At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our board to shape the future of SILC and support disabled individuals.
- Company: SILC is a respected charity dedicated to empowering disabled people and their carers.
- Benefits: Gain valuable board experience, develop leadership skills, and make a real community impact.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 2-3 hours per month with opportunities for more involvement.
- Why this job: Make a difference at a strategic level while supporting a cause you care about.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of disability and a passion for helping others.
SILC serves disabled people, older people & carers throughout Surrey. We're seeking trustees with lived experience of disability to join our board and help shape the future of SILC. Volunteering as a SILC trustee will give you the opportunity to make a difference at a strategic level and ensure that the charity’s resources are used effectively to tackle the issues identified; changing our community for the better.
What are we looking for?
- A commitment to the organisation and a passion for the cause
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort (we estimate that this would be no more than 2-3 hours per month, but we would welcome more time if desired by the individual for specific projects)
- Strategic vision: the Board of Trustees must work with operational management to set a strategy to take the charity forward and ensure its ongoing viability and direction
- Good, independent judgement
- An ability to think creatively
- A willingness to speak your mind
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
- A willingness to be available to all staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis
What will you be doing?
SILC is a User Led Organisation that serves disabled adults, older people, children with disabilities and carers throughout Surrey. We believe that every disabled adult, child, older person and carer should be able to live independently with the same choices, opportunities and control over their lives as anyone else. We are currently seeking to recruit additional trustees with lived experience of disability from the Surrey area who have a passion for our work and would like to help further the aims of the charity.
The minimum requirement is attendance at 6 Trustees meetings a year along with an additional time commitment of 2-3 hours a month. Any additional support would also be highly valuable, welcome and appreciated.
In return, you will have the opportunity to work with an established and respected charity, join a small group of friendly, committed, and positive fellow trustees and work with a passionate, experienced, and knowledgeable staff team to deliver on a very worthy cause. Volunteering as a SILC trustee will give you the opportunity to make a difference at a strategic level and ensure that the charity’s resources are used effectively to tackle the issues identified; changing our community for the better.
As a SILC Trustee, you will be able to develop a range of useful board-related skills to support your own professional development such as in strategy, governance, leadership, business management, financial acumen, compliance and risk management, fundraising etc. Board trusteeship is particularly useful if you aim to lead people, set up your own organisation and/or sit on boards in the future.
SILC is an Equal Opportunities employer. We positively welcome applications from disabled people and carers.
Trustee to join the Board of SILC - Volunteer in Guildford employer: Surreyilc
SILC is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. As a trustee, you will join a dedicated team committed to empowering disabled individuals and their carers throughout Surrey, while also gaining invaluable skills in governance and leadership. With a supportive work culture that values lived experience and encourages personal growth, volunteering with SILC offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause and shape the future of independent living.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee to join the Board of SILC - Volunteer in Guildford
✨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 Trustee to join the Board of SILC - Volunteer in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Surreyilc, 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 Surreyilc.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surreyilc
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Surreyilc 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!
