If you are interested in becoming a Thames Reach board member, contact us at boardmembership@thamesreach.org.uk to find out more.

Thames Reach is a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, our services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and in Surrey.

Thames Reach is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

We have just over 400 employees and around 200 volunteers, and our organisational turnover is around £25 million per annum.

We have an effective and long-standing non-executive Board with a wealth of relevant experience in both the public and commercial sectors. They provide valuable support to the Executive team, as well as attending around five Board meetings every year, sitting on one of the three Board sub-committees (Finance, Audit and Fundraising; Services; Governance and People) that meet around four times a year. Board members are also asked to participate in an annual away day, usually in the autumn, with separate preparatory visits to our services.

We are now looking for up to two new members. As well as an interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness as a Board member and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for the organisation, we are hoping to recruit members with specific skills in the following areas:

Legal knowledge

We are looking for candidates with up to date knowledge of the law and its application in our context.  As well as the delivery of our services, this could include knowledge of property or employment law, or charity and contract law as it applies to our commitments.

Governance/Company Secretary knowledge

We are also looking for board members with an interest in and knowledge of charity governance, to support the board to understand and comply with our regulatory commitments.

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

If you are interested in becoming a Thames Reach Board member and think that you might have the skills that we need, contact us at boardmembership@thamesreach.org.uk to find out more.

Closing date: Sunday 15 October 2023

Location: Across London

Purpose of the role

Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) volunteer advisors provide support to vulnerable adults who want to access training, volunteering or employment opportunities. We provide friendly and expert-led support for vulnerable adults of all ages and backgrounds, creating better work opportunities for everyone in our community

What you will be doing

In this role, you will be supporting us with the following tasks:

– Work with clients 1:1 to identify their individual goals

– Support clients in accessing the knowledge and skills required to achieve their
specific goals

– Record client work on our InForm database to ensure efficient joint working
and delivery of the service

– Liaise with external services including prospective employers and training providers
as required

–  Signpost or refer clients to relevant internal services and external agencies.

– Work as part of IAG team and maintain regular communication with clients and
colleagues

– Provide a professional and effective service to clients in line with Thames Reach
policies

When would you be needed and where would you be based

We expect volunteers to commit for 2 days per week for at least six months. Our volunteering hours are Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.

Once we have received your application, we will meet with you informally and give you more
information on the location and time you will need to commit to the role.

What you can gain from this volunteering role

– Be able to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others

– Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

– Professional references after 3 months volunteering

– Mentoring and support from out Employment and Skills team

– Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.

Training and support offered

– A role specific induction and trial shift so that you understand the role well

– Regular support and supervision from the Rapid Response team to discuss how your volunteering is going and what other opportunities and training may be available to you

– Online or face-to-face instructor led training and e-learning modules to prepare you for your voluntary role

– Access to a range of additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and   professional development

– Support from staff and peer support from fellow volunteers

– Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

What we are looking for

– A friendly personality, good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and motivation

– Ability to listen and be empathetic to build rapport with clients

– Good verbal and written communication skills

– Willingness to learn and develop within the role

– Motivation to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people

– The physical ability to work on the streets (there can be a lot of walking involved)

– Awareness and understanding of the need for professional boundaries and confidentiality

– To have the ability to follow Health and Safety regulations, Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy.

Minimum age: 18

Are references required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives).

Is there criminal record check required: Yes

How can I apply? Complete our online application form or contact us at volunteer@thamesreach.org.uk.

Apply today