Volunteer Delivery Group (VDG)

Applications open

Our Volunteer Delivery Group (VDG) is focused on supporting our volunteers to achieve their ambitions and we are currently recruiting for 3 vacancies.

They are responsible for overseeing all volunteering initiatives that help us to reach our charitable objectives. This includes Regional Networks, Interest Networks, mentors, education outreach and Task and Finish group activity. 

The group is made up of a diverse range of individuals, to ensure a broad range of insight and backgrounds.  

Terms of reference

Eligibility 

Volunteer members must be an individual Full, Fellow or Honorary Fellow member.  Current or previous experience as a volunteer is not an essential requirement but is a desirable.   

The trustee member(s) are appointed by the Board. The current Chair, appointed by the Board, is Bel French.

APM staff may change in line with the incumbent of the role at the time. 

Composition 

VDG membership should include a majority from the volunteer community.   

Terms of Office 

The VDG appointment panel will set volunteer members’ individual terms of office to allow for a planned succession and rotation. 

The usual arrangement will be for two-year membership terms.  No volunteer member shall serve for more than four years in total, including time spent on the former Volunteer Steering Group (VSG).   

The terms of the members who are Trustees, including the Chair’s, are determined by the Board. Staff remain members so long as they are in post.  

Role and Duties 

The APM Regulations set the overall role of VDG as follows: 

a) Co-ordinate common activities and issues across all volunteering activity. 

b) Promote consistency, efficiency and common approaches. 

c) Advise on procedures and guidance, including the Volunteers’ Handbook. 

d) Agree proposals for activity, for example, task and finish group work.

In fulfilling that overall remit, the group shall have the following non-exhaustive list of duties:   

1. Maintain an overview of volunteer activity and report to the Leadership team as necessary on issues of substance.  With staff, review overall volunteering strategies and plans, recommending changes where necessary.   
2. Determining the selection process for Regional and Interest Network Leads and Deputy Leads, making specific appointments as necessary.  Undertake engagement and outreach work with network leads as necessary.   
3. Review and approve proposals for task & finish group activity.  Issues too large, costly or complex for T&F group activity may be referred to the Leadership Team for consideration.  VDG will maintain an oversight of T&F group work with VDG members supporting activity as necessary.   
4. Promote core defined volunteering activity for Networks.  i.e. setting minimum expected levels of service and ensuring support is in place.   
5. Comment on the preparation of guidance and advice, including maintenance of the Volunteers’ handbook and other support materials.   
6. Monitor dormant or unproductive groups and activities.  Encourage them to recover or disband as appropriate, engaging as necessary with network leads.  
7. The VDG may be asked to review proposals and recommend to the CEO the creation or closing of new networks or other volunteering groups.
8. Advise on the programme and content for volunteer forums.