Our inspirational team is the beating heart of Alex TLC. Becoming a volunteer is a highly rewarding way to show your support for our charity.

We are always on the lookout for people with skills and experience in retail, office administration, communications and fundraising. You don’t need to have prior experience of working in the charity sector to get involved, just a warm heart and the drive to make a difference.

We are currently seeking a new Chair of the Trustees Board * see below

JOB TITLE:

Chair of Trustee Board

DIRECT REPORT:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

BACKGROUND:

A general background in strategy, governance, finance, HR, fundraising useful. Previous experience as a Chair or trustee essential.

APPLY VIA EMAIL:

info@alextlc.org

ROLE SUMMARY

· Provide leadership and direction to the Trustee Board and enable the Board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation.

· Ensure the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations.

· Work in partnership with the CEO and support employees, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation.

· Optimise the relationship between the Trustees Board and staff.

· Facilitate the Trustee Board in stimulating excellent, well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making

MAIN BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAIR

· Involvement in strategic planning and regular review of long-term strategic aims of the charity.

· Review and agree organisational policies, goals, targets and performance measurement.

· Approve the annual cycle of board meetings and agendas.

· Chair and facilitate meetings, monitor decisions/actions and ensure implementation.

· Liaise regularly with the Treasurer to maintain a clear grasp of the charity’s financial position and to ensure full and timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the Board.

· Lead and mentor other Board members to fulfil their responsibilities and enable access to training/coaching/information to enhance the overall contribution of the board.

· Annually review Board structure, skills, roles, staff relationships and ensure implementation of agreed changes/developments.

· Encourage team working among Board members and encourage them to identify and recruit new trustees as required.

· Create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with trustees and the CEO through review and self-reflective evaluation of contributions and effectiveness of the Board.

MAIN CEO RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAIR

· In participation with the board, appoint the CEO and lead the process of appraising and constructively guiding the performance of the CEO.

· Assume guardianship of the legal and financial integrity of the organisation.

· Consult with CEO on matters of strategy, governance, finance and HR.

· Oversee the CEO’s activities in the context of the implementation of Alex TLC’s strategy and policies.

· Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the organisation.

· Receive regular informal progress reports of the organisation’s work and financial performance through the CEO

MAIN COMMUNITY/CODE OF CONDUCT RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHAIR

· Represent the organisation as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions.

· Protect and manage the property and reputation of Alex TLC.

· Lead the Board in fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders/donors.

· Act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.

· Facilitate change and address conflict within the Board of Trustees, within the organisation and liaise with the CEO to achieve this.

· Undertake review of external complaints as defined by Alex TLC’s complaints procedure.

· Ensure adherence and compliance around key policies e.g. Equality of Opportunity, Health & Safety in all decisions and discussions of the Board and any sub-committees.

· Attend and be a member of other committees or working groups when appropriate in role as Chair.

· In order to perform the above role, the Chair should have reasonable access to all staff and information, in line with the Board’s fiduciary duties.

QUALITIES OF A CHAIR

ESSENTIAL

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

· Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.

· Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.

· Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.

· Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.

· Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

· Prior experience of committee/trustee work.

DESIRABLE

· Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.

· A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.

· Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.

· Leadership skills exercised through a period of change.

TIME COMMITMENT

· The Board meets at least 4 times a year and the Chair is expected to be available 3 times in a year.

· It is important the Chair is able to visit Alex TLC’s office and be available to the CEO on a regular basis.

· In addition to Board Meetings, other contact – usually electronic or by telephone – will be necessary.

· There will also be a requirement before and after meetings to have read any relevant documentation and action any points necessary.

Digital Retail Volunteer

Reporting to: Shop Manager/Retail Area Manager

Main Activities & Responsibilities:

Using the voluntary working practices, policies, procedures and values set by Alex TLC, work with paid staff to ensure the charity shop business runs at full potential.

This role is intended for individuals experienced in setting up digital operations using a variety of online selling platforms such as e-Bay, Music Magpie and with strong skills in computing.

The Digital Retail Operations Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategy to utilise online selling platforms and optimise retail profits. Further responsibilities include processing Gift Aid stock, digital customer service, ensuring systems are up to date and accurate, items are processed accurately and training of staff and volunteers.

Individuals will be expected to work to the high standards expected at all Alex TLC shop premises according to the requests of the Shop Manager, as a team member, taking full responsibility for all shop duties undertaken.

Participation in all training and legislative checks required by Alex TLC, statutory and specific to role.

Customer Responsibilities (internal & external)

Maintain excellent levels of customer service (remembering customer service extends to colleagues and service providers, as well as customers), going above and beyond where possible.

Technical Responsibilities

Expert knowledge of the safe and correct use of all equipment used in their day to day tasks.

Other features of the Job

Lunch & travel expenses are provided following a minimum time commitment of six hours.

Hours of work are according to those agreed between yourself and the Shop Manager.

Opportunity to attend the Alex TLC Community Weekend and meet sufferers of leukodystrophy and their families. Volunteers assist in the running of activities during the Weekend and attend the social events included.

Locations – South East London Alex TLC charity shop premises.

Person Specification:

Desirable:

• GCSE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent Mathematics and English Language

• A level or equivalent computing qualification or training

Experience:

• charity or other retail
• online selling platforms
• Basic understanding of leukodystrophy and the work of Alex TLC

Work based Competencies

• Excellent : computer, writing, numerical ability & organisational skills

Behavioural Competencies 

• Motivated, honest, committed, organised & the ability to work in a team

• Enthusiastic, Articulate, Calm under pressure, Methodical,  Resourceful with commercial acumen.

How to apply?

Please send a CV detailing your experience, contact details and two references and send it to info@alextlc.org.

Retail Assistant:

As a volunteer Retail Assistant, you will play an important role in the smooth running of Alex TLC’s charity shops in south east London and will help to sort donations, serve customers and deal with enquiries.

Who can volunteer at Alex TLC?

Anyone aged 14 or above, who is looking for a new challenge, can volunteer. You must have a desire to learn new skills, want to meet new people and be willing to work as a team. You do not need to have any experience or qualifications as we will train you.

What can Alex TLC offer you?

We believe in supporting volunteers to fulfil their potential and will help you to learn and develop through continuous hands-on training. We will also enable you:

• To acquire transferable skills such as customer services and team-working.
• To improve your numeracy and literacy skills.
• To develop interpersonal and communications skills so that you grow in confidence.
• To enter a new environment, meet new people and make friends. Alex TLC will also pay travel and lunch expenses (your Alex TLC retail manager will give you the details).

What will you be doing?

You will support shop staff to meet Alex TLC’s daily retail target by:

• Using the till to serve customers and by answering queries.
• Preparing and sorting donations for sale – this includes washing bric-a-brac, steaming clothes and carrying out quality control checks on donations.
• Displaying/restocking items for sale and ensuring that the shop window displays are regularly updated.

How to apply?

Please send a CV detailing your experience, contact details and two references and send it to info@alextlc.org.

If you have any queries about volunteering, please telephone 020 7701 2628.

Our Trustees play an important role in governance and decision making at Alex TLC. We are looking for Trustees with experience of leukodystrophy to ensure we are always mindful of the experiences and needs of those we are here to support.

ROLE TITLE: Trustee

DIRECT REPORT: Works closely with the Chair, Trustee Board and Chief Executive Officer

BACKGROUND: Knowledge/experience of voluntary, charity or public sector (preferred but not essential); commitment to the activities, development and promotion of Alex TLC.

Role Summary

• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, organisation law, and any other
relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document
• Ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, i.e. the organisation
must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how worthwhile
or charitable those activities are
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation,
reviewing and agreeing organisational policies, goals, targets and performance measurement
• Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
• Represent the company at functions and meetings as appropriate
• Declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee
• Collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Abide by the equal opportunities policy
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• Protect and manage the property of the organisation
• Ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds
• Make sure the organisation is properly insured against all reasonable liabilities
• Appoint and support the CEO and monitor their performance
• In addition to the above statutory duties of all trustees, each trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutiny of board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance requested on new initiatives, or other issues relevant to the area of the organisation’s work in which the trustee has special expertise
• Attend meetings, and read papers in advance of meetings
• Participate in other tasks as arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising
• Keep informed about the activities of the organisation and wider issues which affect its work

Person Specification

• Integrity
• Commitment to the organisation and its objectives
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement
• Ability to think creatively
• Willingness to speak their mind
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Time & Personal Commitment

• The Board meets at least 4 times a year and trustees are expected to be available 2 times in a year.
• In addition to Board Meetings, other contact – usually electronic or by telephone – will be necessary.
• There will also be a requirement before and after meetings to have read any relevant documentation and
action any points necessary.
• Potential trustees should understand that the reputation of Alex TLC is paramount to success. Therefore, we
are unable to accept applications from individuals who have been involved in incidents attracting either
negative or controversial publicity.

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for volunteers, preferably with experience of grant fundraising, to:

• research potential grant making trusts for relevance to our specific objectives
• send applications using existing templates
• update our systems with details of applications

This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your existing skills within a unique arena, learn about the difficulties facing those with rare disease, and give vital and tangible support to sufferers of leukodystrophy. We need help to give hope and support to people affected by leukodystrophy – could you be that help?

ABOUT YOU
Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

• an interest in ALD Life and the work that we do
• basic understanding of the complexities of leukodystrophy
• excellent written skills
• excellent computer skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel
• excellent organisational and administrative skills

We are flexible and the role can be home based or at our Peckham, London SE15 office.

Anyone aged 14 and over can apply for work experience in one of our charity shops or office team. Please get in touch to apply.

If you’re under 16 you’ll need to ask your parent or guardian to complete a consent form.