We periodically recruit to fill various vacancies in our operation, which may include Search Technicians, Operational Support and General Support roles. All roles play an equal part in our operation and are crucial to the effective operation of Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue. 

Our current requirements are listed below...

Role Description: Membership Team Lead
Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR)

Role Title: Membership Team Lead
Location: Berkshire (Home-based with attendance at monthly leadership meetings in Bracknell)
Contract: Volunteer Role
Hours: Flexible, with an estimated 5+ hours per week

Reports to: Member of the BLSAR Leadership Team, who report to the Trustees

Team members: Records Officer, Recruitment Officer, Welfare Officer, Uniform Officer

SAR qualified: This role does not require Search & Rescue qualifications. Recruitment is both internal and external to BLSAR.

About Us

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR) is a vital volunteer-run charity, supporting the police and emergency services in locating vulnerable missing persons. With a team of approximately 80 volunteers, we depend on a strong, cohesive membership structure to maintain operational readiness. The Membership Team Lead plays a critical role in recruiting, supporting, and retaining our valued members.

Role Purpose

The Membership Team Lead oversees the recruitment, induction, and ongoing and welfare of BLSAR members, in collaboration with other department leads. The role has specific responsibility for the guidance and support of new members, for the allocation of assets such as uniforms and for the maintenance of appropriate HR records for the organisation. Working collaboratively with other departments, this role ensures that members are welcomed, equipped, and supported throughout their time with BLSAR. While the role has oversight of the membership and their status, items such as specialist welfare support and training delivery are managed and delivered by other teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Recruitment and Induction

• Contact prospective new members and follow up on all membership enquiries.
• Define and lead the recruitment process. This includes working with department leads to ensure appropriate role descriptions are documented, working with the Marketing Lead to advertise and promote the available roles, assisting the recruiting team with screening applicants and conducting interviews.
• Manage the vetting process with TVP and DBS

1. Induction

• Oversee the induction process and communications for new members, in collaboration with other department Leads. Take the lead in ensuring they are welcomed, understand their role within BLSAR and are guided on the policies and procedures they should be familiar with.
• Oversee the provision of uniforms, along with ID badges and IT accounts to new members.
• Maintain up-to-date materials and resources for onboarding, including working with other teams to ensure consistency.

1. Training

• Work with the Training Officer and department leads to build an appropriate and timely training plan for each cohort of inductees
• Track the progress of new members through the training process to ensure all operational members have reached the required certification levels, and manage the departure of those who fail to qualify.

1. Membership Management

• Maintain accurate HR records for all members, ensuring compliance with all relevant internal and external policies and procedures.
• Track membership status against required attendance and participation criteria and communicate to members and the BLSAR Leadership Team where they are falling below expected criteria.
• Act as first point of contact for membership queries and generic concerns.

1. Welfare

• Collaborate with the TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) team lead to ensure that all member welfare issues are identified, tracked and acted upon.
• Monitor member well-being and ensure access to necessary support services.

1. Collaboration with Other Departments

• Identify recruitment and retention challenges and represent these to the BLSAR Leadership Team as part of a drive to foster the optimum volunteer experience.
• Maintain regular reports which track key indicators such as member recruitment, retention and operational activity.
• Work closely with the welfare support team to address sensitive issues and promote a supportive environment.
• Coordinate with the BLSAR Leadership Team to align the membership profile with the desired organisational goals.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience in recruitment, HR management, or volunteer coordination.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a compassionate and approachable demeanour.
• Proven self-starter and individual contributor.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and familiarity with data protection requirements.

Desirable Skills

• Background in volunteer management or working with not-for-profit organizations.
• Awareness of welfare support processes and the ability to work collaboratively with specialist teams.

What We Offer

This role provides the chance to be part of a dynamic and compassionate team at a vital local charity while developing your skills and making a meaningful impact in the community.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and enthusiasm for the role to recruitment@berkshirerescue.org.uk

Job Description: Fundraising Officer
Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR)

Job Title: Fundraising Officer
Location: Berkshire (Home-based with attendance at monthly leadership meetings in Bracknell)
Contract: Volunteer Role
Hours: Flexible, with an estimated 5+ hours per week

Reports to: Member of the BLSAR Leadership Team, who report to the Trustees

Team members: None defined. Co-opted as required.

SAR qualified: This role does not require Search & Rescue qualifications. Recruitment is both internal and external to BLSAR.

About Us

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR) is a registered charity dedicated to assisting the police and other emergency services in the search for vulnerable missing people. Entirely staffed by a committed team of approximately 80 volunteers, we provide vital support to the community, working around the clock to help those in need. To sustain and grow our efforts, we rely on generous donations, grants, and sponsorships, making fundraising an essential component of our mission.

Role Purpose

The primary task of the Fundraising Officer is to maximise the charitable income of BLSAR. This is a key leadership role with overall responsibility for developing and delivering fundraising strategies to support BLSAR's operations. The focus is on securing a reliable stream of funds through a range of channels, including donations, community events, corporate sponsorship, grants, and other campaigns. A major objective is to research, identify and recruit high-value and dependable relationships with key funders who can underpin the day to day running of BLSAR.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact by ensuring the long-term sustainability of our life-saving services.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising Strategy Development
   • Develop and implement a comprehensive and sustainable fundraising strategy aligned with BLSAR’s goals.
   • Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and donor campaigns.
   • Collaborate where appropriate with other organisations that can help support the BLSAR fundraising goals.
2. Community and Corporate Engagement
   • Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, organisations, and individual donors.
   • Organise and promote fundraising events, campaigns, and communication activities to engage the community and recognise community contributions.
3. Grant Applications
   • Research and prepare grant applications to secure funding from trusts, foundations, and other relevant bodies.
   • Monitor deadlines and maintain a calendar of funding opportunities.
4. Marketing and Communications
   • Collaborate with the BLSAR marketing team to promote fundraising activities through the BLSAR web site, partner web sites, social media, email newsletters, and local media.
   • Develop compelling case studies and materials to inspire potential donors and supporters.
   • Represent BLSAR at partner and volunteer led events.
5. Management
   • Determine the nature of the team necessary to support the fundraising strategy.
   • Recruit and manage the team (sourcing members from inside and outside BLSAR) to deliver successfully on the strategy.
   • Act as “cheerleader” within BLSAR in promoting and advising on fundraising activities.
   • Represent and lead on Fundraising as an active member of the overall BLSAR Leadership Team.
6. Administration and Reporting
   • Work with the BLSAR Leadership Team to identify funding needs and opportunities to secure grants for specific requirements.
   • Develop and maintain an annual forecast for fundraising income.
   • Share a monthly report that tracks fundraising progress, ensuring transparency and accountability.
   • Maintain accurate records of donations and donor interactions and work with BLSAR Finance Lead to ensure these are accurately accounted for.
   • Ensure that all fundraising activities are undertaken in line with prevailing best practice, relevant legislation and internal BLSAR rules.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, or a related field (voluntary or professional).
• Proven self-starter and individual contributor.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage a wide audience.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of grant application processes and donor management.
• Passion for BLSAR's mission and the ability to work collaboratively with a team of volunteers.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in fundraising and community engagement.
• Familiarity with digital marketing tools and platforms.
• Established local network in Berkshire and the surrounding areas.

What We Offer

This role provides the chance to be part of a dynamic and compassionate team at a vital local charity while developing your skills and making a meaningful impact in the community.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and enthusiasm for the role to recruitment@berkshirerescue.org.uk

Role Description BLSAR Fleet Management Lead

Role Title: Fleet Management Lead  

Location: Wokingham, Berkshire  

Contract: Volunteer Role 

Hours: Flexible, with an estimated 2+ hours per week

Reports to: BLSAR Leadership Team

Team members: To be constituted as required by the role holder

SAR qualified: This role does not require Search & Rescue qualifications. Recruitment is both internal and external to BLSAR.

About Us

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR) is an essential volunteer-operated charity that assists the police and emergency services in locating vulnerable missing persons. Comprising a team of approximately 80 volunteers, we maintain operational readiness through a strong and cohesive membership structure. As a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO), our operations are entirely funded through charitable donations and fundraising efforts, without any statutory funding. We are dedicated to providing our Search and Rescue emergency services free of charge, ensuring no financial burden is placed on those we assist. Our mission is to offer support and aid to our community during times of crisis. To fulfil its primary mission and supporting activities, BLSAR utilizes several vehicles, each specially equipped for its specific role.

Role Purpose

The Fleet Management Lead overseas the safe and effective management of all road vehicles owned or operated by BLSAR.
The fleet management lead will ensure that all BLSAR vehicles are continuously fit, legal and safe to be used on the public highways and their effectiveness during deployments.
Working collaboratively with other departments to understand their requirements with regards operational readiness of vehicles as well as planning the future needs and options of vehicles within the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Make the ultimate decision whether a vehicle is safe to have on the road.
• Responsible for overseeing the planning, directing, managing, coordinating, and supervising of programs related to the acquisition, assignment, utilization, maintenance, repair, replacement, and disposal of BLSAR vehicles.
• The main point of contact for matters related to the BLSAR vehicle fleet and its operations.

 Specific Responsibilities; to include but not exclusively

• Responsible for the custody of all vehicle documentation and the renewal of these documents when required.
• Monitoring the documentation and records of the vehicles, particularly regarding inspections, certifications, and servicing.
• Commissioning all scheduled maintenance and ad hoc repair.
• Assist with the recruitment, compliance, evaluation, authorization, and management of drivers and their documentation.
• Responsibility for the mechanical and basic structure of the vehicles. (Specialist search and rescue equipment stored on board is the responsibility of department leads.)
• Maintain vehicles efficiently by performing routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs of the fleet.
• Participate in budgeting and managing costs for effective fleet management.
• Conduct and resolve accident and damage investigations.
• Coordinate the specification and procurement of new vehicles.
• Ensure effective disposal of redundant vehicles.

What We Offer

This role provides the chance to be part of a dynamic and compassionate team at a vital local charity while developing your skills and making a meaningful impact in the community.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and enthusiasm for the role to recruitment@berkshirerescue.org.uk

Role Description: Operations Support Manager

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR)

Role Title: Operations Support Manager

Location: Berkshire (Home-based with attendance at monthly leadership meetings in Bracknell)

Contract: Volunteer Role

Hours: Flexible, with an estimated 5+ hours per week

Reports to: Member of the BLSAR Leadership Team (LT), who report to the Trustees

Team members: Vehicle lead, IT lead, Data Protection lead, with other roles to be determined and recruited by the role holder. 

SAR qualified: This role does not require Search & Rescue qualifications. Recruitment is both internal and external to BLSAR. 

About Us

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR) is a vital volunteer-run charity, supporting the police and emergency services in locating vulnerable missing persons. With a team of approximately 80 volunteers, we depend on a strong, cohesive support capability to maintain operational readiness. The Operations Support Manager plays a critical role in ensuring our operational teams have ready access to the tools and technology to ensure they can operate safely and effectively. 

Role Purpose

The Operations Support Manager plays a key role in ensuring the equipment and infrastructure necessary to support BLSAR operations is properly maintained and readily available when required. 

The Operations Support Manager ensures that BLSAR’s equipment, infrastructure, and technology are properly maintained and readily available for operational needs. This role oversees a team responsible for managing and maintaining BLSAR’s operational assets, including vehicles, IT systems, and specialist equipment. The Operations Support Manager collaborates with operational department leads to understand their requirements and establish efficient processes that align with BLSAR’s policies and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Buildings

• Take ownership, on behalf of the LT, for the overall management and maintenance of the BLSAR “base”.  Note that since BLSAR is seeking a new base this includes collaborating with the Project Officer and  leading the project group tasked with identifying and evaluating options, identifying necessary changes to make it fit for BLSAR’s purposes, securing Trustee and LT agreement to the proposal and the necessary budget, and executing on the plan. 
• Organise the maintenance of the base to ensure it is secure and continues to be fit for BLSAR purposes. Develop the business case and secure LT approval for any investment required.
• Manage and maintain positive relations with relevant parties, eg: building landlord.
• Ensure that all appropriate utilities (eg : electric and water) are procured and paid.

2. Vehicles and water craft

• Take ownership, on behalf of the LT, for the overall management and maintenance of the BLSAR vehicle fleet. Note that the fleet includes vans equipped to support the land and water search teams, as well as trailers to carry the rigid inflatables.
• Support the water lead in the overall management and maintenance of the BLSAR water craft.
• Establish and maintain a process and appropriate member resources to support a regular “reset and make ready” function that ensures all vehicle and craft returning from training or a search are cleaned, checked, replenished and made ready for a new deployment.  
• Establish appropriate member resources and run a regular program which ensures that all vehicle and water assets are properly maintained, insured, etc.  
• Support department leads in the development of any business case requesting new or replacement equipment for their operations.  

3. IT Systems

• Oversee the procurement, operation and maintenance of all IT systems used by BLSAR. Note this includes specialist systems specific to SAR, as well as generic systems such as MS Sharepoint.
• Recruit, maintain and motivate an IT team with sufficient skills to manage and maintain the systems to the required level.
• Provide appropriate training and education to onboard new members and ensure all members are capable of using those systems relevant to their role.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders in the development of any business case for the procurement and roll out of any new system.

4. Equipment 

• Oversee the procurement, management and maintenance of the communications equipment owned and used by BLSAR
• Oversee the procurement, operation and maintenance of the laptops, printers and other computer equipment owned and used by BLSAR
• Assist the department leads in the management and maintenance of specialist equipment used by the BLSAR teams, such as stretchers, sonar and RPAS.
• Support department leads in the development of any business case requesting new or replacement equipment for their operations.

5. Compliance

• Manage the base, systems and equipment in line with BLSAR policies and procedures and relevant regulatory guidelines, eg: Fire regulations and Health & Safety.
• Work with the Trustees and the LT when they are reviewing and updating BLSAR policies to ensure that all data storage, protection and access requirements can be met.
• Periodically review organisational behaviour to ensure proper compliance with system security, data protection and other relevant policies.

6. Risk management 

• Work with the Finance Lead to ensure the base and all equipment is appropriately protected and insured.

5. Team management 

• Recruit from both membership and externally to build a team of operational support members able to deliver the identified tasks without undue burden on any individuals.
• Motivate and manage those members engaged in operational support through regular communications and clear definition of tasks.
• Monitor member well-being and ensure all members engaged in operational support are recognised and treated fairly and responsibly.

6. Collaboration with Other Departments

• Represent the operational support aspects of BLSAR as an equal partner to the operational teams at the LT.
• Maintain regular reports which track key indicators such as equipment maintenance intervals, obsolescence dates, etc.
• Coordinate with the BLSAR LT to maintain alignment between operational support and overall organisational goals.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience in IT, asset management and project management.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and teams effectively.
• Excellent collaborative, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven self-starter and individual contributor.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and familiarity with data protection requirements.

What We Offer

This role provides the chance to be part of a dynamic and compassionate team at a vital local charity while developing your skills and making a meaningful impact in the community.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief statement outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to recruitment@berkshirerescue.org.uk

About Us

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR) is a vital volunteer-run charity, supporting the police and emergency services in locating vulnerable missing persons. With a team of approximately 80 volunteers, we depend on a strong, cohesive support capability to maintain operational readiness.

As a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO), our operations are entirely funded through charitable donations and fundraising efforts, without any statutory funding. We are dedicated to providing our Search and Rescue emergency services free of charge, ensuring no financial burden is placed on those we assist. Our mission is to offer support and aid to our community during times of crisis.

To fulfil its primary mission and supporting activities, BLSAR utilizes several vehicles, each specially equipped for its specific role.

Role Purpose

Ensure the operational readiness of BLSAR equipment and vehicles.

As well as the vital role of preparing emergency vehicles for operational duties, you will support the management of stock and equipment assets and restock bags and equipment scales destined for the vehicles and other operational duties. Significant care and attention to detail is required with a record required of every check undertaken.

Key Responsibilities

• Regular checking and stocking/re-stocking of equipment utilised by BLSAR to ensure a high state of readiness
• Ensure that all equipment, response bags, boxes etc are stocked to the agreed lists and where necessary all equipment and consumables are in date
• Clean and make ready vehicles and equipment once they have returned from a deployment
• Ensure the efficient charging of electronic equipment and batteries to ensure a high state of readiness
• Report any damage or defects as per reporting procedures
• Complete and log all administrative tasks
• Carry out dynamic risk assessments to assess hazards, then implement safe systems of work and reduce risks to yourself and other persons involved to an acceptable level.
• To undertake any other duties relevant to the post as may be assigned from time to time which are consistent with the post.

Essential Skills and Experience

This role does not require Search & Rescue qualifications.  Recruitment is both internal and external to BLSAR.

What We Offer

This role provides the chance to be part of a dynamic and compassionate team at a vital local charity while developing your skills and making a meaningful impact in the community.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief statement outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to Recruitment@berkshirerescue.org.uk

Selection Method

Interview

About Us

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR) is a vital volunteer-run charity, supporting the police and emergency services in locating vulnerable missing persons. With a team of approximately 80 volunteers, we depend on a strong, cohesive support capability to maintain operational readiness.

Role Purpose

The Recruitment Officer plays a critical role in facilitating the search, selection and onboarding of volunteers into  operational and support staff roles.

Key Responsibilities

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILLITIES

• Work with the PR and Media Lead to advise on recruitment campaigns
• Organise BLSAR representation and stand for recruitment events
• Work with the Membership Records Officer to contact prospective new members and follow up on all membership enquiries / requests for information
• Plan and arrange information evenings, requesting attendance from BLSAR members (presenters)
• Arrange interview evenings for prospective members and existing members who are seeking to become Search Technicians, requesting attendance from BLSAR members (interviewers)
• Participate in interviews, as required
• Provide a single point of contact for prospective new members whilst awaiting interview and undergoing vetting and reference checks
• Liaise with the relevant department leads to develop and deliver a plan for operational recruits’ training and onboarding
• Advise on the recruitment and onboarding process for non-operational members
• Maintain and distribute new member packs, ensuring these are completed correctly and returned
• Ensure essential e-learning and essential training is completed by relevant deadlines
• Liaise with the Records Officer for issuance of ID badges and IT accounts and for the timely update of recruits’ records held by the Membership Department
• Liaise with the Uniforms Officer for issuance of uniforms and personal equipment
• Provide input to the Monthly Membership Team reports for the Committee
• The role holder will be expected to attend some meetings in normal business hours or to delegate that on a per meeting basis
• The role holder will be expected to provide a timely response to all requests, in practical terms a normal response within 48hrs is considered timely (where no other time has been specified)

Essential Skills and Experience

• Must be able to work on their own initiative
• Excellent communicator
• Must be able to work to deadlines set at meetings or by the Leadership Team or Trustees of BLSAR
• History of good team working with peers
• The role would suit a non-operational member. There is no requirement to be operational or certified to any SAR level.
• All candidates will be subject to a DBS check.

What We Offer

This role provides the chance to be part of a dynamic and compassionate team at a vital local charity while developing your skills and making a meaningful impact in the community.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief statement outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to Recruitment@berkshirerescue.org.uk

Selection Method

Interview

About Us

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR) is an essential volunteer-operated charity whose primary purpose is to assist the police and other emergency services in locating vulnerable missing persons. Our team consists of approximately 80 volunteers, and our operations are entirely funded through charitable donations and fundraising efforts.

Our highly trained teams are able to deploy on both land and in the water, as well as utilising “drones” in the air. As a secondary purpose, we are also able to use these skills to support the local statutory bodies and aid the community during times of crisis.

Role Purpose

The EPRR lead is responsible for developing the capabilities of the BLSAR organisation so that it can effectively support local statutory organisations in mitigating and recovering from the effects of a significant incident or other community emergency.

Key Responsibilities

STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIPS

• Develop effective working relationships with key emergency response stakeholders responsible for Berkshire and surrounding areas.
• Liaise with Emergency Planning Officers from Local Authorities and Emergency Service to promote BLSAR services and source additional training and funding opportunities.
• Attend (or ensure BLSAR attendance at) at Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum and relevant sub-committees.
• Represent all aspects of EPRR at the BLSAR Leadership Team (LT).
• Work with the LT to build out the skills and membership of any EPRR team, in whatever form that may be required.

BUY-IN

• Take lead role in understanding the plans the emergency response stakeholders have in place to recover from incidents. Work with the BLSAR operational leads to develop an agreed level of support from BLSAR for those plans. Maintain ongoing commitment of the relevant BLSAR operational department leads to meeting their obligations as part of these plans – and advise appropriate stakeholders if the BLSAR capabilities can no longer meet expectations.

TRAINING

• Work with appropriate stakeholders to plan, implement and evaluate emergency planning training appropriate to the incidents where BLSAR may be asked for support. This may cover both operational training as well as appropriate leadership and command training.

PROCESS

• Develop and maintain a clear process for communicating with emergency services and other bodies in the event of an emergency.
• Develop, document and implement appropriate arrangements and process for managing the BLSAR response to emergencies, with a focus on scalability and the flexibility to adapt to a wide-range of scenarios.

RESILIENCE

• Lead the development and implementation of a plan that ensures all relevant parts of BLSAR are resilient and able to maintain operational continuity in the event of an emergency.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Good oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrable track record of team leadership
• History of positive and synergistic team working with peers and external partners
• Fast to learn, thorough and organised with attention to detail
• Must be able to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Comfortable working through influence rather than authority
• IT literate
• Proven self-starter and individual contributor.
• A proactive, creative, and flexible approach to problem-solving.
• Passion for BLSAR’s mission and the ability to work collaboratively with a volunteer team.
• All candidates will be subject to a DBS check.

Desirable Skills

• This role does not require Search & Rescue qualifications but a familiarity with the SAR environment is highly desirable.
• Preferred minimum of 2 years BLSAR membership, with operational experience at SAR Tech or TL level
• Previous experience of strategic working with the Emergency Services or Local Authority emergency planning roles

What We Offer

This role provides the chance to be part of a dynamic and compassionate team at a vital local charity while developing your skills and making a meaningful impact in the community.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief statement outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to Recruitment@berkshirerescue.org.uk

Selection Method

Interview by at least one member from each of the Leadership Team and the Trustees

About Us

Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR) is a vital volunteer-run charity, supporting the police and emergency services in locating vulnerable missing persons. With a team of approximately 80 volunteers, we depend on a strong, cohesive support capability to maintain operational readiness. The External Trustee plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth running of the charity.

Role Purpose

BLSAR is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), whose activities are overseen by 5 Trustees, of whom two are selected externally and have no prior membership of the organisation. The Trustees play a vital role in providing strategic direction, independent oversight, and constructive challenge to the Leadership Team. You will contribute your professional expertise and external perspective to help ensure the charity delivers its mission effectively, operates with integrity, and remains financially and legally compliant.

Key Responsibilities

GOVERNANCE & STRATEGY

• Ensure the charity pursues its stated objectives and remains true to its mission and values.
• Contribute to the development and approval of long-term strategy, organisational plans, and key policies.
• Scrutinise decisions and hold the leadership team accountable for delivery and performance.
• Ensure the Leadership Team has an appropriate focus and balance between maintaining the operational capabilities of each department whilst protecting the long term stability and resilience of the organisational.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

• Oversee the financial health and sustainability of the charity.
• Approve budgets and monitor financial performance against targets.
• Ensure proper systems of financial control and risk management are in place.

COMPLIANCE & RISK

• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Safeguard the charity’s assets and reputation.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

• Support the development of an inclusive, collaborative, values-led organisational culture.
• Provide independent insight on diversity, equity, and governance matters.
• Help ensure effective leadership team and organisational composition, succession planning, and personal development
• Work with the Trustees and the leadership team to identify and address issues in an appropriate and timely manner

AMBASSADORIAL ROLE

• Act as an advocate for the charity externally, supporting networking, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement as appropriate.

Essential Skills and Experience

• A commitment to the values and objectives of the charity
• Independence of judgment and a willingness to speak your mind
• Experience of working across a multi-functional organisation in a managerial position
• Experience in a professional field (e.g. finance, law, HR, marketing, fundraising, digital, etc.)
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills
• An understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
• Willingness to get involved in tasks and projects as requested or desirable
• All candidates will be subject to a DBS check.

Desirable:

• Previous experience as a trustee or non-executive director
• Lived experience or insight into the communities the charity serves
• Understanding of governance in the charity or non-profit sector

What We Offer

This role provides the chance to be part of a dynamic and compassionate team at a vital local charity while developing your skills and making a meaningful impact in the community.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief statement outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to the following email Recruitment@berkshirerescue.org.uk

Notes:

• This role requires somebody who has the time to give to the role, this is estimated to be a minimum of 5 hours per week
• The role holder will have previous experience of charities or senior management roles.
• The role holder will be expected to attend some meetings outside of normal business hours as most trustee and leadership team meetings are held 19.00-22.00
• The role holder may need to be prepared to make difficult decisions and to have difficult conversations from time to time with people.