Working Group Volunteer – Environmental Social Governance Group

MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE

The ESG Group is established to guide, support, and oversee the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance principles into the operations, strategy, and culture of MindWise. The group will ensure that the MindWise’s activities align with sustainable, ethical, and inclusive practices that reflect its mission and values.

Objectives

• Environmental: How we reduce our impact on the planet (e.g. energy use, waste, carbon footprint)
• Social: How we support people - our staff, clients, and communities (e.g. wellbeing, equality, inclusion)
• Governance: How we lead ethically and transparently (e.g. systems, policies, decision-making, accountability, compliance)

If you have an interest in sustainability, inclusion, responsible decision-making, or simply want to contribute ideas and energy to this important work, we’d love to hear from you.

Some of the main duties include:

• Attend ESG working group meetings every 2-3 months via Microsoft Teams.
• Develop a Carbon Reduction Plan for MindWise, in line with PPN 06/21 and UK-wide sustainability goals.
• Establish a Net Zero Emissions Commitment for MindWise, targeting achievement by 2050.
• Develop and recommend Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies and frameworks.
• To identify, evaluate, and contribute to cost-saving opportunities that arise from ESG-related activities, ensuring that sustainability efforts deliver both environmental and financial value.
• Identify and prioritise ESG initiatives that align with MindWise’s mission and values.
• Assist with research using reputable sources to gather information on relevant topics.
• Work closely with the ESG working group to align content with the organisation’s tone, style, and objectives.
• Ensure all information presented is accurate, properly cited (if needed), and up to date.
• Assist with proofreading and editing to maintain high standards of grammar, spelling, and readability.

Abilities and experience:

Essential:

• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• An interest in developing organisational ESG policies and procedures.
• Interest in MindWise's mission, vision and values and a willingness to contribute to its communication efforts.
• An interest in mental health and well-being.

Desirable:

• Previous experience of developing ESG policy for organisations.
• Previous volunteering experience.
• Previous experience of participating in working groups.

MindWise volunteers are encouraged to live the MindWise values when they are carrying out a volunteer role, in all interactions with staff, service-users and other volunteers. The MindWise values are;

• Passion – We are passionate about mental health and well-being.
• Respect – We are respectful and value everyone in society, we work in partnership with you.
• Togetherness – we believe that working together is the best way to achieve our goals, we involve, empower and lead collectively.
• Empathy – We are empathetic, we listen and learn, we continuously improve everything we do and we support you when you need it.
• Openness and Transparency - We are open and transparent, we act with candour, honesty and integrity which are at the heart of everything we do.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All appropriate and agreed expenses will be covered as per MindWise expenses policy. 

Enhanced Access NI checks will be carried out on all regulated positions and successfully returned prior to placement. To assist in the role volunteers will be expected to attend and fully engage in guidance and support meetings with an allocated volunteer supervisor and will have access to regular training.

SELECTION

Volunteer applicants will be invited to attend an informal interview with the Volunteer Manager and the Director of People and will be inducted via the Active 8 volunteer programme.