Poppy Appeal Organiser

How Poppy Appeal Organisers make a difference?

Our incredible community of Poppy Appeal Organisers (PAOs) brings the iconic poppy to the heart of communities across the UK, helping the nation remember and honour those who have served and sacrificed.

Thanks to their dedication, the Royal British Legion can continue providing lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

What does a Poppy Appeal Organiser do?

Poppy Appeal Organisers (PAOs) play a vital role in enabling local communities to raise funds to support veterans, serving personnel and their families.

As an individual, or a representative of a group, club, or business you will:

• Coordinate fundraising activities in your local area with the support and guidance of a Poppy Appeal Manager or Poppy Appeal Relationship Assistant Fundraising Relationship Assistant (PARA).
• Be a key point of contact for your community before, during and after the Poppy Appeal.
• Manage poppy stock, ensuring everything is accounted for and funds are banked accurately.
• Lead the local campaign, helping to maximise the reach and impact of the Poppy Appeal.
• Inspire and coordinate volunteers in your community to help distribute poppies and raise vital funds.
• Help raise awareness of the services and support the Royal British Legion provides for the Armed Forces community.
  

Key skills and experience

• Planning and coordinating resources and people.
• Ability to build long-lasting relationships with individuals and groups.
  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Be confident using email, browsing websites, and accessing and editing documents online.
• Excellent time management. 
  
• Ability to volunteer independently or as part of a team when leading. 
  
• Commitment to acting in line with the Royal British Legion policies and procedures. including data protection; confidentiality; safeguarding; health and safety and equality and diversity. 

What are the benefits of volunteering as a Poppy Appeal Organiser?

• The experience of promoting and organising high-profile fundraising in your local area.
• Involvement in recruiting and supporting other volunteers. 
• Being part of a committed and friendly team. 
• Develop and/or maintain and build skills and experience.   
• Make a difference to the Armed Forces community.  
  

What support will be available to me?

• Induction training.
• A Poppy Appeal Organiser Handbook.
• A designated Poppy Appeal Manager/Poppy Appeal Relationship Assistant, who will be there to guide and support you throughout you volunteering.
• Further training and regular updates to support your development in the role. 
• A Volunteer Agreement that outlines what you can expect from the Royal British Legion and the Legion’s expectations of you.  

About the Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting the needs of the Armed Forces community, past and present and their families.

We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel, starting after one day of service and continuing through life. This includes:

• Financial support, grants and debt advice to help veterans and their families manage financial challenges and access benefits they are entitled to
  
• Specialist support for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through adaptive sport and outdoor activities at our Battle Back Centre
  
• Six care homes for the Armed Forces community, including five that provide specialist dementia care
  

Alongside advice and support services, we champion the interests of serving and ex-serving personnel and campaign on key issues to help improve their lives and make their voices heard.

Every year we lead the nation in commemorating and honouring those who have served and sacrificed, distributing our paper poppies to raise vital funds to help today's Armed Forces community through our annual Poppy Appeal.