Would you like to coordinate the local SSAFA service in your area? Do you enjoy working as part of a team?

You don’t need a military background, just good communication and I.T. skills. If so, this could be the role for you!

What is a divisional secretary?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into small local areas called divisions.
Each one has a team of volunteers and a secretary to coordinate the day-to-day business and oversee service
provision in that division.
The 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.

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 would you be doing?
• 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.)

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
• On-line 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 Development 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)

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 volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of
volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate.
Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe
experience

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

Is a criminal record check required? *Where volunteers are both divisional secretaries and caseworkers a disclosure check will be required.

How do I find out more?

Visit us on line at https://www.ssafa.org.uk/volunteer to browse available roles and locations and let us
know you’re interested. Read more about training and about some of our wonderful volunteers

Contact our friendly Volunteer Experience (VE) team at VE.Support@ssafa.org.uk.

They can answer any general questions about volunteering and put you in touch with your local branch.