Vacancies

Our centres are growing and we have expanded our team.

Would you like to join us? Please see below our current vacancies.

Trustee Vacancies

Our trustee board have a vital role in championing our charity and guiding our future direction. We are keen to maintain a diverse board of individuals with a range of professional and life experiences.

As a few of our long standing trustees retire from their role, we are excited to be welcoming new team members. If you feel this could be the role for you, we would love to hear from you. Please have a look at the role outline below.

Term of office: 3 years (may then be re-elected for a further term of three years)

Time Commitment: There are three, approximately two hour trustee meetings per year, plus an AGM.

Your knowledge and advice may be required throughout the year for policy and risk assessment reviews, updating procedures or staff and service user support.

We encourage Trustees to actively engage with the charity.

Accountable to: The Chair of Trustees

Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses may be reimbursed)

Pepper’s – A Safe Place is the local wellbeing hub for those in Rutland and Melton Mowbray. Our two centres offer safe, welcoming and friendly environments for our community to connect with others, build mental health resilience and look after their minds.

Our charity is named in honour of Mary Pepper, a remarkable woman whose kindness, resilience and unwavering spirit continues to inspire us.

Our services offer much needed consistency. Activities may include, crafts, meditation, music, fitness, social drop-ins and much more. All aimed at improving mental health and connecting our, often isolated, communities.

Our support bridges the gap between no support and clinical support. There is no pressure, fees or membership when it comes to attending Pepper’s. We aim to remove as many barriers as possible, believing that everyone should have access to a safe place.

Whether engaging in conversation or simply enjoying the presence of others in a quiet corner, Pepper’s is here to provide a supportive and inclusive environment.

“Since joining Pepper’s, I’ve found confidence, peace, and purpose again. It’s a place full of kindness — and it’s changed my life.”

The Role:

We are looking for an empathetic, dedicated and passionate individual to join our mental health charity Board of Trustees.

As a trustee you will have a pivotal role in supporting our team.

You will help with the growing demand for our service, giving support with our strategic direction and be an advocate for the Pepper’s community.

We actively encourage those with professional mental health experience to apply.

To find out more about the legal duties and responsibilities of being a trustee, please follow this link.

Key Responsibilities:

• Attendance at meetings

Trustees should aim to attend the three annual meetings and AGM

• Setting strategic directions

Trustees must ensure the work carried out by Pepper’s – A Safe Place is for the public benefit and that decisions are made in line with our vision, mission and ethos.

• Governance

Trustees must ensure compliance with the Charity Commission, our governing statement and with any relevant documents and policies.

• Financial Overview

Trustees should monitor the financial sustainability of Pepper’s and ensure resources are utilised in line with our charity objectives.

• Safeguarding

Trustees should ensure policies and procedures are up to date and followed. They should promote a culture of safety for staff, volunteers and service users.

• Ambassadorship

Trustees should promote the best interests of Pepper’s – A Safe Place and be a good representative.

• Staff/ service user support

Trustees should ensure staff, volunteers and service users have appropriate support in place.

• Risk Management

Trustees should ensure risk assessments and safety policies are in place, up to date and enforced.

• Advice and guidance

Trustees should be honest and open in their communication with the Board, sharing knowledge and opinions when required.

• Evaluating performance

Trustees should monitor Pepper’s work, ensuring it continues to run in line with our charity objectives

• Trustees should act in the charity’s best interests

Person Specification:

We are particularly seeking applications from those with relevant mental health experience and knowledge and/ or those with direct HR and legal experience.

Additional qualities include:

• Empathy and compassion
• Experience working with vulnerable adults
• Relevant lived experiences
• Sound knowledge of mental health challenges and the impacts of rural isolation
• Strategic vision and ability to think creatively
• A commitment to Pepper’s - A Safe Place
• Willingness to devote necessary time and effort to the role
• Open communication and honesty
• Ability to work as a team
• An advocate for mental health
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a trustee (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charity-trustee-whats-involved-cc3a)

How to register your interest:

Please email operations@peppersasafeplace.co.uk noting why you would like to apply and what you may be able to offer.

The Board of Trustees will review applications throughout September and October. An informal discussion with the Chair of Trustees may follow at one of our centres. We aim to respond to all applicants within 4 weeks of receipt.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented backgrounds and are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive working environment.

Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Volunteers Required

Be part of something meaningful at Pepper’s – A Safe Place

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Pepper’s. Whether it’s offering a warm welcome during a drop-in session, helping with a creative activity, or simply making someone a cuppa and taking time to listen — our volunteers make a real difference every single day.

We’re always looking for kind, compassionate people to join our team and support adults who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or in need of a safe, friendly space.

No formal experience is required — just a listening ear, an open mind, and a few spare hours.
We provide full induction and support, and welcome volunteers from all walks of life.  Please note all our volunteers are DBS checked prior to starting.

What you might help with:

• Chatting with members and creating a welcoming environment
• Supporting activities like arts & crafts, gardening, or mindfulness sessions
• Helping with light refreshments and setting up the space
• Assisting with events or community outreach
• Sharing your own skills or passions (if you'd like to!)

Why volunteer with us?

• Make a meaningful impact in your local community
• Meet new people and be part of a friendly, supportive team
• Gain experience in the wellbeing and mental health space
• Use your time to bring a little light to someone’s day

Whether you can give a regular commitment or just help occasionally, we’d love to hear from you.

info@peppersasafeplace.co.uk 

o7714 503556

Please state whether you are interested in volunteering at our Oakham or Melton Mowbray centre with your availability.