Branch Chair - Lanarkshire

  • VO100296
  • Board/trustee role


Description

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in Dunbartonshire?
You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Leading and coordinating a team of volunteers the Branch Chair oversees all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations and policies.

What is a Branch Chair?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and more people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about leadership, coordination and administration. The role requires an ongoing time commitment of 2-3 days per week. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.
What would you be doing?
Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers.
Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch
Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs
Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policie.
Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required
Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers and supporters know how to contact the branch
Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution

Organisation aims and objectives

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. Our teams of trained volunteers and employees provide practical, emotional and financial assistance to the Armed Forces community enabling them to thrive.

Frequency and commitment details

We are looking for a commitment of 1-2 days per week.

Restrictions

Experience required: Experienced leader who can develop and support the branch volunteers across Dunbartonshire. Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues Good IT skills with the ability to send and receive emails and use teams and MS 365 – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role
Travel details: The branch does not have an office but you will regularly travel to attend meetings at local, regional and national level including meetings to support the local branch volunteers. All travel expenses are covered.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses including mileage at 45 per mile.
Training details: Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams On-line or face to face instructor led training and e-learning modules, to prepare you for your voluntary role. Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development. Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.