British Lung Foundation’s Speakers Network
Volunteer Speaker
Role description
Lung disease affects 1 in 5 people in the UK - more people die of
lung disease each year than of breast cancer or prostate cancer.
Millions are at risk and they all need our help and support. The British Lung Foundation
(BLF) is dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of lung disease, campaigning
for positive change in the nation’s lung health and funding vital research so that new
treatments and cures can help save lives.
Lung disease can be frightening and debilitating. We offer hope and support to
everyone affected at every step, so no one has to face it alone. But in order to do this
we need to raise more awareness about both the cause and our work.
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to support us via our Speakers Network. By
joining us you will play a vital role in increasing awareness by delivering talks about
lung disease and the BLF to various groups in your local area. As one of our
volunteer speakers you would play a major role in building and maintaining
relationships within different communities.
Your staff contact – events and community fundraising officer
Location – in your local area
The role
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To deliver a minimum of six short talks annually to a range of membership
groups, community groups and schools, so we can spread the word about what
the BLF does and encourage them to support us.
To generate talks at local groups in your area and keep the team at the BLF up
to date on upcoming talks.
Encourage local groups to support the BLF and explain the support the BLF can
give them if they choose to do this.
To keep up to date on our key campaigns, appeals and events helping promote
them to local groups where appropriate.
Be open to specific needs of certain groups and tailor talks dependent on the
group audience.
Liaise with the events & community fundraising officer before and after your
talks and take on any administrative duties including completing feedback forms,
sending in donations that have been collected, notifying the BLF of any
fundraising opportunities and passing on any new contacts.
www.blf.org.uk
Registered charity in England and Wales (326730) and in Scotland (SC038415)
What will you gain from joining us?
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A great opportunity to engage more with your local community and meet new
people.
A chance to use your communication skills and experience to inform people
about lung disease and how it affects so many of us.
An opportunity to build on your skills and confidence through formal training and
experience.
Learn more about lung disease and know that you are supporting a wellestablished and worthwhile cause.
How will we support you?
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You’ll get to attend a special training day where we will explain everything you
need to know about the charity and the knowledge and techniques you’ll need
for your first talks.
We’ll provide you with all the support materials you’ll need so you can put
together your talks, ranging from guidelines to information on how to generate
talks to PowerPoint templates.
Continuous support from your volunteer supervisor.
If required we can offer follow-up training sessions.
Reimbursement for any reasonable and agreed travel expenses.
What we need from you
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Good communication skills to engage and motivate groups
Be approachable, reliable and fun
A commitment to the British Lung Foundation’s aims and vision
Some previous experience of public speaking (or confidence to do this)
Experience in using IT software such Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
What’s next?
If you are interested in becoming one of our volunteer speakers then please fill in the
attached application form and return it to the Events and Community Fundraising Team
by email to charlotte.garside@blf.org.uk or by post to Charlotte Garside, British Lung
Foundation, 73-75 Goswell Road, London EC1V 7ER.
We will then be in touch for an informal telephone chat and invite you to one of our
training days if you are suitable for the role.
If you have any questions about the role or about the British Lung Foundation please
contact Charlotte Garside at charlotte.garside@blf.org.uk or 020 7078 7915.
www.blf.org.uk
Registered charity in England and Wales (326730) and in Scotland (SC038415)