Secretary – Buxted Bonfire Society

Uckfieldvolunteer; Buxted; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local community organization in Buxted seeks a Secretary to play a vital role in administrative tasks and event coordination. You will manage meeting schedules, maintain records, and serve as the primary contact point for various stakeholders. This is an unpaid volunteer position, requiring a couple of hours weekly, with flexibility for meetings and events. IT skills and strong communication are essential to effectively support the organization's mission.

Qualifications

• Well-organised and able to manage administrative tasks with care and accuracy.
• Confident in using email and related IT software.
• Ability to liaise with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Schedule committee meetings and maintain records of attendance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all general enquiries.
• Maintain up-to-date records of members and documentation.
• Assist in coordinating permits and permissions for events.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication

IT skills

Tools

MS Word

Google Docs

Basic spreadsheets

Job description

Buxted Bonfire Society (BBS) was proudly reformed in 2017, continuing a tradition that stretches back over 100 years. We are a non‑profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, dedicated to keeping the spirit of community celebration alive in Buxted.

Our mission is to raise funds through organising local events throughout the year. These funds help us cover the costs of the following year’s bonfire night and procession. In the true spirit of giving back, all money raised from our bucket collections during the procession is donated directly to local charities.

We are proud to be part of a long‑standing Sussex tradition that brings the community together while supporting good causes.

About this opportunity

The Secretary is a core member of the Buxted Bonfire Society’s Committee and plays a vital role in the organisation’s operations. This position is best suited to someone who is well‑organised, a good communicator, and able to manage administrative tasks with care and accuracy. This is a permanent volunteer role, suitable for someone looking to get involved in the local community.

Main Responsibilities

• Meeting Administration: schedule committee meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM), prepare and circulate agendas in advance, accurately take and distribute minutes, and maintain records of attendance and key decisions.
• Communication: serve as the primary point of contact for all general enquiries and official correspondence, direct queries as appropriate, liaise with fellow bonfire societies, local councils, community groups and charities, and send regular updates to members and volunteers.
• Record Keeping: maintain up‑to‑date records of members, contacts and stakeholders; keep Society documentation organised and accessible, including policies, licences and historical records; support compilation of documentation for insurance, safety plans and event risk assessments.
• Event Support: assist in coordinating permits, permissions and required paperwork for events, especially the annual Bonfire Night celebration, and ensure all necessary forms are completed accurately and submitted on time to relevant authorities.

Location and Requirements

• Remote with occasional in‑person meetings in Buxted and surrounding areas.
• Driving licence: preferred but not essential.
• IT skills: must be confident using email, word processing (e.g. MS Word or Google Docs) and basic spreadsheets.
• DBS check: not required.
• Age: none – volunteers of any age are welcome.
• Expenses: unpaid volunteer position, no expenses covered.

Time Commitment

A couple of hours a week, whenever suits you, with peak activity around meetings and event planning (especially in the lead‑up to Bonfire Night). Some flexibility required for meetings and occasional in‑person involvement.

For more information

For more information please either come in and see us at Wealden Volunteering, or call us on 01825 760019, or email us at [e-mail].