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Volunteer Role: Panel Member – Equipment Grants
Organisation: The Chronicle Sunshine Fund
Location: Remote (North East-based)
Remuneration: Voluntary (unpaid)
Time Commitment: Approx. 4 - 6 hours per quarter, includes an online meeting and ad-hoc consultation
Who we are
The Chronicle Sunshine Fund is a charitable organisation dedicated to improving the lives of disabled children and young people (0–19) across the North East of England. We provide essential and specialist equipment (e.g. mobility aids, IT devices, sensory items) that are not available through statutory services to help enhance the lives of children with disabilities and additional needs.
Our commitment extends beyond grants. Through inclusive events, peer support, and advocacy, we work to create an environment where all children can thrive.
The role
As a Panel Member, you will contribute to our quarterly grant-making process, ensuring that due diligence and all required assessments have been carried out by the professionals supporting the application. You will collaborate with fellow professionals to assess the suitability, safety, and value of the proposed equipment in line with our guidelines ensuring a clear rationale for the provision of equipment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
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Pre quarterly meeting – review and assess anonymised applications for equipment submitted by families, organisations, schools, and professionals
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Evaluate supporting evidence, including professional letters and clinical rationale
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Advise on product suitability, therapeutic value, and possible alternatives
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Participate in scheduled virtual quarterly meeting (usually a Tuesday evening) to discuss and decide upon each case
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Respond to follow-up queries within agreed timeframes for deferred or conditional grants
Essential Criteria
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Professional qualification in one of the following fields:
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Occupational Therapy
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Physiotherapy
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Speech and Language Therapy
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Paediatrics / Medical Practice
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Education – Teacher, SENDCo, Early Years Lead
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Minimum 2 years’ post-qualification experience working with children and/or young people with disabilities
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Working knowledge of disability-related equipment and UK statutory support systems
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Registration with a professional body (if relevant)
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Strong written and verbal communication skills – able to use email and online meeting platforms
Desirable Attributes
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Ability to engage in respectful, constructive debate
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Commitment to safeguarding, equity, and inclusive practice
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High levels of discretion and integrity when handling sensitive information
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Emotional intelligence and professional empathy when considering family circumstances
What We Offer
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Opportunity to shape life-changing support for disabled children across the North East
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Peer-to-peer engagement with experienced professionals
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Recognition in communications, where appropriate
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Induction, background briefing, and named point of contact support