HSS fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries through contributing to the strategic development, effective governance and financial management of the organisation. The board of trustees are both jointly and individually responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of HSS, its financial health, the integrity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals.

We are particularly interested in receiving applications from people with the following skillsets:

• HR
• Legal
• Finance, accountancy, bookkeeping
• Fundraising
• Media and communications

This is an opportunity for someone with a knowledge of financial processes and systems to work on a voluntary basis to support the work of the BEARR Trust in the role of Honorary Treasurer.

The BEARR Trust is seeking to recruit a new Treasurer, responsible for overseeing the Charity’s income and expenditure, preparing regular financial reports to the Board of Trustees and preparing the annual accounts. The Treasurer will also be a Trustee of The BEARR Trust. This role is voluntary.

Background

The BEARR Trust was established in 1992 to support community-based organisations helping vulnerable people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. We provide grants to grassroots community groups alongside information and knowledge exchange to build partnerships and strengthen support for vulnerable people through local activity. Currently, we work in ten countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Role description

Specific duties of the Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for:

· Maintaining oversight of The BEARR Trust’s finances

· Providing regular reports (every two months) to Trustees on income, expenditure and financial risks

· Working with the Chairman to prepare an annual budget, and keeping track of performance against the budget throughout the year

· Ensuring that partners and suppliers are paid efficiently. This includes making international payments, most of which are done via Convera

· Preparing the Annual Accounts for independent examination, and liaising with the independent examiner to ensure that queries are addressed.

General Trustee duties

As with all charities, the Trustees collectively are responsible for The BEARR Trust’s aims and direction, for its property, finances and the employment of staff and volunteers. All Trustees must:

· Ensure that the Trust complies with charity law and the requirements of the Charity Commission, the Trust’s own charitable purposes and objects, other relevant legislation and the requirement for trustees to act with integrity and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of charity funds or assets

· Ensure that the Trust is and will remain solvent, use charitable funds and assets wisely, and only to further the Trust’s purposes and interests, while avoiding undertaking activities that might place the Trust’s property, funds, assets or reputation at undue risk

· Exercise reasonable care and skill, using personal knowledge and experience to ensure that the Trust is well-run and efficient, and consider getting external professional advice in all matters where there may be material risk to the Trust.

Beyond these formal duties, Trustees undertake a variety of roles. These include contributing to our newsletter, managing and contributing to events, raising funds and considering applications to the Small Grants Scheme and Ukraine Appeal. There are therefore opportunities to become involved in the wide range of BEARR’s activities.

Person specification

The Treasurer should have:

· A commitment to The BEARR Trust’s goals and charitable objects and an interest in, and some knowledge of, the context for BEARR’s work in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

· Experience of financial management and administration, budgeting and reporting. This does not need to include formal accountancy qualifications – experience may come from general management roles in paid or voluntary work.

Experience in preparing charity accounts using the Charities Statement of Required Practice (SORP) would be advantageous. Experience in fundraising (e.g., preparing funding applications and budgets) would also be welcome.

Time requirement

The time required varies from week to week, although payments need to be made and the accounts updated on at least a weekly basis. Indicatively, this equates to a time requirement of around 3 hours per week, in addition to attendance at Trustee meetings every two months (Trustee meetings are held in London, although remote attendance is also possible). However, time availability and support needed can be discussed with potential volunteers for the role.

Expenses

Trustee roles are unpaid. However, they may claim reasonable travel expenses.

Are you passionate about helping women build their lives beyond crisis? We are recruiting for Urdu-speaking volunteers to support victims of Domestic Abuse on a 1 to 1 basis. This is a chance to empower other inspirational women by building their confidence and teaching them new Educational and employment skills in order to achieve their ambitions and goals. You will be supporting women and children to rebuild their lives free from fear!

What you will be doing

• To develop and promote a positive relationship with the service user through regular F2F meetings and phone calls, and facilitate their journey to achieve their goals that align with the aims of the Economic, Empowerment and Security Project.
• To support the service user in developing their educational and vocational aspirations, applying to university, translating previously held qualifications, helping with UCAS applications, researching relevant courses and colleges, helping with English and developing language skills OR/AND,
• To support the service user in developing their career goals and employment skills, including CV building, interviewing skills, work experience and job search. To encourage the service user to attend Economic, Empowerment and Security events ran by Hestia’s volunteering team.
• To encourage the service user to engage in further external and internal educational training and activities and supporting them in doing so.
• Manage appropriate boundaries 

The skills you need

• Compassionate, caring and patient nature Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Knowledge on educational opportunities in the UK, where to look, what is available.
• Knowledge on useful employment and job search skills
• Good communication skills
• Fluent in Urdu 

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Are you passionate about helping women build their lives beyond crisis? We are recruiting for Arabic-speaking volunteers to support victims of Domestic Abuse on a 1 to 1 basis. This is a chance to empower other inspirational women by building their confidence and teaching them new Educational and employment skills in order to achieve their ambitions and goals. You will be supporting women and children to rebuild their lives free from fear!

What you will be doing

• To develop and promote a positive relationship with the service user through regular F2F meetings and phone calls, and facilitate their journey to achieve their goals that align with the aims of the Economic, Empowerment and Security Project.
• To support the service user in developing their educational and vocational aspirations, applying to university, translating previously held qualifications, helping with UCAS applications, researching relevant courses and colleges, helping with English and developing language skills OR/AND,
• To support the service user in developing their career goals and employment skills, including CV building, interviewing skills, work experience and job search. To encourage the service user to attend Economic, Empowerment and Security events ran by Hestia’s volunteering team. To encourage the service user to engage in further external and internal educational training and activities and supporting them in doing so. Manage appropriate boundaries 

The skills you need

• Compassionate, caring and patient nature Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Knowledge on educational opportunities in the UK, where to look, what is available.
• Knowledge on useful employment and job search skills Good communication skills Fluent in Arabic

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun 

Are you passionate about the power of the arts to transform lives and do you have experience in one of the following: the arts, therapeutic arts, management, governance, EDI, the charity sector, developing partnerships, fundraising or safeguarding?

Talitha Arts is seeking volunteers to join the organisation as Trustees. We currently have seven Trustees, with backgrounds encompassing human resources, finance, creative arts, coaching, leadership and small charity management. We are seeking trustees who would be interested in one or more of the following roles: Chair, Secretary, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Fundraising and/or Safeguarding.

Our Trustees meet formally four times a year; twice in person in London, Bethnal Green, and twice by video-conference. This is a volunteer position, and all reasonable expenses, including accessibility needs, travel and childcare will be reimbursed.

Who are We?

Talitha Arts is creative arts charity that delivers therapeutic arts workshops that benefit the mental health and wellbeing of those who have experienced trauma (through trafficking, living with dementia, domestic and sexual abuse, homelessness) and/or are living with mental health problems, addiction or disability. We are a small team comprising our Artistic Director (Executive), Fundraiser, and Therapeutic Arts Programme Manager.

Our Mission

We aim to use the power of the therapeutic arts to enable transformation in those in need of mental health support.

Our Vision

To empower all individuals and communities by providing excellent and bespoke therapeutic arts workshops that promote better mental health and well-being, enabling people to reach their full potential.

Equal Opportunities

At Talitha Arts we are committed to creating and supporting an inclusive environment and to celebrate diversity and the value of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage applications from all backgrounds - we are particularly interested in welcoming global majority candidates, those with disabilities and LGBTQI+ candidates.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our organisation's core values and the work we do.

Please apply with a CV and cover letter by the 20th May at 6pm.

Duties

• 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 applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are).

• To contribute actively to the board of directors' 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 ethos of the organisation.

• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation and to assist with fundraising, where necessary.

• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.

• To appoint the executive director and monitor their performance.

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

Responsibilities

•  Trustees must have a good understanding of and be sympathetic with the aims and objects of the charity and act in accordance with the governing document at all times.

•  Trustees must act and make decisions in the best interests of the charity, present and future beneficiaries.

•  Where professional assistance is required for the Trustees to be able to make the most appropriate decision affecting the charity, that assistance should be sought and considered carefully.

•  Trustees must not receive any financial or non-financial benefit that is not explicitly authorised by the governing document. Trustees should not exert any influence to garner any preferential treatment for themselves or their family.

 •  Trustees are jointly and severally liable for their decisions; therefore decisions should be taken together and communicated to staff, stakeholders and funders in a unified manner.

•  Trustees are accountable to stakeholders for their actions and as such decision-making and governance issues should be as transparent as possible, except for when confidentiality is required.

•  Trustees should be prepared to spend an appropriate amount of time reading papers and preparing for board meetings, which will be held on a quarterly basis. A minimum attendance of 75% meetings is required of Trustees to ensure that best practice in governance is reached and maintained.

•  Should a Trustee feel that they require further guidance or training in their role, they have a duty to inform the charity secretary and actively develop aspects for new training on an individual or group basis.

•  Any information of a confidential nature must remain so outside the confines of the Trustee meeting.

•  Trustees should familiarise themselves with the ‘Nolan Principles’, and act in accordance with them.

Person Specification

Each Talitha Trustee will have:

•  a passion for supporting survivors of trauma and people who are vulnerable (including trafficking, domestic violence and abuse, people recovering from addiction, refugees and asylum seekers, and people living with dementia)

•  excellent interpersonal and team-working skills

•   a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• strategic vision

•  good, independent judgment

•  an ability to think creatively

•  a willingness to speak their mind

•  an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of directorship

•  sympathetic to the Christian faith and Christian ethos of the organisation

•  demonstrable commitment to Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life (see ‘Code of Conduct – Citizens UK’ document); selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Our Story

Talitha Arts was founded by actor, Amanda Root. It began as a small volunteer organisation, primarily offering mental health support by facilitating arts workshops for International Justice Mission in India and working with professionals in aftercare homes for girls rescued from trafficking and violent abuse.

Over the years, our work has expanded to respond to the needs of U.K. organisations working directly with those who have experienced trauma, abuse, violence, homelessness; ex-offenders, refugees, children, and those who are living with dementia.

Every year as part of our mandate, we train new practitioners in the Talitha Approach to deliver our workshops. Our approach is 'person-centred', meaning it is tailored to the individuals we serve. Our practitioners are both professional creative artists and registered therapists who are passionate about the Talitha Mission.

​At Talitha, we aim to change the world one life at a time by providing mental health support through the power of the arts. 

​We do this by delivering programmes of workshops that support creative expression, foster community, and empower through music, movement, drama and the visual arts.

The Community Support/Reach Out volunteer will be volunteering remotely, providing online support and guidance to visitors of The Forward Trust Website communicating in real time using web chat.

The Reach Out Service sits within our Recovery Support Department and is aimed at offering friendly and confidential listening support and assistance. The role involves utilising your communication skills to establish rapport with individuals seeking drug and alcohol help and or to talk about their mental health or other varied life challenges. You will be supporting people who are seeking help for drugs and alcohol help for themselves or from family members concerned for their loved one.
Training is provided to all volunteers to support them with their volunteering role and enable them to further their skills and experience with our client group.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Time Commitment: We recommend that volunteers can commit to an average of 3 hours online per week for a minimum period of six months.

Service Delivery

- Be available for the duration of the shift to answer web-chat/calls as they happen.
- Engage with individuals in a friendly and empathetic manner.
- Gain an understanding of the individual needs and sign post to appropriate organisations for further support or explore specialist services as required.
- Link individuals into Forward Trusts community drug and alcohol services when required and link individuals into drug and alcohol help in other geographical areas where Forward Trust does not have a service.
- Report any Safeguarding concerns to shift supervisor and follow safeguarding procedures as appropriate.
- Respond to offline messages at the beginning of each shift.
- Debrief with and ask for support and guidance from Reach Out Coordinator regarding any concerns arising from web chat conversations.
- Provide handover to supervisor and/or next volunteers covering the shift prior to logging off
- To book shifts in a timely fashion and inform the Reach Out Coordinator of any need to cancel a shift at the earliest opportunity.
- Engage with support and supervision offered by placement supervisor.

CHECKS REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE

- 2 References (this may be from a keyworker, volunteer supervisor, tutor or sponsor if you are not able to provide a work reference)
- Enhanced DBS Check

 Perks and Benefits
TRAINING & INDUCTION

Induction training will be provided to the volunteer and will include the following E-Learning (Data Protection/GDPR/PECR, Safeguarding – Knowledge and Health & Safety – Knowledge).

A full induction to your team including placement specific policies and procedures. Additional volunteer training will be discussed and offered according to the need of the volunteer in placement.

 Skills You'll Need
Below is a list of the qualities that we are looking for from volunteers:

- If in recovery, to be 12 months abstinence from all mood altering substances.
- Must be over 18 years of age.
- Ability to use computers and IT equipment.
- To have good verbal and written communication skills.
- To have a clear understanding and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
- To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries.
- To have the ability to reflect and receive feedback.
- To be reliable, flexible and committed.
- To treat individuals with respect and dignity.
- To have the ability to follow instructions.
- To be committed to own learning and development.