At a Glance
- Tasks: Help guide a charity to support your community and make a real difference.
- Company: Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne, dedicated to providing free advice.
- Benefits: Gain leadership skills, network opportunities, and meaningful experiences.
- Other info: Diverse perspectives welcomed; training and expenses covered.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a charity while supporting those in need.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for community service.
Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne provides free, confidential, and impartial advice on issues including housing, debt, employment, consumer rights, and benefits.
Staff and volunteers work together to help community members understand their options and find a way forward, whatever challenges they face.
The organization focuses on supporting people in vulnerable circumstances and ensuring they can access the help they need.
In addition to advice services, Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne undertakes fundraising to sustain and expand its support.
The organization welcomes collaboration with local businesses and other partners who want to create positive change in the community.
Role Description
Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure CARS achieves its core purpose.
They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity.
They also ensure CARS has a clear strategic direction and that everyone in the organisation is working towards delivering on our objectives.
Just as importantly they support and challenge the Chief Executive and the management team to enable CARS to grow and secure the future of our organisation.
The board members act collectively as a team to provide leadership and good governance.
As a small charity, Trustees may be involved in supporting the charity beyond board meetings, by joining working groups.
They might advise on subjects related to their area of interest, skill, experience or expertise.
Although the role is unpaid, we reimburse reasonable expenses (like travel costs/ childcare to enable you to attend meetings).
Who are we looking for?
To join us, you don’t have to have any prior experience as a trustee, or have management experience, although we will not exclude those who do have that background.
We are looking for volunteers who
- take an active interest in their local community;
- who can make a regular commitment of their time;
- who share our passion for helping to improve the service that we provide to local people in need.
It would be good if you recognise in yourself some of the following
- You are comfortable expressing your own ideas but also happy to listen to the views of others.
- You enjoy building relationships with others and understand the power of working together in a team.
- You think creatively and are always searching for that better solution.
- You’re committed and enjoy working as part of a team.
- You are happy defining goals, setting targets, and reviewing performance for yourself and others.
- You are non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own.
We are committed to building a Trustee Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the issues Citizens Advice addresses, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, women, younger people, and those with experience of financial hardship or other forms of disadvantage.
We recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen governance and decision-making, and we welcome applications from anyone who shares our values and can contribute to our mission.
If you have experience of and care about these issues, are prepared to offer your time, and enjoy supporting a committed team of hard working staff and volunteers, we want to hear from you.
In addition, we are always keen to raise money to expand our services and would welcome applicants with any knowledge or ideas in this area.
Your help could be using your contacts in the local community or in general fundraising.
What you will gain
Y ou get to develop skills you wouldn’t necessarily access in other roles, learning from and working with people from all walks of life. On top of this, you will:
- Enjoy a meaningful experience, developing leadership/strategic skills.
- Have the opportunity to shape the future direction of our charity.
- Get a good insight on how others work, respond to situations, and make decisions.
- Learn about governance and the charity sector.
- Enjoy the perks of teamworking for the good of your community.
- Make a demonstrable impact and difference.
- Grow your network and open up career progression opportunities available to you.
As a new Trustee you will benefit from
- Induction, training, and we will cover of out-of-pocket expenses (e. g. travel or child-care).
- Mentoring from an experienced trustee.
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. and are attended normally in person or by exception online.
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Volunteer Trustee in Addlestone employer: Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne
Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. As a Volunteer Trustee, you will not only gain invaluable experience in governance and leadership but also have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals. With a strong focus on personal growth, training, and networking, this role offers a rewarding way to contribute to positive change while developing skills that can enhance your career.
Contact Details:
Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Trustee in Addlestone
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Trustee in Addlestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne.
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
