Service Committee Chair

Could you lead the SSAFA presence at your local military base? Ideally you will already be working and or living on site; you’ll have some experience of managing people and some basic I.T skills. If this sounds like you we’d love to hear from you!

There are SSAFA committees on many military bases in the UK and overseas. Each one has a Chairperson to oversee all aspects of the committee. Reporting to the Chair of the board of Trustees, you will ensure that the committee is running in line with SSAFA’s policies to keep clients and volunteers safe; that all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the committee is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA on site.


Please note that the minimum age for this role is 18 years.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. In recognition of their service to the Nation we aim to provide financial, practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need volunteers who can represent SSAFA on the base, ensure that everyone knows about SSAFA services and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about networking, coordination and administration. Many volunteers can carry out this role from home and from their place of work.

The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular time commitment. You would need to organise and attend a minimum of four meetings each year.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

  • Give back to your local military community
  • Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity on site
  • Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others
  • Support and friendship from your local SSAFA committee and the wider SSAFA community
  • Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
  • Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

Training and support provided

  • SSAFA Induction at our Central Office in London You will be invited to SSAFA Central Office in London
  • On-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families and information safe.
  • Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your training up to date.
  • Volunteer Support Manager (per region)
  • Access to the Welfare Team and Volunteer Support Team based at our central office
  • Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

What are we looking for?

  • Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people
  • Good written and spoken English
  • Ability to engage the senior managers on site representing SSAFA and the needs of clients
  • Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies represented on base and SSAFA colleagues
  • Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address
  • Ability to coordinate a team of volunteers
  • Ability to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to reporting any safety concerns etc
  • Reliable attitude, contact volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely
  • Ability to travel by public transport or car to meetings, events etc.
  • Ability to provide two referees: former employers or other people that know you well (other than relatives)

How do I find out more?

  • Complete the volunteer application form below.
  • Call our friendly central Volunteer Team on 0800 260 6775. They can answer any general questions about volunteering and put you in touch with your local Volunteer Support Manager.

How do we use your information?

The information you provide will be used to create a personal record on our database if your application to become a SSAFA volunteer is successful. It will not be used for any other purpose or shared with any other organisation; all data collected from unsuccessful applicants will be destroyed as soon as it is no longer needed. SSAFA complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018.  Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

SSAFA complies with the Equality Act 2010 and welcomes volunteers from all walks of life. For further details see our equality and diversity policy.

What you'll do

Key role responsibilities

  • Providing support to all SSAFA volunteers and committee members
  • Holding regular committee meetings, at least four per year
  • Ensuring that all requests for grants are reviewed by the committee in line with the committee’s Terms of Reference
  • Working with the Community Volunteer Coordinator to oversee all SSAFA community volunteering, ensuring clients get support that is effective and timely
  • Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and recruiting new community volunteers and committee members as needed
  • Working with the Learning and Development department at Central Office to ensure all volunteers are kept up to date with the training and information they need
  • Building relationships with the senior management team on the base and the local SSAFA branch working in the wider community
  • Providing reports and information to the local SSAFA branch and to SSAFA’s Central Office
  • Overseeing an annual plan and fundraising programme to meet the locally identified needs
  • Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser
  • Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and Privacy policy

Application form

Address

Please provide us with your address by using our address lookup or by entering your address manually.

Thank you for trusting us with your data. For extra peace of mind about how we keep your data secure and how we manage your personal data, you can read more information in our Privacy Policy.