This is an opportunity to become involved in the foundation and development of a new Home-Start charity in Dumfries. Home-Start is an organisation whose volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to young families under stress in their own homes, or as groups, and helping to prevent family crisis or breakdown. More information is available at https://www.home-start.org.uk/about-us Substantial financial support has been given by the Wm. Grant Foundation for setting up a Home-Start in Dumfries, and while this is currently being managed by the established Home-Start Wigtownshire charity, the plan is to recruit a board of trustees for Dumfries and become an independent charity within a year. This year we have taken an office in central Dumfries and employed a Senior Coordinator who is already establishing contacts within local agencies involved in supporting families. We also have three volunteers in training, who will be the first of a larger group which will support young families in the wider community. What we now need is a Board of Trustees to provide continuing support and guidance at a local level. Other than the ability to identify with the objectives of Home-Start and commitment to furthering these, no special requirements are necessary to be considered as a board member, although a background in financial management or law would be an additional bonus.

We are open to applications from individuals who have a general interest in our work and are keen to make a difference, but specific skills in relation to HR and legal issues would be particularly welcome Board meetings take place six times a year and last between one and two hours, starting at 530pm on Thursday’s. Members typically also join one of four sub-groups (Operational, HR, Finance, Policy and Compliance) which meet four times a year. Currently, the meetings take place online via zoom.

MISS (Miscarriage Information Support Service) is a registered charity. We are a miscarriage support service covering all of Scotland for anyone who has experienced baby loss. We are looking to recruit trustees to the MISS board who have a mix of skills and experience to bring to our existing board. This is to enhance our current board and any background is welcome including retail, HR or IT. Board meetings are held on a bi-monthly basis and virtually, therefore there is no preference to location or where you are based. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For more details please contact Abi Clarke, Chief Executive Officer at MISS at email: abi@miss-support.org.uk or telephone: 07808638428. Further details about our work and volunteering is also available at https://miss-support.org.uk/

Volunteering Matters are a national volunteering charity. We are currently supporting MADE4U in ML2, a vibrant community organisation in the ML2 area of North Lanarkshire, through the development of their Board of Trustees. MADE4U in ML2 was founded in 2006, through the collective action and community compassion of a number of local churches in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire. Our vision is to see a community free of isolation, low self-worth and lack of opportunity for change. Our main charitable aims are reduction of poverty and distress in the community in which we work, and to increase the health and wellbeing of those in the area, through community development, education, support and recreational activities. We are committed to partnership working, and the engagement and support of local volunteers. Charity Trustees are a group of people who ultimately exercise control over, and are legally responsible for, the charity. They provide overall direction, support and encouragement, ensure the smooth running of the organisation and are responsible for the governance of the charity. We currently have 5 members of our Board of Trustees offering a range of skills and experience and local connections. We are currently looking to recruit talented new Trustees who can support our organisation with its charitable aim of making a difference within the ML2 community. We are particularly looking for individuals who have experience in either Human Resources, Finance/Accounting, Income Generation/Fundraising, Building Management, or Leadership/Management. A full volunteer role description, for the position of charity Trustee, is available. The Board of Trustees normally meets bi-monthly, usually online via Zoom and occasionally at the MADE4U IN ML2 Centre in Cambusnethan, Wishaw. It is important that Trustees are able to visit the centre and be available to meet with staff occasionally. The commitment required of a Trustee is normally 6-8 hours per month however this can vary at different time periods of the year and depending on strategic priorities and focus. A full induction and on-going training will be offered, as well as on-going support and incurred travel expenses. Ideally, Trustee’s will commit to the role for a period of 1-3 years minimum, providing a level of stability to the Board and the wider charity. As a volunteer, we can offer you: ● A rewarding volunteering experience with the opportunity to support and shape the work and strategic direction of a well respected, local charity in North Lanarkshire ● The opportunity to use your skills and experience in a way that benefits the ML2 community ● Becoming a Trustee can be an ideal opportunity for personal growth and development, gaining experience in governance and leadership ● The opportunity to work closely with other stakeholders, meeting new people We welcome any enquiries regarding this position and would be happy to discuss it further with any interested parties. If you would like a copy of the full role description, please do contact us by expressing your interest in volunteering.