Service Delivery Director/Trustee

SAPUK Volunteer Director of Service Delivery (Remote) – Formal Professional Job Description 

Suicide Awareness and Prevention UK CIC (SAPUK) 

ABOUT US 

Suicide Awareness Prevention UK (SAPUK) is a non-profit Community Interest Company founded in 2016. We support people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or overwhelming life challenges. Our mission is simple: guide people from crisis toward hope, help them regain their strength and sense of safety, and support them in moving forward with their lives.

We offer a range of free, accessible support services:

• Confidential online chat support for real-time emotional support, active listening, and signposting
• Safe Spaces (online and in-person) where people can talk, decompress, and feel understood
• SAPUK Life Coaches providing structured guidance, confidence-building, and personal development support
• A community Food Pantry offering essential items to individuals and families facing financial hardship
• “I Don’t Know Anyone Either” social events are designed to reduce loneliness and help people build connections
• Semicolon events celebrating resilience, hope, and community through creative and awareness-focused activities

SAPUK is powered solely by volunteers who bring compassion, lived experience, and a shared belief that no one should face their darkest moments alone.

We work together to create safe, inclusive, trauma-informed spaces where everyone feels heard, valued and supported.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

The Volunteer Director of Service Delivery is responsible for making sure SAP UK’s public services run safely and effectively. This includes crisis helplines, support networks and community outreach programmes.

You will turn the charity’s plans into clear day-to-day actions and support the volunteers who provide essential frontline help.

Key Responsibilities 

• Service Safety and Standards: Set and maintain clear quality and safeguarding standards across all support services.
• Managing Incidents and Risks: Lead on serious safeguarding cases, follow UK mental health rules and keep the Service Delivery Risk Register up to date.
• Supporting Volunteers: Lead with empathy, help prevent burnout, retain volunteers and plan rotas to cover the busiest times.
• Volunteer Training: Work with training coordinators to make sure volunteers have current suicide intervention skills and the right tools.
•  Measuring Performance and Impact: Track response times, user outcomes and other key measures to check that services are accessible and effective.
• Managing Digital Systems: Oversee the communication, telephone and data systems volunteers use to provide support.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Must reside in the UK
• Must have own laptop to work from
• 18+
• Must be able to commit to 6 hours a week
• Must send in CV and cover letter with application form
• DBS check

 DESIRABLE 

• Lived Experience: Personal or professional insight into suicide survival, bereavement by suicide, or recovery, managed with high emotional resilience.
• Accredited Training: Certifications in recognised crisis frameworks, such as ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) or MHFA (Mental Health First Aid).
• Funding & Commissioning Knowledge: Familiarity with NHS commissioning, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), or large-scale charity grant funding requirements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

• Senior Leadership Experience: A proven track record operating at a Head of Service, Director, or Board level within a non-profit, NHS Trust, or public health setting.
• Sector & Safeguarding Expertise: Deep operational understanding of UK safeguarding legislation, crisis intervention pathways, and clinical risk mitigation.
• Legal and Data Protection Knowledge: A good understanding of the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007), Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
• Volunteer Leadership Capabilities: Demonstrable experience leading, motivating, and coordinating remote or geographically distributed networks of volunteers.
• Strategic & Empathetic Mindset: The rare ability to balance rigid operational discipline (SLAs, metrics, policy compliance) with deep human empathy and care.
•  Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional communication skills, with the capability to represent SAP UK at high-level multi-agency meetings, panel discussions, or with corporate partners.
• Computer Skills: Confident using computers and Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.

Two references will be required 

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH SAPUK? 

Volunteering with SAPUK isn’t just about filling a role - it’s about stepping forward when people need support most and gaining personal and professional benefits along the way.

“Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”

Key Benefits 

• Practical experience for your CV
• A step towards coaching, counselling, advocacy, or social care
• Confidence and personal growth
• Transferable skills such as communication, empathy, problem-solving, and leadership
• Networking and strong references
• Purpose and belonging within a supportive team

 “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

Training and Development 

• Free role-specific induction and training
• Ongoing guidance, supervision, and check-ins
• Opportunities to take responsibility and develop your skills further

 Wellbeing & Support 

• Mental health guidance and resources
• Peer support and check-ins
• Wellness workshops (mindfulness, resilience, self-care)
• A safe, supportive environment where asking for help is encouraged

 Career and Progression Benefits 

• Leadership, mentor, or senior volunteer opportunities
• Experience that strengthens job or education applications
• Clearer direction for a career in mental health, advocacy, coaching, or related sectors
• Opportunities to gain strong references

 “Kindness is a language that everyone understands.”

IS VOLUNTEERING RIGHT FOR YOU? 

Volunteering may be right for you if you:

• Want to make a genuine difference
• Care about mental health and suicide prevention
• Are looking for personal growth or experience
• Value compassion, respect, and teamwork

 You don’t need to be perfect. Just be present.

APPLY AND START YOUR JOURNEY 

We’re currently welcoming new volunteers and would love to hear from you.

Next Steps: 

• Complete the application form and attach your CV and cover letter
• Review the role information
• Our team will be in touch to guide you through the process

 Questions? Email: volunteer@suicideapuk.co.uk

By volunteering, you gain real experience, develop skills, and help save lives.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.