Why we want you
The charity has around 100 branches, all run by volunteers, who provide local support to autistic people and their families. Every branch is different and so are the activities they provide – they may run parent support groups, adult social groups, children’s activities, conferences or focus on providing information or campaigning. However, no matter how big or small, all branches are hugely valued by the people in their local area.
Branches are run entirely by volunteers with advice and support from the national charity.
The Branch Chair role is vital to the running of the branch as they act as a leader and a coordinator for the branch. Without these roles, we would not have as many branches as we do.
What you will be doing
- Leading, planning, arranging, and chairing committee meetings and public meetings.
- Representing the branch at external meetings e.g. with local services for autistic people.
- Allocate tasks to other committee members or volunteers.
- Access the branch email account and signpost enquiries
- Raise the profile of the NAS within your branch and local community
- Ensure your branch complies with NAS policies including risk assessment, data protection and safeguarding
- Oversee the running of the Super Swimmers Academy swimming lessons by communicating with the group leaders, organising the insurance and keeping a record of the swimming instructors’ contracts
- Monitor branch income and expenditure in partnership with the treasurer
- Support fundraising in your branch
- Help to recruit and select new branch volunteers
- Act as a key contact for the NAS, keeping the Senior Branch Engagement Officer up to date on branch activities
The skills you need
- Confident in volunteering with and communicating with other committee members, and individuals and organisations outside of the branch.
- Confident and comfortable speaking publicly.
- Able to motivate people and help people work together.
- Able to tackle difficult issues and problems and situations and involve other people where necessary.
What's in it for you
- Improve support to autistic people and their families in your local area.
- Build up an understanding of autism by volunteering with autistic people.
- Access free training and learn new skills.
- Meet new people.
- A worthwhile achievement to add to your CV.
- Having fun whilst carrying out a valuable role.
- Volunteering can keep you mentally stimulated and provide you with a sense of purpose.
- This is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity and will allow you to make a difference to those you are supporting and their families.
When and where
Flexibility on days and the amount of time committed to the role. The majority of branch chairs give around 5 hours a week but it depends how active the branch is. Home based (plus travel to branch activities)
Support
• Designated Senior Branch Engagement Officer to answer any queries and provide support. • Written guidance on a range of branch communications. • You must complete any requested eLearning modules before you start volunteering. Your Senior Branch Engagement Officer will explain what you need to complete. • Insurance cover for all branch activities. • Agreed expenses reimbursed for attendance at any event organised by the branch support team