We are looking for people to join our board of trustees. If you are passionate about volunteering, and the many diverse ways in which volunteering can help to improve people’s health and wellbeing and bring communities together, then this could be the perfect role for you.

We would like to appoint 2 trustees, one with experience of programme or service delivery in any sector - charity, local authority or private business - and one with HR expertise.

Founded in 1997, Volunteer Centre Hackney promotes volunteering opportunities for over 300 charities and non-profit organisations and runs multiple community-based programmes, each of which has volunteering at its heart. We work together with the NHS, social services and other partners, to deliver services that aim to reduce isolation and enable people to live full independent lives. Through Community Befriending, residents may benefit from a companion to help them gradually build confidence to leave their home and engage in community activities; through our Step Up programme, they will receive personalised support to engage in volunteering and employment; Together Better supports more than 500 local residents to both attend and lead activity and exercise groups at over 35 GP practices; and our Community Health Champions support people to share vital health information with their communities.

What are we looking for?

Ideally, you will have vision and strategic thinking; a passion for volunteering; and an interest in supporting a small and well-regarded Hackney charity to survive, grow and develop new projects that enable local people to share their skills and build and strengthen local communities.

Whilst we are looking for individuals with a broad range of experience, the board has identified two areas where specific skills would be helpful.

We would love to hear from you if you have experience of programme or service delivery in any sector - charity, local authority or private business. We are looking for someone who has an understanding of what makes programmes effective, what the various aspects of leadership are and what is involved in making services and organisations impactful, efficient and productive but motivating and enjoyable to work within. Ideally, you will also be accustomed to making continuous improvements and applying this learning.

Likewise, if you have experience and skills in HR and people management, knowledge of the latest legislation and good practice, and an understanding of what helps staff to deliver to the best of their ability, we want to hear from you.

What is a trustee?

Trustees are volunteers who sit on a charity’s board and work in partnership with the Chief Executive, to make sure that the charity is well run and operates according to its obligations and the law. Our trustees provide the leadership to make our organisational vision a reality. They provide strategic guidance and help to ensure that our services are fulfilling our objectives, and the needs of community organisations and residents across Hackney and the City. We will make sure that you are properly trained and fully understand the legal responsibilities and what is expected of you.

What will you have to do?

You will need to attend board meetings every eight weeks, when you will discuss a wide range of aspects relating to the organisation’s business including strategy, finance, HR, stakeholder relationships, marketing and data management.

Meetings typically last 2 hours and take place in the early evening at our office in Dalston. You will be sent information about the topics that will be discussed in advance so that you can read and prepare. In addition, there may be other occasions when your input and help is needed e.g. by attending events and acting as an ambassador for the charity.

Who can be a trustee?

If you are aged 18 or over, can commit to giving your time, and are enthusiastic about VCH’s work we would love to hear from you.

We are working hard to ensure that our Board is as representative as possible of Hackney’s diverse community. We are committed to achieving a greater diversity of skills, ages, abilities and backgrounds on our board and really encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and other minoritised backgrounds, disabled people, younger people (under 30) and retired persons.

What will you gain?

You will gain experience in providing leadership and strategic governance of a small local but impactful charity. You will join an innovative and energetic group of trustees who have real commitment and passion to supporting volunteering. You will learn how a small charity functions, its challenges and its advantages and how services are delivered to meet local needs. You will enjoy knowing that the time you give and the skills you share are truly helping to make a difference.