NOTE: Outside of Network staff/operational services delivery posts, all Network team members are volunteers: trustees, advisors, general volunteers. We encourage even general volunteers to consider becoming formal advisors as everyone has a passion, experience, expertise, interest area where they thrive.
In order to carry out your responsibilities as an Advisor / Volunteer, you should:
- be committed to the purpose, objects and values of the organisation
- be constructive about other Network team members (fellow advisors, trustees, operational staff) contributions and viewpoints in discussions and meetings and activities delivery
- be able to act reasonably and responsibly when undertaking such duties and performing tasks
- be able to maintain confidentiality on sensitive and confidential information
- be supportive of the values (and ethics) of the organisation
- understand the importance and purpose of meetings, and be committed to preparing for them adequately and attending them regularly
- be able to analyse information and, when necessary, challenge constructively
- be able to make collective decisions and stand by them
Requirements for Advisors / Volunteers:
- Passion to see the values and purposes of the Network realised
- To be a good ambassador for the work of the Network and the organisation itself
- Have a record of previous effective support for and to our LGBT+ community
- Being party politics-free [inclusive] in regard to Network activity, taking a cross-party approach but also where relevant to support and initiate connection for the Network with given political parties that work on particular LGBT+ community supportive thematic initiatives (these will almost always transcend party political/party exclusive limitations).
Commitment
- Commitment between meetings can vary person to person.
- Attendance at meetings when relevant and required, including the AGM, and assisting where able on delivery of the latter, is required. (Currently online)
- Few hours of supportive time per 3-4 months between meetings.
- We have monthly (in exceptional circumstances bi-monthly) Network-wide online meetings, for all trustees and volunteers that it is recommended to attend.
- Responsiveness to internal communications.
- Participation in relevant working groups, when needed.
Support outside of meetings often involves participation in working groups on Network specialist areas, for example the tackling LGBTQIA+ homeslessness Initiative, training projects or events in relation to education, the NHS, prisons, BAME and international LGBT+ community members
The role mainly involves expertise, experience sharing, and when relevant strategic networking and related introductions on given specialist areas that the given Advisor has a passion for and a standing interest in.
For example, this could be through providing a supportive quote, or content to a report or research document, promoting awareness of an initiative in your relevant circles of outreach. It may also include looking through a draft document, proofreading internal policy, assisting with social media strategy, writing an article on a Network initiative area subject, helping produce training on a Network initiative area subject.
Some suggested skills, experience and expertise base subjects:
In particular we are looking for a treasurer and trustees with knowledge and experience in finance, fundraising, grant applications, social media and marketing.
We value skills and experience in, but not limited to the following areas:
- Report writing and research
- Project leadership and project management and related support
- Public speaking
- LGBT+ sub-groups with special support needs, interest support
- Healthcare and NHS
- Ethnic minority/BAME/BME LGBT+ community support
- International LGBT+ community support
- Partnerships development and enablement
- Being a good team player, and when required, team leader
- Social Media, Marketing, PR, news media and messaging skills (such as writing or reviewing press releases) are positives
- Advocacy experience and skills, including policy advocacy
- Networking, especially skills in strategic networking
- Specialist areas of interest and expertise
- Troubleshooting and mediation skills
- Fundraising
- Finance skills
- Organising and hosting meetings and events (such as online launches)
Expenses
Only out-of-pocket expenses are payable to Advisors. For example, when travel is required, costs can be covered.
Term/duration of service an advisor/volunteer
An initial two years, with elections happening at the end of a trustees term, subsequently renewed annually automatically
For an advisor/volunteer in order to leave the Network, one needs to hand in their resignation by email with a notice period of a month