There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas SSAFA has Serving Community Teams (SCTs) which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team consists of a group of dedicated volunteers who make this possible. That’s where you come in. Could you spare some time to help ensure grant applications to the SCT are administrated in a timely manner and in accordance with SSAFA’s policies?

• Working with the Chair to process grant applications in accordance with SSAFA policies and grant giving guidance.
• Being a point of contact for applicants; responding to queries, gathering all relevant information, and providing an update to the applicant once the voting panel have considered the application.
• Working closely with the Chair and other voting panel members to jointly assess whether the application meets the criteria for the grant to be approved or otherwise.
• Understanding the importance of keeping beneficiary details confidential and secure, and complying with GDPR.
• Working in collaboration with the Finance Coordinator to ensure approved grants are paid in a timely manner.
• Working closely with employee teams to ensure SSAFA has oversight of local grant giving, feeding into SSAFA’s Annual Returns.
• Feeding back anonymised good news stories from approved grants that can be used in publicity and awareness.
• Maintaining accurate records securely.
• Being an ambassador for SSAFA, building positive relationships with all stakeholders.
• This is a flexible role with much of the work can take place remotely. You would need to able to respond to grant applications promptly, liaise with the applicant and take part in voting panels. You will attend SCT meetings throughout year which may be a combination of in-person and virtual.

• Organised, friendly and approachable with effective communication skills.
• Understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality.
• Empathy and understanding of the challenges that the serving community can face.
• Good IT skills to be able to communicate online, access eLearning courses and produce reports.
• Non-judgemental approach in alignment with SSAFA’s values and standards.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
• We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA is 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.

• Give back to the serving community.
• Support people in your local serving community using your skills, knowledge and life experience.
• Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Receive support and friendship from your local SCT and the wider SSAFA community.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.