Network35 Volunteer

Keywords

18+ Advocacy & Support

Description

What is the aim of Network35?

RNIB has been working with a wide range of blind and partially sighted people over the last six months, to understand what the future may look like for them in 2035. They have also helped us test some ideas about what a future RNIB should look like. We now want to build on what we have learned and are seeking more involvement from blind and partially sighted people to help shape our future direction further, helping us make our organisation more sustainable, increasing our impact, and reaching even more people who need our support. 

To achieve this, we want to establish a diverse network of people with a visual impairment, called Network35 and ensure the network is as representative as possible, with a mix of gender, age, ethnicity, level of sight loss, and locality. We expect the network to have a membership of between 40 – 50 people and is expected to run from January 2026 – August 2026.

The Importance of Lived Experience in Shaping RNIB’s Future

It is essential for RNIB to involve blind and partially sighted people in its ongoing work to ensure that the organisation truly understands the lived experiences of those it aims to support. By drawing directly on these perspectives, RNIB can enhance the ways it provides support and advocacy, making sure that the services and initiatives developed are genuinely responsive to real needs.

Moreover, the decisions made about the future direction of RNIB must be informed by insights gathered from those with lived experience. This approach will help ensure that RNIB’s strategy and priorities remain firmly rooted in the authentic voices of blind and partially sighted people, enabling the organisation to make meaningful and lasting improvements for its community.

Therefore, it’s vital that Network35 members feel comfortable not only talking about their own experiences but can think about the lives and needs of other visually impaired people whose experiences might be very different from their own.

What will you be supporting us with?

• Project work will be delivered through a wide range of activities both online and in person, and the time commitment for each activity will vary.
• Activities may include away days, workshops, focus groups, short discussions (including email communication), and ad hoc questions to consider. These opportunities will be promoted to network members at least a week in advance.
• Given the number and variety of different activities, we are not expecting that everyone in the network will input into every activity. As a member of the network you will be invited to express interest in activities that you wish to be involved with, and for some activities there is likely to be an element of selection. We would expect that network members commit to engaging with the specific activities opted into and communicate if individual circumstances and availability ch
• anges.
• You will also help us evaluate the role the network has in the project overall, providing us with feedback on your experiences as a network member.

What rewards come with volunteering, and how does it create meaningful change?

You will gain the opportunity to:

• help us shape interventions that will have a lasting impact on the lives of blind and partially sighted people long into the future.
• develop your skills and widen your experiences.
• represent blind and partially sighted people in discussions.
• meet and work with other blind and partially sighted people and work alongside senior staff.
• claim reasonable expenses for travel, hotel, and sustenance.
• claim renumeration (Amazon Gift Vouchers).

Renumeration

We value and appreciate the commitment of Network35 members. We want to be able to reward people for sharing their lived experience, skills, and time with us. Therefore, continued participation throughout the duration of the project will result in rewards being offered in the form of Amazon gift vouchers.

Requirements

Who are we looking for?

• People who are over 18.
• People living with direct lived experience of sight loss.
• People who are NOT employed by RNIB.
• People who are willing to reflect on and share insights drawn from their direct lived experience of sight loss.

People who feel comfortable thinking about the lives and needs of other people with visual impairments, whose experiences may be very different from your own.

Confidentiality

We understand that you’ll want to share with people what you have been involved in as part of this opportunity. Your enthusiasm about what we do helps us to reach more people and make every day better for people affected by sight loss.

However, given that this project relates to the possible future of RNIB and its operations, discussions and documentation relating to this work are confidential. If selected, you will be required to treat any information relating to Network35 as confidential and will be asked not to share with anyone other than the RNIB staff you are working with (this includes not discussing with other staff you may have interactions with at RNIB who are not part of the project team).

If selected, you will be asked to confirm that you have read and accept this confidentiality statement and agree to this.

We also ask that you do not attend any meetings remotely from a public setting. This is both to protect the privacy of yourself, fellow network members, and staff as contributors; as well as the confidential information being shared and discussed.

Small print

• This is a voluntary role.
• There is no requirement for network members to act as a representative for their local communities or groups.
• The group has no governance or financial responsibilities.