Divisional Secretary

There is a SSAFA branch in each county in the UK. These are divided into small local areas that we call divisions. Each one has a secretary to coordinate the day-to-day business in that division. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people. As the first point of contact for the division, you will play a key part in promoting SSAFA locally, matching clients to volunteer caseworkers and supporting volunteers to get the best outcomes for their clients.

Would you like to coordinate the local SSAFA service in your area? You don’t need a military background, just some basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with a wide range of people and good communication skills and written English.

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, in recognition of their service to the nation, we aim to provide financial, practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. More people than ever before are coming to us for help and you will be one of the people contacting new clients and getting them the support they need.

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

This role is about coordination and administration. As part of your local branch you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home.
The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular time commitment each week.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others

• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch 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!

What about training and support?

• A three-day course for new divisional secretaries. Your trainer will guide your group of like-minded volunteers through everything you need to know to run a SSAFA division

• Online training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe

• Access to a range of e-learning courses

• Local induction • Support from the branch secretary and 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 with some experience of coordinating people and admin

• good written and spoken English

• ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues

• ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address

• ability to coordinate a team of people volunteering

• willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)

• ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to reporting any safety concerns etc

• reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.

• ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely

• access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.

• ability to provide two referees: former employers or other people that know you well (other than relatives)

Is a disclosure check required?

No.

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 branch

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

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support disabled volunteers, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as non-disabled volunteers.

For further details see our equality and diversity policy.

What you'll do

Key role responsibilities

  • Acting as the first point of contact for SSAFA in the local area
  • Taking enquiries from potential clients and potential volunteers
  • Matching new clients to available caseworkers
  • Supporting caseworkers, particularly new volunteers
  • Working with the local publicity officer to promote SSAFA locally
  • Providing reports to the local SSAFA branch and to SSAFA’s Central Office
  • Maintaining accurate records on our on-line case management system
  • Coordinating SSAFA Visitors and Helpers (if applicable)
  • Organising local meetings to keep all volunteers up to date with the latest training and information
  • 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 data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

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.