SLOW, a charity supporting bereaved families, is seeking trustees with strategic planning experience and compliance/charity law experience to move the organisation to the next level.

ABOUT SLOW

Based in London, SLOW (Surviving the Loss of Your World) has offered emotional and practical support for over thirteen years to bereaved families that have lost a child in any circumstances. Our unique approach to working with parents and siblings is highly regarded by our members and professionals and we have won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the MBE for volunteer groups.

Our work is centred around regular support groups for bereaved parents and quarterly creative workshops for bereaved siblings. Over the years SLOW has helped numerous bereaved parents by enabling them to share their experiences and our members regularly refer to our groups as a ‘lifeline’. Our model of bereavement support is unique in London and is a direct response to what bereaved parents have told us they need.

SLOW is a registered charity with an income of currently circa £140k each year. We have a strong group of six trustees, some of whom have been in post since the charity’s inception and others appointed more recently following a review, skills and needs audit. Each year two trustees step down but are eligible for re-election.

The charity has a stable resource base with a range of income sources – some annual, some on 3-year commitments and other funding resulting from planned and targeted approaches. The organisation has two employees and a team of ten facilitators as well as a strong voluntary commitment.  Some volunteers act as group facilitators and others support organisational work or the maintenance of the groups. More information, including annual reports, accounts and details of trustees can be seen on the website.

ABOUT THE ROLES

SLOW is seeking individuals with skills and experience in the following areas: clinical expertise in bereavement work, charity law and compliance, IT and also parents who have lost a child themselves.

The trustees would assist with the development of SLOW’s strategic plan and vision and help increase the charity’s impact and influence. There is the opportunity for one of the trustees to move into the Chair of Trustee’s role later down the line. The applicants should be committed to helping bereaved families and have significant governance experience.

General responsibilities 

• To ensure that SLOW complies with its governing document, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• To ensure that the charity applies its resources to pursue the objectives outlined in the Constitution.

• To contribute actively to the board of trustees in giving firm strategic direction to SLOW, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

• To safeguard the good name and values of the charity.

• To ensure the effective and efficient administration and financial stability of the charity.

Trustee Specification 

• Strategic vision and ability to think creatively.

• Good, independent judgement.

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

• Experience of committee work and governance of a small charity.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• An understanding of bereavement and/or social and health care systems.

TIME COMMITMENT

There are currently four Trustee Board meetings a year, plus a strategy away day. These are usually held in Islington, North London.

The post is unremunerated, though reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

APPLICATIONS

Please apply by sending a CV and covering letter of no more than two A4 pages describing your interest in, and suitability for, this role to  recruitment@slowgroup.co.uk.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the current Chair and members of the Trustee Board, in person or via video conferencing, as the situation allows.

SLOW is committed to inclusivity and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people who have an interest in and understanding of bereavement and mental health. This role is subject to a DBS.

SLOW is looking to engage facilitators for our London and virtual support groups

ABOUT SLOW

Based in London, SLOW has offered emotional and practical support to bereaved families when a child has died in the family since 2007.  Our unique approach to working with parents and siblings is highly regarded by our members and professionals and we are the proud recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Our work is centred around regular support groups for bereaved parents and adult siblings and quarterly creative workshops for bereaved siblings.  All our groups are facilitated by trained bereaved parents or siblings.   Since SLOW began we have drawn on our own experience as bereaved parents and built a community that supports itself.

THE APPOINTMENTS

SLOW is looking for bereaved parent facilitators to set up and facilitate our weekly bereaved parent support groups in London and virtually across the UK.  You will also communicate with bereaved parent members outside of the groups by phone / email and attend reflective practice, supervision and other meetings as and when operationally necessary.

These are self-employed appointments that will require travel to support group venue(s) and work from home.  If you are interested further details such as rates of pay and working hours can be discussed.  Our support groups are held in London and virtually via Zoom.  Other duties will be carried out at home.  Full initial and ongoing training will be provided.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

• A bereaved parent of at least 3 years, please note that this is essential.
• Commitment to SLOW’s open and reflective way of working with parents, embodying a kind and compassionate stance.
• Personal experience as a participant attending an organised support / self-help group.
• Excellent listening skills and good communication skills.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

• Group facilitation experience in a formal setting – i.e. health, self-help, etc.
• An interest in the principles, literature and experiences of grieving for a child or sibling and a commitment to exploring how this can be used to help bereaved parents and families.

If you would like an initial informal conversation please contact Nikki Peterson on 07532 423 674 or at info@slowgroup.co.uk

We have an immediate need for facilitator(s) in North and South London, please apply by sending a CV and covering letter describing your interest in, and suitability for this appointment to info@slowgroup.co.uk

SLOW is looking to engage a bereaved sibling facilitator for our monthly virtual support group.

ABOUT SLOW

Based in London, SLOW has offered emotional and practical support to bereaved families when a child has died in the family since 2007.  Our unique approach to working with parents and siblings is highly regarded by our members and professionals and we are the proud recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Our work is centred around regular support groups for bereaved parents and adult siblings and quarterly creative workshops for bereaved siblings.  All our groups are facilitated by trained bereaved parents or siblings.  Since SLOW began we have drawn on our own experience as bereaved parents and siblings and built a community that supports itself.

THE APPOINTMENT

SLOW is looking for a bereaved sibling facilitator to co-facilitate our monthly adult sibling support groups virtually across the UK and also, from time to time, attend group face-to-face gatherings in London.  You will also communicate with bereaved sibling members outside of the groups by phone  and email and attend reflective practice, supervision and other meetings as and when operationally necessary.

This is a self-employed role that will require occasional travel to support gatherings in London as well as work from home. If you are interested, further details such as rates of pay and working hours can be discussed.  Full initial and ongoing training will be provided.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

• A bereaved sibling of at least 3 years, please note that this is essential.
• Commitment to SLOW’s open and reflective way of working with bereaved families, embodying a kind and compassionate stance.
• Personal experience as a participant attending an organised support / self-help group.
• Excellent listening skills and good communication skills.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

• Group facilitation experience in a formal setting – i.e. health, self-help, etc.
• An interest in the principles, literature and experiences of grieving for a sibling and a commitment to exploring how this can be used to help bereaved families.

If you would like an initial informal conversation, please contact Nikki Peterson on 07532 423 674 or at info@slowgroup.co.uk.

Please apply by sending a CV and covering letter describing your interest in, and suitability for this appointment to info@slowgroup.co.uk.