At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts while contributing to board activities for environmental change.
- Company: Join a passionate environmental group making a difference in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and mentoring in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for young people and diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social justice and environmental issues while developing leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of safeguarding law and a commitment to environmental and social justice.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
We are seeking a director to act as Safeguarding Lead on our board, taking part in general board activity too. Safeguarding is a very small part of the board workload as we only work occasionally with children and vulnerable adults.
What difference will you make?
All board members make a big contribution to ensuring our organisation is effective in using its resources to support its environmental cause. Our campaigns group plays a big role in the city's environmental and social justice sphere and our building is much loved by many activist groups around Birmingham. While safeguarding should be a light duty here, it is very important for us to have someone who can ensure our policies and procedures remain fit for purpose and who is capable of supporting staff in dealing with any queries or issues that might arise.
What are we looking for?
- Commitment to environmental and social justice
- Cooperative nature
- Experience of making a significant contribution to organisational development
- Knowledge of Safeguarding law and good practice
- Willingness and capacity to act as our safeguarding lead in the event of any issues
- Ability to support the CEO in reviewing safeguarding policy and procedure, and with any queries relating to safeguarding
We are also a Treasurer, a Society Secretary and general board members which are also advertised with Reach. Alongside specific skills, we are interested in hearing from people who have the capacity to commit to working with BFoE staff in subgroups around key issues and responding to email consultations (when they arise) as well as attending meetings.
We are proud of the diversity already represented on our Board and are committed to building a Board that better reflects the city's population. We particularly welcome applications from people from minority ethnic backgrounds and women. We are also particularly keen to involve young people in our governance in order to hear youth perspectives, support intergenerational dialogue and support young people's inclusion in this sector and leadership roles.
We welcome applications from suitably skilled individuals who have not undertaken voluntary sector board or management committee roles, and will provide support, training and mentoring as needed to help those new to such roles to fulfil their potential.
What will you be doing?
BFoE exists to promote positive environmental change. As well as campaigning on vital local to global issues we have a thriving community building, The Warehouse in Digbeth, which is a space for activists, non-profits and green businesses. Campaigns activity is delegated to our thriving campaigns group, which meets weekly, so the Board's work is mainly on governance of the organisation as a whole and ensuring the operation of the building meets our objectives.
We have a good safeguarding policy and tend to work primarily with over 18s, with a few 16-18 placements and occasional family activities, so while we need a safeguarding lead on the board this won’t be an onerous commitment from past experience. Other board business might include joining subgroups or decision panels on staff recruitment, our Cafe, risk, business planning or energy improvements.
Safeguarding Lead Director for environmental group - Volunteer in Birmingham employer: Friends of the Earth, Birmingham
As a Safeguarding Lead Director with our environmental group, you will join a passionate board dedicated to promoting social justice and environmental change in Birmingham. We offer a supportive work culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth through training and mentoring, ensuring that your contributions are meaningful and impactful. With a vibrant community space at The Warehouse in Digbeth, you will be part of a collaborative environment where your expertise in safeguarding will help shape our policies while engaging with a network of activists and organisations committed to positive change.
Contact Details:
Friends of the Earth, Birmingham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Lead Director for environmental group - Volunteer in Birmingham
✨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 Safeguarding Lead Director for environmental group - Volunteer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Friends of the Earth, Birmingham, 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 Friends of the Earth, Birmingham.
How to prepare for a job interview at Friends of the Earth, Birmingham
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Friends of the Earth, Birmingham 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!
