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Volunteer With Us

Interested in volunteering with Listening Books?

Are you over 18 and looking to volunteer? Do you love audiobooks and want to help us to reach more people that could benefit from access to our service? If you would like to join our dedicated team, then check below to find out more about our current opportunities.

 

We have two Trustee roles available

Listening Books is recruiting for two Trustee roles: one general Trustee and one for the role of Treasurer. 

Trustee Role

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the important work of Listening Books, a national audiobook charity providing access to the wonderful world of books for people who cannot read in the usual way. The charity has achieved enormous growth in recent years and now reaches over 100,000 people with print impairments. Our charity receives no government funding.

Further information on our work can be found here

What will you be doing?

If you are strategic, friendly and passionate about access to literature and learning then we would love to hear from you. You will help shape our strategic direction.

Primary responsibilities of a Trustee

  • Appreciate and support the aims and policies of Listening Books.
  • Work in partnership with fellow trustees and the CEO and jointly act in making decisions for the best interests of the charity.
  • Ensure the charity meets all company law and Charity Commission requirements.
  • Actively participate in committee meetings and the Annual General meeting.
  • In conjunction with your fellow Trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities of the charity including those relating to the welfare of members and staff.

Further information on the role and responsibilities of a trustee can be found here at the Charity Commission,and here at the IoD.

What are we looking for?

For the general trustee role, we are open to a variety of skill sets and backgrounds, but we are especially interested in hearing from those with experience and skills in any of the following areas:

  • Marketing, communications, including website, social media, PR
  • Charity governance
  • Publishing industry experience

To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over.

 

Treasurer Role

What are we looking for?

The Trustees collectively set the charity’s strategic direction. In addition to the role of a trustee, the treasurer role will include the following specific tasks, mostly on an exception basis:

  • The Treasurer will work with the CEO to present budgets and accounts to the board at their meetings. These will have been prepared by the CEO and Accountant.
  • Monitoring and reporting on the charity’s investments and interfacing with our investment house, CCLA. Accordingly, some experience of investments would be an advantage.
  • Reviewing with the accountant to ensure the appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place and that we have appropriate financial policies, including a policy on reserves.
  • Ensure that budgets (prepared by CEO) are aligned with both short-term and long-term objectives each year.
  • Might need to occasionally liaise with the Auditor.
  • Protect the charity’s Reserves and ensure that the financial resources of Listening Books are sufficient to meet its present and future needs.
  • Co-ordinate efforts on financial risk management.

Accordingly, we are looking for someone with:

  • Proven ability to communicate effectively and explain financial information to members of the board and other stakeholders.
  • Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement.

Both the general Trustee and Treasurer roles are for three years with the possibility of re-election beyond that. Both roles are voluntary. There are 3-4 board meetings per year with each taking approximately 2 hours. Meetings are held at our offices in The Foundry, Social Justice and Human Rights Centre Limited, 17 Oval Way, London SE11 5RR. Trustees may also attend virtually as required. As the treasurer role has additional responsibilities, we estimate the additional time commitment to be approximately 2 hours per month. There may be occasions where a little more, or less, time is required.

How to Apply for the Trustee roles

In the first instance, candidates should send their CV and covering letter to Bill Dee, CEO, Listening Books at bdee@listening-books.org.uk before close of business on Monday 14th October.

Other Volunteering Roles

Community Champions

Would you like to become one of our Community Champions? We are looking for volunteers to help us promote the service across the UK. If you use social media, you could share our posts with your followers, or perhaps you would be willing to share leaflets within your local community.  No matter how much time you can give, if you love books and want to help those in your community, we want to hear from you. Please click on the link below to find out more about this role.

Community Champion Role Description

How to apply for the Community Champion Role

To apply for any of the roles listed, please complete our application form and return by email to cbell@listening-books.org.uk or by post to Claire Bell, Listening Books, 17 Oval Way, London, SE11 5RR.