Join to apply for the High 5s Group Leader role at Leighton Buzzard Mencap
Leighton Buzzard Mencap is a small, local charity which supports people with learning difficulties and their families, in Leighton Buzzard and central Bedfordshire.
Leighton Buzzard Mencap runs a number of clubs for people with learning difficulties, which between them cater for a range of age groups and interests. Each club runs from a main venue where most of its meetings are held and offers a variety of activities as well as occasional outings to places of interest.
Each club requires two voluntary Leaders who are responsible to the Executive Committee of Trustees for running the club from day to day. They are assisted by Volunteer Helpers whose role is to support the club members and help them to enjoy the sessions. Most clubs meet weekly and require the Leaders to be present at all sessions (unless alternative arrangements are made) so the role represents a significant commitment.
Leighton Buzzard Mencap provides suitable training for Leaders to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities. Clubs are visited regularly by a designated Trustee, with the object of ensuring that the club is meeting the needs and wishes of its members, supporting the Leaders, and resolving any problems.
We are currently seeking two new Leaders for High 5s. These roles are voluntary.
High 5s is a social and activity group for children aged 8-18 with additional needs. The club members are supported by adult and youth volunteers. Their siblings may attend, and their parents are encouraged to stay and socialise together. The group runs from 6.00pm – 7.15pm every Thursday during term time in Leighton Buzzard.
To apply, please complete our application form (https://form.jotform.com/230516113373042), send a CV and a short covering letter to info@lbmencap.org, by 5pm on Friday 12th December 2025.
What Does a Leader do?
* To give direction and structure to the club so that members, either individually or in groups, are fully occupied in satisfying activities.
* To plan, organise and oversee club sessions with a week‑by‑week programme of activities.
* To be responsible for opening and closing the club venue before and after club sessions.
* To carry out any necessary liaison with the owners/managers of the building, including booking the venue.
* To ensure that for each club session, there is a sufficient ratio of Volunteer Helpers to club members.
* To provide support, supervision, and encouragement to Volunteer Helpers and to ensure that each volunteer has received the appropriate training (and undertaken refresher courses where necessary).
* To liaise with the Project Coordinator of Leighton Buzzard Mencap in recruitment and management of volunteers, and ensuring that they have the relevant references and DBS clearance.
* To liaise with parents and/or carers of club members.
* Correspond with prospective members and their parents and manage the waiting list.
* To ensure that the club is run in accordance with the Society’s management policies (including but without limitation those for Health & Safety and Safeguarding) and all relevant legislation.
* Writing and updating Risk Assessments.
* Manage the petty cash regarding subs and expenses in liaison with the Leighton Buzzard Mencap Treasurer.
* To submit a written report on the club to the Executive Committee by email seven days before each of their monthly Committee meetings.
* To send regular photos and updates (in accordance with correct consent and permissions gained) to the Project Coordinator for use in promotion, marketing and sharing news of our work online.
What is the time commitment?
We ask Leaders to make a weekly commitment, but flexibility can be arranged with enough notice in some cases.
Will I get any training?
Training will be provided as appropriate to support you in your role. All volunteers need to undertake Safeguarding training and subsequent updates. First Aid training is also available.
What qualifications or experience are required?
We very much welcome volunteers who have experience of working with children or adults with learning disabilities and who would enjoy sharing their skills and knowledge in a caring environment. Equally, we are very open to volunteers who have never had opportunities to interact with people with disabilities.
Experience of leading in a similar environment, such as running a local youth group, is desirable.
The volunteer roles are varied and we are happy to play to your strengths, but allow you to explore new experiences too. The most important thing to know is that volunteers are part of a team who are there to support and be role models for our members who have learning disabilities. We need our volunteers to have respectful and positive interactions with our members and to help provide a safe, fun and supportive environment for them.
Can I start volunteering straight away?
All volunteers need to complete an application form and send a CV, have two satisfactory references and a DBS check. Once these are in place, we would aim to allow a cross over period with the current Leaders and the successful applications to allow for adequate handover.
Are expenses covered?
We pay travel expenses and any out-of-pocket expenses. We strongly encourage all our volunteers to claim these expenses so we know the real cost of our operations.
Personal Specification
Essential attributes:
* Commitment to the vision, aims and ethos of Leighton Buzzard Mencap.
* Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.
* An understanding and commitment to safeguarding principles and practice to keep everyone who comes into contact with Leighton Buzzard Mencap safe from harm.
* Understanding and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
* A passion for delivering quality services to our members.
* A commitment to openness and transparency.
* Previous experience of working or volunteering with adults and children with learning disabilities and additional needs.
* Previous experience of working or volunteering with adults and children in a club setting.
To apply
If you are interested in being considered for this voluntary role, please complete and return the application form and a CV (quoting ref – 25/26APP01) by 5pm on Friday 12th December 2025 to info@lbmencap.org.
All successful applicants will be DBS checked, have two references collected, and commit to undertaking training relevant for the role; in accordance with our Procedure for Volunteer Recruitment.
For more information about the activities of Leighton Buzzard Mencap, please look at our website (www.lbmencap.org). Feel free to contact us to learn more about volunteering by emailing info@lbmencap.org or leave us a message with your name and number on 07934 916 422 and we’ll get back to you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr