Volunteer Advisory Committee Member, Northern Ireland (BBC Children in Need)

BBC Children in Need exists to make a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. Our refreshed objectives and activities will ensure the impact we have on children’s lives is front and centre of the work the charity undertakes over and above the projects and services we fund.

Our focus is on finding and funding the inspiring ideas that change children’s lives.

And whilst we know that every child deserves a childhood that is safe, happy and secure, we know too that a growing number of children are experiencing ever increasing and more complex levels of disadvantage.  In order to find and fund the inspiring ideas, we will build on our commitment across the organisation to work collaboratively with all those who share our aspirations for children and young people.

We encourage applications from all parts of the community to join our Northern Ireland Advisory Committee and welcome diversity.

Main Responsibilities

Committee Members advise the Trustees of BBC Children in Need on grant applications from organisations working to help disadvantaged children and young people in Northern Ireland. Just under £4 million was distributed last year to projects making a difference to children’s lives across the region.

Practical Matters:

• Appointments are of a voluntary nature.  They are initially made for a three-year period and confirmed by the BBC Children in Need Appeal Trustees.
• The time commitment is anticipated to be 5-6 days each year for meetings and training. In addition there is time spent reading applications prior to each meeting.
• As Committee meetings take place at BBC, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, the role requires some travel and overnight stays.
• You will need private access to a telephone, computer and high speed internet.
• We reimburse expenses e.g. travel, phone calls, overnight stays.

Are you the right candidate?

BBC Children in Need is seeking to recruit individuals who are committed to improving outcomes for disadvantaged children and young people.

We expect committee members to bring:

• Sound understanding of the issues facing disadvantaged children and young people and the environment in which provision is being delivered.
• Good understanding of the voluntary and statutory sectors.
• Ability to analyse complex written and financial information.
• Ability to assess the feasibility of projects and remain objective.
• Good interpersonal skills with an ability to communicate with people of all types and all levels.
• Good level of IT literacy.
• Commitment to equality of opportunity.