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Age-friendly Bristol Advisory Board Volunteer

Age-friendly Bristol Advisory Board Member 

Role Outline 

Introduction 

Age-friendly Bristol is part of a global movement led by the World Health Organization to make communities better places in which to grow older. An Age-friendly city enables people to live healthy, active and connected lives as they age by creating inclusive environments, services and opportunities for everyone. 
 
Age-friendly Bristol brings together older people, community organisations, businesses, public services and decision-makers to improve Bristol as a place to grow older. The voices and experiences of older people are at the heart of this work. Age Friendly Bristol is being run jointly by Age UK Bristol and Bristol City Council.  
 
 

Purpose of the Role 

The Age-friendly Bristol Advisory Board is a group of older people from across Bristol who use their lived experience, knowledge and ideas to help shape the Age-friendly Bristol agenda. 
 
Members act as advisers, ambassadors and critical friends, helping to ensure that the voices of older people influence decisions, priorities and actions across the city. 
 
The Board plays an important role in helping Age-friendly Bristol understand the issues that matter most to older people, reviewing progress against Age-friendly commitments and ensuring that Bristol becomes a city where everyone can age well. 

 

The Role Involves 

As an Age-friendly Bristol Advisory Board Member, you will play an important role in influencing the development of Age-friendly Bristol and helping shape the future of the city for older people. 
 
The role will involve: 
• Attending regular Advisory Board meetings 
• Acting as a critical friend by advising on Age-friendly Bristol priorities, plans and activities 
• Providing feedback on proposed projects, services, reports, funding applications, communications and initiatives 
• Sharing your experiences and perspectives on issues affecting older people across Bristol, including participating in focus groups and workshops 
• Identifying barriers and opportunities that affect people as they age 
• Promoting positive ageing and challenging ageism and acting as an ambassador for Age-friendly Bristol where appropriate 

 

Who We Are Looking For 

We welcome applications from people aged 50 and over from all backgrounds and communities across Bristol. 
 
You do not need previous volunteering, committee or board experience. We are looking for people who are passionate about improving Bristol as a place to grow older and who are willing to share their experiences and ideas. 

 

The Qualities and Skills Required for this Role 

  • An interest in improving the lives of older people across Bristol
    • A commitment to making Bristol a more age-friendly cityand creating positive change 
    • A willingness to share your experiences, views and ideas 
    • The ability to listen to and respect different perspectives 
    • Reliability and commitment to attending meetings 
    • A commitment to inclusion, equality and diversity 

 

Benefits of Volunteering in this Role 

As an Advisory Board Member you will have the opportunity to influence decisions and developments that affect older people across Bristol. 
 
You will: 
• Help shape the future direction of Age-friendly Bristol 
• Make a meaningful contribution to improving the lives of older people 
• Meet and work alongside people from different communities and organisations 
• Develop new knowledge, skills and confidence 
• Learn more about local services, initiatives and city-wide developments 
• Be part of a movement creating positive change for current and future generations 
• Help create a lasting legacy for Bristol as an Age-friendly city 

 

Time Commitment 

The Advisory Board will meet approximately once a month during its first six months while the group is being established. Following this period, meetings are expected to take place every eight weeks. 
 
Members are asked to make a commitment to attend meetings regularly and participate in as many meetings as possible. Regular attendance is important to help the Board build momentum and influence. 
 
Additional opportunities to contribute may arise between meetings, including workshops, consultations, events and project work. Participation in these activities is optional. 

 

Training and Support 

We offer full induction and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role. 
 
Members will also have access to relevant training, information and development opportunities throughout their involvement. 

 

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check 

This role does not require a DBS check. 

Location 

This is a hybrid role. Meetings may take place in person at community venues across Bristol or online. 
 
We aim to ensure meetings are accessible and inclusive for all members. 

Expenses 

We reimburse all reasonable expenses associated with the role, including travel costs and other agreed expenses. 

Further Information 

For further information please contact: 
 
Volunteering@ageukbristol.org.uk